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You Bet Your Life

Description

Quiz-comedy program features Groucho Marx joking with contestants before category questions and secret-word prizes.

You Bet Your Life is an American comedy quiz series that has aired on both radio and television. The original version was hosted by Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers, with announcer and sidekick George Fenneman. The show debuted on ABC Radio on October 27, 1947, moved to CBS Radio debuting October 5, 1949, and went to NBC-TV and NBC Radio on October 4, 1950. Because of its simple format, it was possible to broadcast the show on both radio and television but not simultaneously. Many of the laughs on the television show were evoked by Groucho's facial reactions and other visual gimmicks, so the two versions were slightly different. The last episode in a radio format aired on June 10, 1960. The series continued on television for another year, recording the last season, beginning on September 22, 1960, with a new title, The Groucho Show.

Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0. Updated Jul 1, 2026.

Related Categories

ComedyQuiz Show

Showtimes

Original schedule

  1. 19478:00 PM ET
    ABC Radio Network · night
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  2. 1947–19499:30 PM ET
    ABC Radio Network · night
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  3. 1949–19509:30 PM ET
    CBS Radio Network · night
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  4. 1950–19569:00 PM ET
    NBC Radio Network · night
    SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Cast & Crew

G
George Fenneman
Announcer
J
Jack Slattery
Announcer
B
Bernie Smith
Director
B
Bob Dwan
Director
H
Harfield Weedin
Director
J
John Guedel
Director
B
Billy May
Musician
J
Jack Meakin
Musician
S
Stan Myers
Musician
G
Groucho Marx
Cast
E
Ed Tyler
Writer
H
Hy Freedman
Writer

Audio Clips

Audio Clip 10m06s

References

Hickerson, Jay. The 4th Revised Ultimate History of Network Radio Programming and Guide to ALL Circulating Shows.
Buxton, Frank and Owen, Bill. The Big Broadcast 1920-1950. OtrrPedia Forum.
Lackmann, Ron. The Encyclopedia of American Radio.
Dunning, John. On the Air : The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. Sperdvac Radiogram.
“RADIO PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR BROADCAST THIS WEEK.” New York Times, January 4, 1931.
“RADIO PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR THE CURRENT WEEK.” New York Times, March 17, 1929.
“RADIO PROGRAMS SCHEDULED FOR THE CURRENT WEEK New York.” New York Times, October 6, 1929.
Terrace, Vincent. Radio's Golden Years - The Encyclopedia of Radio Programs 1930-1960. Collector's Corner.

Links

George FennemanReview: You Bet Your LifeJerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio LogsEvening Ratings: (1949-1950: #12)Evening Ratings: (1950-1951: #8)Groucho Always Picks on MeThe Marx Brothers - Radio shows and guest appearancesMarx Brothers on Radio by Jack FrenchIntroduction/Theme SongLibrary FilesEvening Ratings: (1952-1953: #8)Jewish Virtual Library : The Marx BrothersEvening Ratings: (1954-1955: #5)Evening Ratings: (1953-1954: #5)Theme - IntroductionEvening Ratings: (1955-1956: #7)Evening Ratings: (1951-1952: #14)

Broadcasts