532. “YOU BET YOUR LIFE”: GROUCHO MARX AS THE MASTER OF QUICK WIT, DOUBLE ENTENDRES, AND RISQUÉ HUMOR

Lawrence Wolff

Groucho Marx was a “one of a kind” film personality but by the late 1940’s his career was at a depressing standstill. The Marx Brothers were no longer making films, his own radio programs had not succeeded, and his career consisted of guest appearances on other stars’ programs. In 1947, Producer John Guedel witnessed Groucho go toe to toe with Bob Hope adlibbing much of his dialogue during a guest spot on Hope’s program. Guedel thought Groucho would be wonderful using that ability on a radio program, and so You Bet Your Life was born. The show ran for thirteen years on radio, eleven years on television, and became a staple in syndication.

Groucho was prone to adlibbing on the show, at times running afoul of broadcasting standards that were in effect between 1947 and 1961, but he is still famously remembered for saying certain things that may have never aired but got around anyway (e.g., “I love my cigar, too…)! However, because of his charm and verbal cleverness, he did get away with many jokes about marriage, sex, and money that cut it close but made it past the censors somehow. After this PowerPoint presentation, you will view various clips from the show’s vaults, including the segment that launched a successful film career, and, if time permits, a parody and some rare outtakes. Get ready to enjoy Groucho’s amazing wit and you may learn a few quiz facts in the process!

Note: A Zoom Link will be sent to you at least one day prior to the first day of class and again on a weekly basis prior to each successive class if there is more than one session.

10:00-12 noon

1 Session

Thursday, February 19

Fee:  $25