Monkey Business
Performance & Direction: Monkey Business Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Monkey Business (1931) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Monkey Business features a noteworthy lineup led by Groucho Marx . Supported by the likes of Harpo Marx and Chico Marx , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Monkey Business
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1931, Monkey Business is a Comedy film directed by Norman Z. McLeod. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Groucho Marx.
Ending Explained: Monkey Business
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, Monkey Business resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Groucho Marx, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Monkey Business reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Monkey Business?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Groucho Marx or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Monkey Business
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Where to Watch Monkey Business Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeMonkey Business Parents Guide & Age Rating
1931 AdvisoryWondering about Monkey Business age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Monkey Business is 77 minutes (1h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Monkey Business is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1931 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Business worth watching?
Monkey Business is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Monkey Business parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Monkey Business identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Monkey Business?
The total duration of Monkey Business is 77 minutes, which is approximately 1h 17m long.
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Critic Reviews for Monkey Business
The four Marx brothers smuggle themselves aboard an ocean liner in barrels and proceed to cause a modicum of havoc on the ship before cleverly avoiding immigration officials in New York and ending up embroiled in a turf war between rival gangsters that sees one of their number's daughter kidnapped - and our hapless comics seem the most likely to save the day, and the gal! Now I'm not really a fan of this kind of humour, I just don't find it funny - but one has to admire the sheer precision of their performance. The quickly paced, expertly choreographed "spontaneity" of it all is precise and impressive. The four brothers (perhaps Zeppo, not so much) each have an unique sort of characterisation to bring to the mix, and Harpo manages a turn on the harp with some skill too. It's the very precision of it all that renders it sterile for me; it could be a comedic ballet with everything so meticulously planned and executed. The humour - which misses just as often as it hits - just seems incidental to their expertise in purveying it - and that didn't work for me either. Zany? Maybe... Funny? Not really...
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
