Scripts
Duck Soup poster

1933

Duck Soup script

The wealthy widow Mrs. Teasdale insists that the eccentric Rufus T. Firefly be appointed leader of Freedonia, threatening to withhold her financial support if her demands are not met. Firefly's chaotic leadership and insults directed at Ambassador Trentino of the neighboring country of Amnesia quickly escalate tensions between the two nations. Trentino dispatches spies Chicolini and Harpo to steal Freedonia's war plans, but their bumbling attempts are repeatedly thwarted by Firefly and his associates. After Firefly publicly insults Trentino, war is declared, leading to a series of absurd battles where the Marx Brothers' antics cause more mayhem than actual combat.

Writer
Harry Ruby, Bert Kalmar and Grover Jones
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0023969
Script date
1933
3Scenes
13Characters
1Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Duck Soup Save the Cat analysis

In a stately reception hall, high‐society guests greet the newly appointed dictator Rufus T.

Open full beat sheet
15

Key characters

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 3 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

3 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Bob Firefly

Bob Firefly is listed as Secretary / Son of Rufus T. Firefly. Groucho's patient and long-suffering son. In the parsed data, Bob Firefly is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Mrs. Teasdale

Mrs. Teasdale is listed as Socialite / Widow of late President. Wealthy widow who wields political influence in Freedonia. In the parsed data, Mrs. Teasdale is connected to 2 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Rufus T. Firefly

Rufus T. Firefly is listed as Dictator of Freedonia. The eccentric, fast-talking leader of Freedonia. In the parsed data, Rufus T. Firefly is connected to 2 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 2.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Ambassador Verdi Trentino

Ambassador Verdi Trentino is listed as Ambassador of Amnesia. A scheming diplomat plotting to take over Freedonia. In the parsed data, Ambassador Verdi Trentino is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Vera Trentino

Vera Trentino is listed as Niece of Trentino / Spy. Trentino's niece, an attractive spy working for Amnesia. In the parsed data, Vera Trentino is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

First Cabinet Member

First Cabinet Member is listed as Politician. Member of the Freedonia cabinet critical of Firefly. In the parsed data, First Cabinet Member is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 1.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Second Cabinet Member

Second Cabinet Member is listed as Politician. Member of the Freedonia cabinet. In the parsed data, Second Cabinet Member is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 1.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Servant

Servant is listed as Staff. Generic servant or guard. In the parsed data, Servant is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 1.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Third Cabinet Member

Third Cabinet Member is listed as Politician. Member of the Freedonia cabinet. In the parsed data, Third Cabinet Member is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 1.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Chicolini

Chicolini is listed as Spy / Peanut Vendor. An Italian-accented trickster working for Trentino.

0 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Harpo

Harpo is listed as Spy / Mime. A silent, chaotic character working with Chico.

0 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Speaker of the House

Speaker of the House is listed as Government Official. Presides over the House of Representatives.

0 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. Reception Hall

    Mrs. Teasdale welcomes guests to a gala honoring the new dictator, Rufus T. Firefly. Cabinet members express dissent over Firefly's appointment. Trentino arrives with Vera, and Bob Firefly joins the party.

    Mrs. Teasdale, First Cabinet Member, Second Cabinet Member, Third Cabinet Member, Servant, Ambassador Verdi Trentino

  2. 2. Groucho's Bedroom

    Groucho is awakened by the fire bell and makes a dramatic entrance to the reception hall.

    Rufus T. Firefly, Bob Firefly

  3. 3. Reception Hall

    Groucho interacts with guests, Mrs. Teasdale, and Trentino, leading to comedic tension.

    Rufus T. Firefly, Mrs. Teasdale, Ambassador Verdi Trentino, Vera Trentino, Bob Firefly

Dialogue examples

Mrs. Teasdale, as members of Freedonia's cabinet, we do not approve of your choice. Who is this Rufus T. Firefly?

UNKNOWN / Scene 2

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