Chico Marx, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx

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90% liked it

4,541 ratings

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97% liked it

33 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Sam Wood

Release Date: January 1, 1935

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DVD Release Date: May 4, 2004

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Flixster Reviews (861)


  • May 21, 2008
    Otis B. Driftwood: That woman? Do you know why I sat with her? Because she reminded me of you.
    Mrs. Claypool: Really?
    Otis B. Driftwood: Of course, that's why I'm sitting here with you. Because you remind me of you. Your eyes, your throat, your lips! Everything about you reminds ...( read more)me of you. Except you. How do you account for that? If she figures that one out, she's good.

    The Marx Brothers are easily some of the most entertaining performers of all time. The combination of Groucho's puns, Chico's conning and piano playing, and Harpo's physical comedy works in any situation.

    Here, there is a slight change from the standard Marx brother movie. Its their first MGM picture, lacks Zepo, has more of a plot, and takes to having the Marx's play against the more villainous characters, as opposed to anyone in their path. Still, it is very funny and also features a number of very good musical interludes.

    The basic plot revolves around the Marx's being involved with an opera company, and their attempts to bring in a talented opera duo to America and get them the recognition they deserve...through their own means. Hilarity ensues.

    The humor is a combination of styles, of course, very old fashioned, but that does not make it any less funny if you like the humor used.

    This is a very funny movie when the Marx's are up front and center, doing what they do best.

    Henderson: You live here all alone?
    Otis B. Driftwood: Yes. Just me and my memories. I'm practically a hermit.
    Henderson: Oh. A hermit. I notice the table's set for four.
    Otis B. Driftwood: That's nothing - my alarm clock is set for eight. That doesn't prove a thing.
  • November 11, 2007
    What can one really say about this film that hasn't been said? It's a comedy classic - the comedy classic - and is said by many to be the defining Marx brothers' film. It's clear that so much of comedy as we know it was invented by the Marx brothers, and Harpo particularly shines...( read more) as a mute, which allows us to remember the silent movie and the comedy pioneered by Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin before audio recording entered the film world. A great film - it's hilarious, and if you ever watched Bugs Bunny cartoons as a kid, you'll recognize a ton of lines that became standbys for vintage comedy. Definitely put this on the "at any cost, see before dying" list.
  • May 31, 2007
    The Marx Bros and Margaret Dumont follow the usual formula to terrific effect in another comedy classic. Will people still be watching Adam Sandler films in 72 years? I rather doubt it.
  • August 19, 2009
    The Marx Brothers in top form as they take on high society trying to get two opera singers into the biz. The wisecracks and antics of the boys are offset by the occasional song and dance, but the film still flows pretty good. Groucho rips off one liners faster than you can blink...( read more) your eyes. One of their last really good films.
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    Otis B. Driftwood: "You're willing to pay him a thousand dollars a night just for singing? Why, you can get a phonograph record of Minnie the Moocher for 75 cents. And for a buck and a quarter, you can get Minnie".
  • July 3, 2009
    The comedy content is sensational, but overrated simply because of too many musical numbers - damn that Zeppo!! At least Chico & Harpo deliver their most memorable and entertaining piano recitals. And there's nobody who delivers a one-liner like Groucho.

    "Steward, do I have ti...( read more)me to go back ashore and pay my hotel bill?"
    "No, I'm sorry sir."
    "That suits me fine!"
  • October 9, 2009
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  • September 2, 2009
    Just simply one of the best comedy of all times very funny
  • August 30, 2009
    A classic and solid comedy from the Marx Brothers featuring the classic contract scene between Chico and Groucho. Managed to make laugh out loud and chuckle quite a few times. It's the same old story as always, but at a new location and with new jokes, so why complain.
    Perfect f...( read more)or any Marx Bros. fan or fan of old classic comedies. They don't make them like this anymore.

    "It's all right, that's in every contract. That's what they call a sanity clause."
    "You can't fool me! There ain't no Sanity Claus!"
  • August 28, 2009
    Some of the music is really bad. I fastforward through "Alone"
  • August 22, 2009
    this has got to be one of the funniest movies ever. groucho and his brothers are all amazing. this is a great film.

Comments


  • alesaenz1
    June 8, 2008
    It's a great movie, with many of the best scenes with Groucho Marx. I wanted to give it 5 stars but I kept it at fours since the scenes with Groucho are awesome but I don't find the other Marx brothers as funny as Groucho. They are good but not in the same level than Groucho.

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A Night at the Opera Trivia


  • Which two Marx Brothers movies were also the names of albums by Queen?  Answer »
  • The very funny ship's cabin scene where many people cram into a small space was from what Marx Brothers movie?  Answer »
  • what two queen albums were named after marx brothers films?  Answer »
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