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Contraband
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Performing
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| Compact Disc |
Title: Monkey Business
Year: 1931
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Format: Blu-ray
Label: Arrow Academy
Notes:
Onto the third Marx Brothers' film for Paramount and the formula seems to be set - put the boys in a situation where they can run amok and accidentally get involved in foiling the plans of a dastardly criminal.
In MONKEY BUSINESS the stage is expanded and as stowaways on a ocean liner the Brothers have a much larger canvas in which to use the scenery for practical humour than previously seen. Harpo in the puppet theatre, Chico trimming a moustache, and Grouch evading a jealous lover are all memorably funny examples of this. It almost goes without saying but this is a very funny film.
A further progression is also evident - for the first time we move beyond a single locale and progress to the society party and then the barn for the combative conclusion. The plot may be inconsequential but there is at least narrative progression.
Once again, Harpo dominates my favourite screen grabs.
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