Cocoanuts

Starring:Zeppo Marx, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Oscar Shaw, Mary Eaton, Cyril Ring, Kay Francis, Margaret Dumont, Basil Ruysdael, Gamby-Hale Ballet Girls, Allan K. Foster Girls, Sylvan Lee, Barton MacLane
Director: Robert Florey, Joseph Santley
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

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There will be a debate of which 2004 DVD collection of Marx Brothers films was better. This Universal release of the better known Paramount-produced films are the only ones starring all four brothers: Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and Zeppo. The Warner collection contains less-vital films, but is loaded with extras and commentaries. The Universal collection contains only 20 minutes of interviews from NBC's Today Show--interesting but short--with Harpo, Groucho, and Harpo's son Bill from the '60s and '70s. All of the films in this collection were released on DVD by Image Entertainment in 2000 and the prints look the same, which isn't necessarily bad; one just wishes a major restoration had been undertaken.

The films--packaged handsomely with a booklet--are essential Marx Brothers, their first five films made from 1929 to 1933. The least timeless is their first, The Cocoanuts, based on their Broadway hit. The film--one of the first full talkies--takes place in a hotel with owner Groucho out to grab every dollar. Animal Crackers is the brothers' first classic, a lickety-split comedy about an art theft being investigated by Groucho's alter-image, Captain Spaulding. For introducing youngsters to the work of Marx, Monkey Business is the best way. The shenanigans start right at the start as the brothers stowaway on a luxury liner. It's their first film that wasn't based on a play, as they endeavored to find new material. Horse Feathers gave them more fertile ground plus a sure-fire Hollywood director at the helm (Norman McLeoad). Their fantasia of college life includes the riotous football-game finale. Music, always a key part of their plays and films is given more weight here and includes Groucho's theme, "I'm Against It." Music is again key as the musicals of the era are spoofed in the brothers' undisputed masterpiece, Duck Soup. From a land called Fredonia, Groucho plays a slapdash ruler who rewrites the rules of governing, leading to a most memorable war with Sylvania (so war gets lampooned. too). Duck Soup also boasts the most famous Marx brothers sketch: Groucho trying to fool his mirror. --Doug Thomas

Description

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the greatest comedy act in history with The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection. This essential DVD set features the legendary four Marx Brothers in five of their most acclaimed and best loved films - Duck Soup, Horse Feathers, Monkey Business, Animal Crackers and The Cocoanuts - the only five movies ever made with all four brothers together: Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo!

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The Cocoanuts
Starring: Zeppo Marx , Groucho Marx , Harpo Marx , Chico Marx , and Oscar Shaw
Director: Robert Florey , and Joseph Santley
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305080240
Release Date: 1998-07-08

Description

In the Marx Brothers' first feature film, Groucho portrays a hotel owner out to fleece everyone, from innocent bellboys to wealthy society types. Chico and Harpo are along for the ride as Groucho's accomplices. Featuring the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin.

The Cocoanuts [Groucho Marx and Harpo Marx]

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The Cocoanuts [Groucho Marx and Harpo Marx]
Starring: Harpo Marx
Director: Joseph Santley
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Historical slapstick comedy revolving around Florida real estate was enormously successful when released. Although primitive in execution, it's still a draw for fans of classic comedy, wacky routines.

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