Comedy is notorious for not translating well from decade to decade or generation to generation. Often times, comedy that was considered racy when it was released and may have encountered issues getting passed censors or the 20th Century’s Hays Code, are considered much less daunting today. Some Like It Hot, for example, which encountered Hays Code issues when first released in 1959, seems mild by today’s standards. The lines Some Like It Hot crossed have since been surpassed, as sensibilities and tastes have changed over the decades. Some Like It Hot now seems quite tame. While older comedies may still be amusing, they somehow just cease to be hilarious. A notable exception, however, may be the Marx Brothers.
The Marx Brothers films now are as relevant today as they were in the early 1930’s because the object of their humor persists in society, even today. That is, the economic and social divide between High Society and, well … the rest of us. As a result, the Marx Brother’s jokes don’t seem so dated even when you watch them, today. I bet that audiences today will have trouble catching every one of Groucho’s quick humorous quips the first time through. I still catch new funny lines each time I watch Duck Soup.
The high caliber, extremely witty jokes are augmented by, and somewhat contrasted with, the unhinged, slapstick antics of Harpo; as well as, the constant verbal confusion offered by Chico’s surprisingly sly and incessant Street-Wise opportunism.
Groucho Marx is possibly the most influential comedian ever; or, at least the most influential comedian of the last two centuries. Just about every major comedian, since, has named Groucho as a significant influence, and though many have tried to match his genius at wit, timing and double entrendre’; few – if any -actually have. Most merely wish they could capture Groucho’s quick-witted asides.
The first five Marx Brothers’ films were made for Paramount and are regarded as their classic best; most likely because they were able to sneak more off-color jokes and sexual innuendos past the censors before the 1934 Production Code really kicked-in. Their later films, however, are still notable. First, fans of comedy will still have the pleasure of watching these great comedy minds, even if tamed by censorship to a slightly less raucous level. And second, films like Room Service and Love Happy offer some of the earliest on-screen performances by two young starlets who would rise to the HIGHEST levels of Hollywood Fame and stardom just a few years later – Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe, respectively. So don’t think for a second the Marx Brothers didn’t appreciate Talent. They were, in many ways, very forward thinkers intent on stretching the bounds of “acceptable” comedy – another innovation still embraced by today’s comics.
In short, the Marx Brothers films can be enjoyed for everything they still are … not merely by comedy buffs, but by anyone who appreciates quick wit, well-timed repartee, sophomoric jokes, and funny movies in general. Unless, of course you’re a cyber-attacking dictator without any sense of humor like … you get the idea.
from Jeff Fishman’s Introduction to the Entertainment Industry http://ift.tt/1GveCz5
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