Review of Room Service (1938) by Danielle K — 28 Jun 2009
Zeppo had become the brothers' agent by this time, and managed to strike a very lucrative deal with RKO to make this rather odd film which doesn't sit very easily in the Marx Brothers canon. At times it looks and feels as if they did it for the cash, to be honest.
It's an adaptation of a stage play which doesn't give Groucho or Chico many decent jokes, and Harpo spends most of his time chasing a rather unconvincing turkey, suspended on a wire (the turkey, not Harpo - it might have been funnier the other way around).
Most of the humour comes from the supporting actor who plays Wagner the hotel boss in an incredibly over-the-top way, but then his eye-popping, gurning, James Finlayson-tinged performance makes the Marxes look really tired by comparison.
"Bouncing Butterballs!".
This review of Room Service (1938) was written by Danielle K on 28 Jun 2009.
Room Service has generally received positive reviews.
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