Review of Duck Soup (1933) by Brian M — 02 Jun 2008

[i][size=4]Duck Soup[/i] is Leo McCarey?s 1938 comedy starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont and Louis Calhern. Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) is the dictator of Freedonia. After picking a fight with Ambassador Trentino of Sylvania (Calhern), Sylvania decides to declare war on Freedonia, but must first insert the bumbling spies, Pinky and Chicolini (Harpo and Chico, respectively) to steal the Freedonian war plans. After numerous attempts to resolve the conflict, Firefly still remains hostile and the two countries are forced into war.

The plot is a ridiculous farce that?s very funny in itself. It serves mainly as a vehicle for the abundant visual and verbal gags. Much of the humour comes from Groucho?s somewhat deadpan tirades. One especially notable piece is at the ball following Firefly?s entrance as new leader. His constant punning is hard to keep up with and remains one of the great comedy virtuoso performances. Both Harpo and Chico provide most of the slapstick visual humour throughout the film. This, though you wouldn?t expect to laugh at such childish pranks, is always funny. Some of the scenes in Firefly?s office, as well as the courtroom scene provide brilliant examples of this physical skulduggery. This film is never more funny than when all four of the Marx brothers are present.

The infamous mirror scene in which Firefly and his lookalike emulate each other?s movements exactly is probably the best known sequence from this film. The choreography is uncanny. Whether it was some piece of trick editing or an outstanding piece of physical acting, it still remains impressive and funny. The final few scenes in which Firefly, his aide Bob Roland (Zeppo), as well as the two spies are holed up in a building under enemy fire is a classic one. The slapstick is thick and the puns are plentiful. It?s amazing how the writers and Groucho were able to deliver such brilliant lines so fast.

There isn?t much I can say about this film except that it?s fabulous. It?s one for everyone. Kids will love it for the slapstick. Adults will love it for the sharp, funny monologues. It?s something you can enjoy watching again and again. It might be a good buy on DVD. This film bombed when it first came out, but audiences have come to appreciate its comic genius. It?s an absolute gem and one of the finest comedy films ever made. It?s certainly in my Top 5. I?m giving this a well deserved 8 out of 10.

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