The Big Store is a 1941 American comedy film directed by Charles Reisner and starring the Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo and Chico) that takes place in a large department store. Groucho appears as private detective Wolf J. Flywheel (a character name originating from the Marx-Perrin radio show Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel in the early 1930s).

Plot

Singer Tommy Rogers has recently inherited half ownership of the Phelps department store from his late uncle, Hiram Phelps. The other half of the business is owned by Hiram's sister and Tommy's aunt, Martha Phelps. Rogers has no interest in running a department store, so he plans to sell his interest in the store to finance a new music conservatory. Mr. Grover, the store manager, plots to kill Rogers before he can sell his share of the business, marry the wealthy Martha and then likely kill her, becoming sole owner of the Phelps department store. Martha is extremely worried about her nephew's safety, lest anyone should suspect her of engaging in foul play to take over the store. Against Grover's wishes, Martha hires private detective Wolf J. Flywheel as a floorwalker and Tommy's bodyguard. Tommy is in love with Joan Sutton, a store employee. Flywheel romances Martha, while Wacky, Fleewheel's assistant and driver, is reunited with his brother Ravelli, Tommy's best friend. Eventually, Flywheel, Wacky and Ravelli expose Grover and his henchmen and save Tommy.