"A gala day is enough for me, I don't think I can handle any more."

Rating: 7/10 (4 October 2004)

Marx Brothers films aren't so much about telling a story, rather they are a barrage of gags, one liners and clever vignettes. "Duck Soup" is right at the top of the list of their funniest and most frenetic films.
In a loosely developed plot, the country of Sylvania is attempting to steal the war plans of neighboring Freedonia. Wealthy widow Gloria Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) will come to the financial aid of Freedonia only if Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) is crowned the new leader.
Chicolini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo) alternately oppose and side with Firefly's cause. Straying somewhat from conventions of other Marx Brothers films, Harpo doesn't get to perform a complete musical number here, but does get to strum a few piano strings.
There are some trademark Marx Brothers skits displayed here, the peanut/lemonade stand routine and the famous mirror sketch that Lucille Ball honored in one of her "I Love Lucy" episodes. For sheer visual delight, pay attention during the war scenes near the end of the film - Groucho's military uniform changes from scene to scene.
"Duck Soup" is the most highly regarded Marx Brothers film. Funny it is, as was it's importance to the developing genre in the 1930's. Realizing that it doesn't work for a lot of movie fans, one should at least give it a critical try.