Duck Soup (1933)

Duck Soup (1933) is a fast-moving political farce set in the bankrupt fictional nation of Freedonia. When wealthy Mrs. Teasdale insists the eccentric Rufus T. Firefly be installed as leader in exchange for a bailout, Firefly’s cynical, anything-goes style upends every bit of official pomp — and drags the country toward an absurd, escalating conflict with neighboring Sylvania. Spy hijinks, bungled diplomacy, and a ridiculous declaration of war follow as the two tiny states collide over money, pride and romantic rivalry. Seeing Duck Soup is a brisk, laugh-packed experience: expect rapid-fire wordplay, clever one-liners, broad slapstick and anarchic set pieces that mock bureaucracy, nationalism and the theater of politics. The film’s pace never lets up, trading gag for gag and building to delightfully chaotic sequences that turn the idea of warfare and statecraft into pure comedy. Though short and shot in black-and-white, it’s sharp, audacious satire with memorable moments and an energetic comedic ensemble. If you enjoy pointed political satire wrapped in exuberant physical and verbal comedy — or classic pre‑war screwball farce — Duck Soup delivers nonstop laughs and a biting perspective on the absurdities of power.

Actors: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx

Director: Leo McCarey

Runtime: 69 min

Genres: Comedy, Musical

8.1 /10 93 /100 7.7 /10 8.4 /10