Marx Brothers, Duck Soup, Part 4

February 8, 2009, admin

The first half of the clip features the enigma that is Zeppo. Opinion is divided as to whether he is an entirely superfluous member of the brothers or an entirely necessary everyman that allows the audience to connect with the madness of the other three. Off-screen, Zeppo was apparently a bit of a wag, even perhaps, the funniest of the brothers. He just never developed a comic persona.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Duck Soup, Part Three

February 1, 2009, admin

The wonderful peanut vendor scene. Look out at around 0:39 for how Harpo silences Chico’s complaints. I long to do that in real life. Then there’s that great hat-swapping scene, in the middle of which Harpo pulls an extraordinary face for no apparent reason.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers - Duck Soup, Part Two

January 25, 2009, admin

Wonderful, wonderful stuff. I watched the whole ten minute section with the sound turned down and still really enjoyed it. Take the first two minutes and marvel at Groucho gliding around as if he is on castors. Then Harpo and Chico’s bizarre entrance at 3:47 and the subsequent great scene where they behave like the world’s naughtiest children.

Above all, I love Harpo’s random and capricious attacks - he never seems to have any motive that’s anything to do with the plot. Look out for the script for this scene in the articles section, soon.

Sad to hear that the Marx Brother’s historic childhood home is under threat.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (1)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Duck Soup – Part One

January 23, 2009, admin

Classic Marx Brothers movie which I’ll post up in its entirety. This scene features a nice introduction between Groucho’s shameless gold-digger Rufus T. Firefly and Margaret Dumas.

For many years. The myth was propagated that Dumas never understood the jokes and continually asked “Julie” (her pet name for Groucho, real name Julius) to tell her ‘why are they laughing?’ However, it’s more than likely that she took pains to maintain the character of a middle aged ingénue. It was, after all, her bread and butter: she played the same role with other comedians, such as Laurel and Hardy and Abbot and Costello.

Dumont: I’ve sponsored your appointment because I feel you are the most able statesman in all Freedonia.
Groucho: Well, that covers a lot of ground. Say, you cover a lot of ground yourself! You’d better beat it; I hear they’re going to tear you down and put up an office building where you’re standing!

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers - Duck Soup script, part one

January 22, 2009, admin

I am going to post up the whole of the 1933 classic Duck Soup, as well as the original script, by Harry Ruby, Bert Kalmar and Grover Jones. It’s interesting to see which lines didn’t survive to the final film cut and which ones got changed.

Some have argued that their anarchic, rebellious humor was a direct response to the depression and I can see the logic in that view.

Anyway, here’s strong part one of the script

The story begins with an opening shot on the exterior of the
executive mansion. It is a gala day. Soldiers are lined up
in front of the entrance; expensive cars and carriages are
arriving and depositing distinguished notables from the
adjoining countries. Two trumpeters at the head of the stairs
announce the arrival of each notable.

In the large reception hall, Mrs. Teasdale, wife of the late
president, is greeting the newcomers. The room is filled
with distinguished guests. At the moment we see Mrs.
Teasdale, she is talking with a notable. In the near
background is a group of distinguished men, members of her
own cabinet. Her words to the notable are not lost on them,
and as she begins to praise the new dictator, there is the
exchange of disapproving glances.

MRS. TEASDALE
It is so good of you to come.

NOTABLE
An honor, Mrs. Teasdale… You must
indeed have great faith in your new
dictator to give him such a
magnificent reception.

MRS. TEASDALE
I feel that Rufus T. Firefly is the
only logical successor to my dear
departed husband. He has the
statesmanship of Gladstone, the
humility of Lincoln, and the wisdom
of Pericles.

The notable kisses her hand once more and leaves the scene.
As he does, the background group moves into Mrs. Teasdale.
Their spokesman addresses Mrs. Teasdale.

FIRST CABINET MEMBER
(Protestingly)
Mrs. Teasdale, as members of
Freedonia’s cabinet, we do not approve
of your choice. Who is this Rufus
T. Firefly?

SECOND CABINET MEMBER
(Waving aloft a paper)
A stranger in our midst, an agent
for the Eureka Ammunition Company.
Think of it, Gentlemen, an ammunition
salesman dictating the policies of
our peace-loving country.

THIRD CABINET MEMBER
Reconsider, Mrs. Teasdale, before it
is too late. The citizens of
Freedonia want a President!

MRS. TEASDALE
As the widow of your last president,
I have the right to choose — and,
Gentlemen, I refuse to discuss the
matter any further.

Mrs Teasdale turns her back on them, leaving them to mumble
among themselves.

From off scene comes a servant’s voice, announcing:

SERVANT
His Excellency, Ambassador Verdi
Trentino of Amnesia!

Cut… to the archway. We see Trentino enter with a beautiful
brunette at his side. He is followed by two or three of his
fellowmen. He moves across the reception hall to Mrs.

Teasdale, bows most graciously and presses his lips to the
back of her hand, then introduces his companion.

TRENTINO
Mrs. Teasdale… my niece, Vera.

Mrs. Teasdale shakes the girl’s hand warmly.

MRS. TEASDALE
(To niece)
Your uncle has been such a friend to
us in every crisis. Without his
country’s financial aid –

TRENTINO
(Lightly)
What is money?
(Tenderly)
Mrs. Teasdale, for you — I would do
anything.

MRS. TEASDALE
(Flustered)
Ambassador!
(Attempting to change
the subject)

I am so anxious for you to meet our
new dictator.

TRENTINO
(Persistent in his
flattery)

Mrs. Teasdale — no matter who rules
Freedonia, to me you will always be
the first lady of the land.

Trentino attempts to take her hand. The latter is a bit
confused, much to the amusement of Vera, who laughingly says:

VERA
Mrs. Teasdale, my uncle’s hopeless —
you’ve been the only topic of
conversation ever since we left
Amnesia.

Mrs. Teasdale’s confusion is happily interrupted by the
announcement of a servant, off scene.

SERVANT
The Honorable Mohamed Pandooh of
Mufhtan!

MRS. TEASDALE
(Hastily)
Oh, I must greet His Honor.

Mrs. Teasdale exits from the scene quickly. Vera and Trentino
look after her, then Vera laughs softly, as their eyes meet.

VERA
So that’s the one you want to marry.

TRENTINO
With Mrs. Teasdale as my wife and
Freedonia under my control –
(He rubs his hands
significantly)

VERA
Maybe it’s not going to be so easy.
From what I’ve heard, Mrs. Teasdale
is rather sweet on this Rufus T.
Firefly.

TRENTINO
That’s where you come in. I’ll leave
him in your hands, and don’t forget
you’re supposed to be my niece.

Vera winks agreeingly.

Mrs. Teasdale enters the scene with Bob Firefly (ZEPPO).

She introduces him.

MRS. TEASDALE
I want you to meet the son of His
Excellency — Bob Firefly…

Ambassador Trentino… his niece, Vera, After the formalities
of introducing, Trentino says:

TRENTINO
Isn’t it about time for the ceremony
to begin, Mrs. Teasdale?
(Mockingly)
I do hope His Excellency won’t be
late.

BOB
(Defensively)
My father makes it a point to always
be on time. As long as I’ve known
him, he’s never been late for an
appointment.

TRENTINO
But it’s two minutes of ten now.

BOB
(As music begins)
His Excellency is due To take his
station. Beginning his new
Administration… He’ll make his
appearance when The clock on the
wall strikes ten.

MRS. TEASDALE
(singing)
When the clock on the wall strikes
ten All you loyal ladies and you
patriotic men Let’s sing the national
anthem when… The clock on the
wall strikes ten.

The clock begins to strike the hour… one… two…
three… four…

ALL
(singing)
Hail, hail, Freedonia… Mightiest
of mighty nations! Hail, hail,
Freedonia Land of the brave and free.

This finishes on an operatic note with everybody with
outstretched hands turned toward the main door that connects
the reception hall with the outer hall.

Groucho doesn’t appear and once more they all sing.

ALL
(singing)
Hail, hail, Freedonia… Land of the
brave and free.

Again Groucho fails to appear and they all sing once more.

ALL
Hail, hail, Freedonia… Land of the
brave and free.

Mrs. Teasdale exchanges an apprehensive glance with Bob.
Vera and Trentino smile.

MRS. TEASDALE
(Nervously)
I hope nothing has happened.

BOB
Mrs. Teasdale, I assure you there is
nothing to worry about. Father is
probably taking extra care in getting
into his robes of state. I’ll call
him.

Bob goes over to a corner of the room and pulls a tapestried
bell cord. This rings a fire bell in Groucho’s room — and
Groucho is disclosed asleep in his canopied bed under a
mosquito netting. He has an unlighted cigar in his mouth.
The continued jangling of the fire bell awakens him from his
slumber and he rises quickly. The cigar begins to emit smoke
when he starts puffing. He hurries over to one corner of
the room where his clothes are arranged in fireman fashion,
gets into them, and then sides down a fireman’s pole into
the reception hall.

The guests are singing the last two lines of the national
anthem when he arrives.

ALL
Hail, hail, Freedonia… Land of the
brave and free.

Groucho starts across the hall in the direction of Mrs.
Teasdale. He passes several notables, one of whom is wearing
an impressive looking medal. Groucho deprives him of it
without stopping his forward movement, and pins it on himself.
He pauses only when he is facing the principal group.

MRS. TEASDALE
(Beaming as she
addresses Groucho)
As chairwoman of the reception
committee, I welcome you and extend
the good wishes of every man, woman
and child of Freedonia. I deem it
an honor on this momentous occasion…

GROUCHO
(Interrupting)
Never mind that stuff…

He takes a pack of cards from is pocket and extends them to
Mrs. Teasdale.

GROUCHO
Take a card.

The bewildered Mrs. Teasdale complies.

Groucho puts the other fifty-one cards in his pocket.

MRS. TEASDALE
What’ll I do with this card?

GROUCHO
You can keep it — I’ve got a whole
pack… Now what were you saying?

MRS. TEASDALE
As chairwoman of the reception
committee, I welcome you with open
arms.

GROUCHO
How late do you stay open?

MRS. TEASDALE
In choosing you, I feel that I serve
my country well. I heartily endorse
everything you stand for.

GROUCHO
Well, I won’t stand for much. And I
won’t stand for you if you don’t
show some improvement soon. Look at
your report card last month — “D”
in spelling… six in behavior.
Now who were the six? A fine state
of affairs — no wonder you can’t
matriculate, now what were you saying?

MRS. TEASDALE
The future of Freedonia rests upon
you. Promise me you will follow in
my husband’s footsteps.

GROUCHO
(To CAMERA)
I haven’t been on the job five minutes
and already she’s making advances to
me.
(To Mrs. Teasdale)
Not that I care — but where is your
husband?

MRS. TEASDALE
(Slightly embarrassed)
Why - er — my husband passed away…
(reverently)
I was with him to the very end.

GROUCHO
No wonder he passed away. I’d like
to be with you to the very end.
Can’t you see what I’m trying to
tell you — I love you.

MRS. TEASDALE
(Very warmly)
Your Excellency!

GROUCHO
You’re not so bad yourself, Mrs.
Teasdale, when I look at you I can
see that we’re facing a crisis.
We’ve got to balance the budget —
we’ve got to cut down everything
including, you.

Ambassador Trentino enters the scene.

MRS. TEASDALE
Oh… Your Excellency… I would
like to present to you… Ambassador
Verdi Trentino Of Amnesia… Having
him with us today is indeed a great
honor.

TRENTINO
(To Mrs. Teasdale,
smiling appreciatively)
Thanks… but I can’t stay very long.

GROUCHO
That’s even a greater honor.

TRENTINO
I bring you the greetings of my
President and the good will of my
people.

GROUCHO
I’ll keep the greetings — but you
can send back the good will… what
we need right now is twenty million
dollars.

TRENTINO
Twenty million dollars is a
considerable sum… I’ll have to
discuss that with my Minister of
Finance.

GROUCHO
Well, in the meantime, could you let
me have $50 personally?

TRENTINO
(Surprised)
$50?

GROUCHO
I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll
give you Mrs. Teasdale as security.
(Throwing a glance at
Mrs. Teasdale)
or my jackknife. If you want my
advice, you’ll take the jackknife…
I’ve a better proposition… Make
it $25 and I’ll give you a first
mortgage on my son and I hope you
foreclose.

TRENTINO
(With a puzzled look
at Groucho)
Your Excellency, haven’t we met
before?

GROUCHO
(Looking at Trentino)
Why yes. I met you at the dog races —
say, you could have won that race if
you tried a little harder.

Vera Trentino enters scene.

TRENTINO
Excellency, may I present my niece.

GROUCHO
Go ahead.

TRENTINO
You don’t understand. This is my
niece Vera.

GROUCHO
(Throwing her a glance)
And Vera niece, too.

VERA
Your Excellency, please don’t think
me silly, but I’d love to have a
picture of you. I want to hang it
in my bedroom.

GROUCHO
You couldn’t hang me in your bedroom —
I’ll make a note of it. Where’s my
secretary?
(Looking around)

Bob (ZEPPO) enters scene.

BOB
Here I am, Father.

GROUCHO
(To Bob)
Take a letter.

BOB
(Taking out a
stenographer’s pad
and pencil)
Who to?

GROUCHO
The President of the United States.

Bob writes as Groucho dictates

GROUCHO
My dear President… read it back…

BOB
(Reading from pad)
“My dear President”…

GROUCHO
That doesn’t sound right… take
out “President”… now read it.

BOB
(Reading)
“My dear”…

GROUCHO
That’s not right yet… put back
“President” and take out “dear”…
How does it read now?

BOB
(Reading)
“My President”…

GROUCHO
There’s still something wrong with
it… take out “President” …now
what’ve you got?

BOB
(Reading)
“My”…

GROUCHO
Now we’re on the right track… Put
back “dear”… How does it read?

BOB
(Reading)
“My dear”…

GROUCHO
You can’t say that to the President…
Put back “President”… Now let’s
hear how sounds.

BOB
(Reading)
“My dear President”…

GROUCHO
That’s what I wanted in the first
place. Tear it up and send it
airmail.

BOB
Is that all?

GROUCHO
Take another letter… to my tailor.

Bob takes dictation again.

GROUCHO
Dear Sir… enclosed find check for
$100. Yours very truly… Send
that immediately.

BOB
I’ll have to enclose the check first.

GROUCHO
You do and I’ll fire you.

Groucho glares over his shoulder at Bob to emphasize his
remark as the latter exits from the scene. Mrs. Teasdale
enters to Groucho.

Look out for Part Two soon

Filed under: Articles, Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Monkey Business Part Nine

November 29, 2008, admin

Groucho is cool.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Monkey Business Part Eight

November 29, 2008, admin

Harpo causes chaos at passport control. The officers, it has to be said, seem extraordinarily tolerant.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Monkey Business Part Seven

November 29, 2008, admin

I particularly like Harpo’s unrestrained manhandling of some poor little bloke in the middle of the clip and the nonsensical attempts to get off the boat, which go further in the next clip.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Monkey Business Part Six

November 29, 2008, admin

Great Chico and Harpo scene. In the part where Harpo has to punch Chico, look for Harpo pulling an absolute amazing face.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post

Marx Brothers, Monkey Business, Part Five

November 29, 2008, admin

More Groucho, the archetypal Mr. Cheeky. I could watch his face for hours. Harpo and Chico disrupt a chess game.

Filed under: Comedy 1920's-1940's, Marx Brothers | Comments (0)  Email This Post