On Your Marx, Get Set, Go!

This was a short documentary of the Marx Brothers and their activities surrounding filming of A Day at the Races. Among the interviewed: Carl Reiner, Dom DeLuise, former SNL writer Anne Beatts, comedy writer Larry Gelbart, TCM host Robert Osborne, Marx Brothers writer Irving Brecher, and, in archival footage, Races co-star Maureen O'Sullivan. They all talk about the impact Groucho, Chico, and Harpo had on comedy and the world in general. One of the most interesting contrasts here is the pronunciation of Chico: many pronounce it Chee-ko since the actor often played Italian-accented characters but his brothers and many of his contemporaries say it as Chick-o since he also had a reputation of chasing "chicks" ("girls" for those not familiar with the slang term). Also explored here are the "Tootsie-Fruitsie" scene, Margaret Dumont, Chico's piano, Harpo's harp, Groucho's insults, director Sam Wood, producer Irving Thalberg and the impact of his death in the middle of production, and MGM head Louis B. Mayer and Groucho's dislike of him. All interesting subjects to explore and watch before or after watching A Day at the Races. This particular short was on the movie's DVD along with the trailer and other extras.