A Day at the Races
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Movie Reviews of A Day at the Races
Movie Review: Good Marx Brothers Movie
Summary: 4 Stars
While not one of their absolute best, "A Day at the Races" is still a very good, very funny Marx Brothers movie. Most of Groucho's one-liners ("If I marry you, I'll never look at another horse again") are good, and the short routines (particularly the 'tootsie frootsie ice cream' scam) are excellent as well. The only problem is the dreadful romantic subplot with Allan Jones and Maureen O'Sullivan, as well as some terrible musical numbers (like the dated "All God's Chillun Got Lovin').The DVD is in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, and it looks fine. Glenn Mitchell, author of the superb "Marx Brothers Encyclopedia," offers a commentary. There are way too many long gaps (especially towards the end), but it does offer a lot of interesting information. A radio ad and an outtake from the long-lost song "Message From the Man on the Moon" will be appreciated by scholars, and the inclusion of shorts and cartoons (include Robert Bencheley's "A Night at the Movies") makes for good entertainment.
Like its companion disc, "A Night at the Opera," the only serious flaw is in the documentary. "On you Marx, Get Set, Go!" has several interviewees offering a limited amount of interesting insight into the film and the brothers (particularly the affordable comedian Dom DeLuise, who does some miserable jokes about food during his segments).
Movie Review: Zany comedy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is considered one of the best Marx Brothers comedies. It has a few dead moments, but the story is interesting (it is not only gags and routines) and the music is fetching. One curiosity, as the movie goes to the horse race, the music is lifted from Night at the Opera. The acting is fine and involved. Margaret Dumont is a perfect foil for Groucho, and yet manages to keep her character through all of the antics. The two best scenes involve Groucho's dinner date and the medical exam. The Groucho/Chico banter this time around involves handycapping books. Very funny and perfectly times. Alan Jones is not given as much to do in this movie as in A Night at the Opera, but he still manages his part well. This has more Harpo in it, and he is quite funny. Why not 5 stars? Well, the sound is variable and the accompanying cartoons are not really funny, nor are the interviews very informative. The companion movie (Night at the Opera) is much better . . . or am I just showing my biases toward (and against) opera.Movie Review: Hello Doctor, Hello Doctor...
Summary: 4 Stars
Doctor Hugo Z. Hackenbush (Groucho Marx) is hired by Judy Standish (Maureen O'Sullivan) to save her sanatorium as the greedy Morgan (Douglas Dumbrille) attempts take over the sanatorium and turn it into a casino. In addition, Judy has taken the word of a rich client that Hackenbush is a great doctor and she does not check out his credentials and he later turns out to be a veterinarian. If this knowledge leaked to the wrong people it could lead to Judy loosing her sanatorium, and people loosing their jobs. Day at the Races is a hilarious film that depicts the Marx brothers once again fighting social injustices with slap-stick and witty comedy, which in the end offers a good cinematic experience.Movie Review: Pretty Good
Summary: 4 Stars
The Marx brothers strike again with this amusing story of a Sanitarium and a Horse track.
The plot is a little contrived but the comedy is first rate, the music is above avg and for a change Margaret Dumont is chasing Groucho rather than the other way around for a good chunk of the picture.
It is a fine example of classic comedy and in the A rank of Marx brothers movies.
Movie Review: The third best Marx Brothers film
Summary: 4 Stars
Sam Wood did a good job directing this film. The dvd quality is gorgeous. It was nice to have so many different sets, indoors and outdoors, that made it more interesting. The dialogue scenes are as funny as they can be. The singing and dancing parts I usually fast forward them, and the plot holds well. Recommended.