Horse Feathers (1932)

"I was gonna get a flat bottom but the girl at the boat house didn't have one.", 5 March 2006

While I enjoy almost everything the Marx Brothers made (Love Happy being the exception), Horse Feathers is a particularly good example of their comedy. The plot, such as it is, has Professor Quincy Adams Wagstaff (Groucho) becoming the president of Huxley College. Being more interested in football than academics, Prof. Wagstaff lures two would be football players (Chico and Harpo) from the local speakeasy to play for his team. The boys set about beating their arch-rival with their unique brand of football. In reality, the plot is little more than a device used to string together a series of some of the Marx Brothers' best gags. The Swordfish scene at the speakeasy and the Introduction of Wagstaff scene are two of my favorites.

The boys were at the top of their game in 1932. The comedy was fresh, irreverent, risqué, and hilarious. If you're a fan, you'll note a few bits that were recycled in later Marx Brothers' films. And, if you're a fan, Horse Feathers is one that shouldn't be missed.

9/10