Room Service Poster

Room Service 1938

★ 6.580 votes78 min📅 1938-09-21

"Better . . . Battier . . . Funnier Than Ever !"

Room Service (1938) delivers classic Marx Brothers chaos as broke playwright Gordon Miller schemes to secure funding for his new play while dodging a hotel manager hell-bent on evicting him and his eccentric troupe. Directed by William A.

Director: William A. Seiter

Cast

Groucho Marx
Groucho Marx
Gordon Miller
Chico Marx
Chico Marx
Harry Binelli
Harpo Marx
Harpo Marx
Faker Englund
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball
Christine Marlowe
Ann Miller
Ann Miller
Hilda Manny
Frank Albertson
Frank Albertson
Leo Davis
Cliff Dunstan
Cliff Dunstan
Joseph Gribble
Donald MacBride
Donald MacBride
Gregory Wagner
Philip Loeb
Philip Loeb
Timothy Hogarth
Philip Wood
Simon Jenkins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Room Service (1938) about?

Room Service (1938) follows struggling playwright Gordon Miller as he scrambles to secure investors for his new play while evading a relentless hotel manager. With his cast in tow and his back against the wall, Miller's desperate schemes spiral into a hilarious series of mix-ups and misunderstandings. The film blends sharp comedy with classic Marx Brothers antics in a cramped hotel setting.

Who directed Room Service?

William A. Seiter directed Room Service. Known for his work in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Seiter expertly guided the Marx Brothers through their madcap routines.

Who stars in Room Service?

The film stars comedy legends Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx, alongside Lucille Ball and Ann Miller, whose performances add charm and energy to the mix.

Is Room Service (1938) worth watching?

If you love classic comedy, Room Service (1938) is absolutely worth watching for its nonstop gags and the Marx Brothers' signature wit. While it may lack the polish of later films, its frenetic energy and timeless humor make it a standout entry in their filmography. Fans of vintage slapstick will find plenty to enjoy here.

How long is Room Service?

Room Service runs for 78 minutes, or just over an hour and a quarter.

🎥 Trailer

About Room Service (1938) — The Marx Brothers' Wild Hotel-Based Farce Explored

Room Service (1938) delivers classic Marx Brothers chaos as broke playwright Gordon Miller schemes to secure funding for his new play while dodging a hotel manager hell-bent on evicting him and his eccentric troupe. Directed by William A. Seiter, this fast-paced comedy thrives on sharp wit and slapstick antics, turning a cramped hotel suite into a battleground of miscommunication and mishaps. The film captures the unmistakable chemistry of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx, whose rapid-fire banter and physical humor elevate the absurdity to legendary heights. With Lucille Ball and Ann Miller adding glamour and comedic flair, Room Service stands as a testament to the Marx Brothers' knack for turning chaos into cinematic gold.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Broadway hustle, the movie blends themes of desperation, creativity, and sheer audacity into a timeless farce. The confined setting amplifies the frenetic energy, making every knock on the door or ringing phone a potential disaster—or a punchline. Whether you're a longtime fan of classic comedy or a newcomer eager for some vintage laughs, Room Service (1938) offers a delightfully anachronistic escape into the madness of showbiz gone gloriously wrong.