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DUCK SOUP

(1933)

The Marx Brothers, Margaret Dumont, Louis Calhern; Dir. Leo McCarey

Groucho explained the title of the movie thusly: "Take two turkeys, one goose, four cabbages, but no duck and mix them together. After one taste you’ll duck soup for the rest of your life." This has nothing to do with anything that happens in the movie, which makes it a good example of the anarchistic and surreal humour that the Marx brothers were best at, which the film showcases perfectly.

The plot (such as it is) involves Groucho becoming the dictator of a small European country called Freedonia, with the backing of Mrs Teasdale (Dumont) but Trentino (Calhern) the ambassador from neighbouring Sylvania schemes to undermine Groucho with the help of his spies, Chico and Harpo. Oh, and Zeppo makes an appearance too. But don’t worry about the story; just try to keep up with the running gags, the slapstick, the wisecracks and the puns.

The film is directed by Leo McCarey who was an experienced comedy director. He started out in silent shorts with Laurel and Hardy and went on to make sophisticated screwball comedies like The Awful Truth (1937). He knew how to mix word games with visual humour and he also knew how to handle comedic talent. He added some structure around the Marx Bros but was wise enough to not interfere or try to restrain them.