Question 1

Why was 'The Cocoanuts' filmed in the early morning hours?

Accepted Answer

It was shot at Paramount's Long Island Studios in Astoria, Queens, where soundproofing wasn't installed, so filming occurred early to reduce outside traffic noise for the new sound technology.

Question 2

What unusual material was used for props to avoid sound issues?

Accepted Answer

All paper props were soaked wet to prevent overloading the early sound equipment with paper-crinkling noise.

Question 3

What silent business did Harpo Marx improvise in the film?

Accepted Answer

Robert Florey improvised gags where Harpo eats a chocolate telephone and drinks from an inkwell filled with Coca-Cola®, adding silent bits not in the original play.

Question 4

Which film is credited with the first overhead camera shot in an American sound film?

Accepted Answer

'The Cocoanuts' features the first use of an overhead camera shot in an American sound film, a year before Busby Berkeley's similar work in 'Whoopee!' (1930).

Question 5

What is the plot of 'The Cocoanuts'?

Accepted Answer

During the Florida land boom, the Marx Brothers run a hotel, auction off land, and thwart a jewel robbery.

The Cocoanuts

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