This and their next movie, LOVE HAPPY, are pleasant enough Marx Brothers films, but they are a far cry from their earlier classic films, such as HORSE FEATHERS (my favorite) or DUCK SOUP. Instead of the creativity and energy of these earlier films, A NIGHT IN CASABLANCA looks like a Marx Brothers movie in slow motion and with fewer laughs--plus perhaps too much plot! Early Marx Brothers films really seemed as if the plot was just an excuse to string together jokes and they really didn't rely too much on sticking with a script. Here, though, it's more "by the numbers"--with just a much lower degree of spontaneity and a plot that takes precedence over the laughs. In this case, Sig Ruman is a Nazi in hiding (very topical for 1946) and the brothers' job is to expose him and the rest of his evil henchmen. This really sounds more like a plot for a drama than the silliness you'd expect from the Marx's.

Still, it does have a few decent laughs and is fun to watch for the devoted fans. However, if you haven't seen one of their films before or if you don't particularly care for their film, try another one, please!!! This is like a shadow of their former zaniness.

A Night in Casablanca does have a somewhat contrived plot about spies and hidden treasure, and it mayn't quite have the consistent genius of their earlier outings primarily Duck Soup, however it is still thoroughly enjoyable thanks to some of the gags and performances.

It does look striking and has a quirky score. And the dialogue is pretty darn hilarious and quotable, and I liked the cheeky comparisons with Casablanca, one of my all-time favourite movies. A Night in Casablanca is salvaged though by the gags, Groucho's attempts to get inside various hotel rooms in order to woo Annette and Chico thwarting him every time is a great gag that does not wear out its welcome, but Harpo has the best gag that happens in the opening minutes. The acting is great, Harpo and Chico are very funny and Lois Collier is a nice surprise too, but once again Groucho elevates this film, being as quick and witty as I've come to know him by and going into one-line overdrive.

In conclusion, not outstanding but a lot of fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox

In their first post World War II film, the Marx Brothers take aim at those films of adventure and intrigue set in far away places and filmed at studio back lots. Such a film was the classic Casablanca and so was A Night In Casablanca.

Personally I can't believe Jack Warner wanted to sue the brothers and United Artists over this film. He certainly had deeper pockets than they did, why make such a fuss?

In any event the film is about looted Nazi treasure from the late war and it being hidden in a Casablanca hotel. Two of the hotel managers have met violent and sudden death and the third one is already earmarked by Nazi bigwig Sig Ruman on the run from the Nuremberg court. He's stopping in Casablanca to get the treasure on the way to South America. But when his valet Harpo accidentally vacuums his toupee off his head, his plans halt. Ruman can't go out or he'll be instantly recognized without the rug.

That hotel manager whom they want to get is none other than Groucho and he gets his usual assistance from self appointed bodyguard Chico. Of course that sets up a lot of typical Marx situations.

A Night In Casablanca is not as good as most of their films from the Thirties, still it has its moments. Harpo literally 'holding' up a building is one of them. And the brothers gas lighting Sig Ruman as he's trying to pack is another.

Fans of the brothers will enjoy this one. As for those who don't know them, I'd look first at their early films from Paramount to get a true gauge of their surrealistic comedy.