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Post by Patcat on Mar 28, 2005 17:20:39 GMT -5
One of the themes for April on Turner Classic Movies is "April Fools". The cable channel will feature great comedians--here's a chance to catch great silent comedians--Chaplin, Lloyd, and Keaton will each have evenings--and a complete run of the Marx Brothers movies.
Must see--DUCK SOUP! A nearly 70 year old political satire as funny as when it was made.
Patcat
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Post by janetcatbird on Apr 7, 2005 9:35:11 GMT -5
Tomorrow (Fri APril 8) is an all day Marx Brothers fest. Go to www.tcm.turner.com for articles, pictures, etc. I gotta stock up on tapes. |
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Post by janetcatbird on Apr 9, 2005 12:51:13 GMT -5
I must say I enjoyed "A Night at the Opera", and "Duck Soup" was fantastic. Also had the other films on as background while chilling on Friday night. While they are a bit dated and I don't much care for Chico and Harpo, I love Groucho! Not only for the wisecracks, but he also was very good with physical humor as well--I loved watching him rhumba or dance with the various leading ladies.
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Post by Patcat on Apr 9, 2005 15:35:32 GMT -5
I love the Marx brothers, so I was a very happy camper last night.
I think Chico's character was based on a style of comedy that's not fashionable, and indeed is more than a little embarassing these days. It's clearly based on an ethnic stereotype.
During their times of greatest success, Harpo was considered a comic genius--which I agree he was--but his style seems a little "precious" and sweet today.
But Groucho is as funny today as he ever was, and his anti-authoritarianism probably increases his appeal.
But poor Zeppo--I can't remember what brother said, but one of them noted that Zeppo was the baby of the family and so they stuck him with all the plot and romantic development.
Last story--Harpo Marx and his wife adopted several children. When asked why, he answered, "My house has lots of windows. When I come home, I want to see a kid in every window waiting for me."
Patcat
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Post by janetcatbird on Apr 10, 2005 19:55:02 GMT -5
Yes, I love that quote from Harpo Marx. I think the big thing from their movies is just that they seem very dated now, that whole shuffle of mediums where vaudeville routines don't work quite so well without a live audience. I'm not saying it's bad, I just don't care for them. And you do have to cringe at the stereotypes, especially the blackface and the "Gabriel" number in "A Day at the Races" I think it was.
My great-grandfather was actually a stagehand in a couple of the old vaudeville theatres for a while. Not his whole career, I think they were just to pay the bills in his younger days, but he did meet several of the performers--Ray Bolger among them. FOr someone who watched "The Wizard of Oz" obsessively as a little child (and still loves it!), and loved Scarecrow most, I was especially excited to find that out.
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