The Big Store (1941)

6.5Approved80 minDirector: Charles Reisner

1941 Marx Brothers film by Charles Reisner

The Big Store is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Charles Reisner and starring the Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo and Chico) that takes place in a large department store. Groucho appears as private detective Wolf J. Flywheel (a character name originating from the Marx-Perrin radio show Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel in the early 1930s).

The Big Store was the last of the five films that the Marx Bros. made under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The Marxes had decided to retire as a team and The Big Store was advertised as their farewell film. However, they would return to the screen in A Night in Casablanca (1946) and Love Happy (1949).

The film also features singer Tony Martin (who received co-billing with the Marxes) and Virginia Grey as the love interests and longtime Marx Brothers foil Margaret Dumont in her seventh and final film with the Marxes. The villain is portrayed by Douglass Dumbrille, who had played a similar role in A Day at the Races (1937).

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Big Store about?
The Big Store (1941) — The Phelps Department Store is about to be sold by its new part owner, Tommy Rogers with the permission of Martha Phelps, the dowager co-owner. The current manager doesn't want this as the irregularities in the books will show up. When an attempt is made on Tommy's life, Martha e
Is The Big Store based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Big Store scary?
Content rating: Approved. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is The Big Store (1941) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex