Souper and just ducky, too....thank you, dear Marx Brothers!

Rating: 10/10 (27 January 2007)

In the country of Freedonia, a wealthy woman insists that Rufus Firefly (Groucho Marx) become the new leader. She pays most of the country's bills and has her eye on dear Rufus. Firefly accepts the position at an evening's gathering when he slides down the ballroom's firepole. There, he also insults the ruler of the neighboring country of Sylvania and starts a disagreement that may end in the two countries going to war. Naturally, everyone wants the dirt on Firefly and thus two gentleman (Chico and Harpo Marx) are chosen to spy on the new leader. Chico opts to run a peanut stand just outside the government mansion, bothering Firefly so much that he offers Chico the position of secretary of war. Chico is glad to oblige, stating that he wants a standing army "so that we can save on the cost of chairs." Harpo is always hanging around, too, trying to break into safes and get the scoop. One night, they all end up in nightshirts, nightcaps, and big black moustaches, mixing things up nicely. Firefly also holds government meetings where a member of the cabinet wants to take up the topic of tax. Firefly says they should take up the carpet but the man insists they "take up tax (tacks) first." Firefly concedes this to be necessary. As war looms, the trio prepare themselves for battle. What will the outcome be? Everyone probably has their favorite Marx brothers film and this one, despite the silly plot, should appear on many a list of their best works. They excel in mayhem, one-liners, and zany comedy. Duck Soup, therefore, shows off the Marx brothers unique talents that will never be duplicated, and will give the world a dose of laughter for the rest of time.