Animal Crackers is a 1930 American pre-Code comedy film starring the Marx Brothers and directed by Victor Heerman. It is based on the Brothers' 1928 eponymous musical by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, with songs by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, and features Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo Marx alongside Margaret Dumont and Lillian Roth. Set at a Long Island society party honoring eccentric African explorer Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding (Groucho), the film serves primarily as a vehicle for the Marx Brothers' comedy and absurdist routines, with a minimal plot loosely structured around the theft of a valuable painting.

Plot

Society matron Mrs. Rittenhouse hosts a weekend party at her Long Island mansion in honor of African explorer Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding, who has recently returned from his expeditions. The entertainment includes the unveiling of art patron Roscoe W. Chandler's newly acquired painting, After The Hunt, by the artist Beaugard. Musicians Signor Emanuel Ravelli and his silent partner, known only as the Professor, are among the guests. Captain Spaulding arrives in a sedan chair to cheers ("Hooray for Captain Spaulding") and announces his immediate departure ("Hello, I Must Be Going").