According to Robert Osborne of TCM, Chico's addiction to gambling had blown almost all his cash. The brothers took over control of his finances. He then sued his brothers to recover his money. He continued to gamble heavily.
The relationships were tense. This may have been a factor in why Chico had a smaller role.
This was also the last film the three made for MGM.
I might be mistaken, but I think A Day at the Races was also made to pay off Chico's gambling debts.
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Finally I can stop suffering and write that symphony!
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The Marx's had a 5 picture deal with MGM so RACES, BIG STORE, GO WEST, AT CIRCUS(not in that order) were scheduled after NIGHT AT THE OPERA. ROOM SERVICE was a loanout to RKO which the Marx's wanted . NIGHT IN CASABLANCA was made because of Chico's financial straits. LOVE HAPPY was more of a Harpo vehicle with a chance for Chico to make money also.Finally Groucho put his oldest brother on the payroll Of YOU BET YOUR LIFE as a way to give him a steady income which was soon dissipated. All the brothers worried about Chico's addiction. Chico did not.
shareIronically, Harpo wanted to make a bet with Groucho after Chico's death to see which one of them would die next. Harpo suggested that Zeppo hold the money, but Groucho quickly pointed out that Zeppo was a worse gambler than Chico. The difference was, Zeppo won.
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