Product ID: YBYLQU
Control Number: 7497952
You Bet Your Life 203 Episodes
You Bet Your Life was one of the most beloved and unique radio quiz shows of the 1940s and early 1950s, combining unscripted comedy, light trivia, and the irresistible charm of its host — the legendary Groucho Marx. More a comedy vehicle than a traditional game show, You Bet Your Life thrived on Groucho’s quick wit, sharp improvisation, and humorous banter with ordinary contestants. The game itself was secondary to the laughs, making the program one of the most entertaining and enduring personality-driven shows in broadcast history.
Blending game show elements with Groucho’s vaudevillian humor, the program was a radio sensation before becoming a long-running television hit.
The Stars
The undisputed star of You Bet Your Life was Groucho Marx, whose razor-sharp one-liners, sly wordplay, and spontaneous ad-libs turned every episode into a comedic showcase. Groucho’s genius lay in drawing humor from everyday people — often letting their backgrounds or quirks set him up for some of his most famous lines.
Groucho was joined by his deadpan sidekick and announcer George Fenneman, who served as a genial foil, scorekeeper, and occasional straight man, grounding the show’s antics with his calm and courteous presence.
Key Dates
• You Bet Your Life premiered on ABC Radio on October 27, 1947, and moved to CBS Radio in 1949, before settling on NBC Radio, where it remained until 1956.
• A television version debuted on NBC TV on October 4, 1950, and ran concurrently with the radio version until the mid-1950s.
• The show ran on television until 1961, becoming one of the first game shows to successfully bridge radio and TV audiences.
Other Information
Each episode of You Bet Your Life featured two contestants — often paired strangers — who would briefly chat with Groucho before answering a handful of general knowledge questions. The “Secret Word,” revealed to the audience at the beginning of the show, offered an extra cash prize if a contestant happened to say it during the interview. The humor largely came from Groucho’s interactions with guests, which often turned into mini-comedy routines full of innuendo, teasing, and absurdity.
The quiz format was simple, and winning money was never the show’s main draw. Instead, You Bet Your Life stood out for the spontaneity of Groucho’s delivery and the parade of diverse contestants, from teachers and farmers to bodybuilders and musicians. The show thrived on unscripted moments, often edited down from longer recording sessions to highlight the best comedic material.
Thanks to its blend of celebrity hosting, comedy, and casual competition, You Bet Your Life became a cultural institution — one that helped pioneer the talk/game show hybrid genre still popular today.
Today, You Bet Your Life is fondly remembered as a shining example of personality-driven radio, showcasing Groucho Marx’s unmatched timing and wit. Its audio recordings remain some of the funniest and most replayed moments of postwar American radio.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $27.49
Mice Price: $21.19
Length: 27.5
Width: 203
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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