1933 Directed by Leo McCarey
Rufus T. Firefly is named president/dictator of bankrupt Freedonia and declares war on neighboring Sylvania over the love of wealthy Mrs. Teasdale.
Groucho Marx Harpo Marx Chico Marx Zeppo Marx Margaret Dumont Raquel Torres Louis Calhern Edmund Breese Leonid Kinskey Charles Middleton Edgar Kennedy Edward Arnold Wade Boteler Sidney Bracey E.H. Calvert Davison Clark Louise Closser Hale Carrie Daumery Maude Turner Gordon Florence Wix Joseph Crehan Mario Dominici Edmund Mortimer Charles West Verna Hillie Edward LeSaint George MacQuarrie Frederick Sullivan Eric Mayne Show All…
Marx Brothers - Duck Soup, 鸭汤, 鸭子汤, Sopa de pato, Héroes de ocasión, Marx Brothers [1933] Duck Soup, Eendensoep, Патешка супа, O Diabo a Quatro, Kachní polévka, Die Marx Brothers im Krieg, En tosset diktator, Neljä naurettavaa naapuria, Sopa de ganso, 식은 죽 먹기, 덕 수프, Fyra fula fiskar
Has anyone ever sat down and calculated the jokes per minute in this frickin' thing? The joke density has to be high, somewhere around the level of seasons 4-6 Simpsons. I re-watched DUCK SOUP within the last year, and I was still laughing so much today that I felt light headed when the lights came up. The escalating scale of the jokes to that last reel of absolute convention shattering anarchy ... *faints
"Duck Soup" is a comedy machine gun. Its jokes and gags come quickly and constantly in a barrage of rat-a-tat-tat amusement. It is a fully funny, wholly high-energy romp whose only misfire may be that not every bit of wit flows organically from its narrative; but this is a tiny quibble as "Duck Soup" is clearly constructed to be a showcase of Marx Brothers mirth.
A political satire that skewers foreign relations, war, national treasures, and national treasuries, Leo McCarey's "Duck Soup" begins with Groucho Marx's Rufus T. Firefly being named head of the nation of Freedonia. From there, jokes, musical numbers, and mostly solid plotting fly in torrents. The narrative is a sturdy foundation for sturdy comedy.
The timely-even-today…
duck soup
/ˌdək ˈso͞op /
an easy task, or someone easy to overcome.
A satire on American nationalism that aged like fine wine. This was my introduction to the Marx brothers, although I’m sure I’ve seen their comedy act in a hundred other films before as their influence is as clear as day.
While their cartoonish behavior is something most people are already familiar with, the comedy by the Marx brothers feels the most genuine. Acting stupid throughout the runtime of your film is a comedic gimmick that can quickly grow old. Yet, the Marx brothers act like fools during all of Duck Soup and somehow maintain to be charming, witty, and imaginative.
The fact that there are actual musical numbers in Marx Brothers movies but I still think they kick ass big time is testament to their genius (and my moldable taste). The most ingenious combo of Keaton-esque silent comedy and certified fresh one-liners packed into 70 minutes of pure action. I'd almost say 'a too happy' movie - and I'd absolutely mean it as a compliment.
Pure quick-witted comedy mayhem that these crazy characters unleash as easy as Duck Soup!
"I didn't come here to be insulted! ... That's what you think!"
Enjoying the old fashion zany and some times mean comedy of the Marx Brothers took some getting used to, but now I am ready to see more hijinks from Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and I suppose Zeppo too. In this classic comedy they stir up trouble for everyone from political aristocrats to street vendors, as Groucho is appointed the leader of the country of Freedonia. With his talent for anti-diplomacy, it looks like they are headed for war for sure with the troublesome neighboring country of Sylvania.
"I am willing to do anything to prevent…
It will never not blow my mind that the very same brain that made the most heartbreaking movie of all time possible was also to thank for the funniest.
It took about ten confused minutes for my boy to suddenly squeal with delight and proclaim with a huge smile, "THEY'RE IDIOTS!"
