Published On Mar 1, 2014
Here's a very old CBS Kinescope from mid 1950's, of a Jack Benny Program with guest Groucho Marx. In this clip, Groucho plays himself as host of his game show, 'You Bet your Life'. Benny disguises himself as a contestant in hopes of winning the jackpot of $3000 (huge money in those days). What's notable about this is that unlike today, this show was broadcast LIVE, and one sponsor would buy the entire show, thus would be the only product mentioned. On the Benny show, besides the filmed commercials, it was customary for the commercial to be integrated right into the skit of the show. In the opening number (which parodied Groucho's theme song) after a few verses they go into a commercial for 'Lucky Strike' (cigarettes) the shows sponsor. Also at the end of the show there is a filmed spot for Lucky Strike. Cigarette commercials were banned from Radio and TV in 1971.