Today’s quick review: Room Service. Gordon Miller (Groucho Marx), a producer on the verge of launching his play, has been running the whole operation out of a hotel room—and on credit. But when Gregory Wagner (Donald MacBride) comes to collect on the troupe’s bill, Miller and his accomplices Binelli (Chico Marx) and Faker (Harpo Marx) must stall him long enough to find a backer who can pay off their debt and solve their money woes for good.
Room Service is a classic comedy from the Marx Brothers. Room Service sees the Brothers try every trick in the book to avoid getting kicked out of their hotel, including fast talk, flagrant lies, phony illnesses, and even kidnapping. The movie gets a lot out of this simple premise, but it never reaches the level of the Marx Brothers’ best. Room Service still provides some delightfully chaotic comedy, but it’s offset by a few noticeable shortcomings.
Room Service’s chief failing is that it doesn’t make the most of the Marx Brothers. Their unique talents only show up in small doses: an argument here, a bit of slapstick there, with no music in sight. The jokes lack their usual sharpness; few of the routines are memorable, and the timing feels sluggish. The inclusion of Leo Davis (Frank Albertson), the playwright, throws off the dynamic further as an unwilling partner in the Brothers’ schemes.
Even with these flaws, Room Service is an entertaining watch. The film weaves a suitably complicated web of chaos and chicanery. Just tracking all the schemes, lies, and deadlines will give most viewers plenty to do. The Brothers’ patter is still execellent, while the slapstick gives the film some needed variety. Room Service’s issues keep it from shining like it could have, but what’s there is enough to earn some honest laughter from the audience.
Watch Room Service when you’re in the mood for something light and mischievous. It makes a few key missteps, but solid fundamentals and three talented leads make it a worthwhile watch. Skip it if you prefer subtler comedy. For the Brothers at their best, try Duck Soup, Animal Crackers, or A Night at the Opera. For Marx Brothers films of similar caliber, try Go West or At the Circus. For a classic comedy focused on banter, try The Thin Man.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for decent comedy that’s missing some polish.