At the Circus

At the Circus, released in 1939, is a criminally overlooked gem in the sparkling crown of the Marx Brothers' comedic repertoire, with star turns from Groucho, Harpo, and Chico Marx. This classic comedy circus caper is a fun, frenzied spectacle that brilliantly showcases the trio's signature blend of hilarious chaos, razor-sharp wordplay, and physical humour.

Inherently laced with the expected Marx madness, At the Circus follows a rather engaging story. The circus owner, Jeff Wilson (Kenny Baker), is in love with the show’s leading lady, Julie Randall (Florence Rice), and dreams of marrying her once he can afford to. When he finally amasses enough money, it is stolen, leading him to recruit the services of the Marx brothers -Chico, Harpo, and Groucho. This sets up a spirited backdrop for the Marx Brothers' comedy style to truly shine with zany antics, one-liners, and side-splitting comedy routines that cements the film's place in the pantheon of classic comedy cinema.

Groucho Marx lights up the screen as J. Cheever Loophole, an attorney with a quick wit - and even quicker comedic delivery. His role as the edgy and confident lawyer supplies the subject for one of the Marx Brothers' many hilarious subplots, with Groucho engaging in a romantic pursuit of a singer, played by Eve Arden. These aside, the film is punctuated by Groucho's non-stop barrage of puns and unpredictably logical nonsense that only he could make sense of, keeping viewers on their toes and challenging them to catch every rib-tickling quip.

Chico Marx, portraying Antonio Pirelli, a zoot suit-clad roustabout with an infectious smile and a penchant for confused flips on the English language, cements his role as a quintessential comedy character, radiating warmth and laughter. His measured piano-playing interludes offer delightful comedic relief while providing a light-hearted diversion from the main storyline and prove once again his status as a top-notch vaudeville performer.

Completing the comic triad, Harpo Marx shines as Punchy, a mute character whose gift for physical comedy and clowning is nothing short of pure magic. His silently eloquent presence adds sparks to the plot every time he is on screen, using subtle facial expressions and exaggerated gestures to maximum comedic effect.

Surrounded by a solid supporting cast including Margaret Dumont as the hefty and wealthy Mrs. Dukesbury and James Burke as the big-top boss John Carter, elevates the plot’s structure. The interplay between Groucho’s witty humor, Dumont’s straight-laced seriousness, and Burke’s frustrated and confused responses adds a wonderfully vibrant dimension to the movie.

The film is peppered with memorable musical numbers which brilliantly punctuate the comedy moments. "Lydia the Tattooed Lady," a catchy song delivered with gleeful gusto by Groucho, has since gone on to become a fan-favorite piece. The song's eccentric lyrics, rendered in Groucho's trademark style, are thoroughly enjoyable, providing a compelling counterpoint to the slapstick comedy that prevails throughout the film.

The script was penned by the skilled Irving Brecher, who crafted multi-layered absurdity and fast-paced verbal humor, resulting in a full-on Marx Brothers experience. The extraordinary physical comedy and comedic timing are on full display in At the Circus, demonstrating why the Marx Brothers are still recognized as comedy giants. The film is also a visual treat as well due to the brilliant use of intricate set designs and the vibrant backdrop of the circus environment, rendered beautifully in black-and-white cinematography.

Directed by Edward Buzzell, At the Circus is a fusion of beautiful slapstick comedy and hilarious dialogue that effectively encapsulates the Marx Brothers' unique brand of humour. The film, though sometimes overlooked in favor of their better-known works, stands as a testament to their comedic prowess. The charm and hilarity of At the Circus make it worth visiting and revisiting, offering something new with each viewing. A worthy addition to any comedy lover's film collection, it is an excellent introduction to the Marx Brothers for the uninitiated, and a nostalgic joyride for longtime fans.

In essence, At the Circus is a feel-good, uproarious comedy from the golden age of cinema that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. It serves as a sheer testament to the absolutes of comedy, where wit, slapstick and inane dialogue combine to create a magnificent showcase of the Marx Brothers at the height of their cinema careers.