Watch A Night at the Opera

A Night at the Opera is a 1935 musical comedy film directed by Sam Wood and starring the legendary comedy trio, the Marx Brothers - Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, and Harpo Marx. The film is often regarded as one of the Marx Brothers' greatest works and is widely considered a classic in the genre of screwball comedy. The movie revolves around Otis B. Driftwood (played by Groucho Marx), a business agent who plans to manage a new opera singer, Rosa Castaldi (played by Kitty Carlisle). However, his plans are complicated when he falls in love with Rosa's friend, the aspiring dancer and singer, Selma (played by Allan Jones). Together with the Marx brothers, they set their sights on getting Selma her big break, while outwitting the pompous, arrogant, and villainous opera impresario, Herman Gottlieb (played by Sig Ruman).

The film is famous for its outlandish and wacky comedy, which ranges from witty verbal banter to physical slapstick, often accompanied by musical numbers. Some of the most iconic moments in the movie include the famous stateroom scene, where the Marx Brothers stuff a ridiculous amount of people into a tiny cabin, and Harpo's beautiful harp solo, where he graces the screen with his signature silent comedy shtick.

The film also features a host of other memorable characters, including a pair of scheming hotel maids, and the eccentric but loveable Italian painter, Fiorello (played by Chico Marx), who helps Otis and the gang pull off their various hijinks.

Although the film is primarily a comedy, it also touches on themes of love and friendship, with a heartwarming subplot that revolves around the relationship between Otis and Selma. The Marx Brothers' unique brand of humor often subverts expectations and defies convention, making for a hilarious and entertaining experience.

Overall, A Night at the Opera is a classic masterpiece of comedic filmmaking, thanks to the Marx Brothers' unique talents and the excellent direction of Sam Wood. The film has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved favorite for generations of audiences, and continues to inspire comedic endeavors to this day.

A Night at the Opera is a 1935 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.