Jake Harper
The Marx Brothers were comedians who made the pompous yet powerful look ridiculous. Their comedy was ferocious without rancor, and they believed that society is unjust because it is crazy. Their film The Cocoanuts (1929) features a famous scene in which Chico, playing an immigrant with poor English skills, replies Why a duck? when Groucho mentions a viaduct between the mainland and a peninsula. This leads into a long routine with Chico responding Why a no chicken?, I catch ona why a horse, and so forth. This scene is a touchstone for Marx Brothers fans, with the duck becoming a running gag throughout their career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1929 |
| Movie | The Cocoanuts |
| Performers | Groucho Marx, Chico Marx |
| Premise | Chico, playing an immigrant with poor English skills, mishears "viaduct" as "why a duck" |
| Joke | Groucho: "It's deep water, that's why a duck." Chico: "Why a no chicken?" |
| Running gag | The duck is a running gag throughout the Marxes' and especially Groucho's career |
| Groucho's response | "Because a duck is such a silly animal." |
| Related films | Duck Soup 1933, Horse Feathers (1932) |
Explore related products
![The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91RtKeoi2ZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup) - Restored Edition [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71b4TnYqcnL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Duck Soup [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W3zzxSyzL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Marx Brothers: Duck Soup [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PDXDVYPbL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
'Why a Duck?' scene in *The Cocoanuts* (1929)
"Why a Duck?" is a comedy routine in the Marx Brothers' 1929 movie, *The Cocoanuts*. The scene features Groucho and Chico discussing a map, with Groucho pointing out a viaduct between the mainland and a peninsula. Chico, playing an immigrant with poor English skills, mishears "viaduct" as "why a duck?" and responds with "Why a no chicken?" This sets off a long exchange, with Chico continuing to question why a duck and not another animal, and Groucho attempting to explain. The scene is a touchstone for Marx Brothers fans, with the duck becoming a running gag throughout their careers.
In the scene, Mr. Hammer (Groucho) is speaking to Chico about his partner, Harpo, and his unusual behaviour. Hammer is also trying to sell Chico some property, offering him three lots "watering the front" or three lots "fronting the water". Chico is confused about the location of the lots, and the discussion of the map ensues. Groucho tries to explain that there is a "viaduct" or "deep water" between the mainland and a peninsula, but Chico continues to misunderstand, leading to the iconic "why a duck?" line.
The "Why a Duck?" scene showcases the Marx Brothers' unique brand of comedy, which often involved rapid-fire wordplay, absurdity, and chaos. Chico's broken English and Groucho's attempts to clarify only add to the humour of the situation. The scene also highlights the brothers' ability to find humour in the mundane, such as discussing a map or property deals, and their talent for physical comedy, with Harpo's horn honking and pen-throwing providing a contrast to the verbal acrobatics of Groucho and Chico.
The "Why a Duck?" routine became so iconic that it inspired the title of a book by Richard Anobile, which focuses on the minutiae of the Marx Brothers' routines. The scene also inspired the name of Groucho's signature walk, "the duck walk", and a running gag on his television program, *You Bet Your Life*, where a stuffed duck resembling Groucho would appear. The Marx Brothers' comedy has stood the test of time, with fans still quoting and discussing the "Why a Duck?" scene decades later.
The Marx Brothers' comedy has been described as "ferocious without rancour", highlighting the absurdity of society rather than evil intent. Their films, including *The Cocoanuts*, *Duck Soup*, and *A Night at the Opera*, have left a lasting impact on comedy, with their unique style and fearless approach to satire and wordplay. The "Why a Duck?" scene is a perfect example of their ability to create humour from the simplest of misunderstandings, and it continues to bring joy to audiences even today.
Slapping Chickens: How Many Times is Too Much?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Marx Brothers Collection ( The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - United Kingdom ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81RGg1zSTfL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Chico's broken English
Moreover, Chico's broken English also contributes to the character's charm and uniqueness. His unique way of speaking, with its mix of mispronunciations, malapropisms, and non-sequiturs, makes him stand out and provides a contrast to Groucho's more straightforward delivery. Chico's broken English also adds a layer of absurdity to the scene, fitting with the Marx Brothers' brand of comedy that often poked fun at the absurdities of society.
The "Why a Duck?" scene has become a touchstone for Marx Brothers fans, with its impact extending beyond the film. The scene showcases the brothers' comedic genius, with its clever wordplay and ability to find humour in the mundane. It also highlights their talent for physical comedy, as their facial expressions and body language enhance the humour of the dialogue. The scene's popularity is evident in the book "Why a Duck?" by Richard Anobile, which explores the intricacies of the Marx Brothers' routines and includes a foreword by Groucho himself.
In conclusion, Chico's broken English in the "Why a Duck?" scene is not only integral to the comedy routine but also showcases the Marx Brothers' comedic brilliance. Through Chico's unique way of speaking, the scene delivers hilarious wordplay, absurd situations, and memorable characters, solidifying its place as a classic moment in cinematic comedy.
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki: Carbs and Calories Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Marx Brothers: Animal Crackers [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BXjgiU0TS._AC_UY218_.jpg)
'>Groucho's response to 'why a duck?'
"Why a duck?" is a comedy routine performed by the Marx Brothers in their 1929 movie, The Cocoanuts. In the scene, Groucho and Chico are discussing a map, with the latter playing an immigrant with poor English skills. When Chico asks, "Why a duck?", Groucho responds, "Well, I don't know why not a chicken. I'm a stranger here myself. All I know is that it's a viaduct. You try to cross over there on a chicken and you'll find out why a duck. It's deep water, that's why a duck."
Groucho's response is a play on words, using the phrase "why a duck" in a humorous and nonsensical way. He acknowledges his confusion about the choice of a duck over a chicken, claiming to be a stranger in the situation. However, he emphasizes the presence of a viaduct and deep water, implying that a duck is better suited for navigating such an environment than a chicken.
The exchange between Groucho and Chico is a showcase of their comedic style, combining absurdity and wordplay. Chico's character, with limited English skills, provides a unique twist to the dialogue, as he struggles to understand Groucho's explanations and continues to question the choice of a duck.
The "Why a Duck?" routine became a touchstone for Marx Brothers fans, with the duck becoming a running gag throughout their careers. Groucho's signature walk was even nicknamed "the duck walk." The popularity of this scene and the phrase "why a duck" showcases the Marx Brothers' ability to create memorable and enduring comedy routines that resonate with audiences long after their initial performance.
When asked why a duck was chosen for the gag, Groucho reportedly answered, "because a duck is such a silly animal." This response highlights the comedic potential of ducks, which are often associated with silliness and absurdity, making them a perfect subject for the Marx Brothers' brand of humour.
When to Add Broccoli Slaw to Chicken
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The duck as a running gag
"Why a duck?" is a comedy routine featured in the Marx Brothers movie "The Cocoanuts" (1929). In the scene, Groucho and Chico are discussing a map, and Groucho mentions the presence of a viaduct between the mainland and a peninsula. Chico, playing an immigrant with poor English skills, replies, "Why a duck?". This exchange leads to a long back-and-forth with Chico responding, "Why a no chicken?", "I catch ona why a horse", and Groucho eventually explaining, "It's deep water, that's why a duck".
The duck became a running gag throughout the Marx Brothers' career, especially for Groucho. His signature walk was called "the duck walk", and on his television program, "You Bet Your Life", a stuffed duck resembling Groucho would drop from the ceiling to give contestants money if they said the day's secret word. Ducks also made an appearance in their next film, "Horse Feathers" (1932), where they were the only animals that performed lines in the song "Everyone Says I Love You".
The Marx Brothers' comedy was known for its absurdity, and this particular scene from "The Cocoanuts" is considered a touchstone for fans. The "why a duck?" routine is a great example of the Marx Brothers' ability to create humour through language and nonsensical conversations. Chico's character's broken English adds to the confusion and absurdity of the exchange, and the audience is left wondering why a duck and not a chicken.
The scene has also been analysed for its deeper commentary on society and communication. The Marx Brothers often satirised the powerful and exposed the absurdities of society. Their comedy was a refusal to take communication seriously, with Groucho's sentences snaking from sense to nonsense and back again. The "why a duck?" scene, therefore, can be seen as more than just a funny exchange, but also a critique of the absurdity of the powerful and the breakdown of effective communication.
The "why a duck?" gag has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references appearing in various forms of media, including other films, television shows, and online discussions. The Marx Brothers' unique brand of humour continues to entertain and inspire audiences, with their films and routines still celebrated and analysed today.
What Causes a Chicken's Comb to Flop?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ducks in other Marx Brothers films
The Marx Brothers' 1933 film Duck Soup features ducks in its introductory scene, where they are shown swimming in a kettle and quacking merrily. The film's title is also a reference to ducks, although no ducks appear in the film outside of the title sequence. Ducks are also the only animals that perform lines in the song "Everyone Says I Love You" in the Marx Brothers' film Horse Feathers (1932).
In addition to Duck Soup and Horse Feathers, the Marx Brothers have featured ducks in other films, although the specific details of these appearances are not clear. The duck is a running gag throughout the Marx Brothers' career, especially for Groucho, whose signature walk was called "the duck walk". On Groucho's television program You Bet Your Life, a stuffed duck made to resemble Groucho would drop from the ceiling to give contestants money if they said the day's secret word.
Popeyes Chicken Sides: What's on the Menu?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The phrase is a comedy routine featured in the Marx Brothers movie "The Cocoanuts" (1929). In the scene, Groucho and Chico are discussing a map, and Groucho mentions the presence of a viaduct between the mainland and a peninsula. Chico, playing an immigrant with poor English skills, replies "Why a duck?". This leads to a long back-and-forth with Chico responding "Why a no chicken?", to which Groucho replies "You try to cross over there a chicken and you'll find out why a duck. It's deep water, that's why a duck."
Reportedly, when asked why a duck was chosen, Groucho answered, "because a duck is such a silly animal". Ducks are the only animals that perform lines in the song "Everyone Says I Love You" in the Marx Brothers' film "Horse Feathers" (1932).
The phrase "Why a duck?" has become a touchstone for Marx Brothers fans, with a book of the same name focusing on the minutiae of their routines. The duck became a running gag throughout the Marxes' and especially Groucho's career. His signature walk was called "the duck walk", and on Groucho's television program "You Bet Your Life", a stuffed duck resembling Groucho would drop from the ceiling to give contestants money if they said the day's secret word.
