This "pilot" was actually an unedited hour-long recording session [December 5, 1949] that was edited into a half-hour radio show broadcast on December 28, 1949. The network wanted to see how Groucho would look on TV, so video cameras (under the supervision of Ralph Levy) were present [with several title cards], and this was "kinnied", so various executives could determine how best to present the show on TV.....
...however, NBC bought the show from producer John Guedel, and moved it to their network that fall, continuing the radio show and adding a filmed TV version of the same episodes {each edited and tailored for both mediums}. Groucho usually wore "casual clothing" during the early radio seasons; when the TV show began, he started wearing suits- often the same one so that parts of different episodes could be inserted when necessary.
Some of my videos, after being online for 2 years, suddenly have no audio & with no explanation or help from YouTube. So I've been re-posting them in recent months. I've Deleted the original silent version. It kills me as my original post had over 25,000 hits - and i'm starting from scratch again.
Great posting Kerry. Funny, if you close your eyes you would swear it was a radio show - seems Groucho hadn't yet adjusted to not describing all that we can now 'SEE' - lines like "Your the tallest newly weds I ever saw!" Question: how come you have posted this again. This has happened to a few youtubers lately - if you g to your original posting (in the related videos section) it points you to this latest posting? Just wondering...
My father was only 3-1/2 months old when this episode was filmed. Amazing.
TheTubePortal 3 months ago
This "pilot" was actually an unedited hour-long recording session [December 5, 1949] that was edited into a half-hour radio show broadcast on December 28, 1949. The network wanted to see how Groucho would look on TV, so video cameras (under the supervision of Ralph Levy) were present [with several title cards], and this was "kinnied", so various executives could determine how best to present the show on TV.....
fromthesidelines 10 months ago
...however, NBC bought the show from producer John Guedel, and moved it to their network that fall, continuing the radio show and adding a filmed TV version of the same episodes {each edited and tailored for both mediums}. Groucho usually wore "casual clothing" during the early radio seasons; when the TV show began, he started wearing suits- often the same one so that parts of different episodes could be inserted when necessary.
fromthesidelines 10 months ago
Ah, fabulous...
This is not to be confused with the unedited, hour-long "Head" episode (the Secret Word here is "Name") which was not filmed on video.
WarioBarker88 2 years ago
Mr. Decker, thank you for posting this historic gem. The Marx brothers were an incredibly talented bunch, especially Groucho!
I am glad I subscribed to your channel. It's been worth it.
osallent 2 years ago
Never knew he had a television show. Wow, Great video.
GlockNinja 2 years ago
I guess the duck would have come in handy for the Green Bay packer who was hurt and missed work ...
joebradio 2 years ago
wow ! Groucho before the duck drop !!
joebradio 2 years ago
"Were they all high?" I love Groucho. Glad you made the effort to put this back up for us. Thanks, Kerry.
whizbang47 2 years ago
Thanks for re-posting!
Breanavp 2 years ago
Some of my videos, after being online for 2 years, suddenly have no audio & with no explanation or help from YouTube. So I've been re-posting them in recent months. I've Deleted the original silent version. It kills me as my original post had over 25,000 hits - and i'm starting from scratch again.
KKD1247 2 years ago
Great posting Kerry. Funny, if you close your eyes you would swear it was a radio show - seems Groucho hadn't yet adjusted to not describing all that we can now 'SEE' - lines like "Your the tallest newly weds I ever saw!" Question: how come you have posted this again. This has happened to a few youtubers lately - if you g to your original posting (in the related videos section) it points you to this latest posting? Just wondering...
tubeie07 2 years ago