Duck Soup and the Marx Brothers

Rating: 6/10 (21 November 2005)

Before viewing the 1933 comedy entitled Duck Soup in my Englsih class I had never even heard of the Marx brothers. My overall impression was that it was enjoyable and satisfying for the moment but not a movie I would like to see on a regular basis. The 1933 comedy Duck Soup displays the talents of the Marx brother quartet featuring Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo. Their comedic performances involve mix-ups with lemonade stands, hats catching on fire, and utter chaos concerning a war between lands over love. I thought Groucho's performance of Rufus T. Firefly supplying the constant one-liners was entertaining. A favorite part of mine is the brilliant mirror sequence done by Harpo and Chico's characters. The symmetry and precision between the two actors was priceless. It's hard to believe that this film, which is considered to be one of the Marx brother's best flopped at the box office. The poor ratings even lost them their contract with Paramount and forced them to move to MGM. Yet, Duck Soup still remains to this day a classic to many people, and a perfect dose of medicine for someone in need of a laugh.