Groucho, George Fenneman, the secret word, DeSoto automobiles, and a contestant with the unlikely name of Albert Hall...how can you go wrong? Television from the Fifties.
http://archive.org/details/You_Bet_Your_Life_Groucho
The show began on ABC radio in 1947, moved CBS radio in 1949, and made to the small screen in 1950 on NBC. The show's format allowed it to appear on radio and television simultaneously. Over the years, there were many famous guest contestants but run of the mill contestants often became the best foils for Groucho's wit. The show ran until 1961. Over the following years there were a number attempts to revive the show -- sans Groucho -- but nobody could take Groucho's place.
He was so quick, wasn't he? You would assume it was all rehearsed today.
ReplyDeleteThe idea for the show came when Groucho ad-libbed his way through a 1947 radio show with Bob Hope. At first Groucho was not thrilled with the idea, but when he realized that his ad-libs and not the quiz would carry the show he agreed. The show was always edited before it aired because some of Groucho's wisecracks were a bit too blue for broadcast. Groucho wisely took 50% ownership of the show.
DeleteI have been a Marx Brothers fan for donkey's years and yet I seem to have missed this completely. Thanks, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteA number of episodes are now in public domain, Prashant, and should be available online. There are worse ways to spend a spare half hour.
Delete