The best part about a Marx Brothers movie is how they deliver lines. This is a skill learned in time. It appears that The Marx Brothers were well ahead of the learning curve, when it came to this. It doesn’t matter who the star is, they just dominate the film. In Animal Crackers, The Marx Brothers bring their stage musical to the silver screen.
A socialite, Mrs Rittenhouse is giving a party for the famous African explorer, Captain Jeffrey Spaulding, (Groucho Marx). A chorus gives a big introduction, singing Hooray for Captain Spaulding. After a few choruses, the captain joins in closing out the song. This song became Groucho’s theme song, for his show, You Bet Your Life. Groucho as the captain starts talking nonsense about his trip to Africa, mentioning polar bears and other animals not on the continent. He further describes his trip saying, “I once shot an elephant in my pajamas. Don’t ask me how he got there.” This continues until Mrs. Rittenhouse, politely stops him. Groucho of course uses Margaret Dumont, as a foil, which he did in every film. He insults her and courts her at the same time. He also meets Signor Emanuel Ravelli, (Chico Marx). Upon meeting Signor Ravelli, Captain Spaulding says he looks just like Signor Ravelli. Chico responds that’s because he is. Groucho says he thought he looked liked Signor Ravelli. They go back and forth throughout the film. Chico also displays his piano playing in the movie. Harpo Marx appears as The Professor. His mainly chases the ladies throughout, and accompanies Chico on the piano. He has a silly scene sleeping on a bench, using a painting as a blanket. Zeppo Marx appears as Horatio Jameson. He is the romantic interest for Arabella Rittenhouse, (Lillian Roth). The famous singer does very well in her part, and does great with her songs, particularly her duet with Zeppo.
The party not only welcomes back Captain Spaulding, but is also a showcase for a painting, After the Hunt. The painting is stolen, and a fake is put back, and then there are paintings everywhere. Horatio Jamison is blamed for the crime, but the painting turns up, and he is set free. He is then reunited with Arabella Rittenhouse.
It isn’t easy to transition from the stage to the screen. The Marx Brothers did it very well. Animal Crackers is enjoyable nonsense, but most of their films are. They are the stars, not depending on the story or their costars. Their unique style of comedy is what has made them popular for decades.