The movie was honest and reflected a political environment that was hostile to critical thinking. For this reason, it was a failure at the box office at the time. People were insulted by their humor. In fact Italy banned the movie under their fascist leader Mussolini. Groucho famously says, "And remember while you're out there risking life and limb through shot and shell, we'll be in here thinking what a sucker you are." which was a direct shot at Hitler and Mussolini. It seems the comical genius of the Marx Brothers was a reflection of the truth that lie ahead.
I could not help but reflect upon our current political atmosphere. What's old is new again. The satire of global events in the 1930s is hauntingly similar to today's current events. The cynicism of geopolitical events back then are the same as today. It would seem that the Marx Brothers tapped into themes that reoccur throughout history. When there are economic inequalities, dictatorships thrive on the false premise of restoring glory and order for the masses.
From an entertainment point of view, this is a very funny movie. Fast moving dialog, site gags that were ahead of their time, and insults galore. Groucho was the Mel Brooks and Dave Chappelle of his generation. He uses the fine line of social commentary as humor. The double entendres are cleverly masked so that the censors miss what is truly being said. This is the magic of the Marx Brothers. When you put into context the restraints they had back then, they cleverly work around censorship.
The bottom line is that Duck Soup is a movie that captures the 1930s and reminds us that history lessons are for the taking when we watch movies from our past with a critical lens. This is why Duck Soup belongs in a short list of movies during this time that examined the world with honesty, and irreverent humor. And, if you have not seen the movie, be sure to watch it.
