'A Day at the Races' contains, in the 'Examining Ms. Dumont' scene, one of the only times all three brothers perform together. They always worked alone or in pairs. So enjoy it. That scene is infamous for one other, easy to miss, fact. During the 'hand washing sterilization' parts - it happens twice - they are singing 'Down By the Old Mill Stream' and there are clearly three voices singing in harmony. So Harpo does speak.
In real life .. hmnnmm, can't believe I just wrote that ... Harpo had a very distinctive voice. In fact, it was exactly the same as Chico's voice - which was not his signature Bronxite Italian, of course. One of the reasons Chico spoke as he did, and Harpo didn't, was so that people wouldn't confuse the two.
Chico, btw, is pronounced like 'chick-o', as in 'chicken'. Not cheek-o. He was always chasing 'chicks'/women, so the nickname came about. I cringe every time I hear someone talk about 'cheek-o'. Jesus, get it right. Or forever hold your piece.
And, yes, Groucho's mustache was fake.
A highpoint of 'A Day at the Races' is Ivie Anderson singing 'All God's Chillum Got Rhythm'. Ivy died at age 44, just 12 years after her performance here, of acute asthma. Think that one over a bit. Ivie was responsible for getting her mentor, Duke Ellington, to accept the idea of a (female) vocalist with his orchestra. Prior to her, he didn't accept the idea. Well, we have "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)" and 'Mood Indigo' thanks to her. RIP, Ivie.
Rich
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