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

by Martin A. Gardner

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786439424
• ISBN13: 9780786439423
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
• Length: 218 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher