History of Sorts

It is hard to believe that Duck Soup was released 90 years ago today. It is an American pre-code musical black comedy film written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, with additional dialogue by Arthur Sheekman and Nat Perrin, and directed by Leo McCarey. Released by Paramount Pictures on November 17, 1933, it stars the Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo in his final film appearance).

Pre-Code Hollywood (1927–1934) was a short time in the American film industry between the widespread adoption of sound in film in 1929 and the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code censorship guidelines, popularly known as the Hays Code, in mid-1934. Although the Code was adopted in 1930, oversight was poor, and it did not become rigorously enforced until July 1, 1934.

The plot of the movie:Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx)is named the dictator of bankrupt Freedonia and declares war on neighboring Sylvania over the love of his wealthy backer Mrs. Teasdale, contending with two inept spies who can’t seem to keep straight as to which side they’re on.

Duck Soup is known for it hilarious quotes, and the humor is still as fresh today as it was 90 years ago.

These are just a few

(Louis Calhern) “I am willing to do anything to prevent this war.”
(Groucho Marx) “It’s too late. I’ve already paid a month’s rent on the battlefield.

(Raquel Torres) “Oh, your Excellency, isn’t there something I can do?”
(Groucho Marx) “Yes, but I’ll talk to you about that later.”

(Margaret Dumont) “I’ve sponsored your appointment because I feel you are the most able statesman in all Freedonia.”
(Groucho Marx) “Well, that covers a lot of ground. Say, you cover a lot of ground yourself. You better beat it; I hear they’re going to tear you down and put up an office building where you’re standing. You can leave in a taxi. If you can’t get a taxi, you can leave in a huff. If that’s too soon, you can leave in a minute and a huff. You know, you haven’t stopped talking since I came here? You must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle.”

(Margaret Dumont) “The future of Freedonia rest on you. Promise me you’ll follow in the footsteps of my husband.”
(Groucho Marx) “How do you like that? I haven’t been on the job five minutes and already she’s making advances to me.”

(Groucho Marx) “Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don’t let that fool you: he really is an idiot.”

(Louis Calhern) “I didn’t come here to be insulted.”
(Groucho Marx) “That’s what you think.”

(Louis Calhern) “Chicolini, your partner has deserted you but I’m still counting on you. There is a machine gun nest near Hill 28. I want it cleaned out.”
(Chico Marx) “All right, I’ll tell the janitor.”

(Groucho Marx) “Not that I care, but where is your husband?”
(Margaret Dumont) “Why, he’s dead.”
(Groucho Marx) “I bet he’s just using that as an excuse.”
(Margaret Dumont) “I was with him to the very end.”
(Groucho Marx) “No wonder he passed away.”
(Margaret Dumont) “I held him in my arms and kissed him.”
(Groucho Marx) “Oh, I see, then it was murder. Will you marry me? Did he leave you any money? Answer the second question first.”
(Margaret Dumont) “He left me his entire fortune.”
(Groucho Marx) “Is that so? Can’t you see what I’m trying to tell you? I love you.”
(Groucho Marx) “I’ll see my lawyer about this as soon as he graduates from law school.”

sources

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023969/?ref_=tttg_ov

https://www.poemofquotes.com/quotes/film-tv/duck-soup-1933-film-quotes