A Night at the Opera is a 1935 American comedy film starring the Marx Brothers, including Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. The film also features Kitty Carlisle, Allan Jones, Margaret Dumont, Sig Ruman, and Walter Woolf King. It was the first of five films the Marx Brothers made under contract for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer after Zeppo left the act. The story revolves around a sly business manager and the wacky friends of two opera singers who help them achieve success in America. The film was directed by Sam Wood and was one of MGM's biggest hits at the 1935 box office. The movie is known for its daffy laughs and is considered one of the Marx Brothers' better efforts, showcasing their comedic talents and humorous lines
Plot
In A Night at the Opera, the Marx Brothers play characters who take on high society and the opera world to bring two lovers together. A sly business manager and two wacky friends of two opera singers help them achieve success while getting into all sorts of comedic hijinks along the way[1]. The film showcases the Marx Brothers' comedic talents and features humorous lines that have become iconic in the world of comedy.
Trailer
Cast
- Groucho Marx as Otis B. Driftwood
- Chico Marx as Fiorello
- Harpo Marx as Tomasso
- Kitty Carlisle as Rosa
- Allan Jones as Ricardo
- Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Claypool
- Walter Woolf King as Rudolfo Lassparri (credited as Walter King)
- Sig Ruman as Herman Gottlieb (credited as Siegfried Rumann)
- Robert Emmett O'Connor as Police Sergeant Henderson (credited as Robert Emmet O'Connor)
Director: Sam Wood
Writer: George S. Kaufman, Morrie Ryskind, James Kevin McGuinness
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre: Comedy
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 15, 1935
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Theme
The theme of A Night at the Opera revolves around the Marx Brothers' comedic style, targeting high society, and their attempts to bring two opera singers to success in America.
Reception
The film received positive reviews for its humor and the performances of the Marx Brothers. It was one of MGM's biggest hits at the 1935 box office.
Settings
The film primarily takes place in the world of opera, with scenes set in various locations such as the Stanley Theatre in Philadelphia.
Visual Styles
The visual style of A Night at the Opera is characterized by the Marx Brothers' signature comedic style, which includes exaggerated gestures, funny costumes, and quick-paced dialogue.
Techniques
The film utilizes techniques such as quick-paced editing, close-ups, and satirical humor to emphasize the absurdity of the situations and the characters' interactions.
Trivia
- The film was the first of five films the Marx Brothers made under contract for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
- The nine-day opening at the Stanley generated 38 percent of its box office across 63.5 days of playing time.
Fun Facts
- The film's success led to its inclusion in the Criterion Collection, which is a prestigious collection of important classic and contemporary films.
- The Marx Brothers' performances in A Night at the Opera have influenced modern comedy and continue to be celebrated for their unique style and humor.