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“The man most responsible for the popularization of bridge, Ely Culbertson, came to Hollywood in early 1933 to make a series of short films at RKO. He quickly met some of the town’s best players. Lionel Barrymore threw a bridge party honoring Culbertson. Seen playing with him in a widely circulated newspaper photo of the event were Bebe Daniels, Joe Schenck, and Zeppo. At another table Chico played in a foursome with Mrs. Culbertson. Culbertson had made bridge big news by accepting challenges and generally beating everyone. When Zeppo and Chico challenged him, Culbertson accepted, and a pair of matches was set. Invitations were sent for a match at Paramount on February 22 and another at RKO the following day.
Then Culbertson had second thoughts—probably after playing with Zeppo and Chico at the Barrymore party. He claimed to have thought the Marx challenge was a joke, and he was astonished to learn they were serious about it. Chico was quoted in wire service stories saying, “We are disappointed that he withdrew. I have a new system that will beat Culbertson. I challenge him to a match with a $5,000 side wager.” Culbertson was not known to have turned down any other challengers, but he ducked the Marxes, who were among Hollywood’s best players.”
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
Then Culbertson had second thoughts—probably after playing with Zeppo and Chico at the Barrymore party. He claimed to have thought the Marx challenge was a joke, and he was astonished to learn they were serious about it. Chico was quoted in wire service stories saying, “We are disappointed that he withdrew. I have a new system that will beat Culbertson. I challenge him to a match with a $5,000 side wager.” Culbertson was not known to have turned down any other challengers, but he ducked the Marxes, who were among Hollywood’s best players.”
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
“Several members of the Marx family have claimed that in private life Zeppo was the funniest brother. He would seem perfectly suited to joining a comedy team, but Zeppo was always the first to acknowledge that there was no room for a fourth comedian in the act.”
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
“With the Marx Brothers on hiatus as Paramount made plans for their final film due under the 1930 contract, Zeppo was enjoying his leisure time—and winning a lot of money—while exploring future opportunities. With no sponsors willing to meet the radio price for the Four Marx Brothers, Groucho and Chico took to the airwaves as a duo on NBC’s Five Star Theatre. They debuted on November 28. The following day New York Daily News columnist Sidney Skolsky reported, “Zeppo Marx hit the gambling tables last week for more than Groucho and Chico received for their broadcast last night.” Zeppo’s reputation as a gambler didn’t portray him as the genial, happy-go-lucky reckless loser that Chico seemed to be. Maxine Marx wrote in Growing Up with Chico of overhearing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. remark, at around this time, that Chico was bad enough, “but the one I can’t stand is Zeppo. He plays for blood, and I think he’s crooked besides.”
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
― Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother
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