You Bet Your Life (1950–1961)Groucho Marx hosts a quiz show which features a series of competitive questions and a great deal of humourous conversation. |
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You Bet Your Life (1950–1961)Groucho Marx hosts a quiz show which features a series of competitive questions and a great deal of humourous conversation. |
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| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| Groucho Marx | ... |
Himself - Host
(84 episodes, 1950-1961)
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George Fenneman | ... |
Announcer
(84 episodes, 1950-1961)
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You Bet Your Life was taken from Groucho's radio series of the same name. It was inspired after Groucho had done an improvisational scene with Bob Hope on radio. The idea was the same as it later was with Bill Cosby: to invite people on and have an unrehearsed conversation with them. Groucho could always be counted on to enliven the banter with his unique blend of comedy and wit. After talking with Groucho for several minutes, the contestants chose quiz questions from a category they had preselected and, if they answered them correctly, won money. Written by <A.Briggs@RHBNC.AC.UK>
In honor of Groucho Marx who died nearly 30 years ago at the age of 86, I watched some of his old "You Bet Your Life" TV programs on VHS. The ones I saw had a tall stewardess from Holland who the host shamelessly flirted with, a South American man who's seeing a couple of women while his girlfriend waits to marry him, the mother of Tony Curtis, and a large woman who has big frizzy hair that's thick enough for a sheep! I also watched an early pilot film from 1949 that filmed the radio version in real time before being edited for later transcription on air. This one begins with Groucho-off screen-talking to announcer George Fenneman about his children and finding out he's from China. Among the contestants are a 300-pound tackle from the Green Bay Packers with his equally 6-foot wife and a young and pretty female carhop who gets Groucho's "headlights flashing"! Loved his hugs and kisses on her at the end! More amusing than hilarious, it's always fascinating to watch Groucho in action as he tries to get the best mileage out of his ad-libs (or whatever written lines he sees out of audience's view) to entertaining results. "You Bet Your Life" is fascinating viewing for any Groucho fans wanting to see him post-Marx Brothers.