A Marx Brothers film or other comedy works well with a packed house.
It doesn’t effects to please the audience.
It takes entertainment.
The problem is that a Marx Brothers film or other comedy will no longer pack a house.
Your typical multiplex has one IMAX screen and a dozen or so much smaller screens. Ticket prices are about $10 each and you can expect to spend at least $20 more if you want popcorn and a drink. That is after you drive there, wait in line, and try to find a seat that isn't sticky from the last showing.
Unless I am going to see something on the IMAX screen I would much rather watch it in the comfort of my own home on my nice 50" flat screen TV (I am hoping to get a 65" for Christmas).
Funny thing about the Marx Brothers in economics.
When they went from Paramount to MGM, the stated goal was to create movies that half as many laughs and made twice as much money. The thought was that the Paramount movies were so packed with jokes that audiences couldn’t keep up and would miss things.
Now, that all the Marx Brothers movies are available to watch at home, it’s the Paramount movies that hold up, because they are packed with laughs and you can hear all the jokes alone in your living room - or you can go back and rewatch.
The MGM movies have great moments, but they freaking drag at times.