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AFI Movie Club: DUCK SOUP

DUCK SOUP appears on three of AFI’s lists of the greatest American films – including #5 on AFI’s 100 YEARS…100 LAUGHS list. And the Marx Brothers – Groucho, Chico and Harpo (sorry Zeppo!) – appear collectively at #20 on AFI’s 100 YEARS…100 STARS!

Watch Edgar Wright announce the film:

 

Movie Trivia about DUCK SOUP

–DID YOU KNOW that DUCK SOUP is the final Marx Brothers film to feature straight man Zeppo Marx?

–DID YOU KNOW that Italian dictator Benito Mussolini banned the film from Italy because he thought it was a direct attack on him?

–DID YOU KNOW that Groucho had a very unique explanation of the movie’s title? “Take two turkeys, one goose, four cabbages, but no duck, and mix them together. After one taste, you’ll duck soup the rest of your life.”

–DID YOU KNOW the mayor of Fredonia, NY, complained to Paramount Pictures about the name of the mythical kingdom of Freedonia? There is now a film festival in celebration of the film called Freedonia Marxonia: Marx Brothers Film Festival and Symposium held in Fredonia!

–DID YOU KNOW actress Margaret Dumont starred in half of all Marx Brothers movies? She was an experienced comedienne, who Groucho Marx referred to as “practically the fifth Marx Brother.”

Learn more at the AFI Catalog.

 

The movie doesn’t end at the credits: Family-friendly Discussion Questions 

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram now using #AFIMovieClub. Or post your responses in the comment section below. 

-DUCK SOUP is a satire – using humor to comment on the world. What elements of the movie do you think may have been happening in the world during the time it was made?

-What themes of the movie still resonate in today’s world?

-Many consider DUCK SOUP to be the best of the Marx Brothers movies. Do you have a favorite?

-The Marx Brothers are one of the funniest comedy groups in movie history – inspiring generations. What comedy groups and comedians rank as your favorites?

-How would you rate DUCK SOUP?

 

Watch this exclusive AFI Archive clip of Billy Crystal and Lily Tomlin talking about DUCK SOUP!

New to AFI Movie Club? Want to learn more?

In this time when we are reminded “There’s no place like home,” AFI has created a global, virtual gathering of those who love the movies. Each day’s film is accompanied by fun facts, family-friendly discussion points and material from the AFI Archive to enrich your viewing experience.

Learn more in our FAQ section.

 

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