During the Florida land boom, the Marx brothers run a hotel, auction off some land, thwart a jewel robbery, and generally act like themselves.

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(book), (adapted by)
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1 nomination. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Zeppo Marx ...
...
...
...
...
Bob
...
Polly
...
Yates
...
Penelope
...
Mrs. Potter
...
Hennessy
Gamby-Hale Ballet Girls ...
Dancers (as Gamby-Hale Girls)
Allan K. Foster Girls ...
Dancers
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Storyline

Mr. Hammer runs a bankrupt Florida hotel. He'll try anything to make money, even make love to rich Mrs. Potter. But his main scheme, selling real estate, is in danger of sabotage from zanies Chico and Harpo, who also reduce the schemes of a pair of jewel thieves to chaos. A subplot involves the star-crossed love of Polly Potter and architect Bob Adams. Written by Rod Crawford <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

See it three times and even then you won't get them all. (Print Ad, Black River Democrat, Lowville, NY 2 January 1930) See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Musical

Certificate:

See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

3 August 1929 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Los cuatro cocos  »

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (preview) | (DVD edition)

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although his character is not named in the credits, in one scene Harpo Marx is referred to as "Silent Red." See more »

Goofs

When Harpo and Chico break Bob out of jail it is obvious the cell door is unlocked to the point more than one character holds it shut as Harpo tries to unlock the door. See more »

Quotes

Mrs. Potter: I'll not stand here any longer and be insulted this way.
Hammer: Aw, don't go away and leave me here alone, you stay here and I'll go away.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The opening credits are run against a background of negative film of the "Monkey-Doodle-Doo" number. See more »

Connections

Featured in The 46th Annual Academy Awards (1974) See more »

Soundtracks

TALE OF THE SHIRT
(1925) (uncredited)
Music written by Georges Bizet, from "Carmen"
Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Sung by Basil Ruysdael and chorus
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Kay Francis vs the Marx Brothers !
23 November 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

A brilliant film debut by the Marx Brothers in this 1929 musical comedy (from Broadway) about land speculation in Florida, jewel thieves, and well the Marx Brothers. In their first film, all the familiar schtick and word play are already in place with Groucho, Chico, and Harpo all excellent.

As usual there is also a romantic young couple--Mary Eaton and Oscar Shaw--and bad guys--Kay Francis and Cyril Ring. Also making her film debut at age 40 is the wonderful and imperious Margaret Dumont. Basil Ruysdael plays the house detective. Zeppo Marx plays the desk clerk.

A blah ballad is sung to death, but The Monkey Doodle-Doo song is terrific and well sung and danced by Eaton (a Broadway star) and chorus. Oddly staged productions number with chorus in monkey suits and tourists milling about in the background. But Eaton is quite good, considering the early sound equipment. And she has great legs.

Francis is fun in her second film (she made five in 1929) but teamed with the unappealing Ring. Shaw is OK but seems too old to be playing the juvenile lead.

But while Dumont, Francis, and Eaton are fun, it's the 3 brothers who dominate the film. Several classic bits, including the viaduct gag, Chico's great piano solo, Harpo getting to steal a few scenes, and of course Groucho riding roughshod over everyone. What a treat! While Kay Francis went on to major stardom in the 30s, Mary Eaton made one disastrous film after this hit, Flo Ziegfeld's Glorifying the American Girl. That ended her starring career in Hollywood.

The more I watch the Marx Brothers the more I appreciate Chico, who was always my least favorite of the 3. Now I notice his perfect comic timing and I just love his piano solos.


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