As Long As They're Laughing: Groucho Marx and You Bet Your Life

by Robert Dwan

Finally, a funny book about Groucho Marx! You Bet Your Life was unique in two respects: its comedy was based not on actors performing sketch material, but on the personalities and experiences of real people, drawing on their normal lives and occupations. The program's distinction and quality, however, resulted primarily from its giving Groucho Marx an opportunity to exercise his unique skills without the restraints that broadcasting at that time otherwise imposed. Groucho's principal resource was his talent as an improviers of verbal comedy. Dwan will keep the reader giggling with his stories about You Bet Your Life.