Marxist Memories

In the Labor Day issue of Calendar, Norman Frisch shared his recollections of Groucho Marx’s radio and then TV show “You Bet Your Life” (“Groucho a Memorable Boss? Bet Your Life on It”). It has been nearly 50 years but I can still recall Groucho’s on-the-air ad-libs. I had to follow them closely since I was the newest and youngest staffer in Chrysler’s De Soto Division Advertising Department. One of my toughest jobs was to write back to listeners who had been offended by some off-color nuance they perceived in a Groucho one-liner zinger. De Soto was the sole sponsor in those days for “You Bet Your Life.”

I have never forgotten how Groucho got De Soto to give him a free car. Groucho told Chrysler Corp. he should be given a new De Soto since he was promoting the car on his show. The Chrysler executives thought they were already paying Groucho plenty for the show, and told him he should buy his own car. He did . . . a Ford! The next day, a new complimentary De Soto was delivered to Groucho.

JAMES C. FLECK

Sherman Oaks