The Marx Brothers are known for their well known brand of comedy. This combines slapstick, wordplay and sarcasm from Groucho, usually snappy dialogue from Chico and crazy pantomime from Harpo. Room Service is a film that throws most of it out the window. The film has Lucille Ball, as the female lead. Her comedic talents aren’t used and she is just adequate. Ann Miller is also in the movie, but like Lucille Ball is not used effectively.
The movie revolves around Groucho as Gordon Miller, a penniless broadway producer. He is freeloading off the hotel, while he waits for financial backing for a play. His brother-in-law, Joe Gribble, (Cliff Dunstan), the hotel manager is allowing him to stay. Gregory Wagner, (Donald McBride), a higher ranking employee for the hotel has found out about Miller and is demanding he be kicked out. Miller manages to get backing for the play, Hail and Farewell, which is obtained by an actress in the play, Christine Marlowe, (Lucille Ball). The play was written by struggling playwright, Leo Davis, (Frank Albertson). Davis also has his typewriter taken away by a collection agency, leading to other problems. He does have an understanding and attractive girlfriend, Hilda Manning, played by Ann Miller. The film is mainly Gordon Miller and company, trying to keep from being thrown out. The Marx Brothers do this effectively, and in the process, get the play on broadway, and make a fool of Gregory Wagner.
Even though Room Service is not as uproariously funny as their previous films, there are a few laughs. There is one scene where a live turkey is supposed to be dinner. Harpo tries chasing it down, but it flies out the window. Groucho says its ok, he didn’t have any cranberry sauce. Another is when Harpo’s character, Faker, is thought dead by Wagner. Groucho’s character tells Wagner, that he, [Wagner], drove him to his death. The two of them take (the body), out to the alley. A policeman comes along, and asks what they’re doing. Gordon Miller talks his way out of it, and they both escape, leaving Faker asleep. These moments are few and far between. The Marx Brothers comedy works best, when they skewer high society, and this movie doesn’t do that. The upside is that Groucho still plays a disreputable, though still likable person in Gordon Miller. Harpo and Chico are in this film, but Groucho takes center stage. Room Service is disappointing, when compared with the Marx Brothers other films, but the premise is different, and that is what makes the laughs not come as frequently.