Room Service (1938)

A penniless theatrical producer must outwit the hotel efficiency expert trying to evict him from his room, while securing a backer for his new play.

Director:

William A. Seiter

Writers:

Morrie Ryskind (screen play), John Murray (from the play by)

Stars:

Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Groucho Marx	...	Gordon Miller
Chico Marx	...	Harry Binelli
Harpo Marx	...	Faker
Lucille Ball	...	Christine
Ann Miller	...	Hilda
Frank Albertson	...	Leo Davis
Cliff Dunstan	...	Joseph Gribble
Donald MacBride	...	Gregory Wagner
Philip Loeb	...	Timothy Hogarth
Philip Wood	...	Simon Jenkins
Alexander Asro	...	Sasha
Charles Halton	...	Dr. Glass

Storyline

The Marx Brothers try and put on a play before their landlord finds out that they have run out of money. To confuse the landlord they pretend that the play's author has contracted some terrible disease and can't be moved. Originally a stage play, the setting shows it's origins, but this is vintage Marx Brothers.

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Plot Keywords:

1930s | marx brothers | backer | hotel | producer | 

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Taglines:

Better . . . Battier . . . Funnier Than Ever !

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian

Release Date:

30 September 1938 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Marx Brothers - Zimmerdienst

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lucille Ball, who has a supporting role, would later buy the studio that made this film, RKO Pictures. She and Desi Arnaz purchased it during the height of their success on I Love Lucy (1951) and renamed it Desilu Studios, now best known as the sponsorship of Star Trek (1966).

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Goofs

When Gordon Miller calls to reception pretending to be Dr. Glass, he is holding the phone receiver with his right hand. Seconds later, when he is about to hang up, he is holding it with his left hand.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Gordon Miller: [pulls newspaper down] Well, what do you want? Can't a man have a little privacy around here?
Sasha: The check, Mr. Miller.
Gordon Miller: Oh, the check... Is this check any good?
Sasha: Why, uh... yes, sir.
Gordon Miller: Well, we'll soon find out. There you are.
[signs the check]
Sasha: Thank you.
Gordon Miller: Don't give me any of that 'thank you' stuff.
Sasha: Mr. Miller, many times I have seen your company rehearsing on the 19th floor. Please, I would like to play the part of the Polish miner.
[...]

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits are shown on doors that flip around for each new screen of names.

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a colorized version.

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Connections

Featured in The Match Factory Girl (1990)

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Soundtracks

Good Night Ladies
(1847) (uncredited)
Written by Edwin P. Christy
In the score during the end credits

User Reviews

Not Their Worst, But Not Up To Par, Either

didn't think this was one of the Marx Brothes better films, but it wasn't their worst, either. One thing different: no harp playing from Harpo and no singing from Groucho. That's okay with me, anyway, since I watch these movies for the comedy, not the music. The only musical number was "Swing Long, Sweet Chariot" near the end of the movie.

There are some funny scenes in here, but not enough of them. Too much of the film takes place in one room. This is like a play and it begins to drag after an hour. Donald McBride, with his constant gruff voice and shouting, grates on you after awhile, too.

Lucille Ball is in here, and I always didn't recognize her. She looked very young (which she was!).

Overall, the film has entertainment value but, personally, I would rather watch the boys' others films.