Horse Feathers (1932) Review in 2025
Horse Feathers is a classic 1932 comedy film starring the Marx Brothers, featuring their signature blend of witty banter, physical humor, and satire.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild innuendos and slapstick humor.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the Marx Brothers and classic comedy, but it's not essential viewing.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Professor Quincy Adams Wagstaff (Groucho Marx) as he tries to save his alma mater, Huxley College, from being shut down. Along the way, he gets entangled in a series of wacky misadventures with his colleagues and students, including a beautiful and charming co-ed (Thelma Todd).
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and full of clever plot twists, but it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting9.00/10
The entire cast delivers strong performances, with Thelma Todd standing out as a charming and feisty co-ed.
characters9.00/10
The Marx Brothers are their usual charming and hilarious selves, with Groucho delivering some of his signature one-liners and Chico and Harpo providing plenty of physical comedy.
direction7.00/10
Norman Z. McLeod does a decent job of keeping the pace and tone of the film consistent, but some scenes feel a bit disjointed.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is fairly basic and doesn't add much to the overall visual appeal of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Marx Brothers' signature wit and charm, plenty of physical comedy, and some memorable quotes.
Cons
The story is a bit predictable, the cinematography is basic, and some scenes feel disjointed.
Notable Quotes
"From the moment I picked up your book until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it."
"I'm a man of simple tastes; I have a few simple tastes, and one of them is a taste for the finer things in life."
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
