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The Marx Brothers: Duck Soup [VHS]
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The Marx Brothers' fifth feature is a zany political satire, which so offended Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini that the film was banned in Italy. Appointed president of Freedonia under the patronage of the wealthy Mrs Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) sets about starting a war with neighbouring Sylvania. To this end he trades insults with Sylvanian ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern), unaware that Trentino's spies Chicolini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo) are already working to bring down Freedonia from within! The Marxes' final film for Paramount includes the classic mirror sequence, and was also the last to feature Zeppo, who - dissatisfied with his role as straight man to his three siblings - subsequently embarked on a successful career as an agent.
From .co.uk
For those who love the Marx Brothers (Animal Crackers, A Night at the Opera), that this movie is side-slappingly funny is a given. For those new to the Marx Brothers, this is the perfect introduction to Groucho, Chico and Harpo (and even Zeppo), three of the funniest men to ever grace the screen. Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) is the dictator of the small nation of Freedonia. The country is a disaster, being in financial disrepair, and the wealthy Mrs Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) is its benefactor and the object of Firefly's shrewd affection. When the leader of the neighbouring Sylvania decides he's in love with Mrs Teasdale, Firefly declares war. The movie, from 1933, is tremendously satirical, a play on politics and war. (As Firefly says to a hapless young solider, "You're a brave man. Go and break through the lines. And remember, while you're out there risking your life and limb through shot and shell, we'll be in be in here thinking what a sucker you are.") Full of witty lines, great sight gags, and even some snazzy song numbers ("Freedonia's Going to War" is the hilarious declaration of battle), this is surely one of the best--if not the best--the Marx Brothers have to offer. --Jenny Brown
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Synopsis
Diese pointierte politische Satire ist zugleich der amüsanteste und abgedrehteste Film der Marx Brothers. Groucho spielt Rufus T. Firefly, den verrückten Diktator des Phantasiestaates Freedonia. Derweil werden Harpo und Chico von Grouchos politischem Rivalen, dem hinterhältigen Trentino als Spione angeheuert. Der Film enthält viele klassische Marx Brothers-Sequenzen: den Limonadenstand, die Paul Revere-Parodie, die Nummer 'We're Going to War', die unvergessliche Spiegelszene und zum Abschluss die große Schlacht, die immer wieder kopiert worden ist - sei es von Woody Allen oder vom Mad-Magazin.
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Reviews
4.5
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L**E
Few things date more quickly than popular comedy
Few things date more quickly than popular comedy.I expect that this black and white1933 “classic comedy” and “biting political satire”, according to the DVD case, seemed funny many decades ago, but it has lost a lot of its appeal now.Despite the title, this film has little to do with Ducks or Soup.Groucho Marx becomes President of an imaginary country called Freedonia. His brothers Harpo, Chico and, the one nobody remembers, Zeppo Marx all become involved in some way or other (their even less well known brother Gummo Marx is not in the film at all). The actor Louis Calhern whose performances I liked in ‘We’re Not Married’ and ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ also appears.The Freedonians sing a cheerful musical number about how great it is that they are going to war with a neighbouring country [I think this is meant to be the ‘biting political satire’ that the DVD description promised] but find themselves ill prepared for the conflict. Eventually the Marx brothers save the day by pelting the enemy leader with food until he surrenders [I think this is meant to be the ‘classic comedy’ we were promised.]In a way I am glad I watched much of this film, although I skipped some scenes in the middle. I knew the Marx Brothers were famous and the image of the leading brother Groucho Marx with his moustache, cigar and grin still has cultural resonance, but I had never seen any of their work. Now at least I know what people are talking about when they mention them.According to Wikipedia the Marx Brothers “are widely considered by critics, scholars, and fans to be among the greatest and most influential comedians of the 20th century” and this film ‘Duck Soup’ is among their most famous, but I wonder how much of that is down to people feeling that they ought to like this because other critics say they do.While I did not hate this film, I am in no hurry to see more Marx Brothers’ films.
L**N
Marx Bros at their best
In my opinion, the best of the early Marx Brothers films. It's the usual mix of Groucho's wisecracks, Harpo's physical comedy and Chicco's cheek plus moments that remind me of Monty Python. Add to that a send up of politicians (nothing really changes - listen to the lyrics of Groucho's song 'Land of the Free') all at a frenetic pace and you have something that will cheer you up no end. It has been edited roughly so sometimes the storyline is a bit jumpy but if you just concentrate on the comedy, it doesn't seem to matter.
T**Y
Marx brothers absolute masterpiece!
This brilliant satire has stood the test of time exceptionally well. So much of the humour is relevant today. Groucho Marx clearly believed that leaders of capitalistic are by and large not tuned into the real world. However, the irony is, that Grouchos character, the incredibly funny Rufus T Firefly is himself clearly a couple of sandwiches short of the proverbial picnic! So many wonderful scenes in this masterpiece. The mirror scene just about tops them all. What a film! My only criticism is that we don't get to see Harpo playing the harp beautifully, or Chico playing wonderfully on the piano. Many critics felt that the musical interludes of Harpo and Chico kind of spoiled the pace of the films. My opinion differs. I believe the musical interludes provided the viewer with a chance to catch breath. Grouchos quick fire retorts and observations on life take (and took), some digesting. This is why repeated viewings of their films gives new experience to the viewer. Each gag can take on a different meaning entirely. If only they made movies like this today! Alas, I think political correctedness would censure some of the satire. A final word has to be said for the wonderful Margaret Dumont. What a foil to Groucho! And how she kept a straight face at times defies belief. I say to anyone who has not seen this film, or those unfamiliar with the Marx brothers, buy this film. You will not regret it. Never, ever fails to put a smile on my face, English and strait laced or not.
L**.
Comic masterpiece
This film was made the same years Hitler came to power, 1933.Four Jewish Brothers (The Marx Bros) star in this satire on politics,and 83 years later, it is still funny and relevant.The reason I tell you the Marx Bros were Jewish, is because thereis an old jewish saying that says, "Humour is to be human". I don'tthink Hitler had much in the way of "funny bones", and after all theseyears, it is The Marx Brothers who are still loved, and the ideas andpolitics of fascism, are hated. What I am getting at, is Duck Soupwill live on forever, and whenever a tin-pot dictator wants to starta war, we have this movie to remind us how ridicules war is...
R**T
Humour turned sour
I last saw this film 60 years ago and laughed a lot, probably more at Harpo’s mute destructive antics than at Groucho’s wisecracks, though they are destructive too. Now I fear it leaves me cold. Is it because political correctness a has so seeped into my subconscious mind that most of the Marx brothers humour seems rude and cruel? God help us!
J**D
Welcome To Freedonia
Duck Soup is a classic Marx Brothers movie and one of their biggest successes. I believe the most cleverest scene to be the pretend mirror scene where Chico copies Groucho superbly well as if the mirror really was there. Comedy genius. Hilarious humour from one of the best comedy teams of all time. Well recommended.
M**N
Best
Wonderful from beginning to end. One of the Marx Bothers very best.Some great scenes including the famous lemonade skit .Highly recommended as either a first entry into the Marx Brothers and especially as an intro for young people who don;t know them. I also like A Night At The Opera but this is smaller,more succinct and very sharp.
V**A
A great disappointment
A great disappointment. Billed as the best Marx brothers film it seemed very dated, and childishly unfunny. One or two slapstick gags and a handful of puns, even amidst lush production values, were insufficient. We did finish it but were tempted to switch it off.
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Diese pointierte politische Satire ist zugleich der amüsanteste und abgedrehteste Film der Marx Brothers. Groucho spielt Rufus T. Firefly, den verrückten Diktator des Phantasiestaates Freedonia. Derweil werden Harpo und Chico von Grouchos politischem Rivalen, dem hinterhältigen Trentino als Spione angeheuert. Der Film enthält viele klassische Marx Brothers-Sequenzen: den Limonadenstand, die Paul Revere-Parodie, die Nummer 'We're Going to War', die unvergessliche Spiegelszene und zum Abschluss die große Schlacht, die immer wieder kopiert worden ist - sei es von Woody Allen oder vom Mad-Magazin.\n\n
","image":["https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4114Z4MNSHL.jpg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"HUF","price":"5198.00","itemCondition":"https://schema.org/NewCondition","availability":"https://schema.org/InStock","shippingDetails":{"deliveryTime":{"@type":"ShippingDeliveryTime","minValue":8,"maxValue":8,"unitCode":"d"}}},"review":[{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"2.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"L***E"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2018","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Few things date more quickly than popular comedy\n \n","reviewBody":"Few things date more quickly than popular comedy.I expect that this black and white1933 “classic comedy” and “biting political satire”, according to the DVD case, seemed funny many decades ago, but it has lost a lot of its appeal now.Despite the title, this film has little to do with Ducks or Soup.Groucho Marx becomes President of an imaginary country called Freedonia. His brothers Harpo, Chico and, the one nobody remembers, Zeppo Marx all become involved in some way or other (their even less well known brother Gummo Marx is not in the film at all). The actor Louis Calhern whose performances I liked in ‘We’re Not Married’ and ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ also appears.The Freedonians sing a cheerful musical number about how great it is that they are going to war with a neighbouring country [I think this is meant to be the ‘biting political satire’ that the DVD description promised] but find themselves ill prepared for the conflict. Eventually the Marx brothers save the day by pelting the enemy leader with food until he surrenders [I think this is meant to be the ‘classic comedy’ we were promised.]In a way I am glad I watched much of this film, although I skipped some scenes in the middle. I knew the Marx Brothers were famous and the image of the leading brother Groucho Marx with his moustache, cigar and grin still has cultural resonance, but I had never seen any of their work. Now at least I know what people are talking about when they mention them.According to Wikipedia the Marx Brothers “are widely considered by critics, scholars, and fans to be among the greatest and most influential comedians of the 20th century” and this film ‘Duck Soup’ is among their most famous, but I wonder how much of that is down to people feeling that they ought to like this because other critics say they do.While I did not hate this film, I am in no hurry to see more Marx Brothers’ films."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"L***N"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2017","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Marx Bros at their best\n \n","reviewBody":"In my opinion, the best of the early Marx Brothers films. It's the usual mix of Groucho's wisecracks, Harpo's physical comedy and Chicco's cheek plus moments that remind me of Monty Python. Add to that a send up of politicians (nothing really changes - listen to the lyrics of Groucho's song 'Land of the Free') all at a frenetic pace and you have something that will cheer you up no end. It has been edited roughly so sometimes the storyline is a bit jumpy but if you just concentrate on the comedy, it doesn't seem to matter."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"T***Y"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2017","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Marx brothers absolute masterpiece!\n \n","reviewBody":"This brilliant satire has stood the test of time exceptionally well. So much of the humour is relevant today. Groucho Marx clearly believed that leaders of capitalistic are by and large not tuned into the real world. However, the irony is, that Grouchos character, the incredibly funny Rufus T Firefly is himself clearly a couple of sandwiches short of the proverbial picnic! So many wonderful scenes in this masterpiece. The mirror scene just about tops them all. What a film! My only criticism is that we don't get to see Harpo playing the harp beautifully, or Chico playing wonderfully on the piano. Many critics felt that the musical interludes of Harpo and Chico kind of spoiled the pace of the films. My opinion differs. I believe the musical interludes provided the viewer with a chance to catch breath. Grouchos quick fire retorts and observations on life take (and took), some digesting. This is why repeated viewings of their films gives new experience to the viewer. Each gag can take on a different meaning entirely. If only they made movies like this today! Alas, I think political correctedness would censure some of the satire. A final word has to be said for the wonderful Margaret Dumont. What a foil to Groucho! And how she kept a straight face at times defies belief. I say to anyone who has not seen this film, or those unfamiliar with the Marx brothers, buy this film. You will not regret it. Never, ever fails to put a smile on my face, English and strait laced or not."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"L***."},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2016","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Comic masterpiece\n \n","reviewBody":"This film was made the same years Hitler came to power, 1933.Four Jewish Brothers (The Marx Bros) star in this satire on politics,and 83 years later, it is still funny and relevant.The reason I tell you the Marx Bros were Jewish, is because thereis an old jewish saying that says, \"Humour is to be human\". I don'tthink Hitler had much in the way of \"funny bones\", and after all theseyears, it is The Marx Brothers who are still loved, and the ideas andpolitics of fascism, are hated. What I am getting at, is Duck Soupwill live on forever, and whenever a tin-pot dictator wants to starta war, we have this movie to remind us how ridicules war is..."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"3.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"R***T"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2020","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Humour turned sour\n \n","reviewBody":"I last saw this film 60 years ago and laughed a lot, probably more at Harpo’s mute destructive antics than at Groucho’s wisecracks, though they are destructive too. Now I fear it leaves me cold. Is it because political correctness a has so seeped into my subconscious mind that most of the Marx brothers humour seems rude and cruel? God help us!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***D"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 June 2019","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Welcome To Freedonia\n \n","reviewBody":"Duck Soup is a classic Marx Brothers movie and one of their biggest successes. I believe the most cleverest scene to be the pretend mirror scene where Chico copies Groucho superbly well as if the mirror really was there. Comedy genius. Hilarious humour from one of the best comedy teams of all time. Well recommended."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***N"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2018","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Best\n \n","reviewBody":"Wonderful from beginning to end. One of the Marx Bothers very best.Some great scenes including the famous lemonade skit .Highly recommended as either a first entry into the Marx Brothers and especially as an intro for young people who don;t know them. I also like A Night At The Opera but this is smaller,more succinct and very sharp."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"1.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"V***A"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 June 2020","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n A great disappointment\n \n","reviewBody":"A great disappointment. Billed as the best Marx brothers film it seemed very dated, and childishly unfunny. One or two slapstick gags and a handful of puns, even amidst lush production values, were insufficient. We did finish it but were tempted to switch it off."}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":3.875,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":8}}
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