There are many people, who think the Marx Brothers earlier movies were their best work. This would be true for films, like A Night at the Opera. It isn’t the case with At the Circus. It is funny and has good musical numbers. The brothers are talented, and comedy is hard. They show why they are Hollywood’s best comedy team, in this film.
Most of the film takes place on a circus train. When it doesn’t, the circus is the other backdrop. The big top is a terrific vehicle for The Marx Brothers. They aren’t skewering institutions, in this, but certainly occupations. Groucho plays Attorney Loophole. The ironic thing is Groucho’s character, has an office on the train. As always, no matter if the movie is hysterical; or slightly funny, there are always good bits. One is when Attorney Loophole and Antonio, (Chico Marx), are trying to get a cigar as evidence. Ten thousand dollars have been stolen, from the circus owner. They suspect Goliath, (Nat Pendleton), because a cigar was found at the crime scene. Groucho attempts to get a cigar, from Goliath, but Chico keeps handing him one. This goes on until Attorney Loophole gives up. Groucho is detained in his crime solving efforts, by Peerless Pauline, (Eve Arden). She is a trapeze performer, who convinces him to walk upside down on the ceiling. He does and gets stuck, with Chico helping him down. Harpo as always is good. He plays Punchy, and has a great ensemble number with his harp.
Kenny Baker is good as the circus owner, Jeff Wilson. He is complimented by Florence Rice, playing his fiancé, (Julie Randall). They are trying to overcome the problem of stolen money and Mrs. Dukeberry, Margaret Dumont. She is Jeff Wilson’s financially set aunt. She disapproves of Julie. He knows she won’t replace the stolen money. The audience is then treated to Groucho trying to romance Margaret Dumont, for the money. He is unsuccessful. Things do work out. And the circus can stay in business.
It can be said about The Marx Brothers Movies, that they do evolve on the comedy type. This is something that comedy teams and film comedians, don’t always do. It is what makes The Marx Brothers stand out. You may wonder how they were able to do this. It is their timing, and delivery. They were fortunate to have very good writers, like S.J Perlman. At the Circus was written by Irving Brecher. He had a hand in writing the script for TheWizard of Oz, and later scripted Meet Me in St. Louis. This film and any Marx Brothers film, should take away the blues for a little while.