At the Circus *** (1939, Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Kenny Baker, Margaret Dumont, Eve Arden, Florence Rice) – Classic Movie Review 3063

Director Edward Buzzell’s fairly enjoyable 1939 comedy was a turning point for the Marx Brothers, who, ten years after their first feature in 1929 (The Cocoanuts), seem to be starting to coast with this film. At the Circus is still funny, but noticeably less consistently and continuously so.

Groucho Marx stars as a fast-talking crooked lawyer called Attorney J Cheever Loophole, while Chico and Harpo play their usual two nincompoops, circus workers Antonio Pirelli and Punchy. Together the three of them try to help small circus owner Jeff Wilson (Kenny Baker) recover the stolen $10,000 he owes his partner John Carter (James Burke). Carter has got accomplices to steal the money before Jeff can pay him, so that he can take over the circus. It’s up to the Marxes to find the thief and get the money back.

Nevertheless, even if it’s not vintage Marx Brothers, in between the several dull bits there are lots of big highlights: Groucho singing ‘Lydia the Tattooed Lady’, the climax with the orchestra floating out to sea, Eve Arden as Peerless Pauline walking on the ceiling, and, especially, all the bits with the splendid Margaret Dumont as Mrs Suzanna Dukesbury in her priceless double act with Groucho.

Also in the cast are Florence Rice as Julie Randall, Nat Pendleton as the strongman Goliath, Fritz Feld, Barnett Parker and Jerry Maren.

http://derekwinnert.com/the-cocoanuts-1929-groucho-marx-chico-marx-harpo-marx-zeppo-marx-margaret-dumont-oscar-shaw-mary-eaton-kay-francis-classic-movie-review-3062/

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 3063

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com