I was a regular watcher of the show from the time my town got TV in 1952 to roughly the show's end. In the early years, my family would crowd anxiously around the set waiting for the laughs to start. In fact, Groucho's eyebrows often told a story that couldn't be said in those days of TV censorship. Thus there was often an element of comedic surprise not found on other shows.
Today, I enjoy DVD's of the series as much as I did then. Of course, the byplay between Groucho and the contestants was the main magnet, then and now. Also, seeing regular people being interviewed was and remains a good contrast to celebrity TV. Often just plain folks would show a winning personality once Groucho's playful banter put them at ease. Now it's nostalgic seeing the fashions and styles of that day (1950's). He did have celebrity guests on from time to time, but they weren't the staple.
What I didn't know then that I know now-- thanks to IMDb-- is that more preparation went into the show than it appeared. So, you may want to gander at IMDb's Trivia section for details. Nonetheless, the laughs endure. At the same time, the show stands time's test thanks to Groucho's peerless skills and maybe the guy down the street.
Today, I enjoy DVD's of the series as much as I did then. Of course, the byplay between Groucho and the contestants was the main magnet, then and now. Also, seeing regular people being interviewed was and remains a good contrast to celebrity TV. Often just plain folks would show a winning personality once Groucho's playful banter put them at ease. Now it's nostalgic seeing the fashions and styles of that day (1950's). He did have celebrity guests on from time to time, but they weren't the staple.
What I didn't know then that I know now-- thanks to IMDb-- is that more preparation went into the show than it appeared. So, you may want to gander at IMDb's Trivia section for details. Nonetheless, the laughs endure. At the same time, the show stands time's test thanks to Groucho's peerless skills and maybe the guy down the street.