Amazing still funny more than 70 years on

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2006)

Surely one of the most famous if not the most famous comedy team ever the Marx Brothers star in whats considered their masterpiece. This was the first Marx Brothers film I ever saw and it made me want to see all the others. But when I came to this movie I really wasn't sure what to expect, as such i'll write this comment for those of you who have never seen a Marx Brothers film and hopefully it will encourage you to see it.
First off yes of course it looks a bit dated (being over 70 years old!) but the restored DVD is better quality than expected. The humour however has lost nothing in fact some lines are delivered so dead pan and quickly that you find something new to laugh at nearly every time you watch. Each Marx brother has a distinct personality and type of humour which sparks off the others, Groucho has the one liners, Chico the zaniness and Harpo the physical comedy and just plain weirdness, Zeppo is the straight man (who barely features in this his last film with the brothers).
The plot is at times seems irrelevant just a framework to hang the zany gags off, but strangely there can be seen some definite commentary under the humour. At times it feels like a Loony Toon cartoon come to life and this is just as timeless. The one liners hit the mark every time the slapstick is hilarious and the zaniness never overpowers. If you've never seen a Marx Brothers film before please do as it really will make you laugh like no other. It's also fun to see just how many people this has influenced, just about everyone who followed was inspired by the antics of the Marx Brothers 8/10 - Possibly the best comedy ever? Maybe it's up there with the best, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, Airplane etc.