The Marx Bros' first movie is an early talkie that suffers from the limitations of the time in which it was made. The sound is full of hisses, the camera-work is static, and the production has a very stagy quality about it. Really it's more of a filmed stage play than a movie. The parts where the Marxes aren't the focus, especially the lame romantic stuff and the forgettable musical numbers, are tough to sit through. But when the Marxes are on screen, they're lots of fun. They perfected these parts on stage so it should come as no surprise they seem more relaxed in their roles than many of the other actors in the movie, who are very stiff. In addition to being the first film for the Marx Bros, this is also the film debut of Kay Francis. She does nothing in this to make an impression. Margaret Dumont gets her first big screen role here, which is fitting considering she's best remembered today for her movies with the Marxes. In the opening minutes, pay close attention and you'll notice Barton MacLane as a beefy guy on the beach with an amorous woman draped on his arm. It's a fun movie despite its problems. See it for the Bros and keep your finger on the FF button for when they aren't around. Their 'viaduct' routine is a classic.
Review of The Cocoanuts
