The historic Newtown Theatre will screen “Duck Soup” (1933) and “A Night at the Opera” (1935). Each film will be introduced by Newtown Movie Club host Joe Amodei, who will share short Hollywood trivia before each film.

In “Duck Soup” (run time 1:10), the country of Freedonia is in the middle of a financial crisis and on the brink of revolution. To gain a bailout from the wealthy Mrs. Teasdale, the government appoints Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) as its president. Firefly and his cohorts Pinky (Harpo) and Chicolini (Chico) stumble their way into an absurd war with a neighboring country. The film is a relentless mockery of authority, patriotism and diplomacy.

“A Night at the Opera” (run time 1:31) is set against the backdrop of the highbrow opera world with the Marx Brothers infiltrating a snobbish cultural scene to help two young lovers succeed. Disguises, scams, and some of the brothers’ most famous routines—including the stateroom scene—turn elite society upside down. The film balances anarchic comedy with a more traditional romantic storyline.

The Marx Brothers – Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo – redefined screen comedy with their blend of razor-sharp wit, physical comedy and gleeful disrespect for authority. Their films broke from conventional storytelling, favoring verbal assaults, visual gags and surreal logic that influenced generations of comedians and filmmakers.

Details

• The doors open at 9:30 AM and the screening begins at 10 AM.

• Members may not reserve tickets for non-members.

• All tickets are general admission.

• Beer, wine and canned cocktails will be available for purchase at the theatre before and during the show. 

• All ticket sales are final. Refunds or ticket exchanges will not be offered. If you can't attend, you're welcome to give your tickets to someone else.

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