Dumont’s Night at the Opera

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Straight Lady: The Life and Times of Margaret Dumont, “The Fifth Marx Brother”

Critics praised Margaret Dumont’s performance in A Night at the Opera released in November 1935. The Los Angeles Times noted that “Dumont is poised, dignified, and the perfect foil for the Marx Brothers. She’s is the best dramatic balance for their comedy in every way.” The following is a sample of her banter with Groucho Marx from A Night at the Opera.

Mrs. Claypool: Mr. Driftwood, three months ago you promised to put me into society. In all that time, you’ve done nothing but draw a very handsome salary.

Driftwood: You think that’s nothing, huh? How many men do you suppose are drawing a handsome salary nowadays? Why, you can count them on the fingers of one hand, my good woman.

Mrs. Claypool: I’m not your good woman!

Driftwood: Don’t say that, Mrs. Claypool. I don’t care what your past has been. To me, you’ll always be my good woman. Because I love you. There. I didn’t mean to tell you, but you…you dragged it out of me. I love you.

Mrs. Claypool: It’s rather difficult to believe that when I find you dining with another woman.

Driftwood: That woman? Do you know why I sat with her? Because she reminded me of you.

To learn more about the talented actress and her life on and off screen with the comedy team read Straight Lady:

The Life and Times of Margaret Dumont, “The Fifth Marx Brother”