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Poster for A Day at the Races

A Day at the Races

Seen it?

1937 | 109 min | Comedy, Music

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Harvey, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 49 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1937: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of the sanitarium, isn't really a doctor, he's a veterinarian.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    95% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $2 million worldwide on a $2 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Sam Wood

  • Groucho MarxDr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush
  • Chico MarxTony
  • Harpo MarxStuffy
  • Allan JonesGil Stewart
  • Maureen O'SullivanJudy Standish
  • Margaret DumontEmily Upjohn
  • Sig RumanDr. Leopold X. Steinberg
  • Leonard CeeleyWhitmore
  • Douglass DumbrilleMorgan
  • Esther Muir'Flo' Marlowe