Go West Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three guys go west, destroy a train, and apparently, that solves everything.

🍿 Go West: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Deception and Western Ambitions

S. Quentin Quale (Groucho Marx), a con artist, encounters Joseph (Chico Marx) and Rusty Panello (Harpo Marx) at a train station. The Panello brothers outsmart Quale, stealing his money. The trio, despite their initial conflict, share a common destination: the American West, driven by dreams of fortune and adventure. Their paths converge, setting the stage for a series of chaotic events in a Wild West setting.

A Worthless Deed and Romantic Entanglements

The Panello brothers befriend Dan Wilson, an old miner, and loan him their last $10, receiving the deed to Dead Man’s Gulch as collateral. Unbeknownst to them, Terry Turner, Wilson’s rival’s son, plans to sell the land to the railroad, hoping to end their families’ feud and marry Wilson’s granddaughter, Eve. The deed becomes central to the plot, representing both economic opportunity and the possibility of resolving long-standing conflicts.

Betrayal and the Quest for Redemption

The evil Red Baxter steals the deed from the Panello brothers, leading them and Quale on a quest to retrieve it. The movie follows the various attempts to regain the deed, filled with typical Marx Brothers’ antics and comedic sequences. The trio work to help Dan, Terry, and Eve.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• S. Quentin Quale (Groucho Marx): A con man who heads west seeking fortune but often finds himself outsmarted and embroiled in comedic chaos.
• Joe Panello (Chico Marx): One half of the Panello brothers duo, Joe is a crafty trickster and talented musician who adds to the film’s comedic and musical elements.
• ‘Rusty’ Panello (Harpo Marx): The silent and mischievous member of the Panello brothers, Rusty uses visual gags and antics to create comedic mayhem.
• Terry Turner (John Carroll): A young man trying to end an old family feud so he can marry the girl he loves, seeking help from the Marx Brothers.
• Eve Wilson (Diana Lewis): The granddaughter caught in a family feud, adding a romantic subplot to the Marx Brothers’ antics in the Wild West.
• ‘Red’ Baxter (Robert Barrat): The villainous saloon owner who attempts to swindle the deed to Dead Man’s Gulch, becoming an antagonist for the Marx Brothers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• S. Quentin Quale: “Lulubelle, it’s you! I didn’t recognize you standing up.” – Groucho’s character delivers this memorable line with his signature wit upon seeing Lulubelle.
• S. Quentin Quale: “Timber!” – Shouted repeatedly by Groucho during the train chase scene as they chop up parts of the train for fuel.
• Joe Panello: “$9 change, please.” – Chico repeats this line throughout the opening scene as he cons Groucho out of his money.
• S. Quentin Quale: “This is the best gag in the picture.” – Groucho breaks the fourth wall by remarking on his own actions to the audience as they tie up the train driver.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $784,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Go West Reviews

Personal Review

I’ve always enjoyed the Marx Brothers, and ‘Go West’ is no exception! It’s not my absolute favorite, but the train scene alone is worth watching. I found myself laughing out loud at the sheer ridiculousness of it all! The whole western setting was a fun change of pace, making the movie fresh and entertaining.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic comedies”
  • “Marx Brothers enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick and wordplay”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild comedic violence”
  • “Stereotypical depictions of Native Americans (may be offensive to some viewers)”
  • “Outdated humor”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While not their best, ‘Go West’ offers plenty of Marx Brothers’ signature zaniness. The train sequence is a highlight, showcasing their chaotic energy and physical comedy.
• N/A: “A solid but lesser Marx Brothers film, this movie has the usual zaniness but feels a bit formulaic. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, especially during the climax, but it’s not as consistently funny as their earlier work.
• N/A: “A passable Marx Brothers film, this one does have some clever word play and physical comedy in the climax but still isn’t as strong as their earlier works. It is still an entertaining watch if you like these guys.

Audience Reactions

The train sequence is absolutely hilarious!: Viewers agree that the train sequence is the most memorable and funniest part of the movie.

Harpo is as funny as always.: Many people love Harpo’s comedic style.

Overall Consensus: While not considered their best, ‘Go West’ remains a fun and entertaining film, particularly known for its iconic train sequence.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Buster Keaton was an uncredited gag writer on this film. Keaton had a great sequence at the end of the movie, that bears a striking resemblance to his 1926 classic ‘The General’.”
• “The name of Groucho Marx’s character, ‘S. Quentin Quale’, caused a stir when the film was first released due to the subtle but clear joke: the use of the term ‘San Quentin quail’, which means ‘jail bait’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Go West?

Currently, “Go West” (1940) can be streamed or rented on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online and in stores like Amazon, offering options for collectors and those who prefer owning their media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Go West, you might like these similar films:

• Way Out West (1937): Laurel and Hardy in a Western setting, similar comedic tone and classic gags.
• Duck Soup (1933): Another Marx Brothers film showcasing their anarchic humor and witty dialogue.
• Blazing Saddles (1974): A Mel Brooks comedy that similarly spoofs the Western genre with irreverent humor.
• The General (1926): Buster Keaton’s silent film masterpiece featuring a memorable train sequence, similar to the climax of ‘Go West’.

🛒 Go West Related Products

• Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (Duck Soup / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Animal Crackers / Go West): Enjoy five of the Marx Brothers’ most iconic films in one collection. Experience their madcap comedy, witty banter, and musical talents in this comprehensive set.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Marx Brothers – Groucho: Add a touch of classic comedy to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Groucho Marx. Perfectly captures his iconic mustache, glasses, and cigar.
• Marx Brothers T-Shirt: Show your love for the Marx Brothers with this stylish t-shirt featuring iconic images of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo. Made from high-quality, comfortable material.
• The Essential Marx Brothers (Audiobook): Dive deeper into the world of the Marx Brothers with this audiobook. Explore their history, comedy style, and lasting influence on entertainment.

🎧 Soundtrack

Go West features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Can’t Argue with Love” – performed by June MacCloy
• “Ridin’ the Range” – performed by John Carroll
• “Beautiful Dreamer” – performed by Diana Lewis
• “From the Land of Sky Blue Water” – performed by Harpo Marx

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Go West (1940) – Chico Marx at the piano

Check out Chico Marx’s piano skills in “Go West”! His unique style is hilarious and impressive, I think you will be laughing out loud by the end of it.

✨ Rate