''A Night At the Opera'', 1935 - art by Al Hirschfeld
by Movie World Posters
Title
''A Night At the Opera'', 1935 - art by Al Hirschfeld
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage movie poster reprint of ''A Night At the Opera'', a classic comedy film released in 1935, directed by Sam Wood and starring the legendary Marx Brothers: Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, and Harpo Marx. The film is one of the Marx Brothers' most iconic and enduring works, known for its zany humor and chaotic antics.
The story revolves around a farcical plot involving an opera company and its efforts to stage a successful opera while dealing with a pompous tenor, a scheming opera patron, and the Marx Brothers' own brand of chaos. Groucho Marx plays Otis B. Driftwood, a conniving business manager who becomes embroiled in the opera company's affairs. Chico Marx plays Fiorello, Driftwood's sidekick, while Harpo Marx takes on the role of Tomasso, a mute assistant with a talent for wreaking havoc.
"A Night at the Opera" is a classic example of the Marx Brothers' signature style of humor, characterized by rapid-fire one-liners, wordplay, visual gags, and absurd situations. Groucho's witty and irreverent one-liners, Chico's humorous malapropisms, and Harpo's silent physical comedy all contribute to the film's comedic brilliance.
The film is also notable for its famous stateroom scene, in which a seemingly endless number of people and objects are crammed into a tiny cabin on a cruise ship, leading to comedic chaos. This scene is often cited as one of the greatest moments in film comedy history.
While "A Night at the Opera" is primarily known for its humor, it also includes a romantic subplot involving the opera's leading soprano, Rosa Castaldi, played by Kitty Carlisle, and her love interest, Ricardo Baroni, portrayed by Allan Jones. Their love story adds a touch of romance to the madcap proceedings.
The film's title is a nod to the famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi, "Il trovatore," which features prominently in the film's climax and provides an opportunity for the Marx Brothers to inject their unique comedic sensibilities into a highbrow art form.
"A Night at the Opera" was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is considered one of the Marx Brothers' greatest achievements in film. It continues to be celebrated for its timeless humor and remains a beloved classic in the world of comedy cinema, showcasing the Marx Brothers at the peak of their comedic powers.
About the artist:
Al Hirschfeld (June 21, 1903 – January 20, 2003) was an American caricaturist best known for his black and white portraits of celebrities and Broadway stars. His art appeared regularly in "The New York Times" and other publications during his 70-year career.
Search "Hirschfeld" to see other posters.
Uploaded
April 21st, 2021
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