Some classic movies inspire with story, spectacle, or innovation. After watching, you can understand why a film is revered and exalted, earning its place as a cherished entry in the annals of cinematic history. A Night at the Opera was not one of those films. It is a movie with charm but lacking any purpose.

A Night at the Opera plays out like an episode of Saturday Night Live, with a series of independent comedic sketches split into acts by musical numbers. While this makes for a disjointed movie, the comedic nature appears to play to the Marx Brothers’ strengths. Having never seen one of their films, I only recognized the Marx Brothers from their portrayal in Looney Tunes. As it turns out, Groucho, Chico, and Harpo were extremely and diversely talented, much like other Vaudeville performers who moved to the big screen. Doubly astonishing, I never knew Groucho’s massive mustache was painted on. All these years and the deception, I thought Groucho simply had supremely talented facial follicles! Instead of focusing on a majestic lip duster, however, A Night at the Opera showcased that Groucho’s talent was his comedy of tongue and mannerism, an early Jim Carrey. Chico could talk and tickle the ivory like a virtuoso. Harpo played mute and danced his fingers across harp strings, crafting beautiful melodies. The Marx’s individual talents come together to create quick-witted exchanges and raucous physical comedy. For example, one particular scene involving a crowded steamer cabin had an elaborate setup and an even more ridiculous execution as more and more people filed into what had to be the smallest room on the ship. It was easily my favorite part of the movie.

Outside a few chuckle-inducing moments, the movie does not put enough together to remain engaging, and it certainly did not have the gravitas to place it at 85 on the American Film Institute’s Top 100. Getting the opportunity to finally experience something from the Marx Brothers was neat, but the movie did nothing to encourage recommending the film as a worthy time investment. It was difficult to even write this piece, as there was not enough to inspire positive opinion or generate vitriol. The titular opera did not even come about until the film’s final 15 minutes. A Night at the Opera was just not a movie I wanted to watch, and it struggled to keep my attention. The on-screen talent can be appreciated, perhaps that is worthy of recognition alone, but with all the pieces in place, the product was wholly underwhelming.