an exceptionally stupid film

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2006)

The above comment is NOT meant to be an insult, as the Marx Brothers set out to make a very dopey and FRENETIC film. Of all their films, this one has by far the highest energy level and so it crams a lot into a relatively short movie. Now, this energy and dopiness of the plot MIGHT alienate many viewers and I've gotta admit that enjoyed this movie more when I was a kid than now--so it's definitely NOT everyone's cup of tea. However, for pure zaniness and originality, it is an amazing film to watch. Plus it has one positive that no other Marx film has--the songs are actually GOOD and add to the plot. These Buzby Berkely-style numbers are silly and overdone and fit the zany mood quite well.
So my final verdict is this: for fans of Shakespeare and PBS, don't bother BUT if you have a high tolerance for the stupid and silly give it a try. You certainly WON'T say to yourself "I've seen another movie like this one"!