DUCK SOUP (1933) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@michaelm6948]

Groucho wrote in his autobiography that his brother Zeppo was the funniest of all the brothers. Groucho said Zeppo would have his entire family in stitches. Zeppo appeared with the other three in vaudeville. Since they all looked so alike Zeppo would replace Groucho if he were ill. At one point Groucho had pneumonia but came back after several days because Zeppo was such a hit with audiences. Zeppo left the act after their earlier films and went on to found his own company as an engineer. He actually designed the clamps the US military used to secure the atomic bombs in the planes that bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He also went on to become a successful talent agent in Hollywood.

[@alanr4447a]

Keeping your entire family in stitches should save on doctors' bills. But it explains why Zeppo left show business if his act was the biggest bomb in history.

[@dennismason3740]

Thank you so very very much.

[@waynemarvin5661]

Thank, Dawn, for giving the Marx Brothers a try. I'm one of the no doubt many people who wanted you to try more black and white movies. Especially comedy, and especially the Marx Brothers. I enjoy so much watching you watch them. You mentioned Monty Python. As I've written before, the Marx Brothers were a big influence on the Pythons (according to Cleese). Since you enjoy zany humor, I think you might like Laurel and Hardy as well. Not the long feature length movies so much as the 30 minute shorts. I can promise that you won't be disappointed.

[@stevensprunger3422]

Yes I read that about zippo too he said in the film zipper wasn’t that funny but when you go over hanging on zippo he was on the funnies Marx brothers but in the actual films it wasn’t that he wasn’t that funny but that’s the way it is yeah that’s the way

[@Deathbird_Mitch]

@@waynemarvin5661 I would suggest Dawn watch March Of The Wooden Soldiers. It is a Christmas movie and we're in December.

[@butterflyeffect8924]

Apparently, Queen watched the Marx Brothers films while recording the album that was eventually called A Night At The Opera, then kept the sequence going with their next album, A Day at The Races. When Groucho heard about this, he invited Queen to his home in LA. If you search the interweb machine, you should be able to find a photo of Freddie, Brian and Roger with Groucho at his home

[@S0ldeed]

The story also goes that when they visited he asked them to name their next album after his new film, The Greatest Hits of The Rolling Stones

[@GoldTopSlinger]

Back in 1977 or so there was a high quality bootleg album of live Queen called Duck Soup. Not that I would know anything about bootlegs, officer.

[@MrKeychange]

@@S0ldeed OMFG! haha

[@sophiehanssel2017]

It's amazing how much the band loves these guys. Another reason to love the Queen gang

[@MrKeychange]

@@sophiehanssel2017 Alice Cooper hung out with Groucho too.

[@parrothd007]

My favorite quote by Groucho Marx; “A man is only as old as the woman he feels.”

[@tarmaque]

I can't remember the last time I saw someone laugh so much in pure joy. I loves you Dawn. And Sunset.

[@hilarywilliams1909]

"Duck soup" was American English slang at that time; it meant something easy to do. When Groucho was asked for an explanation of the title, he quipped, "Take two turkeys, one goose, four cabbages, but no duck, and mix them together. Black & White movie suggestion -The Thin Man - light comedy/murder mystery with the cutest couple of the era.

[@StephenBrancati]

Yes, "The Thin Man" and possibly its sequels would be good choices.

[@drg3712]

@@StephenBrancati i agree, i love them all but for the uninitiated, the 2nd film might be better (After the Thin Man). Plus, Dawn would also love Some Like it Hot

[@VespersVids]

Groucho Marx offered the following explanation for the movie's title: "Take two turkeys, one goose, four cabbages, but no duck, and mix them together. After one taste, you'll duck soup the rest of your life."

[@erocrush]

@@StephenBrancati Dawn would absolutely love Nick and Nora!

[@barkingmonkee]

Yes! "The Thin Man" is my favorite Christmas movie! (Hey, if "Die Hard" counts then "Thin Man" more than qualifies as a Christmas movie.)

[@timothymoran1850]

Margaret Dumont played the female lead in most of the Marx Brothers movies. She was a serious, classically trained actress who never understood the humor and played her roles seriously , making her the perfect foil for Groucho.

[@elbruces]

HELL YES, we need more reactors on this stuff! "They all look exactly the same!" Yeah, it's almost as if they were related somehow.

[@edwardbutler8043]

Please watch either A Night in Casablanca or Animal Crackers or both you will not regret it.

[@DanMarksman]

Graucho called them his brothers on mothers side.

[@keithmartin4670]

“Who raised these boys?” There was actually a Broadway musical called “Minnie’s Boys” all about how their mother Minnie made them who they became. I’ve always wondered what it must have been like to have them in your house when all five were teenagers.

[@Gravydog316]

or in Vaudeville

[@DJ-bj8ku]

The scene where the two Marx Brothers dressed in night shirts are mirroring each other’s movements was repeated in an episode of I Love Lucy, only this time it was Harpo and Lucy doing the bit. When Harpo and Lucy drop their hats, Harpo pulls his up by an invisible string. It’s a great moment.

[@Zeno_Evil]

Having watched this movie many times in the past, you get to a point where knowing all the punch lines take some of the joy out of it. But re-living the experience of seeing it the first time through your eyes put all magic back in it for me. Thanks for taking us on the ride. Great reaction. And I'm sure Monty Python would be honored to be compared to the Marx Brothers.

[@misterprickly]

Fun fact: all of the huge set pieces were originally made for the old *Flash Gordon* serials. They're singing "Hail Freedonia" in Ming the Merciless' throne room!

[@dngillikin]

Unlikely, since the first Flash Gordon serial was made in 1936, three years after Duck Soup. The second Flash Gordon serial was made in 1938, and the third in 1940. There is a Flash Gordon connection, however. Charles Middleton, who would portray the Emperor Ming the Merciless in the serials was the prosecutor in Chicolini's trial.

[@misterprickly]

@@dngillikin maybe it's the other way around then. I do know that they were big in recycling sets, to recuperate the expense.

[@cessnaace]

Queen had been watching the Marx Brothers film A Night at the Opera while recording their 4th studio album. They as a band decided to name the album after the film. Groucho Marx sent Queen an invitation for the band to visit him at his Los Angeles home in March of 1977 5 months before he died. They thanked him and performed "'39" a cappella for him. In his honor they named their next studio album, A Day at the Races, after that Marx Bros. film. So yes, Queen named two of their albums after Marx Bros. films.

[@kenlangston3451]

Late in his career Groucho hosted a game show in the early days of television called You Bet Your Life. There is an urban legend that a woman mentioned she had 10 kids. Groucho said incredulously 10 kids? The woman said I love my husband. Groucho quipped I love my cigar but I occasionally take it out of my mouth. There is no tape or film of it happening but hilarious if true.

[@ericjanssen394]

Groucho made a running gag of annoying his announcer/sidekick George Fenneman on the show: One episode, the guest was one of the last working organ grinders in NY-When the grinder explained he worked with a trained monkey, Groucho replied “Really? I happen to work with a trained monkey too…Oh, George?”

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

... yep, i told her about "you bet your life" already. i wonder if she reads her comments?

[@richruksenas5992]

There's no film of it because it didn't happen on the TV show, it happened on the radio version.

[@dan_hitchman007]

You would LOVE "The Great Dictator" with Charlie Chaplin, it's witty and funny with a throwback to his silent era characters, but also turns extremely serious and heart wrenching toward the end. It was a direct swipe at Hitler and fascism even before WWII started in earnest. Chaplin knew EXACTLY what he and people like him were and was trying to warn the world. If they had only listened.

[@andreasbenning]

Agreed!! And how about his speech towards the end of the movie? If that isn't inspiring to realizing the truth, I don't know what is.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

"duck soup" was the marx bros response to mussolini. he had attacked and conquered ethiopia the year this was released. "the great dictate," released about 4 years later, is about hitler. both are classic anti-fascist and anti-war satires. and both failed at the box office. go figure.

[@grabtharshammer]

"before WW2 started in earnest" ?? Maybe for the US who didn't join till 1942, but the rest of the world had been fighting for a year. The Great Dictator was made in 1940 starring an Englishman, Charlie Chaplin.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@grabtharshammer ... technically, the u. s. entered wwll a few days after pearl harbor was attacked on dec 7, 1941, "a day that will live in infamy." but that's less than a month before 1942. just making a point.

[@dan_hitchman007]

@@grabtharshammer The war was not exactly going splendidly for those allied against Germany and Italy until the U.S. finally woke up and joined the fray. It was late, but needed. By 1940, Chaplin was a Hollywood icon, even if he originally came from England.

[@jontastic]

When Groucho mentions Ethyl… Ethyl leaded gasoline Leaded gasoline was used in 90 percent of all gasoline in the US between 1930 and 1976. It was a premium gasoline at the time.

[@michaelschroeck2254]

I think you’ll like Animal Crackers. Margaret Dumont was a staple in their movies much like Carol Cleveland’s importance to Monty Python. In their early days on stage their mom was their manager and insisted every show had musical numbers. They carried that through all their pictures. Their mom was named Minnie, and there was a stage show written about them all called “Minnie’s Boys.”

[@corawheeler9355]

Ace of Spades ...🤣

[@michaelschroeck2254]

@@corawheeler9355 “Two Aces of spades?” “ Yeah, he’s got thousands of them!”

[@dernwine]

Hurray for Captain Spaulding!

[@CoastalNomad]

When Harpo was a guest on the show "I Love Lucy", Lucille Ball and Harpo did a version of the mirror routine..... Both were dressed as Harpo..... Classic and Epic......

[@robspore5046]

Their parents were Frenchy and Minnie Marx. During the embarkation scene in Night at the Opera, you may have noticed a short, older dapper looking gentleman coming down the gangplank and then standing next to a bunch of boxes. That was Frenchy Marx.

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

Zeppo is the youngest and replaced Gummo who left the act before they started making movies. Often, people who knew him said that he was actually the funniest of the brothers, but he was just not able to show it when he was on the screen. Once, when they were doing stage performances, Groucho got sick -- appendicitis, I think -- and Zeppo was brought in to play Groucho. Nobody noticed the change because Zeppo was so hilarious. He said, though, that he hated playing Groucho because he had to walk around with that cigar in his mouth and it would make him sick by the end of the show.

[@elbruces]

They tried to sell Zeppo as a straight/leading man, but having a non-funny Marx bro just didn't work.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

gummo, who became a theatrical agent, left the group even before they went on broadway. the brother's first three films were based on their broadway hits. zeppo was there throughout the brothers' big successes. zeppo also became an agent. odd, but neither gummo or zeppo ever represented their brothers.

[@richardlicht7927]

@@cjmacq-vg8um It was the first two films. Monkey Business was never a play. You may be thinking of "I'll Say She Is" but that wasn't a movie. There was just a scene from it recorded.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@richardlicht7927 ... i stand corrected. i thought it was the first 3 films. is "monkey business" the one where, at the end, they have a fight in a barn? if so, that's my least fav with zeppo. i never liked that ending. watching zeppo play the fighting "hero" is a bit much.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@richardlicht7927 ... btw, "I'll Say She Is" reminds me of the three stooges' "the woman haters club." thery're both done in rhyme. i think that's pretty clever.

[@AlanCanon2222]

Shout out to the actress Margaret Dumont, whom Groucho once called "the fifth Marx brother." Her collaboration with the Marx Brothers started in 1928 on Broadway, and she's in (I believe) all of their films, always playing the straight, upper class dowager and foil to the Brothers' antics. She played it so straight that people assumed that her persona matched her character: never getting the joke, etc. I can't imagine any of their films being nearly as funny without Margaret to play off of. Her collaboration lasted until her last television appearance with them, in the 1965, just a week before her death. RIP Margaret, you were a classy lady and made a hilarious comedy group even funnier.

[@JamesSimmonsBJ]

Margaret also appeared in Never Give A Sucker An Even Break with W.C. Fields. Well worth seeing.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

I read that she actually didn't understand the jokes/comedy most of the time. Which probably helped her character. She played her character well, but it wasn't her type of comedy.

[@dennismason3740]

I was born in 1953. I have seen a lot of Marx Bros, I met Groucho in Beverly Hills in 1972. I was on my lunch break from the Bookstore and there he was, shuffling slowly (he was really old!) with a gorgeous assistant helping him along. I didn't know what to say! "thanks for everything!" I shouted across Little Santa Monica Boulevard, a narrow East-West street that runs the entirety of Beverly Hills. Without turning he gave a little wave. Can you imagine? I met Ella Fitzgerald, as well, she was really old. Pretty much the same statement and response. Seeing you, Dawn, respond to the Marx Bros is a delight.

[@i.m.7710]

As a little kid, I LOVED Harpo. He was quiet and played the harp - angelic beautiful music! And Groucho did all the TV talk shows until he was very old. Always quick-witted and hilarious!!!!!

[@glennwisniewski9536]

Props to Margaret Dumont (Gloria Teasdale), a Marx Brothers regular in seven of their films, who contributed immensely to the success of the franchise. Groucho Marx called her "practically the fifth Marx brother."

[@MojaveEast]

"Animal Crackers" has some of their funniest lines, and their best musical performances, Chico on piano and Harpo on...well, you know.

[@j-bus4262]

Great reaction and it's good to see a new young Marx Bros fan! Horse Feathers, Animal Crackers, A Day at the Races and others are other good ones.

[@creech54]

Don't forget "Monkey Business"!

[@geraldford3587]

Don't forget ....GO WEST.

[@mariashrieves3641]

Also how they got their first movie. The producer person had Groucho, Zeppo, Harpo, Chico and Gummo in his office. The producer had to go somewhere and said to them MAKE YOUR SELVES COMFORTABLE. When he came back to his office he saw the 5 of them sitting around a fire they had made, butt naked, roasting marshmallows. The producer laughed and said You got the job. 🙂

[@MrTech226]

Dawn Marie Even as 89 years old, this classic still holds up today!

[@billolsen4360]

Just think, in another two years, "talkies" will be 100 years old

[@EShelby2127]

Three words: What's Up, Doc? (1972)... Screwball comedy that you will love.

[@ParkerAllen2]

In an interview with Conan O'Brien, I heard John Cleese say that one of the reasons he felt Monty Python was so popular with Americans is that American humor isn't very strong on silliness, which is a major element of British humor. Then Cleese asked Conan who he felt was a good example of silly humor from America. When Conan said "the Marx Brothers" Cleese agreed. Dawn, you're such a fan of Monty Python I think your fondness for the Marx Brothers makes perfect sense.

[@tarmaque]

I agree, and must also point out that there is smart silly and dumb silly. In the UK smart silly is _Monty Python,_ and dumb silly is _Benny Hill._ In the US smart silly is _The Marx Brothers,_ while dumb silly is _The Three Stooges._

[@ParkerAllen2]

@@tarmaque I totally agree. Another smart-silly performer was Steve Martin during his early, wildly successful stand-up days. As goofy as a lot of that humor was, you could always feel the sharp intelligence behind it.

[@tarmaque]

@@ParkerAllen2 Indeed. Steve has also mentioned his earlier comedy as a bit cringy and that he was never super happy with it, but it sold out auditoriums. He was apparently much happier in his later movie career with such movies as _Roxanne_ and _Leap of Faith._ I'm also a big fan of _My Blue Heaven._

[@tanterliser]

Groucho was often asked can Harpo really talk. Groucho replied. You come down to the golf course and watch him miss a six inch put, Then you'll hear him talk!

[@TTM9691]

I've never seen you laugh so hard as you do in these two Marx Brothers movies.....and I've seen all your Monty Python reactions! Yes, "A Day At The Races" definitely hit that one, that's my favorite! And for Christmas? Laurel & Hardy in "March Of The Wooden Soliders". HILARIOUS and really puts you in a Christmas mood! I watch it every year! Loved this reaction (as usual!). Thanks, Dawn!!!

[@thomastimlin1724]

Yes Laurel and Hardy. Oliver: "Another nice Rabbit hole to go down." Stanley: "It certainly is."

[@777petew]

It's great to see you laugh. I've loved these for 50 years. It is intelligent yet silly humour.

[@Dave-mc6xv]

Your laughter is contagious! You crack me up. Love watching your reactions!

[@timwillard4298]

Apparently "duck soup' was slang around the turn of the 20th century referring to someone gullible, as in "sell someone duck soup." It's what Groucho was doing to Fredonia.

[@liszacharysmith]

They often made fun of rich people because a lot of their films were made during the depression of the 1930's! I'm glad you like their humor. A lot of people don't get their type of comedy. I love them!!

[@willv7868]

It was called Duck Soup because..."Take two turkeys, one goose, four cabbages, but no duck, and mix them together." Groucho Marx

[@edcasey52]

"Run out and get that like a good girl" is one of my favorite Groucho lines ever.

[@LeChaunce]

It's often been said that the first two Beatle movies -- A Hard Day's Night and Help! -- are very similar to both the Marx Brothers and Monty Python. I highly recommend seeing both, even if you don't react for the channel. Also, a bit of trivia: when referring to the Marx Brother, Chico is actually pronounced "Chick-o" because he was hardly ever seen without a different woman on his arm. Apparently he was quite the ladies' man.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

i suggest the first two beatles movies to all the beatle reactors on youtube. they don't listen. richard lester, the director of those two films, directed three other classics - "a funny thing happened on the way to the forum" with zero mostel, jack gilford and phil silvers, and the 70's "the three musketeers" and its sequel, "the four musketeers." all these excellent films, as well as many other TRUE classics, are ignored by youtube reactors. go figure.

[@LeChaunce]

@@cjmacq-vg8um Agreed! I know for a fact Dawn would love all those movies and should give all five -- AHDN, Help!, AFTHOTWTTF, and 3/4 Musketeers -- a watch. She would just love them.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

@@LeChaunce ... i think she would too. i think most people would really like "... the forum" if they'd just watch it. the sight gags alone match those of "airplane." and its a musical. you can really see lester's "beatle" influence in that film.

[@LeChaunce]

@@cjmacq-vg8um And Jack Gilford's facial expressions rival Harpo Marx's and Marty Feldman's for hilarity!

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

gilford had one of those rubber faces didn't he? i always wondered why he wasn't in more movies. "... the forum" and "cocoon." and that's all i can think of. i always liked that guy.

[@zaygezunt]

Imagine going back in time and telling the boys, "In 90 years this film will be shown on a new media and people will love it." Would they believe you?

[@Lord-E-Lordy]

Another great B/W series is The Thin Man. Husband and wife funny detective movies. William Powell is charming and Myrna Loy is gorgeous as the witty Nick and Nora Charles.

[@ronbock8291]

Oh man, William Powell is one of a kind. My Man Godfrey is one of the greatest films of the depression, and the Nick and Nora movies are utterly charming too.

[@radicaladz]

"Well, who are you gonna believe - me or your own eyes?" And thus political satire was born.

[@losjuegosdeltitomor]

the 2 left brothers were Zeppo (who always played the handsome and romantic guy) and Gummo (who didn't ever take part in the shows as far as I know) Lovely reaction!!

[@Kygira]

You can tell Buggs Bunny personality was a combination of these guys,absolutely classic.

[@HannibalFan52]

The phrase 'duck soup' means something that is easy to do or overcome. Margaret Dumont (Mrs. Teasdale in this film) was in most of the Marx Brothers movies. Legend has it that she didn't really understand their style of comedy, which made her reactions to their antics all the funnier. Edgar Kennedy (the Lemonade Seller) was known as the Master of the Slow Burn. The Mirror Scene is justly famous. It has been recreated and parodied many times. I grew up watching the Marx Brothers films on television. It's so nice to see younger generations discover their work. I hope you do 'Animal Crackers' soon. The song 'Hooray for Captain Spaulding' become Groucho's theme song. By the way, Groucho had a great love for the work of Gilbert and Sullivan. In 1960, he had the opportunity to play Koko in a 1-hour abridged version of 'The Mikado' for television, as the great Martyn Green had lost a leg in an accident the year before. It is available on DVD, and you might enjoy checking it out.

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

They used to do small stage performances when they were developing their film routines to see how audiences would react. If you lived in Los Angeles in the 1930's you could have seen them performing at a local playhouse now and then.

[@charlessheifer2264]

Here are other Marx Brothers movies highly recommended: "Monkey Business", Animal Crackers", "Horse Feathers" (all with Zeppo), "A Day at the Races", "At the Circus", "The Big Store" (all with Margaret Dumont), "A Night in Casablanca", "Room Service", "Go West" and their first film "The Coconuts".

[@MagusMirificus]

My favorite Marxs joint! I too started with NIght At The Opera years ago when I got it on DVD for Christmas as a kid; was blown away and fell even more in love with this one as soon as I saw it. Such pure, wonderful silliness. Animal Crackers is also essential!

[@jollyrodgers7272]

It's like every generation has to rediscover the one-liner "That's what SHE said!" - and most don't realize it all goes back to Groucho.

[@JohnnyJoe]

The first O in the giant Hollywood Sign is Groucho's. Groucho was a good friend with rocker singer Alice Cooper and when there was a big public campain to restore the sign in 1978 there donors paid for one letter each to always remain, Alice Cooper paid for the first O and donated it in memory of his friend Groucho.

[@davidblauyoutube]

You have such an amazing, musical laugh! I'm glad you're taking in some older movies. Just because they're older doesn't mean they aren't fun (or thoughtful, or tragic).

[@argumentative-alliteration]

In 1975, and 1976 Queen did record albums tucked away in a studio. They watched a lot of Marx Brothers stuff. They named their albums A Night At The Opera, and A Day At The Races. These are both amazing albums.

[@dubbleplusgood]

I'm so glad I loved watching these movies as a kid because now I get to rewatch them listening to your terrific laugh.

[@matthewkrolikowski5544]

I love how casual Dawn is wearing sweats or pajamas I get the impression she could be just sitting on a couch next to a husband or boyfriend sharing snacks and just loving movies.

[@markjenkins2811]

As soon as I saw your "Night at the Opera" reaction, I hoped you'd do this one! The first time I ever saw it, I was quite literally rolling on the floor holding my stomach and actually in some pain from laughing so hard! (I think it was during the sequence with the peanut and lemonade stands.) IMHO, the "big five" of their movies were (in released order) Animal Crackers, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup, Night at the Opera and Day at the Races. They did a number of others, but those were their best.

[@robertzapata5395]

I gotta save this reaction video to my favorites list because it was full of Dawn's beautiful smile from beginning to end.

[@StephenBrancati]

Add "My Man Godfrey" (1936) to your list of black and white films to watch. It's a classic screwball romantic comedy featuring William Powell and Carole Lombard, two big stars of that era.

[@DaSoulmann]

I have seen it a multitude of times over the decades, and it still makes me laugh.

[@craignedoff991]

When a lot of theaters were locally owned, they'd have Marx brothers marathons, showing their films all weekend. Miss it, *sighs forlornly*

[@i.m.7710]

5:00 His joke: when I was five years old in 1960 my mother would drive our car to the gas station and say, “fill it up with Ethel.” Our friendly gas station attendant filled the tires, checked the oil, washed the windows. The cost was $3.10.

[@TheStapleGunKid]

I'm so glad this was the first Marx Brothers movie I ever watched. It's easily their best and made me an instant fan.

[@johnbarry1712]

I wish more people would react to these classics. Show that humor doesn't NEED raunchy overtones.

[@padfolio]

A black & white worth your time is "One Week" with the legendary Buster Keaton. It's only like 25 minutes long and silent, but dialogue really isn't necessary. It's hysterical.

[@TONE11111]

*FUN FACT:* After Queen cut the two Albums "A Day at the Races" and "A Night at the Opera" in 1975/6, Freddie Mercury told Groucho Marx he would also name the next album from a Marx Bros Movie... but Groucho died in August 1977 and Queen's next album release was "News of the World " (In October 1977).

[@craigalden9416]

A Day at the Races , and Go West……Queen named their albums after the movies…. Night at the opera…. Day at the Races….13 films in all….Zeppo was in the first 5 movies .

[@aikomyboy]

Harpo guest starred on the classic I love Lucy TV Show, where he and Lucille Ball performed the mirror skit live in front of an audience. Lucy was an incredible physical comedienne herself and had worked with the Marx Brothers earlier in films. My vote is for Animal Crackers!

[@spiritscar]

Classic episode and Lucille Ball wad phenomenal holding her own with Harpo freakin Marx!!

[@donkfail1]

When Harpo is around, you have to watch out. You'll probably lose your temper, possessions, honour, patience and virtue all at once. But he's lovely! :D Oh, yes! A Day at the Races is my favorite ... I think. Hard to choose. Can't imagine anyone not liking this one. It's way down on my Marx list, but they are all good.

[@vinnygi]

The mirror scene is the greatest physical comedy bit in movie history

[@steelers6titles]

"We're fighting for your honor, which is more than you ever did." Reportedly, the insults thrown at Margaret Dumont went completely over the actress' head. She later asked what that particular line meant.

[@bigron725]

You have the best laugh ! Makes me smile on every reaction . Thanks !

[@DevlinDomini]

A lot of people get Chico’s name wrong because of the spelling, but it’s pronounced “Chicko”. Apparently because he was good at picking up women (chicks).

[@WithTwoFlakes]

Duck Soup is comedy gold. Has one of my favourite ever lines "Three men and one woman are trapped in a building! Send help at once! If you can't send help, send two more women!”🤣

[@freshparchment]

Apparently the brothers loved having Margaret Dumont in their movies because she genuinely didn't get the jokes, so they could ad lib as much as they wanted to and never have to refilm because she cracked.

[@bwilliams463]

There were 5 Marx bros: Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo and Gummo. Gummo worked on-stage with his brothers, but quit the act before they started making movies. They were raised by their mother, Minnie Marx, who was responsible for turning the boys into a stage act. Their father, Frenchy Marx, left most of the parenting to his wife. I suggest reading Harpo's biography, 'Harpo Speaks.' Fantastically-entertaining and not only an insight into himself and his brothers, but also a tantalizing look at the Vaudeville stage industry.

[@kerryfry1857]

Day at the races, is their best film. However they're all brilliant.

[@fromthesidelines]

6:53- "He's right! You gottta take up the tacks before you can take up the carpet!"

[@SebaVDP]

Wellcome back Hollywood's Golden Era Queen 🙌🏻 so glad you had fun watching daaaa comedy legend Groucho Marx !! Great reaction Dawn Marie🤍 hugs lysm! stay unique, positive and keep laughing 🥰🤗 #LoveYourVoice

[@kadathsmith]

Their comedy is so sharp and sureal. I grew up loving these movies. I hope you do more.

[@kenttaylor9238]

The street vendor with the lemonade stand was played by another comedy legend of the day, Edgar Kennedy.

[@waynemarvin5661]

Kennedy was great in the Laurel and Hardy short films.

[@itt23r]

I heard in an interview years later that Margaret Dumont (Groucho's favorite female foil) admitted she never understood any of the jokes. And that is what makes them so hilarious

[@tomhaskett5161]

Harpo washing his feet in Edgar Kennedy's lemonade makes me cry laughing every time!

[@827dusty]

Congrats on discovering the comic genius of "The Marx Bros. I just wanted to point out something, regarding the sub-plot of all the Marx Bros. movies. They always have a secondary story in all of their movies, not because anyone cares, but because the movies have to have a reason to exist, so to speak. You can't just run out the Marx Bros. from the beginning of the movie and have them start doing their thing for no apparent reason. So, in all their movies, it's always the same secondary plot, that runs beneath to the main reason to watch these movies...The Marx Bros! It's the boy wanting girl sub plot (unimportant) that is in every movie they made. Like you, I love these guys' comic genius. Especially Groucho. Those eyes have a bit of the Devil in them. Great stuff. Thank you

[@johnmackendrick5173]

Someone asked Groucho why the movie was called "Duck Soup." His explanation: "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." I hope that clears things up for you.

[@Texasjim2007]

"Cocoanuts" in which Groucho owns a hotel with Chico and Harpo as employees and "Monkee Business" where the Marx Brothers are stowaways who get mixed up with a gangster were two of their earliest films along with "Duck Soup". Along with "A Night at the Opera" Queen also had an album called "Day at the Races" named after another Marx brothers film. The mirror gag here was also done in a guest appearance Harpo made on "I Love Lucy" where Lucy is dressed up like Harpo. Groucho had a quiz show on television called "You Bet Your Life" where people would have a conversion with him and if they said the magic word, a duck would come down from the ceiling with a prize for them.

[@thomastimlin1724]

The mirror bit was done by Harpo and Groucho. 20 years or so later Harpo and Lucille Ball did it on I Love Lucy TV Show. At the end of the mirror bit here, Chico walks in and makes it 2 Grouchos on one side of the "mirror." I used to have all 13 Marx Brothers movies on DVD.

[@eddisstreet]

Margaret Dumont started out as a serious actress and singer but later appeared in 7 Marx Brothers films - she was on the receiving end of many great Groucho put-downs

[@stephaniemccarthy1676]

I love the way you get their jokes. Love that you watch real classic movies. Bravo darling

[@timwillard4298]

Duck Soup and Horse Feathers are my favorites

[@johnmaynardable]

I love The Marx Bros. and Duck Soup is my favorite. I recentltly adopted a 10 mos. old dog and named him Rufus T. Firefly after Groucho's character in this film. Queen named their albums from these films.

[@jamesoblivion]

'Are those ducks really being cooked alive? I can't wait to see this!' 😂

[@bensweiss]

It is so wonderful to see your reactions. The laughing is wonderful and I laughed at your laughing. It is very precious to hear that you say you do not want the film to end. And the good thing is that there are more films. This film is one of my favorites and is an anti-war film.

[@vincentsaia6545]

Their mother, Minnie, was the daughter of successful European stage performers and the sister of Al Shean of the popular Vaudeville comedy act Gallagher and Shean. She put her sons onstage in various combinations when they were still children as an unsuccessful musical act. They changed to a comedy act because of a bull that got loose in the street when they were performing in Tucananochus, Texas. Groucho was so angered that the audience ran out to see the bull that when they came back Groucho changed the lyrics of the song he was sining to, "Tuscanolnocus is full of roaches" and "The Jack-ass is the most beautifu animal in Texas." The audience howeld in laughter and after that Minnie had her brother Al write comedy sketches for them and the rest, as they say, is history.

[@joeconcepts5552]

It's funny how much the brothers look alike. You really see it when they're all done up like Groucho.

[@stevedotwood]

they were amazing. I watched a few documentaries and read a few books about them on how they grew up. really interesting characters. Love the laughs, brings back the time when I first saw their movies. They inspired so many.

[@MisterUnlikely]

"Grew up?" That's very directionist of you. Actually, Groucho grew down, Chico grew left, Zeppo grew forth. Sadly, to this day, none of them grew back.

[@stevedotwood]

@@MisterUnlikely you'd better have a painted moustache on your face to make me laugh.

[@MisterUnlikely]

@@stevedotwood With jokes this bad, my mustache must obviously be groan.

[@JCResDoc94]

*ducksoup is like "it's a piece of cake" , but w a twist "easy as making duck soup* or we live in a world of lies. _JC

[@johnwest5837]

A Huff was actually a automobile.

[@zztij]

I'm old enough to have grown up watching these movies on TV which was before color TV so everything you watched on TV was black and white. There was only color movies at movie theaters and all TV's were black and white.

[@johndeluca7938]

If only we had comedians like them today!!!!

[@PV1230]

this is one of my favorite all time comedies. Groucho is a genius.

[@richardpetty9159]

The woman in this movie, who you’d previously seen in A Night At The Opera, was Margaret Dumont. I’ve read she was a respected American stage actress when her association with the Marx brothers began. Groucho really like to have her play his straight man and she’s appeared in many of their movies. Supposedly she never understood Groucho’s humor but I doubt that was true, though she liked working with the Marx brothers.

[@BadWisdom523]

One word - Hellzapoppin’ - it’s a black and white movie that will blow your mind

[@highstimulation2497]

By the WAY, they have five early films, all WITH zeppo, then they had seven or so later films, all without him. the later films are kinda less and less excellent, though this is a matter of opinion. A Day at the Races and A Night at the Opera are the standouts among the later films. their LAST 'important' film was A Night in Casablanca, which personally I've always loved. in between them are 'room service,' 'go west,' 'the big store,' and 'At The Circus' (always liked it too.) However their first five films are MADCAP and INSANE, as you have seen in Duck Soup (their finest, many say.) The Coconuts and Animal Crackers are the first two, they were both adapted from stage plays and have some of the trappings of plays/musicals that all the other films don't (such as the intro to the entire work being a song that is sung by characters who turn out to be minor characters (bellhops, in the case of Animal Crackers. (I played several musicals, and many of them (older ones, anyway,) featured very similar things, but I digress.) DUCK SOUP, MONKEY BUSINESS and my PERSONAL favorite HORSE FEATHERS are the remaining of the first five madcap insane amazing films. Do see horse feathers, EVERY scene (well, almost,) ends in TOTAL CHAOS.