Every Marx fan has a favorite movie of theirs; HORSE FEATHERS (1932) is mine.
Ably directed by Norman MacLeod, the screenplay is by S.J. Perelman and Will Johnstone, plus songwriters Bert Kalmer and Harry Ruby, who also contribute two of the brothers' best tunes. Groucho shines on both of these.
"Whatever It Is, I'm Against It" is the famous number where newly appointed president Quincy Wagstaff is introduced to Huxley College, backed by a mortarboard and robe-clad faculty. It briefly segues into "I Aways Get My Man."
The film's musical highlight, "Everyone Says I Love You" is performed by all four brothers: a straight rendering by Zeppo, a harp solo, Chico's energetic vocal over piano with humorous lyrics, and a languid Groucho serenading with guitar for "college widow" Thelma Todd as she gently rows their small boat. His first verse suggests Miss Todd has ulterior motives in being with him. This sequence, which ends with a quacking duck, is my all-time favorite Marx moment.
Much of Prof. Wagstaff's anatomy class lecture is from "Home Again," a vaudeville act written for them by Uncle Al Shean that was based on their "Fun In Hi Skule" skit. Another recycling of old material is Harpo's cleavering a deck of cards in half. This is from their first Broadway show, "I'll Say She Is."
Other famous sequences: the speakeasy "swordfish" password routine, a merry chase in Miss Todd's bedroom, and the comic football game. A photo taken during work on the latter appeared as a 1932 TIME magazine cover. Chico was at that time recovering from a severe knee injury; he's clearly hobbling in these scenes.
DUCK SOUP (1933) would follow, but in this reviewer's opinion and in the minds of contemporary audiences, "Horse Feathers" was the Marxes last great PARAMOUNT film. (After Duck Soup flopped, their contract with the studio was terminated.)
Highest possible recommendation for this classic comedy!
No comments:
Post a Comment