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Duck Soup
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Synopsis
In this 1933 Marx Brothers film, the mythical country of Freedonia is broke and on the verge of revolution. Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), Freedonia's principal benefactress, will lend the country 20 million dollars if the president withdraws and places the government in the hands of the "fearless, progressive" Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx). At his inauguration, Firefly shows up late, insults everyone in sight, and sings a song about how he intends to abuse his power. Naturally, the crowd cheers wildly. Meanwhile, Ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern) of neighboring Sylvania schemes to oust Firefly and take over Freedonia himself. To gather enough evidence to discredit Firefly, he sends his most trusted spies, Chicolini (Chico Marx) and Pinky (Harpo Marx). Five minutes after they show up in Freedonia, both spies become important members of Firefly's cabinet, though Chicolini keeps his day job as a peanut vendor. Firefly eventually declares war on Sylvania, an absurd farrago with Firefly changing uniforms from scene to scene, Chicolini going to the other side because the food is better, and Pinky parading around the battlefield with a sandwich board reading "Join the army and see the navy." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Edmund Breese Zander
Louis Calhern Ambassador Trentino
Margaret Dumont Mrs. Teasdale
Verna Hillie Trentino's Secretary
Edgar Kennedy Lemonade Seller
Leonid Kinskey Agitator
Chico Marx Chicolini
Groucho Marx Rufus T. Firefly
Harpo Marx Pinkie
Zeppo Marx Bob Rolland
Edwin Maxwell Secretary of War
Raquel Torres Vera Marcal

Production Crew

Hans Dreier Art Director
Wiard Ihnen Art Director
Henry Sharp Cinematographer
Leo McCarey Director
LeRoy Stone Editor
Arthur Johnston Musical Direction/Supervision
Herman Mankiewicz Producer
Arthur Sheekman Screenwriter
Bert Kalmar Screenwriter
Harry Ruby Screenwriter
Nat Perrin Screenwriter
Harry Ruby Songwriter
Year: 1933
Runtime: 70
Country: USA
MPAA Rating:
Category: Feature

Genre
Comedy

Produced by
Paramount

Release
by Paramount

Awards
1989 - U.S. National Film Registry - Library of Congress
1998 - 100 Greatest American Movies - American Film Institute