The fanciest dish of screams -- howls -- beauty and music ever concocted.

Starring: Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont, Louis Calhern, Edgar Kennedy, Raquel Torres

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I could dance with you until the cows come home. On second thought, I'd rather dance with the cows till you come home." - Rufus T. Firefly

Why watch this? This is one of the Marx Brothers' best films. It puts the "Z" in zany!

Plot Summary: The nation of Freedonia faces bankruptcy and accepts a loan from wealthy Mrs. Teasdale, who insists on appointing the eccentric Rufus T. Firefly as leader. This causes tensions to rise with neighboring Sylvania, whose ambassador attempts to usurp Firefly's position and influence Mrs. Teasdale, thereby threatening war between the two nations. Amidst the escalating conflict, two spies from Sylvania create chaos while supposedly attempting to steal Freedonia's war plans.

Dad's Preview: Groucho portrays the President of the mythical country of Freedonia. Zeppo is his secretary, while Chico and Harpo are spies for the neighboring country of Sylvania. As with most Marx Bros. films, the plot appears secondary to the madcap action and funny pratfalls that occupy the screen entirely. Back then, governmental criticism on film was frowned upon, but it is here, and the Marx Bros. wrapped it in satirical insanity. Critics today still consider this film to be their great masterpiece.

Herman J. Mankiewicz; Paramount Pictures