Search - John Leipold, Max Reese :: Horse Feathers

The Straight Goods

Annie Bones | Victoria, BC Canada | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay Marx Brothers Fans, if there is ever a doubt that you aren't getting the straight goods from this soundtrack, perhaps you need to consider a new fan club. After all, why would anyone question the validity and authenticity of the Marx Brother's musical sound? If you loved the movie Horse Feathers, you'll love this sound track too. That said, I find it odd that this movie soundtrack was paired up with the music from the Marx's second movie hit, Animal Crackers; a movie which came along long before Horse Feathers. The Sound Track Factory also manufactured another CD soundtrack; The Cocoanuts, which is paired up with the music from Monkey Business. Since The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers were both the Brothers' debut films - as well as being their only Broadway hits, I don't see why they didn't pair those two together as a soundtrack. I have a couple of guesses, either they aren't as fanatical about the Marx Brothers as I am, or the earlier movies were distributed according to the quality of their sound. Remember, that the first Marx movie, Cocoanuts, was filmed in 1929, just two years after the end of silent films. Back in the late 20's and early 30's, they hadn't quite perfected the quality of soundtracks yet. You will find the recordings of Horse Feathers and Monkey Business a little clearer than those earlier films. Overall, who could argue with anyone who would attempt to preserve a legacy like this? I'm very grateful to have the original Movie soundtracks!"