My choice of a summary line came down to one of two, the other one was "...go upstairs and count the rooms. I think the third floor is missing".
If not for the Marx Brothers, there's no movie here. The romantic sub-plots and intended jewelry heist got a little tedious at times for this viewer, and I'm glad I've seen a bunch of other Marx Brothers flicks prior to this one because this is not the standard by which to judge them. Although they do have their moments, with Groucho pretty much up to speed already in just their first picture. Harpo plays a clarinet in addition to his usual harp segment, and no one plays the piano like Chico, one finger at a time and it sounds great.
Everything else in the movie is pretty much secondary; it kind of reminds me of Abbott and Costello's first picture "One Night In the Tropics", in as much as both comedy teams were trying out some of their standard schtick that would be upgraded and refined in later films. Seeing Kay Francis in her very first picture was an unexpected treat here. Another was Mary Eaton's wardrobe in her role as Polly Potter, her very low slung gowns were probably meant to be quite revealing, but there wasn't much there to reveal.
Still, it's a worthwhile film to catch if you're a Marx Brothers fan, and maybe even if you're not. Groucho's out there with his rapid fire wit and banter, taking it to the max during the real estate auction. Along with Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, they're a hoot in costume during the final production number, along with the Gamby-Hale Girls and the Alan Foster Dancers. Even with a middling story line, there's a lot going on to keep your eyes and ears busy.
If not for the Marx Brothers, there's no movie here. The romantic sub-plots and intended jewelry heist got a little tedious at times for this viewer, and I'm glad I've seen a bunch of other Marx Brothers flicks prior to this one because this is not the standard by which to judge them. Although they do have their moments, with Groucho pretty much up to speed already in just their first picture. Harpo plays a clarinet in addition to his usual harp segment, and no one plays the piano like Chico, one finger at a time and it sounds great.
Everything else in the movie is pretty much secondary; it kind of reminds me of Abbott and Costello's first picture "One Night In the Tropics", in as much as both comedy teams were trying out some of their standard schtick that would be upgraded and refined in later films. Seeing Kay Francis in her very first picture was an unexpected treat here. Another was Mary Eaton's wardrobe in her role as Polly Potter, her very low slung gowns were probably meant to be quite revealing, but there wasn't much there to reveal.
Still, it's a worthwhile film to catch if you're a Marx Brothers fan, and maybe even if you're not. Groucho's out there with his rapid fire wit and banter, taking it to the max during the real estate auction. Along with Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, they're a hoot in costume during the final production number, along with the Gamby-Hale Girls and the Alan Foster Dancers. Even with a middling story line, there's a lot going on to keep your eyes and ears busy.