Duck soup

Resource Information

The work Duck soup represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Bates College. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Duck soup

Statement of responsibility

J. Hoberman

Creator

• Hoberman, J.,
• Hoberman, J.,

Author

• Hoberman, J.,
• Hoberman, J.,

Subject

• Marx Brothers
• Marx Brothers
• Duck soup (Motion picture)
• Duck soup (Motion picture)
• Duck soup (Motion picture)
• Marx Brothers

Language

eng

Summary

"The Marx Brothers are universally considered to be classic Hollywood's preeminent comedy team and Duck Soup is generally regarded as their quintessential film. A topical satire of dictatorship and government in general, the movie was a critical failure and box-office let-down on its initial release in 1933. J. Hoberman's study of the film traces its reputation history, from the initial disappointment of its release, to its rise to cult status in the 1960s when the Marx's anarchic, anti-establishment humor seemed again timely. Hoberman places Duck Soup, alongside analogous comedies-Dr. Strangelove (1964), the Beatles films, Morgan! (1966), The President's Analyst (1967) and The Producers (1968). It attained canonical stature as a touchstone for Woody Allen and would be recognized by the Library of Congress in the 1990s. Hoberman's analysis provides a historical and political context as well as an in-depth production history, drawing on primary sources and emphasizing director McCarey's prior work along with the Marx Brothers as well as the situation at Paramount, a substantial synopsis, and an account of the movie's initial reception, concluding with its subsequent elevation to comic masterpiece."--Provided by publisher

Member of

• BFI film classics

Cataloging source

YDX

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Series statement

BFI film classics