Is Monkey Business Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Monkey Business is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 77 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Monkey Business Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1931, Monkey Business emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Four stowaways get mixed up with gangsters while running riot on an ocean liner. Unlike standard genre fare, Monkey Business attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Monkey Business (1931) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Monkey Business Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Monkey Business is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Monkey Business Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 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, 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 the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Monkey Business
- Groucho Marx – Groucho
- Harpo Marx – Harpo
- Chico Marx – Chico
- Zeppo Marx – Zeppo
- Rockliffe Fellowes – J.J. 'Big Joe' Helton
Top Highlights
Groucho MarxGroucho
Harpo MarxHarpo
Chico MarxChico
Zeppo MarxZeppo
Rockliffe FellowesJ.J. 'Big Joe' Helton
Harry WoodsAlky Briggs
Thelma ToddLucille Briggs
Ruth HallMary Helton
Tom KennedyGibson
Ben TaggartCapt. Corcoran (uncredited)
Where to Watch Monkey Business Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Monkey Business is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Monkey Business stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1931 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Business movie hit or flop?
Monkey Business is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.
Is Monkey Business worth watching?
Yes, Monkey Business is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch Monkey Business online?
Monkey Business may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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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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