The Marx Brothers starred in a total of thirteen feature-length films. While their pre-movie stage career and post-Groucho solo ventures contribute to their overall comedic legacy, these thirteen films represent the core of their collaborative and iconic work.
A Cinematic Legacy: The 13 Films That Defined Comedy
The Marx Brothers, comprised of Groucho, Harpo, Chico (and occasionally Zeppo and Gummo), redefined comedy through their anarchic humor, rapid-fire wit, and surreal slapstick. These thirteen films, made primarily during the 1930s and 40s, cemented their place as legends of the silver screen.
The Early Years: Paramount Pictures
The brothers’ first five films, produced by Paramount Pictures, are often considered their purest and most anarchic works. They were adapted from successful Broadway shows and retained much of the original stage material.
- The Cocoanuts (1929): Their film debut, based on their stage play, showcasing their signature chaos in a Florida hotel.
- Animal Crackers (1930): Another adaptation, featuring the iconic “Hooray for Captain Spaulding” song and more sophisticated humor.
- Monkey Business (1931): The first original film, not based on a pre-existing play, involving stowaways on an ocean liner.
- Horse Feathers (1932): A satire of college life, with Groucho as Professor Wagstaff, president of Huxley College.
- Duck Soup (1933): A political satire that was initially a box office disappointment but is now considered a masterpiece of absurdist comedy.
The Middle Years: MGM
Following their departure from Paramount, the Marx Brothers signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Their MGM films, while more commercially successful, often featured a slightly tamer brand of humor and integrated more romantic subplots.
- A Night at the Opera (1935): Their first film at MGM and a major box office success. It features the famous stateroom scene.
- A Day at the Races (1937): Another successful MGM film, with Groucho as a veterinarian posing as a doctor.
- Room Service (1938): Based on a popular Broadway play, this film lacks much of the usual Marx Brothers anarchy, and Zeppo wasn’t involved.
The Later Years: RKO and Beyond
The brothers’ later films were produced by various studios and generally considered less successful than their earlier works. These films still contained moments of brilliance, but the comedic energy wasn’t always as consistent.
- At the Circus (1939): An RKO Pictures release featuring Margaret Dumont.
- Go West (1940): Another MGM film, this time set in the American West.
- The Big Store (1941): Their last film under contract with MGM. Many consider this their least enjoyable.
- A Night in Casablanca (1946): A United Artists release, a spoof of the famous Humphrey Bogart film.
- Love Happy (1949): Released by United Artists and featured a cameo by a young Marilyn Monroe. This was the last film to feature all three brothers, Groucho, Harpo, and Chico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs provide further context and insight into the Marx Brothers’ filmography.
H3: What was the first Marx Brothers movie?
The first Marx Brothers movie was The Cocoanuts, released in 1929 by Paramount Pictures. It was an adaptation of their successful Broadway play of the same name.
H3: Which Marx Brothers movie is considered their best?
There’s no definitive consensus, but many critics and fans consider Duck Soup (1933) to be their best film. While initially unsuccessful, its sharp political satire and absurdist humor have earned it a place as a comedic masterpiece. A Night at the Opera is another strong contender, praised for its blend of humor and musical numbers.
H3: Which Marx Brothers movie was their biggest box office success?
** A Night at the Opera (1935) was their biggest box office success.** Its popularity helped revive their careers after the relatively disappointing reception of Duck Soup.
H3: What is so special about Duck Soup?
Duck Soup is special because it is a relentless satire of war and politics. It features Groucho as Rufus T. Firefly, the newly appointed dictator of Freedonia, and contains some of their most iconic and absurd scenes, pushing the boundaries of comedic storytelling. The film was released at a very precarious time politically, and many deemed it anti-establishment, which caused negative feedback initially.
H3: Why did the Marx Brothers leave Paramount Pictures?
The Marx Brothers left Paramount Pictures primarily due to creative differences and a desire for greater control over their films. Their films at Paramount, though groundbreaking, were not always financially successful, and they felt pressured to make changes to their comedic style.
H3: What was different about the Marx Brothers’ films at MGM?
At MGM, the Marx Brothers’ films were more polished and incorporated more romantic elements. MGM also invested in larger budgets and better production values. While the anarchic spirit was somewhat toned down, their MGM films reached a wider audience and achieved greater commercial success.
H3: Who was Margaret Dumont, and why was she in so many Marx Brothers movies?
Margaret Dumont was a comedic actress who became a recurring foil for Groucho Marx in several of their films. She played wealthy socialites and high-society women, often oblivious to Groucho’s insults and antics. Her straight-faced demeanor and impeccable timing made her the perfect target for their jokes, and she added a crucial layer of absurdity to their films. She appeared in seven Marx Brothers movies.
H3: Who was Zeppo Marx, and what was his role in the group?
Zeppo Marx was the youngest of the five Marx Brothers and initially played the straight man or romantic lead in their films. He provided a contrast to the more outlandish characters of Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. However, Zeppo grew tired of his limited role and left the act after Duck Soup to pursue other business ventures.
H3: Did all five Marx Brothers appear in every movie?
No, not all five Marx Brothers appeared in every movie. Gummo Marx left the act before their film debut to pursue business interests. Zeppo Marx left after Duck Soup. After that, only Groucho, Harpo, and Chico appeared in most of their subsequent films.
H3: Were the Marx Brothers’ films always successful when they were released?
No, the Marx Brothers’ films weren’t always successful upon their initial release. Duck Soup, now considered a classic, was a box office disappointment. Their success varied depending on the studio and the changing tastes of the audience.
H3: Are the Marx Brothers’ films still relevant today?
Yes, the Marx Brothers’ films are still highly relevant today. Their humor transcends generations, and their films continue to be enjoyed for their anarchic spirit, clever wordplay, and timeless comedic performances. Their influence can be seen in countless comedians and comedic works that followed.
H3: Where can I watch Marx Brothers movies?
You can find Marx Brothers movies on various streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, and YouTube (both for rent/purchase and sometimes free with ads). They are also frequently shown on classic movie channels. DVDs and Blu-rays of their films are also widely available.
By exploring these thirteen films and the information provided, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the Marx Brothers’ enduring legacy and their significant contribution to the world of comedy.