Monkey Business
Monkey Business

Movie spotlight

Monkey Business

1931
Movie
77 min
English

Four stowaways get mixed up with gangsters while running riot on an ocean liner.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Director: Norman Z. McLeodGenres: Comedy, Slapstick

Plot Summary

Four stowaways, Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo, board a luxury liner to escape the authorities. Their misadventures continue as they become entangled with gangsters, perform on stage, and ultimately aim to impress the daughter of the ship's owner, leading to a series of chaotic and hilarious situations.

Critical Reception

Monkey Business is a beloved Marx Brothers film, often cited for its anarchic humor and the unique comedic chemistry of the brothers. While not as critically acclaimed upon release as some of their later work, it is now considered a classic of early screwball comedy and a showcase for their signature brand of absurdity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its relentless pace and Dadaist humor.

  • Highlights the Marx Brothers' individual comedic talents and their chaotic synergy.

  • Seen as a strong early entry in their filmography, establishing their unique comedic style.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's sheer silliness and the Marx Brothers' innovative comedic performances, noting that the anarchic humor still holds up today.

Fun Fact

The film famously features a scene where Harpo Marx plays a harp, which was a rare departure from his usual silent, miming antics and showcased a surprising musical talent.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The four Marx brothers smuggle themselves aboard an ocean liner in barrels and proceed to cause a modicum of havoc on the ship before cleverly avoiding immigration officials in New York and ending up embroiled in a turf war between rival ga...