Lobby Card (11" x 14") ;
Very Good+ on Paper
Paramount, 1931

Depicting the Four Marx Brothers (Harpo, Zeppo, Chico, and Groucho) and known as the "Barrel Card," this is by far the best scene card from the set and is highly sought-after by collectors. This example was professionally paper-backed with expert restoration, including airbrushing on the borders and lower white field to address pinholes, small tears, chips, and mild surface paper loss. It also features sporadic touch-up on the barrels to fix creases and small areas of surface paper loss, a tiny spot repair beneath Harpo's chin, and touch-up across the lower credits area. The restoration was very well executed. This restored lobby card is one of the most desirable cards from any of the Marx Brothers' films.

The third picture to feature the manic Marx Brothers, the first to boast an original screenplay (as opposed to an adaptation of one of the Brother's stage shows), and the first to be made in Hollywood (previous films were shot at Paramount's Astoria studios in Queens, New York), this crazy Pre-Code comedy revolves around the foursome (Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo) stowing away aboard an ocean liner and the hijinks that ensue when they run afoul of a pair of gangsters. The most memorable bits include the Brother's rendition of "Sweet Adeline" while hiding out in kippered herring barrels in the ship's hold, their attempt to disembark by convincing the customs agent that they are each popular singer/actor Maurice Chevalier by singing one of his most famous songs, and Harpo's hilarious Punch and Judy show. Notably, the female foil in this picture is Thelma Todd, temporarily replacing the redoubtable Margaret Dumont, Groucho's most frequent foil (it was felt that Dumont was not "sexy" enough for the role). Todd would also co-star in their next picture, Horse Feathers, before her tragic accidental death in 1935 at the age of 29. A critical and commercial success upon release, the film is now considered one of the Marx Brothers' funniest, and ranks high on the list of All-Time Best Comedies. Paper from this film is incredibly scarce, so don't monkey around, get your bid in today!