A Night at the Opera (1935) Review in 2025
A Night at the Opera is a 1935 musical comedy film directed by Sam Wood, starring the Marx Brothers. The movie follows the misadventures of a group of people who try to sabotage the marriage of a wealthy heiress.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but some scenes may be too silly or absurd for younger children.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of the Marx Brothers and classic comedy. It's a hilarious and entertaining film that is sure to leave you laughing out loud.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie revolves around Otis B. Driftwood, a con artist who poses as a wealthy aristocrat to win the heart of the beautiful Toni Marolla. However, his plans are foiled when he gets caught up in a series of wacky misadventures, including a wild goose chase, a disastrous opera performance, and a hilarious finale.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is a classic example of the Marx Brothers' brand of zany humor, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience entertained. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and relies too heavily on slapstick comedy.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with the Marx Brothers delivering their signature brand of comedy. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Margaret Dumont providing a perfect foil to the Marx Brothers' antics.
characters8.00/10
The Marx Brothers are in top form, with Groucho delivering his signature wit and sarcasm, Chico showcasing his impressive piano skills, and Harpo using his signature pantomime skills to great effect. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Margaret Dumont providing a perfect foil to the Marx Brothers' antics.
direction9.00/10
Sam Wood's direction is masterful, using the Marx Brothers' unique brand of humor to create a film that is both silly and sophisticated. The pacing is well-balanced, with plenty of comedic moments to keep the audience laughing.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is solid, but not particularly noteworthy. The black-and-white visuals are well-handled, but the film's use of color is limited to a few brief moments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Marx Brothers' unique brand of humor, excellent direction, and superb acting make this movie a standout classic. The film's use of slapstick comedy and witty one-liners is sure to keep the audience entertained.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable and relies too heavily on slapstick comedy. The cinematography is solid, but not particularly noteworthy.
Notable Quotes
"A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A fine is nothing but a tax for doing wrong. It is a penalty for doing wrong. There is nothing more about it."
"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV."
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
