Secretary of War: I still insist we must take up the tax.įirefly: He's right. Secretary of War (Edwin Maxwell): Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Enough of this. Minister of Labor: But you appointed one last week! And now, gentlemen, we've got to start looking for a new Treasurer. We'll start by cutting their lunch hour to twenty minutes. Minister of Labor: The Department of Labor wishes to report that the workers of Freedonia are demanding shorter hours.įirefly: Very well, we'll give them shorter hours. The functioning of Fredonia and its labor policies are quite similar to what we've heard here latelyīoth the Secretary of War and the plumbing are noted as being "out of order." Then, we'll take up new business.įirefly: Too late, that's old business already. The new President refuses to discuss taxes or any real government matters when presiding over his cabinet:įirefly: And now members of the Cabinet, we'll take up old business.įirefly: Sit down. Run out and find me a four-year-old child. He insults his Minister of Finance (William Worthington) and then tells his secretary Bob Rolland:Ĭlear? Huh! Why a four-year-old child could understand this report. During the governmental shenanigans, Rufus is handed the Treasury Department's report and asked if he finds it clear. In Firefly's first Cabinet meeting in the Freedonia Chamber of Deputies, he keeps his governmental aides and ministers waiting, while he finishes a game of jacks - bouncing a ball and attempting to scoop up a handful of jacks before catching the ball. Firefly jumps out of the sidecar and proclaims: "Well, it certainly feels good to be back again!"Ī cabinet meeting is almost too believable as occurring under President Bush - or is eerrily reminiscent of any of John McCain's recent press conferences: If Ethel runs out, get Mabel." Pinkie roars off on the motorcycle without his passenger in the sidecar (a running gag throughout the film). Firefly commands: "If you run out of gas, get ethyl. In a funny sightgag, Pinkie (Harpo Marx), his presidential chauffeur, roars into view in the presidential vehicle - a motorcycle and sidecar. To leave for an appointment in the House of Representatives, President Firefly calls for his palace's car. There are insightful comments about energy and oil - far more appropriate today than when the film was released speaking of which the famous 'mirror' scene - which has been copied so many times since - could be perfectly re-enacted with McCain and Bush. all too similar to both our current President and Aspiring Candidate McCain.
Teasdale a symbol of Wall Street (now AND then)?įirefly's entrance is late, confused and manic. I will lend the money, but only on condition that His Excellency withdraw and place the government in new hands. Gloria Teasdale (Margaret Dumont in a welcome return as the perfect foil for Groucho) has offered $20 million to sponsor and support the cash-poor government, but only if it is placed under new leadership: The country's richest dowager millionairess, the wide and widowed benefactress Mrs. It has gone bankrupt through mismanagement and is on the verge of revolution. The government of a "mythical kingdom" - the Balkan state of Freedonia, is suffering an emergency. The film opens with the flag of Freedonia (emblazoned with an "F") flying over the small village. Looking closely we see far too many similarities to current events Quotes below the fold are from this site: When the two leaders cannot resolve their dispute over the wealthy dowager, war between the countries is declared, and Mrs. Teasdale, as does Ambassador Trentino of the neighboring country, Sylvania. For instance, he does reduce workers' hours-by shortening their lunch breaks! Firefly attempts to win the hand of Mrs. Firefly is a cynical, sarcastic dictator who refuses to play politics by the book. Teasdale agrees to donate 20 million dollars if Rufus T.
To rescue the small country of Freedonia from bankruptcy, Mrs.
0 kommentar(er)
