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Monkey Business is the first Marx Brothers film written directly for the screen and their first Hollywood production, starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo as stowaways.
Monkey Business is the first Marx Brothers film written directly for the screen and also the comedy team first Hollywood production. The film was written by S. J. Perelman, Arthur Sheekman and Will B. Johnstone. Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx star as four stowaways on an ocean liner bound for New York.
Plot and Characters in Monkey Business
As the stowaways try to elude the dimwitted First Mate Gibson, played by Tom Kennedy, each brother becomes involved in his own adventure. Groucho finds himself in a menage a trois with gangster Alky Briggs, played by Harry Briggs, and Briggs sexy wife Lucille, played by Thelma Todd.
Harpo joins a Punch and Judy puppet show, which drives the ship crew into a frenzy of confusion. Chico hires himself out as bodyguard to retired bootlegger Joe Helton, played by Rockliffe Fellowes. Zeppo romances Joe pretty daughter Mary, played by Ruth Hall.
After arriving in New York, the Marx brothers head to Helton Long Island mansion. There, after the obligatory harp-and-piano musical interludes, the fearsome foursome team up to rescue Mary from her kidnappers.
Classic Comedy Highlights and Setpieces
The film contains many memorable moments. Highlights include Groucho initial confrontation with Alky Briggs, where he tells him that with a little study he will go a long way and should start now. Other highlights include Groucho romantic tete-a-tetes with Lucille, where he invites her to come with him and lodge with his fleas in the hills, before correcting himself to flee to his lodge in the hills.
Harpo and Chico also attempt to shave a sleeping barbershop customer. During the attempt, one of them remarks to the other that they think they give him one snoop too much. The classic setpiece, borrowed from the team early Broadway hit I Will Say She Is, shows all Four Marx Brothers trying to slip past the customs officials by posing as Maurice Chevalier.
Legacy of the Marx Brothers Comedy
Though not the best of their Paramount features, Monkey Business is still among the funniest Marx Brothers comedies ever made. It is also considered one of the funniest comedies period, according to Hal Erickson of All Movie Guide.
The film remains a notable entry in the Marx Brothers career because it marked their first Hollywood production and their first screenplay written directly for the screen. The story mixes gangsters, romance, musical interludes and slapstick in the signature style of the comedy team.
No streaming links for Monkey Business are currently available.
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