Too much of everything

Don't Believe the Hype

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

This is considered to be one of the best Marx Brothers movies and while I personally wouldn't rank it in my Top 5, it was still tons of fun. This also happens to be the longest Marx Brothers movie ever made. Something of that length would have to have a lot going on and boy does this ever! I admit there are some song and dance numbers that don't have much comedy. They are still pretty impressive to look at and do make the film more epic.Everything does build up very well and you always have to appreciate the pacing of the longest film in a series. This kicks off Comedy Month! I am sad to say that this is the last theme month I'll be doing as I can't find any more themes with enough movies for whole months and I want to try new things. Groucho is as great as ever. I like the idea of two characters with one who doesn't talk. It divides the comedy up better. ***1/2

Here's the Thing. If You Like Raw, Unfettered, Unpolished, Marx Brothers Without Sometimes Intrusive Overblown and Dated Musical Numbers, the Paramount Films are It. The MGM's were Ultra-Polished, Audience Tested, Over Thought, Overblown, and Slick.This is the Longest of the Brother's Movies and it Feels Like it. The Musical Numbers Go on and On and the Romantic Subplot with Alan Jones and Maureen O' Sullivan is as Sappy as it Gets, and the Conclusion, the Race Itself is So Overstuffed it Can Feel Like a Marathon.But, the Marx's Comedy Routines are Superb and Despite the Attention to Detail and the Glossy Production of the Ballet, it is the Jitterbugging, African-American Number, "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" Combined with "Who Dat Man" that Highlight.The Zany Medical Examination, and Tutsi Frutsi Ice Cream Skits are Classic Marx Brothers Routines and are the Most Remembered. The Movie May Seem Long, and It Is, the Energy May Dissipate at Times, but Still, This is a Prime Marx Brothers Movie and Most Fans Place it in the Top Half of All Their Output.Paramount or MGM...Take Your Pick...In the End it's Still...The Marx Brothers...and You Can't Get Any Better in Depression Era, or Any Era, Comedy.

Maureen O'Sullivan may very well have been out of place here with the British accent.The antics of our Marx Brothers becomes tedious as the scenes are lengthy in nature.Everyone though is allowed to portray their specific gifts-Allan Jones singing, Harpo on the harp, Chico on the piano, and Groucho is as zany as ever in this 1937 film.Margaret Dumont was such a perfect foil. Always playing a society matron, she diversifies here as a chronically complaining woman regarding her health. Douglass Dumbrille makes a fine heavy here.

this is probably the best of the Marx Bros films.but one must pay close attention to the subtleties of dialog and imagery.there are scenes loaded with subtle humor and if you're not paying attention or savvy on the "vernacular" of the times, you'll miss them.Groucho is at his best with the twists and turns of language his demonstrates like a master surgeon...well since he is a doctor in the film....anyway, many other posters on this film blog have listed the best scenes, so i shall not repeat...repeat.the typical musical diversions are not necessary but for the demands of the studio to make the film have mass appeal.but of course Chico on the piano is always fun to watch.and this time Harpo pulls a good with the "piano cum harp." and Miss Dumont certainly puts up with a lot. but in her typical good sport fashion.this film is not to be missed.