Review of A Night at the Opera (1935) by Scott K — 05 Mar 2013

This is the 1935 Marx Brothers classic starring Harpo, Chico, and Groucho. Zeppo Marx was not in this film, which gave an opportunity for Allan Jones to get in on some of the fun.

The plot involves an opera company that is going from Italy to New York for the opening of the new season. Kitty Carlisle plays opera singer Rosa Castaldi who is invited to sing in New York by rising opera star Rodolfo Lassparri, who is played by Walter King. The supporting players do a good job of facilitating the Marx Brothers' hilarity. Sig Ruman does a particularly fine job as Herman Gottlieb, the New York Opera impresario.

There are a number of classic scenes in this film including the scene in Groucho's stateroom. The contract negotiation is very funny as is the scene in the New York hotel when Groucho is answering the police inspector's questions.

This is a funny film that stands the test of time. There are a few depression era references that have new meaning, given today's economy, but this is a kind of comedy that just isn't done anymore. It's funny by being clever rather than being vulgar. I doubt a comedy that has a couple of long musical numbers in it, like this one does, would sell in today's marketplace but I think there is room this type of humour.