Movie Review: Duck Soup (1933)

Duck Soup (1933) directed by Leo McCarey

Groucho Marx is Rufus T. Firefly, the man destined to lead Freedonia in a time of great trial. The previous ruler has left the country in economic trouble and Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) wants Firefly to fix it. She also has more affection for him than he probably deserves. Ambassador Trantino (Louis Calhern) from Sylvania wants to marry Teasdale and take over Freedonia. His plans are thwarted by Firefly, who insists on insulting Trantino in any way possible and not taking any guff in return. Trantino hires Chicolini (Chico Marx) and Pinky (Harpo Marx) to spy on Firefly, but they spend more time tormenting a local lemonade vendor (Edgar Kennedy) than undermining the Firefly administration. 

The plot is more or less an excuse to string together a lot of gags, songs, and routines by the Marx Brothers. The outstanding bits are the "Freedonia is Going to War" musical number and the very famous broken mirror scene--Groucho is in a nightshirt and Harpo, after dressing as Groucho and breaking a mirror, acts as Groucho's mirror image. The running gag with the motorcycle and side car works well too. The film is a lot of fun and doesn't overstay its welcome. 

Highly recommended--this is probably the best of the Marx Brothers along with A Night at the Opera.