Duck Soup

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Duck Soup

1933

1h 10m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

When the tiny nation of Freedonia goes bankrupt, its wealthy benefactor, Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), insists that the wacky Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) become the country's president. Sensing a weakness in leadership, the bordering nation of Sylvania sends in the spies Pinky (Harpo Marx) and Chicolini (Chico Marx) to set the stage for a revolution. As Firefly clashes with the Sylvanian ambassador (Louis Calhern), plenty of mayhem ensues, and the countries verge on all-out war.

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Critics Consensus

Fueled by inspired silliness and blessed with some of the Marx brothers' most brilliant work, Duck Soup is one of its -- or any -- era's finest comedies.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

It turns out that the sharp-tongued humour of Groucho Marx is ageless, the slapstick timely and the subject matter still pertinent: loony dictatorship, religion, pointless warfare.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 16, 2015

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

The sheer silliness is inspired ...

Rated: 5/5

Jan 15, 2015

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David Jenkins

Little White Lies

Questioning the canonical standing of a titan such as Duck Soup seems like an exercise in questioning the tastes of those who like it rather than the upbraiding the comedy mechanics of the film itself.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 15, 2015

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Duck Soup is the greatest Marx Brothers comedy of all time.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 17, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

True movie fans haven’t lived until they’ve caught this outrageous satire.

Rated: 4/4

Nov 12, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

There’s no dense or intricate narrative in the film. It’s simply a basic story that allows Groucho, Harpo, and Chico to showcase their comedic chaos.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 20, 2022

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Ben N

This movie is a classic. I recall liking this as a kid, but it is so dated. The core messages are relevant, but the style of humor has not lasted well and doesn't appeal to me at all anymore as an adult.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

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D M

Now I know where The Wizard of Oz got their set ideas. But this film is a mess.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

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Isaiah Y

Classic Marx Brothers film that's a must-watch for any fan of comedies

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Funny in 1 1/6 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring the Marx brothers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/03/25

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El Queso G

This picture is almost a hundred years old and it is still friggin' hilarious. Don't hesitate - it is a joy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/25

Full Review

Mason M

I thought that Duck Soup was a delightful watch. It's hilarious, mostly due to Groucho's quick remarks. The comedy isn't the most sophisticated, but that's the main reason that is still works almost 100 years later.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

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Leo McCarey

Director

Groucho Marx

Rufus T. Firefly

Harpo Marx

Pinky

Chico Marx

Chicolini

Zeppo Marx

Lt. Bob Roland

Margaret Dumont

Mrs. Gloria Teasdale

Duck Soup: Official Clip - The Mirror Scene

2:48

Duck Soup: Official Clip - I Object!

1:22

Duck Soup: Official Clip - To War

2:58

Duck Soup: Official Clip - The Laws of My Administration

2:06

Duck Soup: Official Clip - I Was Gonna Ask for the Whole Wig

1:16

Duck Soup: Official Clip - This Means War!

1:55

Duck Soup: Official Clip - Working His Magic

1:58

Duck Soup: Official Clip - The Lemonade Vendor

2:57

Duck Soup: Official Clip - Without a Word

1:42

Duck Soup: Official Clip - These Are My Spies

1:35

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Synopsis

When the tiny nation of Freedonia goes bankrupt, its wealthy benefactor, Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), insists that the wacky Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) become the country's president. Sensing a weakness in leadership, the bordering nation of Sylvania sends in the spies Pinky (Harpo Marx) and Chicolini (Chico Marx) to set the stage for a revolution. As Firefly clashes with the Sylvanian ambassador (Louis Calhern), plenty of mayhem ensues, and the countries verge on all-out war.

Director: Leo McCarey
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Distributor: MCA/Universal Home Video, Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1933, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 3, 2015
Runtime: 1h 10m
Sound Mix: Mono

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