206. Duck Soup

Duck Soup (1933)

Director: Leo McCarey

Starring: Groucho Marx

Harpo Marx

Chico Marx

Margaret Dumont

Louis Calhern

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 9

"This is Rufus T. Firefly coming to you through the courtesy of the enemy. We're in a mess folks, we're in a mess. Rush to Freedonia! Three men and one woman are trapped in a building! Send help at once! If you can't send help, send two more women."

The fictional country of Freedonia is in financial ruin. Wealthy widow Mrs. Tisdale (Margaret Dumont) agrees to give the hefty sum of two-million dollars to Freedonia, but on the condition they name Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) as it's leader. This is much to the dismay of the leader of Slyvania Ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern), who secretly wants to take over Freedonia. Firefly turns out to be an unpredictable dictator who goes about his job in a very unpolitical and unorthadox manner. If Firefly has one goal, it is to win the favor of Mrs. Tisdale, but only for her fortune. Ambassador Trentino also plans on wooing her, but with his mind set on taking control of Freedonia. The two men's plans clash and war is declared between the two countries leaving both men and their countries in total jeopardy.

So my description of Duck Soup might sounds pretty straight forward, but don't be fooled, it is hilarious! This film is the epitome of a comedy classic. The jokes come at bullet speed, and the gags are non-stop. Groucho Marx gives one of his most memorable performances with more one-liners than one could even count. Harpo and Chico Marx are also excellent as the spies Pinky and Chicolini, who are hired by Ambassador Trentino to get dirt on Firefly. Their gags are some of my favorite moments in the film. The most memorable scene in the film is the classic mirrored movement scene between Harpo and Groucho Marx. There has never been physical comedy scene timed better. Duck Soup is the best in a long standing set of films from the Marx Brothers, as well as one of the finest comedic films of all time.

What is also great about this comedy is that it is boldly political without an agenda or party affiliation. I have seen two presidential administrations come and go since my first viewing of this film over ten years ago. Anytime any slip up was made by one of our leaders, my mind instantly went back to Duck Soup and the ideals and antics of Rufus T. Firefly. George W. Bush's occasional mind slips came to mind when Firefly often forgot simply what room he was in. Bill Clinton's stereotypical charm with the ladies is also present in the relationship of Firefly and Mrs. Tisdale. Great comedies stand the test of time, I am not even sure the Marx Brothers knew that we would be satirically comparing them to our past and current world leaders almost eighty years later.

Arguably the greatest comedy team off all-time is on full display in this film. The comedic timing and abilities of the Marx Brothers will most likely never be matched. Their gift to the world was laughter, and that is exactly what Duck Soup delivers. The chuckles might come at a premium, but the political satire is also to be noted. A film like this comes along once in a great while. Duck Soup is easily the funniest film from it's generation and one of the greatest in cinematic history. This film is an essential view from the list thus far. Highly recommended indeed.