Watch Monkey Business

Monkey Business is a 1931 film that stars the famous comedian group of brothers, the Marx Brothers. This film is guaranteed to tickle the funny bone of anyone who watches it, as it is packed with hilarious lines, witty jokes, and slapstick humor. The story of the film revolves around Groucho and Harpo, who are stowaways on a passenger ship traveling from America to Europe. The two brothers end up getting into all kinds of mischief on board, from turning the kitchen into a boxing ring to dominating a game of bridge.

As soon as the movie starts, viewers are introduced to Groucho and Harpo, who are trying to stowaway on the ship. They manage to sneak onboard by disguising themselves as cleaning ladies. Quickly, the two brothers head off in search of some adventure and fun on the ship. They soon get into some hilarious hijinks when they encounter a young couple, the Thelma Todd and Rockliffe Fellowes characters, who they help to break free from their respective dysfunctional marriages.

Groucho, in his signature style, delivers one-liners and puns throughout the movie. He also spends a considerable amount of time flirting with the women on board, which makes for some truly hilarious comedy moments. One particular scene has Groucho walking into a lounge to try and pick up a lady. However, the lady, played by Ruth Hall, is soon replaced by Harpo, who pretends to be her as well. The scene is side splitting, as the two brothers take turns flirting with each other while playing the same character.

Harpo, on the other hand, does not speak in the movie; instead, he communicates using sound effects and pantomime. He often turns up in strange and absurd situations, such as when he tries to steal bananas from the galley kitchen and ends up getting in a fight with the cook. In another memorable scene, Harpo and Chico, played by himself, disguise themselves as the ship's crew and start cleaning deck chairs while also engaging in some mischievous antics.

The film's plot thickens when Groucho becomes involved with a gangster, played by Harry Woods, who smuggles on board diamonds that have been stolen. The ensuing chaos creates a hilarious climax, with everyone trying to outwit each other in order to get their hands on the precious jewels.

Monkey Business is a film that is light-hearted and full of belly laughs. The Marx Brothers are at their comedic best here and will have audiences rolling with laughter from start to finish. The humor is slapstick and fast-paced, but the clever banter and witty wordplay make the movie more than just a collection of silly gags. One of the movie's highlights is a musical number performed by Harpo and Chico in which the latter plays the piano while Harpo plucks its strings, resulting in some astonishingly beautiful chords.

The film's casting is exceptional, with each actor playing their respective roles perfectly. Groucho Marx plays the role of a wise-cracking rogue to perfection, using every opportunity to make a witty remark. Harpo, with his signature curly hair and expressionless face, infuses the movie with his brand of physical comedy. Thelma Todd and Rockliffe Fellowes are delightful, bringing charm and beauty to their roles as the troubled married couple.

Overall, the movie features everything that fans of the Marx Brothers love: physical comedy, witty wordplay, and hilarious antics. Even today, almost ninety years later, this film has not lost an ounce of its charm and still remains a delightful comedy that people of all ages can enjoy. Monkey Business is a true classic and a must-watch for fans of comedy and fans of classic cinema.

In conclusion, Monkey Business's plot may be chaotic, but that chaos is what makes it work so well. This film is a timeless example of physical comedy, witty writing, and flawless acting. It shows that comedy doesn't have to be raunchy or insulting to produce laughs, and that there's something enduring and charming about old-fashioned slapstick humor. Monkey Business is a classic comedy that will have viewers rolling in the aisles and serves as a testament to the enduring humor of the Marx Brothers.

Monkey Business is a 1931 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.