The comedians in the film attack the pomposity of small-time governmental leaders (Firefly as President), the absurdity of government itself (the Cabinet meeting scene), governmental diplomacy (the Trentino-Firefly scenes), an arbitrary legal system (Chicolini's trial), and war fought over petty matters (the mobilization and war scenes). Their next film (without Zeppo), for MGM and its producer Irving Thalberg, Hollywood's most prestigious studio, was their landmark film A Night at the Opera (1935), with a more developed and polished plot-line. This was the last of the Marx Brothers films to feature all four of the brothers. As a result, the film has attained immortal status. Fortunately, the film was rediscovered by a generation of 1960s college students, and by revival film festivals and museum showings. Insulted by the film, fascist Italian dictator Mussolini banned the film in Italy. The outrageous film was both a critical and commercial failure at the time of its release - audiences were taken aback by such preposterous political disrespect, buffoonery and cynicism at a time of political and economic crisis, with Roosevelt's struggle against Depression in the US amidst the rising power of Hitler in Germany. The film was devoid of any Academy Award nominations. The film was directed by first-class veteran director Leo McCarey, and its screenplay was written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby (with additional dialogue by Arthur Sheekman and Nat Perrin). It was the Marx Brothers' fifth (and last) film in a contract with Paramount Studios before they went on to MGM. Some of its clever gags and routines were taken from Groucho's and Chico's early 1930s radio show. The film, produced by Herman Mankiewicz, was prepared during the crisis period of the Depression. "The Marx Brothers' classic comedy Duck Soup (1933) is a short, but brilliant satire and lampooning of blundering dictatorial leaders, fascism, and authoritarian government. Farce (sudden or unexpected entrances or exits, physical humor, etc.).Romantic storyline or plots (often with the lovers being mismatched).As we view Duck Soup (1933), look for the following characteristics: Songs are sometimes slipped into the action.
Fast-paced dialogue, puns or word play, and wit, sight gags, screwy or silly plot twists, mistaken identity, and zany characters are all characteristics of the Screwball Comedy style.
Duck soup marx brothers daily motion code#
As the Hays Code took effect, screwball comedy remained safe social satire with a lot of farce.