Rating: 
Summary: All Hail Freedonia!
Review: This is one of the funniest comedy I've ever seen. And I've seen lots of comedies. I debated over which Marx Brothers movies are the funniest and I believe this one and "A Night at the Opera" run neck-in-neck with each other. It's completely satirical about politics and war. This one has enough witty lines and gags to keep you in stitches. Guaranteed! Historically when the movie first come out, it was a BIG flop and nearly ruined Paramount Pictures. But, what do critics know anyway? Besides what other movie has snazzy songs like 'Freedonia is Going to War.' This was also the last film, Zeppo Marx (Bob Roland) starred in. Groucho Marx plays Rufus T. Firefly, the ruler of a small country Freedonia. The country is in ruin and Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) is it's benefactor and the object of Firefly's affections. When Ambassador Trentino leader of Sylvania arrives and falls for Mrs. Teasdale and Firefly declares war. Firefly enlists the help of some tricky accomplices Chicolini (Chico) and silent partner (Harpo). All kinds of hiliarious mayhem hit the fan on both sides.
Some of the funniest lines is when Mrs. Teasdale greets Firefly in the Freedonia meeting hall as he enters: Mrs. Teasdale: "As chairman of the reception committee, I welcome you with open arms." Rufus T. Firefly: "Is that so? How late do you stay open?" Another one is the scene in Firefly's chambers when he offers Chico the position of Secretary of War instead: Rufus T. Firefly: "How would you like a job in the mint?" Chicolini: "Mint? No, no, I no like a mint. Uh - what other flavor you got?" And that's not enough they keep 'em coming in the courtroom: Rufus T. Firefly: "Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth." Chicolini: "I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll take five and ten in Woolworth." And the zaniness never stop! Am I seeing things, or did Groucho change his uniform five times at the ending scene of the battlefield? One good things about the ending, there are no casualities. This is a non-stop laugh a minute. It's still crazy after all these years.
Rating: 
Summary: Waiter! Waiter! There's A Duck In My Soup!
Review: Rufus T. Firefly - Not that I care, but where is your husband?
Mrs. Teasdale - Why, he's dead.
Rufus T. Firefly - I bet he's just using that as an excuse.
Mrs. Teasdale - I was with him to the very end.
Rufus T. Firefly - No wonder he passed away.
Mrs. Teasdale - I held him in my arms and kissed him.
Rufus T. Firefly - Oh, I see, then it was murder. Will you marry me? Did he leave you any money? Answer the second question first.
This is an exchange between Groucho and Margaret Dumont. "Duck Soup" is probably one of the "fastest" comedies of all-time. More so than any other Marx Brother movie, and that's saying a lot. Notice how every bit of dialogue Groucho has is a wise-crack. What I love about watching the Marx Brothers is how just about nothing makes sense. The plots seem to get in the way of their movies. Its as if it's slowing them down. Just give them room and let them do what they want. And that's just about what seems to be going on in this movie. Every scene revolves around one of the four brothers (This is Zeppo's last film). This was also the last time that would happen since "Duck Soup" bombed at the box-office. "Duck Soup" starts off with Freedonia, a small country on the verge of banruptcy due to it's spending half of Mrs. Teasdale's (Dumont) fortune of 40 million dollars. She agrees the only way she will offer more money to the country is if they agree to Rufus T. Firefly as its new leader. Put in a corner they agree and G-d will they be sorry in the end. If there is one problem with "Duck Soup" most fans of the Marx Brothers will agree on is the fact Chico and Harpo are not allowed to play the piano and harp. Those two things have become fixures in their films. "Duck Soup" is a comedy those not familiar with the Marx Brothers will enjoy. It may turn you into a fan. You'll be so impressed with the wise-cracks and crazy antics of the brothers. And than there's the famous "mirror" scene. Which most people seem to think originated here. But, no, it was used in a Charlie Chaplin short from 1916 entitled "The Floorwalker". Bottom-line: One of the "fastest" comedies of all-time. The Marx brothers are at their zany best. One of their best films!
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST FILM OF THE MARX BROTHERS.
Review: What do Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and the Marx Brothers have in common? They never said a vulgar joke, and, oh yeah, all of them are legends and created some of the funniest movies of all time. Well, "Duck Soup" is the funniest movie that the Marx brothers ever did. The movie is packed with hilarious dialogue, wacky scenes, unforgettable comedic sequences, and smart satire. What comedic styles appear in "Duck Soup"? You name it: it has slapstick, satire, physical gags, smart one-liners, smart elaborated jokes, musical humor, etc, etc, etc. If you haven't seen a Marx Brothers film, please, do yourself a favor and go watch "Duck Soup". By the time the final credits appear on screen, you will get rid of your "American Pie" DVD's (if you have one), you will trash your Adam Sandler collection (if you have it). Well, I'm only joking, bottom line: the Marx Bros. are the real deal.
Rating:
Summary: The best, for fans of the Marxes
Review: The best film the Marx brothers ever did, particularly because it doesn't veer off into operatic musical numbers at any point (the only songs in this movie go along with the comic tone). Groucho plays Rufus T. Firefly, who is chosen by the wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (played by the inimitably straight-faced Margaret DuMont - I can think of no better "straight man" - or woman, in this case - in all of comedy) to lead the bankrupt country of Freedonia away from impending war and financial ruin. The structure of the film closely resembles a Looney-Tunes cartoon, like many of the Marx's films; no reason is given for anything, it's all just inspired lunacy. Of course, it's worth the price of the video alone to hear Groucho and DuMont's exchanges - but the scenes where Chico and Harpo are harassing a street vendor are also hysterical. The entire film, like the previous "Animal Crackers," will withstand repeated viewings, simply because the movie flies at such a brisk pace, you're bound to miss some jokes here and there (you may not even catch them all after several times). Finally, also worth noting is the terrific send-up near the end of the film of the Busby Berkeley musical mega-finales that were popular at the time. A great political satire that deserves a place on your video / DVD rack.
Rating:
Summary: Hail, Hail Freedonia!
Review: This movie makes me HOWL with laughter! The only bad thing about this movie is that Chico and Harpo don` t have an encounter with two certain instruments. Other than that, this movie is flawless.
Rating:
Summary: Still hilarious 70 years later!
Review: The Marx brothers are gold in this movie that never goes out of style. Groucho is Rufus T. Firefly, the leader of fictional Freedonia. Chico and Harpo are the two spies sent to get information on him. Soon they are all at war. The one-liners and physical slapstick are genius! Chico and Harpo are posing as peanut vendors outside Firefly's palace in an effort to spy and get into fights with a neighboring vendor. At one point, Chico kicks him and he yells "I'll teach you to kick me!" Chico retorts "I don't need you to teach me -- I already know how!" and he kicks him again. Another priceless scene is when Harpo dresses to look like Groucho and they play the famous "mirror-image in the doorway" routine (I first saw Harpo do this with Lucille Ball on a classic "I Love Lucy" episode, not realizing it was a replay of this movie which preceded that by 20 years.) This is more than a film, it's an American classic and a testament to comedic wit and timing that is always humorous to any audience.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Penny (Ruble)
Review: My good friend K.M (Karl Marx recommended this movie to me a while ago (back in 1933 about nine years after my premature death) Now I have it on DVD and I can still say that I find this movie just as great as I did back 70 years ago. Groucho and his ilk (The other brothers) continue (even in death) to represent the gold standard of comedy. Despite my untimely death I still find that this movie makes me laugh like no other. Oh by the way Groucho, Karl told me that your Mom wanted you to pick up a gallon of milk.
Rating:
Summary: Captain Spaulding Saves the Day!!!
Review: I was lucky enough to get these DVDs during the monkey business stating that these films were being re-released. And the price went down from $700 to $200-$300. Still pretty expensive, but well worth it for any true Marx Brother's fan. They're only being released in the non-USA (PAL) version. And I think many (including myself) were confused by the new 5 DVD set that's coming out in Nov. I was hoping that this set would include 5 of their movies, but it's just a documentary type film (one that I'm eager to see). To sum this all up, I give this DVD set 10 stars....5 more than the amazon rating system allows.
Rating:
Summary: Souperb!
Review: This particular Marx Brothers movie deserves special mention as it doesn't feature much of Zeppo but loads of Margaret Dumont. And the mirror routine of course. Enough said.
Rating: 
Summary: DO NOT BUY!
Review: As usual, you have some people trying to rip you off here, charging $305 for 3 DVDs. And they probably call themselves fans of American comedy. Ha! There's a 5 DVD "Marx Bros Collection" coming out in November 03, and the price will be about $25. So preorder it, and spend the other $280 on your kids!
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