Room Service

Room Service was released in 1938, offering a showcase for the dazzling comic talents of the renowned Marx Brothers: Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. Featuring their trademark wit and slapstick humor, the film, directed by William A. Seiter, is based on a Broadway stage play of the same name written by John Murray and Allen Boretz. This may seem like an odd choice for the anarchic Marx Brothers, but the screenwriters—Morrie Ryskind and Glenn Tryon—worked hard to customize this theatrical play to fit the unique comedic style of the Marx Brothers, adding in their signature comedy elements and zingy one-liners.

In Room Service, the Marx Brothers leave no room for decorum with their zany antics. The film unfolds in a bustling New York City hotel, where Groucho Marx's character, Gordon Miller, is staying. As a notoriously bad-paying Broadway producer, Miller is already in the crosshairs of the hotel management, led by the stern hotel manager Mr. Wagner, humorously portrayed by a stalwart of Marx Brothers movies, Donald MacBride.

Things get even more interesting when Miller's brothers-in-law – Chico Marx's character, Harry Binelli, and Harpo Marx's character, Faker Englund – descend upon the hotel. Hilarity ensues as the desperate trio find themselves in an escalating farce while trying to dodge the hotel management who are chasing them for unpaid bills. The brothers are involved in one hilarious scheme after another in order to stay one step ahead, involving a multitude of doors slamming, room changes, and a parade of humorous supporting characters.

Amid this cat and mouse game, the storyline introduces another important difficulty for Miller: he's trying to find a financial backer for his upcoming stage play, "Godspeed." With no one willing to put up the money, Binelli and Englund step up to help their beleaguered brother-in-law. An interesting parallel plot emerges involving the play’s author, the young playwright, Leo Davis, who is convincingly portrayed by renowned actor, Frank Albertson. Davis unwittingly stumbles upon Miller’s ploys and initiatives to get his play funded, and this sub-plot brings new levels of hilarity to the narrative.

Room Service differs from most Marx Brothers' films in that it offers a character-driven comedic plot rather than a string of skits and comedic vignettes. There's a pleasing rhythm to the narrative, with all the events flowing seamlessly into one another despite the chaos. It's also worth noting that Room Service doesn't include any of the traditional musical numbers of Harpo and Chico, but focuses more on verbal humor and slapstick comedy.

The film benefits tremendously from the performances of its leading trio. Groucho Marx effortlessly embraces his role as the quick-witted and fast-talking Broadway producer. His sharp dialogue delivery, combined with a dynamism that fills the screen at all times, is truly commendable. Chico Marx, in his delightful Italian accented articulation, entertains through cleverly crafted wordplay and linguistic humor. Harpo Marx, in his taciturn style, charms with his childlike enthusiasm and clownish antics, perfectly balancing the verbal humor exhibited by his brothers.

The supporting cast also deserves credit for their fantastic performances. Lucille Ball is noteworthy as the producer’s assistant, Hilda, adding some welcome feminine presence, while Donald MacBride's performance as the exasperated hotel manager Mr. Wagner is praise-worthy. Finally, Frank Albertson as the young, naive playwright Leo Davis is convincing, along with Ann Miller, who lends presence to her character despite limited screen time.

The Marx Brothers' comic genius was lauded even more in Room Service, but the film’s humor also offered a kind of social commentary about the struggles of life in the theater industry during the Great Depression era. It stresses how aspiring producers and artists sometimes had to resort to unorthodox methods to survive in a challenging environment.

Room Service may not be as widely recognized as some of the other Marx Brothers' films, but it is undeniably a gem worth discovering for fans and newcomers alike. The film’s rapid-fire dialogue, spellbinding comic performances and witty interactions between the characters are delightful and remains one of the Marx Brothers' most underrated comic masterpieces. It is certainly a treat for comedy lovers and a testament to the timeless appeal of the Marx Brothers' unique brand of comedy.