CLIP DESCRIPTION:
Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) lays out the strict rules of his country through song and dance... much to everyone's pleasure.
FILM DESCRIPTION:
In
this 1933 Marx Brothers film, the mythical country of Freedonia is
broke and on the verge of revolution. Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont),
Freedonia's principal benefactress, will lend the country 20 million
dollars if the president withdraws and places the government in the
hands of the "fearless, progressive" Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx). At
his inauguration, Firefly shows up late, insults everyone in sight, and
sings a song about how he intends to abuse his power. Naturally, the
crowd cheers wildly. Meanwhile, Ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern) of
neighboring Sylvania schemes to oust Firefly and take over Freedonia
himself. To gather enough evidence to discredit Firefly, he sends his
most trusted spies, Chicolini (Chico Marx) and Pinky (Harpo Marx). Five
minutes after they show up in Freedonia, both spies become important
members of Firefly's cabinet, though Chicolini keeps his day job as a
peanut vendor. Firefly eventually declares war on Sylvania, an absurd
farrago with Firefly changing uniforms from scene to scene, Chicolini
going to the other side because the food is better, and Pinky parading
around the battlefield with a sandwich board reading "Join the army and
see the navy."
CREDITS:
TM & © Universal (1933)
Cast: Groucho Marx, Margaret Dumont
Director: Leo McCarey
Producer: Herman J. Mankiewicz
Screenwriters: Bert Kalmar, Nat Perrin, Harry Ruby, Arthur Sheekman
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