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Description In the Marx Brothers' first feature film, Groucho portrays a hotel owner out to fleece everyone, from innocent bellboys to wealthy society types. Chico and Harpo are along for the ride as Groucho's accomplices. Featuring the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin. ... Read more Reviews (27) 
The Marxes Unleashed
Despite its technically inferior sound and variable print quality, "The Cocoanuts" (1929) remains a cinematic landmark. It was the first musical-comedy captured on film and, most importantly, introduced the Marx Brothers to the big screen. Though shot within the stage-bound confines of Paramount's Astoria studio, directors Robert Florey and Joseph Santley manage to incorporate stylish visual touches that complement the anarchic spirit of Groucho, Harpo, Chico and (briefly) Zeppo. As a result, "The Cocoanuts" lacks the stiffness and claustrophobia that plagued many 1929 talkies. Admittedly, there are a few slow stretches, since the filmmakers and performers hadn't quite mastered the pacing and timing of early sound comedy (notice the Groucho-Margaret Dumont exchanges). Still, the film moves at a pretty good clip (except for the forgettable musical interludes with Mary Eaton and Oscar Shaw) while showcasing some of the Marxes' best routines. Harpo, in particular, is brilliant and remarkably inventive throughout. Groucho has plenty of memorable dialogue, but his portrayal of Mr. Hammer is no match for Captain Spaulding or Rufus T. Firefly. Chico, of course, represents the ideal visual-verbal counterpart for Harpo and Groucho, even though his character is more belligerent than usual. And poor Zeppo would have better opportunities in his remaining film appearances. Flaws and all, "The Cocoanuts" survives as a fine introduction to Marxian madness.
Entertaining and Historically Significant
THE COCOANUTS is historically significant as one of the first all-talking, all-singing musical films. It's also significant for unleashing the Marx Brothers onto the movie going public. THE COCOANUTS gave filmgoers a taste of what had Broadway audiences rolling in the aisle and while the film suffers from the static production typical of early musicals, it remains very entertaining thanks to the brothers' anarchic comedy. Director Robert Florey did use some innovative camera shots to help overcome the staginess (i.e. part of Chico's piano solo is shot head-on through the raised piano lid; a novel touch at the time). For many years, THE COCOANUTS was only available in generally awful prints with muddy soundtracks; recently portions of the film in mint condition have come to light, so while it's not a complete restoration, the film looks and sounds better than it has in years. For all it's faults, including an oddly forgettable Irving Berlin score, THE COCOANUTS still provides plenty of laughs.
It's one of the best
First off, lets get some stuff straight. This is a great start for the Marx Brothers. Second, The sound can get bad but please still buy it. Third, Zeppo does not star in it. He's in it for like 4 minutes and then he doesn't say anything. After 10 minutes of the movie he turns into Harpo. Fourth, this can be interrupted by some dances.But this is an awsome movie, and I recommend it.
ON YOUR MARX,GET SET, STOP!
What I'm about to write applies to the first 5 Marx movies.I own them on VHS and borrowed the DVDs from our local library .The VHS versions are clearer,brighter,and show more picture.The sound is also of better quality on tape.As you know by now,no extras.The DVDs will receive one star less rating because of the lack of extras,poor picture and sound quality THE COCOANUTS 2 stars for DVD 3 stars for VHS.ANIMAL CRACKERS DVD;4 stars VHS;5 stars. MONKEY BUSINESS DVD;3 VHS;4. HORSE FEATHERS DVD;4 VHS;5.And DUCK SOUP DVD; 4 stars and of coarse VHS;5 stars.Don't get me wrong. The dvds aren't of such bad qaulity as other reviewers would lead you to believe,it's just that the VHS versions are better (MCA Universal) that is. If you have the cash and simply must have these reMARXable movies on dvd go ahead get the discs.I'm waiting for them to be reissued by MCA.This time correcting all the faults I mentioned with the current discs. I justa hope'a they put'a them'a out before they put'a me in'a da olda ladies home.
well it's my favorite
No kidding. I like the late-20s feel it has, the dancing, the slicked back hair... and the Marx Brothers, to me, are at their funniest, especially physically. I've watched it so many times I've lost count. I've memorized big chunks of the dialogue. Sure it's stagey, with its non-moving camera, but it also gives it the flavor of what it must have been like to see them on stage at that time.
"Horse Feathers" is a near second, though.
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