Review of The Big Store (1941) by Scott R — 05 Feb 2014

The Big Store is not one of the Marx Brothers' best films, but it's worth watching once. Groucho still delivers a few good one-liners and insults to traditional romantic foil/punching bag Margaret Dumont. Harpo and Chico have some good scenes. This time the brothers go crazy in a department store. Groucho plays Wolf J. Flywheel, the private eye, Harpo is Wacky, his silent partner and Chico is Ravelli, the bodyguard of the singer Tommy Rogers, played by Tony Martin who stands to inherit 50 percent of a department store and his intention to sell that share so he can pursue his musical career and interest Joan Sutton, ably played by Virginia Grey. Store Manager Mr. Grover, played by Douglas Dumbrille has plans to do away with anyone who gets in the way of his taking over the store.

The plot is often difficult to follow, and when you do manage to follow it, it just isn't that interesting. Despite this, there are a few funny scenes. The scene where we first meet Groucho and Harpo in Groucho's private eye office is hilarious. The bedding department scene is good. The climax, featuring an extended chase through the department store, is a lot of fun, including the use of wire stunts and camera tricks. Chico really does not do too well in the film - nothing in particular standing out other than the scene where an Italian immigrant believes Chico is mocking him.

If you want to see a greay Marx Brothers flick, go for Animal Crackers, Duck Soup, or A Night at the Opera.