VeteranLight
I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.
UnowPriceless
hyped garbage
Smartorhypo
Highly Overrated But Still Good
Matt McKenzie
Just to say to all those who think it's not funny: My 16 year old daughter, who had not seen it before, thought it was hilarious from beginning to end.So did I - even though I had to look up a couple of period references. After all we all still enjoy Shakespeare despite not quite understanding a few of the 16c gags.Despite a slight yawn during Tenement Symphony, the musical numbers were also entertaining - especially Harpo's duet with himself in the mirrors.What one misses is seeing these films at the cinema - as they were intended to be seen - on a large screen with several hundred other people all enjoying the moment. That's why some of the gags seem a bit laboured as there is often a calculated pause for the audience laughter, so that the next gag won't be missed.
Neil Doyle
And it is. Of course it's the usual zany nonsense with the Marx Bros. trying to save TONY MARTIN from a bunch of gangsters who want to take over ownership of a department store. If you're a Marx Bros. fan, you'll especially enjoy the climactic chase at the finale.Aside from the Marx. Bros., MARGARET DUMONT, DOUGLAS DUMBRILLE, VIRGINIA GREY and TONY MARTIN (who gets to warble a couple of songs) all add to the fun--although not among the wacky best when it comes to the Marx Bros. material.The film gets a glossy lift from the MGM production values obvious in the sets and costumes. Harpo has one of his best harp routines and there's a good set piece involving mechanically automated beds that disappear into the wall with Henry Armetta's brood of children.The closing number is Martin's "Tenement Symphony" which he does with professional skill, joined by Harpo and Chico, orchestra and chorus. But it's the big roller skating chase through the department store that stays in the memory long after seeing the film. It's a wacky highlight of the film and watch it for some exceptionally good stunt work.
MartinHafer
The sad fact about the Marx Brothers is that after the movie A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, their career was all downhill. While A DAY AT THE RACES and ROOM SERVICE were still very good, their subsequent efforts were painfully ordinary and generally unfunny. It was like they were playing lethargic caricatures of themselves. And, from what I gathered, the Marxes WERE very content to just collect a paycheck at this point in their lives.Some of the blame for the static nature of this film also must be given to MGM--a studio that had a history of ruining good comedians when they came under DIRECT MGM control (Laurel and Hardy's films were distributed by MGM but were created by the independent-minded Hal Roach Studios). If you don't believe me, look at all the Marxes films from the late 30s on as well as Buster Keaton's films of the 30s--they rely on an MGM formula and lack all the frenetic intensity of the comedians' earlier non-MGM efforts.The film is a by-the-book effort where the Marx Brothers work at a department store. The usual music by the Marxes is supplemented by dull songs. So, instead of original and funny material, we are treated to MORE MUSIC!! My advice is see their earlier Paramount films or their first two MGM flicks then avoid the rest unless you are a die-hard fan.UPDATE: I just re-watched this film. This time I wasn't quite as negative about it but STILL was frustrated that the film seemed like a musical in which the Marx Brothers were tossed instead of a Marx Brothers film. Too often, plot was secondary and singing got in the way. One annoying singer was a zombie-like woman who sang some song about lullabies--which was NOT pleasant. Some of Tony Martin's singing is very nice (and I really liked Chico and Harpo's music) but that and the total number of songs in the film make it one of their weakest efforts. Worth seeing but that is all.
drexelgal
By 1941, Groucho didn't want to make any more movies. The Brothers continued to do so just to keep oldest Brother Chico afloat, due to his gambling habits.Someone commented earlier about Virginia O'Brien, the deadpan singer in the "rockabye" sequence. The deadpan delivery was her "shtick", and predated a similar approach taken by Keely Smith some years later. Legend has it that the first time a spotlight fell on Ms. O'Brien for an on-stage solo, she froze, an delivered her song with a pre-Botox facial paralysis. The audience thought it was part of the act and roared approvingly with laughter. From then on, Ms. O'Brien sang no other way. (She also sings a few bars of the Jerome Kern song, "A Fine Romance" in the semi-bio, "'Til The Clouds Roll By".) The big store is best remembered (and viewed) for the rousing "Sing While You Sell" piece about 38 minutes into the movie.
