Today’s quick review: At the Circus. Circus owner Jeff Wilson (Kenny Barker) is about to pay off his debt to John Carter (James Burke) and marry his sweetheart Julie Randall (Florence Rice). But when Carter’s thugs steal the money, they leave Wilson with only days before he loses the circus. To help out their boss, Tony Farelli (Chico Marx) and Punchy (Harpo Marx) hire lawyer J. Cheever Loophole (Groucho Marx) to track down the stolen cash.
At the Circus is a classic comedy from the Marx Brothers. This time around, the Brothers are part of a traveling circus, where one crook is all that stands between their employer and his life’s dream. At the Circus features the Marx Brothers’ usual assortment of song, slapstick, and bedlam. It’s not as quotable as their very best, nor is the plot as tight, but what’s there is more than enough to entertain and to showcase the Brothers’ unique talents.
At the Circus offers a little bit of everything. The circus setting gives the film plenty of opportunities for slapstick, including trapeze stunts, a strongman act, a cannon, and even a gorilla. There’s plenty of song, with numbers for Groucho, Chico, and Harpo, as well as a romantic ballad for Jeff and Julie. The plot isn’t anything special, but it does keep the Brothers on the move as they try to set things right for the young couple.
Watch At the Circus when you’re in the mood for an upbeat, cheerful comedy. Fun comedy routines, an upbeat tone, and plenty of variety make At the Circus a worthy pick, even if it doesn’t have the polish of the Brothers’ very best. Steer clear if you’re looking for a more sedate comedy. For a sharper Marx Brothers comedy with a similar love story, try A Night at the Opera. For one with similiar quality, try A Night in Casablanca.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a fun mix of mischief, music, and mayhem.