''A Night at the Opera'' b, 1935 - art by Al Hirschfeld
by Movie World Posters
Title
''A Night at the Opera'' b, 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 1935 comedy film directed by Sam Wood and featuring the Marx Brothers: Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, and Harpo Marx. Known for its irreverent humor, witty wordplay, and slapstick comedy, the film is one of the Marx Brothers' most iconic works. Here's a description of the movie:
Plot:
"A Night at the Opera" revolves around the zany adventures of the Marx Brothers as they become involved in the world of high society, opera, and romance. The central plot follows a young tenor, Ricardo Baroni (played by Allan Jones), and his love interest, Rosa Castaldi (Kitty Carlisle).
Ricardo Baroni, a talented opera singer, is eager to make a name for himself in the world of opera. However, his efforts are hampered by a scheming opera manager, Herman Gottlieb (played by Sig Ruman), who seeks to exploit Ricardo's talent for financial gain.
Enter the Marx Brothers:
Groucho Marx as Otis B. Driftwood: Groucho plays a fast-talking and conniving agent who is hired to manage Ricardo's career. He becomes involved in various schemes and hilarious situations throughout the film.
Chico Marx as Fiorello: Chico is Groucho's loyal and quick-witted assistant, who provides comic relief with his humorous dialogue and antics.
Harpo Marx as Tomasso: Harpo plays a mute character who communicates through physical comedy, expressive gestures, and playing the harp. His mischievous and surreal antics are a hallmark of the Marx Brothers' humor.
As the film unfolds, the Marx Brothers use their unique blend of chaos and humor to help Ricardo and Rosa pursue their dreams of love and success in the world of opera. Their outrageous stunts and comedic interventions disrupt the plans of the opera manager and lead to a climactic performance at the opera house.
Notable Aspects:
Marx Brothers' Comedy: "A Night at the Opera" showcases the Marx Brothers' signature comedy style, which includes rapid-fire one-liners, wordplay, physical gags, and absurd humor.
Satire of High Society: The film satirizes the pretentiousness and absurdities of high society and the world of opera.
Opera Performances: The film features several memorable opera performances, including a famous rendition of "Il Trovatore" that becomes a comedic masterpiece.
Classic Scenes: "A Night at the Opera" is known for its classic comedy sequences, including the stateroom scene, where numerous people cram into a tiny stateroom on a ship.
Romantic Subplot: The film includes a romantic subplot involving Ricardo and Rosa, adding depth to the story.
Social Commentary: While primarily a comedy, the film subtly comments on issues of class, art, and commercialism.
Cultural Impact: "A Night at the Opera" remains one of the Marx Brothers' most celebrated and enduring films, influencing generations of comedians and filmmakers.
Overall, "A Night at the Opera" is a comedic masterpiece that combines the talents of the Marx Brothers with clever satire, memorable one-liners, and unforgettable comedic set pieces. It continues to be celebrated for its enduring humor and remains a beloved classic in the world of comedy cinema.
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.
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Uploaded
April 24th, 2021
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