Mayhem and chaos ensue when Rufus T. Firefly is declared the ruler of Freedonia and when he causes a war with Syldavia.

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 2011)

This movie is unarguably the best of the Marx brothers' films. Funnier than "A Day at the Races" and even "A Night at the Opera". The fact that it takes place in a political backdrop is even funnier. You may get more enthusiastic about this film after learning that the Marx brothers' funny nonsense is combined with politics and war here. Not only that, it's an amazing satire! And for a movie from the 1930s, the technology is great too. The special effects (during the war and when Harpo is in Groucho's office) are amazingly well. However, the movie belongs to Groucho Marx, as the irresponsible, hyperactive and ready-witted Rufus T. Firefly. Chico and Harpo are two bumbling detectives who cause mayhem wherever they go, and boy, are they funny! The Marx brothers improvised a lot over their roles. Groucho as the cigar-smoking, bespectacled, big-black-mustache donning "upstart", Harpo as the dumb, joker-haired and childlike prankster and Chico as the Italian-accented wise guy. Unfortunately, Zeppo couldn't do that. He became more like a filler. Anyway, unfunny though he may be, he does do justice to his role in "Duck Soup". Another key element is Margaret Dumont (Mrs. Teasdale). She provides a target for Groucho's jokes in many of the Marx Brothers films, and "Duck Soup" sure isn't an exception. Her acting skills are noteworthy, and she fits extremely well into the amazing world of the Marx Brothers. This movie is, for me, the best of the best comedies of all time! A movie buff's life is unfulfilled if he hasn't watched at least one of the Marx Brother films. None of the Marx Brothers are among us now, but their legacy will last on!