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Duck Soup: A Classic Comedy That's Still Relevant Today

Eric Hayes

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Duck Soup (BFI Film Classics)

by J. Hoberman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16847 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages

Duck Soup is a classic comedy film that was released in 1933. The film stars the Marx Brothers and is considered to be one of their best works. The film is a satire of war and politics, and it features some of the most iconic scenes in comedy history.

The film begins with Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) being elected president of the bankrupt country of Freedonia. Firefly is a pompous and incompetent leader, and he quickly leads the country into a war with neighboring Sylvania. The war is a complete disaster, and Firefly is eventually overthrown by his own people.

Duck Soup is a hilarious film that is full of quotable lines and memorable characters. The Marx Brothers are at their best in this film, and they deliver some of the most side-splitting comedy ever captured on film.

Duck Soup is also a film with a surprisingly sharp political edge. The film's satire of war and politics is still relevant today, and it offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind nationalism and the horrors of war.

If you're a fan of comedy, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, then you need to see Duck Soup. It's a classic film that will leave you laughing from beginning to end.

Cast

Groucho Marx as Rufus T. Firefly
Harpo Marx as Pinky
Chico Marx as Chicolini
Zeppo Marx as Bob Rowlands
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Teasdale
Louis Calhern as Trentino
Raquel Torres as Vera Marcal

Crew

Director: Leo McCarey
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Screenplay: Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby
Cinematography: Henry Cronjager
Music: W.C. Fields
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons

Legacy

Duck Soup has been hailed as one of the greatest comedy films ever made. The film has been ranked on numerous lists of the best films of all time, including AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs and the British Film Institute's 100 Greatest British Films.

The film has been praised for its sharp wit, its memorable characters, and its timeless satire. Duck Soup is a film that has stood the test of time, and it remains one of the most beloved comedies ever made.

Awards

Duck Soup won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1934. The film was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director.

Home Media

Duck Soup is available on DVD and Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection. The Criterion Collection release includes a number of special features, including an audio commentary by film historian Leonard Maltin and a documentary on the making of the film.

Duck Soup is a classic comedy film that is still relevant today. The film's sharp wit, memorable characters, and timeless satire make it a must-see for any fan of comedy.

Duck Soup (BFI Film Classics)

by J. Hoberman

4.8 out of 5