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.
Review of You Bet Your Life
