Horse Feathers

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

14K

YOUR RATING

Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Thelma Todd, and The Marx Brothers in Horse Feathers (1932)

Quincy Adams Wagstaff, the new president of Huxley University, accidentally hires bumblers Baravelli and Pinky to help his school win the big football game against the rival Darwin University.

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Classic Musical Farce Football Satire Slapstick Comedy Family Musical Romance Sport

Quincy Adams Wagstaff, Huxley University's new president, accidentally hires bumblers Baravelli and Pinky to help his school win the big football game against their rival, Darwin University.Quincy Adams Wagstaff, Huxley University's new president, accidentally hires bumblers Baravelli and Pinky to help his school win the big football game against their rival, Darwin University.Quincy Adams Wagstaff, Huxley University's new president, accidentally hires bumblers Baravelli and Pinky to help his school win the big football game against their rival, Darwin University.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

14K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 nominations

Baravelli
(as The Four Marx Brothers)

Harpo Marx

Pinky
(as The Four Marx Brothers)

The Marx Brothers

Zeppo Marx

Frank Wagstaff
(as The Four Marx Brothers)

Thelma Todd

Connie Bailey

David Landau

Jennings

Bobby Barber

Speakeasy Patron
(uncredited)

Reginald Barlow

Retiring College President
(uncredited)

Vince Barnett

Speakeasy Patron
(uncredited)

Sheila Bromley

Wagstaff's Receptionist
(uncredited)

E.H. Calvert

Professor in Wagstaff's Study
(uncredited)

Edgar Dearing

Speakeasy Bartender
(uncredited)

Robert Greig

Biology Professor Giving Lecture
(uncredited)

Theresa Harris

Laura - Connie's Maid
(uncredited)

Edward LeSaint

Professor in Wagstaff's Study
(uncredited)

Florine McKinney

Peggy Carrington
(uncredited)

Nat Pendleton

MacHardie - Darwin Player
(uncredited)

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
During filming, Chico Marx was in a car accident and shattered his kneecap. In some scenes, he can be seen limping.

Goofs
After Huxley kicks an extra point following Pinky's touchdown, Darwin kicks off to Huxley.

Quotes
Professor Wagstaff: Baravelli, you've got the brain of a four-year old boy, and I bet he was glad to get rid of it.

Alternate versions
There is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, distributed by DNA Srl: "PIUME DI CAVALLO (I fratelli Marx al college, 1932)" (in double version 1.33:1 and 1.78:1), re-edited with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.

Connections
Featured in Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter (1982)

Soundtracks
Whatever It Is, I'm Against It
(1932) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Ruby
Lyrics by Bert Kalmar
Sung by Groucho Marx and Chorus

User reviews114

Review

Featured review

9/10

my favorite Marx Brothers movie

While this film ISN'T as famous as DUCK SOUP or A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, it's my personal favorite. I think it's probably because unlike these other two pictures, there isn't all the singing and dancing in HORSE FEATHERS plus it has at least as much energy as any other film they made. Plus, unlike THE COCOANUTS and ANIMAL CRACKERS, there is a real honest-to-goodness plot!!! So, it's not just one gag after another after another.

Groucho is wonderful as the incompetent and perpetually horny Professor Wagstaff at Huxley College. Plus, as idiots mistaken for professional ringers, Chico and Harpo are at their best. Oh, and I guess Zeppo is in the movie, but as in all their early Zeppo films, he is pretty much a non-entity. You can really see why he never caught on as one of the Marx Brothers (nor did his other brother, Karl, who was by far the LEAST funny Marx Brother).

About the only negative about the film is the climactic football game. Even for a Marx Brothers film, this does get a little too stupid! But, the rest of the movie is so good, you really don't mind.

UPDATE: I just saw this film on the big screen and upon viewing it again, I am reducing the score to 8. Yes, it is good for the Marx Brothers but the plot, such as it is, is barely a plot at all, the film's ending is bizarre and senseless and a few of the jokes a bit less funny after re-watching. Still good and still worth seeing if you just turn off your brain and enjoy all the nonsense.