by Julian Spivey

The Marx Brothers were known for their hilarious hi-jinx and one-liners.

However, their 1933 comedy classic Duck Soup, directed by Leo McCarey, is not only known for its revolutionary scenes, like the one were  Harpo Marx pantomimes Groucho Marx through a mirror and its notable one-liners like Groucho’s “I could dance with you until the cows come home. On second thought, I’d rather dance with the cow till you come home” in reference to actress Margaret Dumont. The movie is well known as one of Hollywood’s first satire movies on the subject of war.

At the time of Duck Soup’s release in the early 1930s the movie was met with much criticism and very little success at the box office as fans did not appreciate the films political disrespect and cynicism at a time when political and economic woes (the Depression) were at hand.

As years went by the film was beginning to be seen as a great piece of satirical comedy when the 1960s rolled around.

Duck Soup was the final film to feature all four Marx brothers: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo. The film which ranks in at number 85 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Movies is relatively short running at sixty-eight minutes in length. The movie is filled with zany moments like Harpo Marx’s on-going quarrel with a lemonade vendor, musical numbers, hilarious gags and comedy bits, but most importantly makes fun of the stupidity and absurdity of war.

Duck Soup is very frenetic and as soon as it seems to get rolling it comes to an end, so viewers must be on their heels to catch some of the movies funniest lines and moments. Many of the movies funniest moments occur between Groucho Marx and Margaret Dumont including the classic:

Marx: “Not that I care, but where is your husband?”

Dumont: “Why, he’s dead.”

Marx: “I bet he’s just using that as an excuse.”

Dumont: “I was with him to the very end.”

Marx: “No wonder he passed away.”

Dumont: “I held him in my arms and kissed him.”

Marx: “Oh, I see, than it was murder. Will you marry me? Did he leave you any money? Answer the second question first.”

The movie’s most controversial line might well be its most profound, “You’re a brave man. Go break through the lines. And remember, while you’re out their risking your life and limb through shot and shell, we’ll be in here thinking what a sucker you are.”

Duck Soup is truly a comedic classic, but unlike many other comedic classics serves an important purpose.