Cast
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Groucho Marx
as Rufus T. Firefly
Harpo Marx
as Pinky
Chico Marx
as Chicolini
Zeppo Marx
as Bob Roland
Margaret Dumont
as Gloria Teasdale
Raquel Torres
as Vera Marcal
Louis Calhern
as Ambassador Trentino
Edmund Breese
as Zander
Leonid Kinskey
as Sylvanian Agitator
Charles Middleton
as Prosecutor
Edgar Kennedy
as Street Vendor
Edward Arnold
as Politician (uncredited)
Wade Boteler
as Officer at Battle Headquarters (uncredited)
Sidney Bracey
as Mrs. Teasdale's Butler (uncredited)
E.H. Calvert
as Officer in Battle Sequence (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Leo McCarey
Writer
- Harry Ruby
- Bert Kalmar
- Nat Perrin
- Arthur Sheekman
Producer
- Herman J. Mankiewicz
Reviews
kineticandroid
I never get tired of the idea that someone would think of Groucho Marx is the perfect man to lead a nation into war. Or that Harpo and Chico would be good spies. Or that Zeppo would be interested in another film after this one.
Jul 10, 2014
tmdb47633491
The Marx Bros are to Blockbuster as Monty Python are to Netflix and I mean that in the best way possible
May 4, 2018
Filipe Manuel Neto
**I would love to send a copy of the film to Vladimir Putin. Would he understand the gesture?**
Who would have thought that this film is almost a hundred years old? I just saw it, and it is fresher and lusher than many vegetables in the supermarket! Many people no longer know who the Marx Brothers are, but a hundred years ago, at a time when there were no internet memes (or the internet), they were the kings of comedy, and it's always worth seeing what they did. They passed away a long time ago, but they left us a polite, intelligent, sharp, accessible humor that the whole family can see.
The film was released in 1933, at a time dominated by the imminent threats of war. It reminds us of our own time, doesn't it? One hundred years later, we continue to make the same mistakes and show God that we have learned nothing from them. The film makes fun of this by giving us a portrait of a bankrupt country led by an incompetent man, very vain, arrogant and surrounded by sycophants who treat him as a savior of the nation. It could be Mussolini, or Hitler... and the explicit criticism of European dictators could not be sharper today, if we think about some tyrants of our time.
The film is dominated by the four Marxes: Zeppo, in his last appearance as a member of the group, has a much more solid character than usual and as a result we never feel that he is too much in the film. Chico also does very well. Harpo does what he's used us to, managing to be funny without saying a word and putting all his tricks as a mime and vaudeville clown to good use. Groucho, as usual, intelligently leads the group. The king of ready answers couldn't have a quicker wit or a sharper tongue. In addition, we have Margaret Dumont in a skillful and healthy collaboration with them.
Good sets and very well-imagined costumes help us compose Freedonia, a republic on the verge of collapse, bankruptcy and a foreign invasion. There is an unbelievable dose of anthological scenes in this film, from the motorcycle joke with the sidecar to the joke with the mirror. The black-and-white cinematography is sharp, well-shot, and the film doesn't look as old as it actually is. The soundtrack adds the finishing touch.
Oct 16, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Duck Soup represents a fascinating example of Comedy/War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Leo McCarey brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1933, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Duck Soup took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 445 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1933, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Duck Soup shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In Search of a Midnight Kiss, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Duck Soup subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The People Under the Stairs and Big Stan explore similar territory, Duck Soup stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 12, 1933
- Runtime: 1h 9m
