6.9/10
5,437
58 user 26 critic

At the Circus (1939)

Passed | | Comedy, Musical | 20 October 1939 (USA)
At the Circus Poster
The Marx Brothers try to help the owner of a circus recover some stolen funds before he finds himself out of a job.

Director:

Edward Buzzell

Writer:

Irving Brecher (screen play)

Stars:

Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx | See full cast & crew »
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Photos

See all 42 photos »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Groucho Marx ... Attorney Loophole
Chico Marx ... Antonio
Harpo Marx ... 'Punchy'
Kenny Baker ... Jeff Wilson
Florence Rice ... Julie Randall
Eve Arden ... Peerless Pauline
Margaret Dumont ... Mrs. Dukesbury
Nat Pendleton ... Goliath
Fritz Feld ... Jardinet
James Burke ... John Carter
Jerry Maren ... Little Professor Atom (as Jerry Marenghi)
Barnett Parker ... Whitcomb
See full cast »
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Storyline

Jeff Wilson, the owner of a small circus, owes his partner Carter $10000. Before Jeff can pay, Carter lets his accomplices steal the money, so he can take over the circus. Antonio Pirelli and Punchy, who work at the circus, together with lawyer Loophole try to find the thief and get the money back. Written by Michael Zolk <mzolk@ix.urz.uni-heidelberg.de>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

circus | song | circus midget | deception | damsel in distress | See All (82) »

Taglines:

NOT SUITABLE FOR GENERAL EXHIBITION (Australian one-sheet poster) See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Musical

Certificate:

Passed | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

This film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 critic reviews. See more »

Goofs

Mrs Dukesbury introduces Jardinet's first piece an a Beethoven composition. When the orchestra begins to play, they are doing Wagner's 3rd Act prelude from Lohengrin. See more »

Quotes

Mrs. Suzanna Dukesbury: You, monster. You're responsible this disgrace!
J. Cheever Loophole: That's gratitude for you. Most men get their sweethearts one ring for an engagement. I got you three rings!
Mrs. Suzanna Dukesbury: A circus! I'll be a laughing stock.
See more »

Connections

Featured in 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year (2009) See more »

Soundtracks

Lydia, the Tattooed Lady
(1939) (uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Sung by Groucho Marx and chorus, with Chico Marx at piano
See more »

User Reviews

First Marx Brothers Film I Saw..and it was amazing.
20 July 2003 | by andyrichterismissing – See all my reviews

This is one of the most hilarious comedies I've ever seen. Sure, as others have said, the romantic stuff isn't so great, but the stuff with the Marx Brothers, especially Groucho, is genius. One of my favorite scenes was the one where Groucho walks on the ceiling with that highly attractive circus perfomer. Plus, the ending, with the gorilla and the whacky final fate of the orchestra, is awe inspiring, as far as comedy goes. (Which is damn far!) Anyway, a great film.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
Review this title | See all 58 user reviews »

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 1939 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

A Day at the Circus See more »

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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