| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
A- |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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timeless humor still shines bright
by Tony (movies profile)
Mar 24, 2008
1
of
1 people found this review helpful
Classic Comedy has the Marx trio (Groucho, Chico and Harp) bringing down the Met (opera house). Yes it is over 70 years old, but the Marx brothers timeless energy and greatness still shine thorugh.
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I have never been a huge fan of "Marxist" humour, though have always been a fan of physical British humor. My occasional viewing of Marx brothers movies in my distant past did not do that much for me. Maybe it was just my increased maturity (unlikely!!), this particular movie (maybe) or the mood I was in, but this time I really enjoyed it.
Groucho Marx plays a very bad advisor to a very rich lady, in the hopes of getting some of her millions. He advises her to make a big donation to the opera so she can "get into society." Chico Marx tries to help a talented but overlooked Italian tenor (who has a great voice!, much better IMHO than Kitty Carlisle!). Unfortunately, the snobby Met Opera producer wants the well-known, self promoting but less talented tenor. It is up to the Marx brothers (including the third mute Harpo) to fix things, which they do in very funny ways both on the ship to America and in the Met Opera house.
There are some wonderful timeless scenes, such as the ripping up of the "contract of the fourth part" that really make you appreciate the genious of the Marx brothers. While lovingly turn high society and Verdi into wild humor is not for everyone, I found myself enyoying this very much.
I would recommend this movie and I'll now have to rewatch Duck Soup and their other movies. |
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