I could have done without the musical parts of the movie, but the rest was so funny. Witty and physical comedy. I haven’t laughed that hard at a movie in a long time.

My review at Epinions.

I never knew that Groucho’s mustache was painted on.

It’s easy to forget that the Marx Brothers were not all about Groucho’s quick wit and greasepaint moustashe. In this wonderfully funny 1935 film, Chico shines as a pianist and comic equal to his sibling. Harpo plays the harp, mimes the gags, and stops the show with the best of them (he did his own stunts, too!). Zeppo got left out in the move from Paramount to MGM. Our loss. But it’s still a classic bit of comedy, most definitely worth watching.

I watched Duck Soup a couple of months back and enjoyed it a lot, it felt like experimental filmmaking – very different from anything you would see made today. A Night at the Opera is much more mainstream in comparison, and honestly I think I enjoyed it much more because of that – isn’t that sad? I think what made the most difference was the amount of screen time for Groucho, who I think works better if he isn’t in every scene. I liked the musical interludes, especially Chico and Harpo’s performances on the ship. Overall, watch Duck Soup if you want to witness genius, watch this film if you want to laugh.

I loved the Marx Brothers so much as a kid, and my general impression had been that I’d probably find them even funnier as a teenager, and, for the most part, I think I was right. Honestly, I had even kind of forgotten that there were Marx Brothers other than Groucho, or at least, that they were pretty much on par with his comedic skills, as much as he seems thrust towards the center of the stage.

Some consider this the best Marx Bros. movie. I don’t think this is the case (I’m pretty sure that would be Duck Soup), but this is still a hilarious movie.

The problem is that after the Marx Brothers moved to Paramount (following Duck Soup), they insisted on injecting a romantic subplot that sort of drags. If it weren’t for the two non-Marx main characters who never really manage to be amusing on any level and their occasionally extended moments of song, this would probably be five stars.

As it is, it’s certainly worth seeing!

i watched a night at the opera this evening. i have been watching a few marx brothers movies lately. this one surpassed them all. there are some classic scenes . . . especially one where they cram about twenty people into a tiny ship cabin that is exceptionally funny. this film has alot of physical humor. they were true geniuses. i highly recommend it, especially if one has not seen a marx brother picture before. they are some of the american greats and this movie really personifies their talent.