The Marx Brothers As Social Critics : Satire and Comic Nihilism in Their Films

The Marx Brothers' films are packed with slapstick and obvious jokes, gags, puns, pratfalls, and mimicry. But beneath the laughs is a serious and biting condemnation of American culture. This book examines historical events, political practices, economic conditions, manners and customs, literary subjects, and popular entertainment as satirized in the films and considers the ways in which the films were relevant in their era and remain so today. The Marx Brothers' Films Are Packed With Slapstick And Obvious Jokes. But Beneath The Laughs Is A Serious Condemnation Of American Culture. This Book Examines Historical Events, Political Practices, Economic Conditions, Manners, Customs, Literary Subjects, And Popular Entertainment As Satirized In The Films And Considers The Ways In Which The Films Were Relevant In Their Era And Today--provided By Publisher. An Indifferent World -- Triumphs, Tryouts, And Turkeys : The Film Career --the Writers -- You Can Get Stucco -- Is It Swordfish? -- The Seven-cent Nickel -- A Job In The Mint -- A Standing Army -- Dear Old Ivy -- A Coed With Two Pair Of Pants -- The Whole Wig -- It's Tough On My Suspenders -- Three Hardboiled Eggs -- Ice Water In 318 -- The Main Hungerdunger -- Grand Slam -- A Very Strange Interlude -- A Brace Of Woodpeckers -- Upside Down -- Whim Wham. Martin A. Gardner. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 199-208) And Index.