Margaret Dumont

Acting

Margaret Dumont

Born October 19, 1882 · Brooklyn, New York, USA

Died March 6, 1965 · aged 82

Margaret Dumont would probably consider it a tragedy that she is best-known for her performances as the ultimate straight woman in seven of the Marx Brothers' films (including most of their best). By all accounts she never understood their jokes (offscreen and on), which is of course a major reason why she's so funny. Apart from a small role in a 1917 Dickens adaptation, she spent her early career…

Known For

Bathing BeautyBathing Beauty · 1944
Bathing Beauty
5.91944
MovieMusicComedy
After breaking up with her fiancé, a gym teacher returns to work at a women's college, but a legal loophole allows him to enroll as one of her students.
A Day at the RacesA Day at the Races · 1937
A Day at the Races
7.11937
MovieComedyMusic
Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of the sanitarium, isn't really a doctor, he's a veterinarian.
Auntie MameAuntie Mame · 1958
Auntie Mame
7.01958
MovieComedyDrama
Mame Dennis, a progressive and independent woman of the 1920s, is left to care for her nephew Patrick after his wealthy father dies. Conflict ensues when the executor of the father's estate objects to the aunt's lifestyle and tries to force her to send Patrick to prep school.
Duck SoupDuck Soup · 1933
Duck Soup
7.31933
MovieComedyWar
Rufus T. Firefly is named president/dictator of bankrupt Freedonia and declares war on neighboring Sylvania over the love of wealthy Mrs. Teasdale.
A Night at the OperaA Night at the Opera · 1935
A Night at the Opera
7.41935
MovieComedyMusic
The Marx Brothers take on high society and the opera world to bring two lovers together. A sly business manager and two wacky friends of two opera singers help them achieve success while humiliating their stuffy and snobbish enemies.
What a Way to Go!What a Way to Go! · 1964
What a Way to Go!
7.11964
MovieComedyRomance
A four-time widow discusses her four marriages, in which all of her husbands became incredibly rich and died prematurely because of their drive to be rich.
Animal CrackersAnimal Crackers · 1930
Animal Crackers
6.91930
MovieComedyMusic
The well-known explorer and hunter Captain Spaulding has just returned from Africa, and is being welcomed home with a lavish party at the estate of influential society matron Mrs. Rittenhouse when a valuable painting goes missing. The intrepid Captain Spaulding attempts to solve the crime with the help of his silly secretary Horatio Jamison, while sparring with the anarchic Signor Emanuel Ravelli and his nutty sidekick The Professor.
Tales of ManhattanTales of Manhattan · 1942
Tales of Manhattan
6.41942
MovieDramaComedy
Ten screenwriters collaborated on this series of tales concerning the effect a tailcoat cursed by its tailor has on those who wear it. The video release features a W.C. Fields segment not included in the original theatrical release.

Filmography

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