You Bet Your Life was an American radio and television quiz show hosted by Groucho Marx. Debuting on radio in 1947 for the ABC network, the show then moved to television in 1949 on CBS, and then moving to NBC in 1950 where it was aired simultaneously on radio and television.

The format of the show was simple: a pair of individuals would compete for cash by answering random trivia questions. If they uttered the "secret word," a duck would drop from the ceiling, informing the contestants they had won the bonus prize for their discovery.

The show ran until 1961, and was revived with Buddy Hackett in 1980 for less than a single season. Richard Dawson filmed a pilot for another version in 1988, but it failed to be picked up for a season. In 1992, Bill Cosby hosted yet another revival, which like the Hackett version, lasted for a single season.

Appearances[]

• Loretta Long and Big Bird were guests in 1992 on the revival of the series.

References[]

• Throughout Episode 2470 of Sesame Street, Elmo declares that "cookies" is his "secret" word and whenever uttered, there's a huge commotion caused by a Dinger and a duck, who wears a sign bearing the word.

• In Episode 2521 of Sesame Street, Sonny Friendly quizzes Gina with three questions relating to the word "dog." Every time she uses the word in her answer, a stuffed dog drops down wearing Groucho glasses, a cigar in its mouth, and a card with the word printed on it.

• In the Muppet Babies episode "Six-to-Eight Weeks," Baby Gonzo's explanation of the daily activities of the World Boxtop Trade Center end with him dropping boxtops to the floor. Baby Piggy sweeps up Gonzo's mess with a broom before stuffing it under his snoot, resembling a moustache. In Groucho fashion, Gonzo says that the secret word is "boxtop," while his feather strands wiggle like eyebrows.

• Episode 3095 of Sesame Street has Sonny Friendly hosting the game show "Duck for a Day." This particular show involves the use of secret words, which are signified by a duck falling from above with the word.

• In the Elmo's World episode "Eyes," the show is referenced when Elmo interviews a pair of Groucho Glasses and a duck drops from the ceiling.