MovieChat Forums > A Night at the Opera (1935) Discussion > 7/10. Here's why:

7/10. Here's why:

posted 9 years ago by IMDB_Vits
9 replies | jump to latest

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA is my first Marx brothers movie. The mean-spiritness is too much at times, and I read that it's their usual routine! Oh, boy! I don't know about their other movies, but here, Groucho is constantly trying to be the center of attention. There are scenes where Chico and/or Harpo are doing a routine on their own and Groucho meddles with a one-liner that feels out of place. Look Groucho, I know you don't like contracts, but you signed on to be a part of a comedy team. Overall, this movie is still good because the humour is very funny and timeless. However, even for the time period, the editing is terrible. At times, the directing feels like it's on auto-pilot. How weird, since Sam Wood was considered to be a perfectionist and some scenes here involved several takes.

[–] louiseculmer 9 years ago

it was the first one i saw too. I also would give it seven out of ten, becausd although it has some very funny scenes, it also has some rather long stretches of dullness, with a lot of singing, sentimental stuff etc. i also regret that harpo's lecherous exuberance from the eqrlier films has been toned down and he has been rendered tamer.

[–] Bullets1 9 years ago

Groucho didn't sign up to be part of a "team". They were brothers. They'd been doing this act for years and it worked. All their movies are like this foot a reason.

[–] cabbageboy316 9 years ago

Actually they are fairly congenial here compared to the vast majority of the Paramount movies. Watch Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and especially Duck Soup and you'll see that the Marx Bros. were total dicks to everyone, haha. In this Groucho is at least nice to Kitty Carlisle and they try to help Allan Jones get an opera contract.

Harpo loses a lot in the MGM movies. In the Paramount movies he's a totally unhinged maniac constantly doing something wild and crazy, or chasing a blonde.

[–] IMDB_Vits 8 years ago

They were brothers, but they still agreed to work together as a comedy team.

[–] aceventura2013 8 years ago

I also felt that Groucho was not likable and an annoying character. But I don't like people like that in real life either. He comes of like a smartass.

[–] Outstandingness 8 years ago

I do hereby pronounce this thread to be renamed "WHOOSH"

[–] skohl632001 8 years ago

Best.Response.Ever.

[–] kidwiththering 7 years ago

And Groucho is Grouchy, ho do you think he got his name?

[–] richspenc 7 years ago

He's not grouchy at all. He's a smart Alec but he's always enjoying himself while he's being wise. The police detective in the assembly and dissapearing beds scenes, he was grouchy.