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(More customer reviews)Incredible as it may seem, most of the "lost episodes" in this Groucho Marx DVD collection might have been lost forever. In the early 1970s, the geniuses at NBC planned to destroy ALL the "You Bet Your Life" programs for the sole purpose of freeing up some warehouse space. Fortunately, Groucho and producer John Guedel thwarted this cultural crime and reissued the comedy-quiz shows for late-night syndication with successful results. However, the "Best of Groucho" package was re-edited to eliminate any trace of the DeSoto-Plymouth references from the original broadcasts. Upon viewing this excellent three-disc set, the viewer is immediately aware of DeSoto's dominant sponsorship of "You Bet Your Life" and the major role Groucho played in the selling of its automobiles - lending his trademark image to its used-car dealerships. The "stag reels," promotional films and DeSoto commercials featured in this collection make for fascinating and historic viewing. Of course, there's the long-awaited pleasure of seeing 18 unedited "You Bet Your Life" programs for the first time since the 1950s - a remarkable find comparable to the "lost" Jackie Gleason kinescopes. The result is a valuable addition to Groucho's comic legacy.
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The Lost Episodes is a deluxe 3 DVD Box that includes 18 episodes, 6 episodes per disc with each episode running 25 minutes, a 20 page booklet with an outstanding essay by Groucho expert Robert S. Bader, plus loads of rare You Bet Your Life memorabilia and photos. These shows are officially licensed from the Groucho Marx estate and NBC, and have been produced from the original film reels found at the UCLA film archive and the Library of Congress. These episodes have not been seen since their original run in the early 50's.They were never repackaged for syndication by NBC for various reasons. Includes out takes from the episodes on every disc and a 17 minute film made for DeSoto dealers called The Making of You Bet Your Life included as an extra.In addition to the episodes, the box set includes a treasure trove of original and rare Groucho gems, including his 1947 audition for the original You Bet Your Life radio program! Other rarities included as DVD extras: Groucho's 1947 audition for the original radio show; a promotional recording Groucho made as aChristmas gift to DeSoto dealers; Some original commercialsGroucho Marx is arguably the most famous, iconic comedian of all-time. It's funny to think that for all the great films and stage appearances he made throughout his career both in the Marx Brothers act and solo, Groucho seemed to prefer this modestly-produced TV series above all others. Groucho was the emcee and star of this filmed quiz show and though it was ostensibly a game show, the series' most important asset was the humor injected by Groucho into the interviews he did with the contestantsYou Bet Your Life ran on television from October 5, 1950 - June 29, 1961 (423 episodes), one of the longest running shows in the history of television. (There were also 105 episodes that aired exclusively on radio.)The program was renamed The Groucho Show during its last season and has been seen in syndication as The Best Of Groucho for the last 40 years.
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