AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 54


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Rufus T. Firefly: Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.

Duck Soup (1933)
Original List Position: 85
Starring: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, and Zeppo Marx
Director: Leo McCarey
About: It feels like no list of films that impacted American history would be complete without an entry from the Marx Brothers. Duck Soup is a fun and quirky film that fits the bill well. It landed at 85 on the original list, but moved up to 60 on the re-issued list from 2007. That's closer to where I have it. It's a film that I appreciate for its unique approach, style, and quality. It represents a certain era and a certain type of film, and I think it does that well.

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