Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: You Bet Your Life 194x.xx.xx Secret Word Foot
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of "You Bet Your Life", hosted by the legendary Groucho Marx, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode, titled "Secret Word Foot," seamlessly blends humor, interactive games, and engaging conversations, all while showcasing the charm of pre-television family entertainment. Sponsored by Elgin American, renowned for their elegant cigarette cases and dressers, the show sets the stage for an evening filled with wit and excitement.

Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with Groucho Marx announcing the secret word for the night: "foot" (00:00). This game element encourages audience participation, with prizes awarded to listeners who catch and mention the secret word during the broadcast.

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [00:00]: "The secret word tonight is foot. F-o-o-t. Really? You'll bet your life."

Introduction of Guests

Groucho introduces the evening’s participants, Ms. Verlie Gross of Universal Pictures and Ms. Barbara Raden, President of the Dana Andrews Fan Club (00:58). These guests represent both the fan club enthusiasts and the studio's fan mail department, setting up a dynamic interaction between fandom and industry.

Notable Quote:

George Fenneman [00:58]: "We invited some movie fan club presidents and some movie fan mail clerks to the show."

Fan Clubs and Fan Mail Insights

The conversation delves into the workings of fan clubs and the nature of fan mail. Barbara Raden discusses her role and the extent of her fan club, boasting nearly 900 members nationwide (01:30). Meanwhile, Mary Bullock, from the studio fan mail department, shares intriguing anecdotes about the volume and variety of fan correspondence, including humorous and bizarre requests.

Notable Quotes:

Mary Bullock [03:05]: "She asked us for William Bendix if we would send him, and... he told us to send back the $10 and send a big picture that he autographed to her personally."

Mary Bullock [02:04]: "About 90% of the mail we receive is asking for free pictures."

Interactive Games and Audience Engagement

The core of the episode revolves around the "You Bet Your Life" game segments, where couples participate in trivia and betting to win cash prizes. The first couple, Barbara Raden and her partner, engage in a series of comic strip-related questions, managing to double their money through strategic betting (08:09–09:26).

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [08:27]: "They have $30. Remember, you're going for $2,000 tonight."

Comedic Interludes and Sponsor Promotions

Interspersed with the game segments are Groucho's signature comedic interludes and promotional spots for Elgin American. These segments cleverly integrate product advertisements into the show’s fabric, maintaining listener interest while highlighting the elegance and practicality of Elgin American’s offerings.

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [05:23]: "And did you have the mallet with you?"

Second Round of Games

The episode proceeds with a second round of games featuring Miss Mary Bullock and Mr. Joe Bud, an airline hostess and a traveling salesman, respectively. Their adeptness in another set of trivia questions related to famous horse racing tracks propels them to a winning position, ultimately earning them a chance at the grand prize of $2,000 (16:53–18:20).

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [17:20]: "They now have $105."

Final Contestant Introduction

The final couple, Ms. Dorothy Bates and Mr. Mackwise, a manicurist and a blacksmith, join the stage. Their unique professions add a fresh dynamic to the show, and their interactions continue to showcase Groucho's quick wit and playful banter (19:48–21:55).

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [21:08]: "Mobile truck?"

Deciding the Winner

As the competition intensifies, the traveling salesman and airline hostess emerge as the leading couple with $205. They advance to the final round, where they face a challenging $2,000 question about the first European country to officially recognize the United States in 1778 (23:53–27:05).

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [26:44]: "The United States was a young struggling country in 1778 and European nations refused to recognize what was the first European country to officially recognize the United States."

Grand Finale and Prize Distribution

In a thrilling conclusion, the successful couple correctly answers the $2,000 question, earning the grand prize and additional rewards, including a 16mm Apollo sound movie projector. Groucho and George Fenneman wrap up the episode with final remarks, hinting at future episodes and maintaining the allure of Elgin American products.

Notable Quote:

Groucho Marx [27:05]: "You said you cleaned up tonight. Not only did you win the $2,000, but you each won a 16 millimeter sound movie projector plus $205."

Conclusion

This episode of "You Bet Your Life" masterfully combines humor, audience interaction, and engaging guest stories, all underpinned by strategic product placements. Groucho Marx's charismatic hosting and quick wit ensure a memorable listening experience, making it a quintessential example of the Golden Age of Radio entertainment.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Groucho Marx [00:00]: "The secret word tonight is foot. F-o-o-t. Really? You'll bet your life."
• Mary Bullock [02:04]: "About 90% of the mail we receive is asking for free pictures."
• Groucho Marx [05:23]: "And did you have the mallet with you?"
• Groucho Marx [08:27]: "They have $30. Remember, you're going for $2,000 tonight."
• Groucho Marx [17:20]: "They now have $105."
• Groucho Marx [21:08]: "Mobile truck?"
• Groucho Marx [26:44]: "The United States was a young struggling country in 1778 and European nations refused to recognize what was the first European country to officially recognize the United States."
• Groucho Marx [27:05]: "You said you cleaned up tonight. Not only did you win the $2,000, but you each won a 16 millimeter sound movie projector plus $205."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key moments, discussions, and humorous exchanges of the "You Bet Your Life" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and new listeners eager to experience the nostalgic charm of old-time radio.