The Cocoanuts (1929)

The debut of the Four Marx Brothers--Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and Zeppo--adapts their hit 1925 Broadway comedy, written by George S. Kaufman with music by Irving Berlin, for the big screen. Set in the run-down Hotel de Cocoanut in Florida, owner Groucho insults guests, woos wealthy Mrs. Potter (Margaret Dumont), and vainly tries to auction off "choice" resort property. Features Groucho and Chico’s "Why a duck?" routine. With Kay Francis, Mary Eaton. 94 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Animal Crackers (1930)

The Marx Brothers turn a high society soiree upside down as only they can in this hilarious romp. When a valuable painting goes missing at a party held in honor of famed African explorer Captain Jeffrey Spaulding (Groucho), he, his faithful secretary (Zeppo), a musician (Chico), and a professor (Harpo) may be the only ones who can track it down. What could go wrong? With Margaret Dumont, Lillian Roth. Features the song "Hooray for Captain Spaulding." 97 min. BW/Rtg: G

Monkey Business (1931)

It’s anything but smooth sailing for Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and Zeppo when they stow away on an ocean liner in this, their first comedy written expressly for the screen. After causing much mayhem for the ship’s passengers and crew, the boys arrive in New York City, where they wind up trying to rescue a gangster’s daughter who’s been kidnapped by a rival. This gem of Marxist mania also stars Thelma Todd, Harry Woods. 78 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Horse Feathers (1932)

The new Huxley College president (Groucho) is encouraged by his son (Zeppo) to build a winning football team by signing some talented players in time for the big game. But that plan goes quickly awry when the "stars" he hires turn out to be a pair of misfits (Chico and Harpo). Marx Brothers classic stars Thelma Todd as a "college widow" who woos all four guys. And remember, the password is "swordfish." 67 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Duck Soup (1933)

Despite its initial lukewarm reception from audiences and critics, this satirical political comedy has gone on to become the pinnacle of Marxian madness. Groucho Marx plays Rufus T. Firefly, the newly designated president of the struggling nation of Freedonia; Chico is Chicolini, his trusted aide and spy; Harpo is Pinky, his chauffeur; and Zeppo is his trusted secretary Bob. The Marxes' final Paramount picture co-stars Margaret Dumont, Louis Calhern; directed by Leo McCarey. 69 min. BW/Rtg: NR

Standard; Soundtrack: English.