The Cocoanuts 1929 G

Production still from The Cocoanuts 1929 / Directors: Robert Florey, Joseph Santley / Image courtesy: Universal Pictures Australia / View full image
When
11.00 am, Sun 17 Aug 2025 (95 mins)Where
Gallery of Modern Art, Cinema B
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Admission
Free
About
The first feature starring the four Marx Brothers — following their now-lost 1921 short Humor Risk — The Cocoanuts adapts their hit Broadway musical to the nascent medium of sound cinema. The film is set amidst the 1920s Florida 'land boom,' a property bubble that resulted in aspiring speculators flocking to the state. Groucho plays local hotelier Mr Hammer, who is forever conniving to turn greater profits. Chico and Harpo are two chaotic interlopers who throw his moneymaking schemes into disarray and cause consternation for Hammer's employee Jamison, played by buttoned-up straight man Zeppo.
One of the first 'all-talking' musicals, The Cocoanuts was filmed with the Brothers staged 'Animal Crackers' on Broadway — shooting all day and performing at night. Less technically adept than their later masterworks, it nevertheless captures the inimitable chemistry the four stars had already developed through their decades of show business experience. It also acts an introduction to their legendary foil Margaret Dumont and boasts some of their iconic comedy scenes, such as the 'Why a duck?' routine.
Production Credits
- Directors: Robert Florey, Joseph Santley
- Script: Morrie Ryskind
- Based on: the play by George S Kaufman
- Cinematographers: George J Folsey, J Roy Hunt
- Editor: Barney Rogan
- Cast: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx
- Print Source: Universal Pictures Australia
- Rights: Universal Pictures Australia
- Year: 1929
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Colour: Black & White
- Shooting Format: 35mm
- Screening Format: DCP