Blu-ray Review: At the Circus

Synopsis: A classic of comic insanity, At the Circus races, along at an hilarious, logic-defying pace, reaching literally the highest point in all of the Marx Brothers' films with a scene in which the zany trio – as well as Margaret Dumont and a gorilla on the loose - wind up swinging wildly from the trapeze. When a loan shark and two circus performers set out to steal "Wilson's Wonder Circus" from its rightful owner, two circus attendants (Chico and Harpo) enlist the help of a lawyer. Their choice is Attorney Loophole (Groucho), himself on the lam from the law. The three make several crazy attempts to retrieve the cash needed to save the show – including one unforgettable episode with Groucho, trying to snatch a wallet from the bosom of a lovely circus star (Eve Arden). ​

Main Feature: Show me someone who does not like the Marx brothers, and I will show you someone who does not like humor. Even at their less-than-best, Groucho & family still rise above the unfunny. Such is the case with At the Circus. It's no Duck Soup or Night at the Opera, but it is still a very funny exercise in the troupes and style the comedy group was known for. They hit the notes of the classic bits. It's like listening to your favorite album on repeat years later: sure, you've heard them before, but for some reason, you never tire of the schtick. The HD on this Warner Archive Blu-ray looks wonderful.

Bonus Features: The sparse extras are classic stylings of pre-show entertainment, albeit without the same care of an HD transfer as the main film got.

Final Call: While not tiered with their classics, The Marx brothers' At the Circus is still a zany, funny bit of fun under their big top of humor.

Grade: B-