MovieChat Forums > At the Circus (1939) Discussion > Groucho seems a parody of himself

Groucho seems a parody of himself

posted 14 years ago by liquidgardener
4 replies | jump to latest

Just watched this again after many years, and while there are many brilliant moments (and the wonderful "Lydia" can be heard), I can't escape feeling Groucho is overplaying his own character. Never have I seen him look more like the Groucho that appears in Bugs Bunny cartoons. His walk is more exaggerated, the raising of the eyebrows, and that he's obviously wearing a toupee just made him look like a cartoon of himself. I'll have to read back on Groucho's own recollections to see his impressions of the film. And certainly the lack of Thalberg makes this film a lot weaker than its predecessors....but still a fun time with the Marxes.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] zaphod08 14 years ago

Its been a long while, and its late, but wasn't Lydia in Go West?

In the kingdom of the blind, you're the village idiot.

[–] Sproketer 13 years ago

No, this was the only time he sang "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady" in the movies. It was on the train after he had a dispute with Chico at the station about not having a badge that would allow him on. If you recall, during Groucho's song, Harpo is on someone's shoulders and they are both dancing with the circus's very tall lady.

[–] Sproketer 13 years ago

Another thing that was unfortunate was this was the first time Groucho wore a hairpiece, and it was obviously a wig at first glance, and he wasn't pleased with this.