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Summary: A great companion to "The Secret Word Is Groucho"
Review: Those who have read "The Secret Word is Groucho" by Groucho Marx and Hector Arce (now, unfortunately, out of print) learned a good deal about Groucho's enormously popular quiz show, "You Bet Your Life." This new book approaches the subject from a different angle and does so quite successfully.In the former book, Marx and Arce concentrated on what made the show work and the politics behind getting it on the air. In "As Long As They're Laughing: Groucho Marx and You Bet Your Life" Robert Dwan (director of the program on radio and television during its entire run) concentrates on the personalities involved and in details about his relationship with Groucho over the years. Dwan's perspective is refreshing. Among the gems in this book are discussions of the process of recording an episode and preparing it for air. Unusual for the time period, You Bet Your Life was recorded and heavily edited for radio/television broadcast. (Since the objective of the program leaned more toward humor than the actual quiz show, it was important that the pace remained quick.) Included in this section are a number of bits that wound up "on the cutting room floor" because they were deemed too racy for broadcast. This book is an important addition to the growing number of books on Groucho, and it offers some insight into his complex personality which, though abrasive and often abusive, endeared him to fans all over the world. Particularly touching is Dwan's description of his trip with Groucho and his daughter to Groucho's Mother's birthplace, Dornum, Germany, and the events that made this trip memorable and magical for all involved. Though a fairly quick read, "As Long As They're Laughing: Groucho Marx and You Bet Your Life" is recommended for anyone interested in Groucho and one of his many careers -- this time as one of the most popular, successful, and award-winning quizmasters in the history of the genre.
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