You Bet Your Life #54-21 Edith Head, Hollywood costume designer ('Foot', Feb 3, 1955)

[@tomgreene2978]

When I was a young writer at Universal Studios, I had a tiny office next to Edith Head’s big beautiful bungalow. She stayed at Universal for years. She was a very private person, but you could always see her tooling around the lot in her big, customized electric kart, easily twice the size of the others on the lot, with a stripped fringe surrey on top, and her first name in script, and a logo of her famous face, haircut, and glasses. It was said that it was designed by Hitchcock, who, of course designed his own famous portrait. They made 11 movies together! I had horses at the time and was doing a bit of rodeo and hurt my leg and was limping to the commissary one day when she drove past me, and to my shock actually said, “would you like a ride, young man“? We actually started up a conversation, and as you probably can see from this Groucho episode, she was a multi-layered intellectual with a plethora of knowledge in many areas. I also had a lot of education because of a remarkable father, and could talk to her on many subjects. She was delighted to talk to me on our short ride to the commissary, and thereafter on many occasions, I would hear the famous “honk“ from her kart, a sound we got familiar with since being quite impatient, she used it quite a bit to get people out of her way. At times, she would honk it outside my little office and l would run out and join her in her kart as she drove around the studio lot either on the back lot or to a stage where her costume trucks were. As someone else pointed out, she was an absolute legend, and in her time winning eight Academy Awards, and tons of nominations and thousands of other accolades and awards, however she was indeed, remarkably humble and self-effacing . Those rides in her kart are some of my most cherished memories!

[@berniemcfadden7760]

Tomgreen you were absolutely blessed to have those rides with Edith. Not only was she extremely talented and intelligent, but I personally think she was adorable!

[@tomgreene2978]

Thanks so much for the kind words. She was indeed a remarkable one of a kind person! There were so many of them back, then! I had so many remarkable experiences in the “magical heyday of Hollywood“. I was quite young, and for some strange reason, indeed amazingly blessed. Those memories keep me smiling in these less than magical times!

[@AceBG27]

Wow - what a story. Fascinating!

[@stillkickin3919]

The lady who sews buttons marries the guy who makes the buttonholes...still chuckling. Life is good.

[@willdunlop4929]

I've just discovered these shows and am fascinated by them. Throw together two random guests, often from completely different social/ethnic/religious/backgrounds (e.g. a shepherd and a model, a wrestler and a fashion designer, a rabbi and an 11 year old girl) and watch the fireworks as Groucho stokes the fire. All this set against a background of 1950's weirdness!! Brilliant!!

[@m42037]

Early 60s too

[@googleyeyes5122]

With each episode, I am getting to know Groucho more and more. He was a genuinely deep dude. Open-minded and empathetic... Funny as heck. 😂

[@patfromamboy]

He was one of a kind. An amazing guy.

[@LeeKav]

I recommend reading his collected letters, too

[@shannydavis1973]

When I was a child growing up always wanted to be like Edith Head, she was a creative genius.

[@gaylelewis9114]

Just love Edith head! Smart, talented, compassionate and the best designer ever!

[@temeculajim8283]

Thanks for downloading these classic shows. What a joy to watch.

[@grouchomarx-youbetyourlife7476]

temeculajim You're very welcome-- glad you're enjoying them!

[@NoName-ge6wc]

Edith was the best at what she did. She gave great fashion.

[@ManInTheBigHat]

"Women are all difficult." Edith Head gets it right. What a doll! And look 23:21 how she pulls out the $50 from some hidden pocked in her jacket.

[@jackanthony976]

Actually Edith stated in a late interview that Hedy Lamarr was the most difficult star to work with. Hedy worked with Hedy Lamarr in the film Samson and Delilah.

[@kidmack1121]

@@jackanthony976 "That's Headly"

[@theresaholguin699]

Edith was elegant and had class. She was really talented

[@martinjones5965]

Edith behaves chronically eccentrically. I wonder if that's what Hollowood does to people or it's hereditory. I was impressed how self-effacing and collaborative Edith was for a Hollowood fashion designer rock star. Giving her winnings to charity - what a lady.

[@mikeyates7931]

She knew her shtick and she played it to the hilt ❤

[@bencheshire]

That was pretty standard practice when famous people went on quiz shows

[@fanboy2015]

Edith Head had a prolific long career in Hollywood. I like when Groucho tells her that it wasn't luck winning all those Oscars. She finished with Eight in total.

[@patfromamboy]

She was nominated 35 times altogether. Groucho was a nice guy, he just pretended to be terrible. I’m learning a lot about past actors and historic people. I’ve been watching lots of old movies and tv shows but this one ties a lot of things together for me. Grouch knows a lot of people. If I could go back in time I’d like to meet him.

[@markbailey1970]

Edith Head was fabulous on this

[@bagoona]

Edith Head`s a Hollywood legend. Went on to win 3 more oscars for for total of 8.

[@janepatterson6779]

The most beautiful costumes ever created..no one ever equaled her designs of grace and beauty, she used gorgeous material. The ball room gown Audrey Hepburn wore in Roman Holiday was breathtaking.

[@MadTheDJ]

Edith Head was such an absolutely legendary Hollywood costume designer! They loosely based Edna Mode on her in The Incredibles flims, though Edna is way more flamboyant in personality. But her sheer talent, style, intelligence, wit and knowledge was unmatched. It's fascinating to see her demur and deferential here, yet clearly, easily outclassing the doctor (who was no slouch himself). She didn't need him at all, but she let him shine, seeming to prefer to stay in the background. Very interesting. But man, to have a few minutes to chat with her about design would be a masterclass in itself.

[@kidmack1121]

This the first time in almost 57 years of movie and television viewing that I have actually seen the woman behind the name, or should I say; Household Name. I think I have fallen in love with her!

[@gaylelewis9114]

@@kidmack1121 she was a sweetheart. Would stay late to make sure the temperamental actresses were satisfied with their costumes. Her clothing was unmatched in beauty. I just love her!

[@because78...9]

I she let the doctor shine because she’s mastered the art of staying in the background. As a costume designer, she doesn’t want to put the attention on herself, rather on the star she dresses.

[@Sheriff_GrimLaw]

​@@kidmack1121She was in an episode of Columbo, playing herself.

[@Nick-ty9us]

They even made Edna mode to look like Edith head

[@ajsmith5295]

Edith head so cool man

[@johncastle8254]

All the people had such style ,grace and personality , after watching these shows it's sad to see the never ending violence and crudity we have now .

[@billanthony7896]

John Castle- True, but remember this--- These are the direct ancestors of today's society. If you study these folks, clues of things to come are apparent.

[@56squadron]

@@billanthony7896 - They were the last generation that had to work from an early age, they had to get thru the depression and then win WWII. That's when it fell apart. Technology made life easier and eliminated the need for children to be useful around the home, and the modern culture of the time (Playboy magazine, James Bond movies, the Rat pack etc...) made many of the grown ups eager to all want to be and act like Don Draper. They didn't raise their kids properly, the kids grew bored, felt unloved, felt unneeded and lashed out in the 60's.... and the disease of progressivism has been steadily killing us ever since. It's the disease that says everyone is free to do whatever they want.... except hold anyone to a moral or ethical standard. So we dress like slobs, act like slobs, speak like slobs and treat each other horribly.

[@marknorris3769]

absolutely we have lost our grace and refinements , tragic really

[@ray2895]

Edith, pretty, charming, and sharp as a tack.

[@mikeyates7931]

My kind of Dame ❤

[@501Pato]

A lot of joy watching these video today in the New Millenium -modern” times , with boring TV shows programs around the world..

[@thalionkorvhas1408]

Modern TV has no soul

[@mariangelasp1168]

@@thalionkorvhas1408 and meaning too. You don't learn anything from today's show

[@mariangelasp1168]

@@thalionkorvhas1408 I meant to say NO meaning too

[@barbieblue2213]

Loved Edith Head gowns on Shirley Mclaine in What a way to go!Gorgeous ! I bet every one is still timeless! I love watching movie just to see gowns!

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Edith did absolutely fantastic as fantastic as she looks (in terms of style)

[@domenicv7962]

you don't need to specify in what terms regarding her looks. She was an attractive woman...period !

[@barbieblue2213]

Edith Head was Disney inspiration to character Aunt Edna who made clothes for super hero’s!

[@WaterShowsProd]

Fantastic to see the legendary Edith Head and the rapport that she and Groucho have, as well as the mutual respect they have for each other. I also loved Groucho calling the model contestant Marilu Misanthrope, a little wordplay that seemed to go over the audience's heads. He notices for an instant that the joke didn't land and moves on without missing a beat.

[@billk9856]

Oh my, Edith Head is one of the coolest people I've ever seen.

[@manbtm1]

Loved how Edith and the doctor kissed each other after, very sweet, If you tried that today one of the two would charge each other with assault. Society is just changed so badly that way, you can’t even just be nice without accusing the other of something horrible.

[@mariangelasp1168]

Yes,, unfortunately it is that way now. you are right.

[@brennocalderan2201]

It was common back then, you could give the girl a little kiss and it wouldn't be taken serious.

[@jasonhurd4379]

Yes, it's tragic. The Prince of the Air sets us all at odds, hoping against hope to destroy us. He will be unsuccessful ultimately.

[@rahkinrah1963]

This show was classic!

[@tomitstube]

edith would end up with 8 academy awards. nominated 35 times.

[@E.Carrillo]

I believe Edna Mode on the Incredibles was supposed to be the Edith Head of the super heroes. Lol

[@martinjones5965]

9m41s fascinating awareness by Groucho and gentleman of environment so long ago.

[@moss8448]

Timeless humor...a true classic. Done more for fun than seriousness.

[@jimmiedee2315]

Thanks for posting these great episodes.

[@grouchomarx-youbetyourlife7476]

You're very welcome!

[@billyg207]

When I was a kid I hated these episodes. Now that I'm 70 I really enjoy these nostalgic shows.

[@hepgeoff]

Thanks for posting these. Love Groucho.

[@kimsherlock8969]

Edith Head was a good sporting heartbeat.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Poor Edith, at times she's doing everything she can to contain her laughter, not easy to do with Groucho at the helm! LOL ;-)

[@Patrick3183]

Fascinating conversation about environmental pollution in the USA and China at 10:30

[@Frank00]

I find it interesting that none of the doom and gloom came true

[@62Drusilla]

Groucho is funny and Edith head such an icon also can be funny..rather entertaining .xo

[@moonlanding-69]

Roman Holiday a 'must' see for all...w/Gregory Peck...one of my top 5.

[@poetcomic1]

Edith Head was Hitchcock's fashion designer of choice.

[@kevinjudy5739]

Love the shows....don't think I ever got one of the songs even at 63 years..

[@sydneycarton9973]

Marilu Messankoff explained the demure way to exit a car. A lot of actresses today could learn something from her

[@keithnaylor1981]

Old MacDonald had a farm…. Life in the Undie-world…. Groucho on top form. No one since has ever had his great wit! He was unique.

[@piustwelfth]

Edith Head never changed her look. She wore the same severe hair style, dark glasses and tailored suit whenever she appeared in public.

[@jeepguy220]

but that's her look, she never looked out of style. I like the glasses on her!!

[@MadTheDJ]

And yet, she was warm, soft spoken and didn't seem interested in drawing attention to herself. I expected her to be either a stern, humourless lady or something like Edna Mode (who was based on Edith), but no, just a classy, generous person. RIP, Edith.

[@jackpoint188]

What a gracious lady to not answer them all herself but to whisper and have the man answer.

[@jojoUK120]

jackpoint188. that’s back before men were allowed to think for themselves, kids 🤓

[@marilynwillett804]

you got it backwards, that was when men were manly enough to think for themselves.

[@WayneYonke]

Mary Lou “Misanthrope” - Groucho Ha

[@swingman5635]

😁

[@innocentbailey]

What a time ….there’s a real class and decorum on how the contestants present themselves , it’s quite formal and ofc speaks volumes of the time it was ….people seemed to possess real class than and always looked their best

[@Nick-ty9us]

Groucho and Edith head both worked at Paramount pictures at the same time in the 1930s

[@davido8056]

Edith was 58 years old, she sure didn't look any where near that.

[@LeonAllanDavis]

I woulda hit that so hard her eyes would have stayed crossed for a week...

[@jeepguy220]

she didn't 80 either in 1977, those glasses are sweet with her facial shape!

[@acousticshadow4032]

Hard tellin' with those hangover blinders on her eyes. Wonder if she won her race that day?

[@garyfrancis6193]

@@acousticshadow4032 That was because of the lights.

[@joet840]

You can tell Edith was very meticulous just by her body language.

[@troydante]

She carried herself like a model ...

[@joet840]

@MichaelKingsfordGray What does being a coward have to do with a designer paying attention to detail as in the word meticulous ? You fuckin nut job .

[@swingman5635]

@@joet840 "Coward" is his pet word. It's all over here. That's all he's got,the coward.🙄

[@billk9856]

There's something about her mannerisms, especially around her mouth that remind me of Lilly Tomlin's operator character.

[@LeonAllanDavis]

I did not realize that Edith Head was so danged sexy. A little doll. And genius. Oscar nominated 35 times. Won 8.

[@billk9856]

Yes, and she was designing in Hollywood for twenty years before they even established the Best Costume Design category at the Oscars - after they did she was often nominated multiple times in the same year for different films.

[@Timinator62]

I wanted to hear more about sailing from China...

[@robertromero8692]

Edith Head was a fascinating person--extremely sharp, but losing none of her femininity.

[@RedTango]

Edith Head was the inspiration for "E" in The Incredibles.

[@CrabbyO]

+RedTango I recognized it as soon as I saw the description "Hollywood costume designer." I was hoping she would call Groucho "Dah-ling" at some point in the show....no such luck. Still,... No capes!

[@franceswright8155]

I just said that.

[@CaptainOvious123]

Weird seeing them talk about environmental conservation in the 50s

[@what9443]

Really? Then I'm sure you know nothing about Teddy Roosevelt.

[@johnsradios484]

CaptainOvious123 i

[@evelynbanker2090]

CaptainObvious123 i

[@HarpoSpoke]

The funny part is they were claiming we were doomed back then too. 65 years later we are still hearing we are doomed any minute now.

[@joet840]

@@HarpoSpoke As long as corporations are profiting from polluting the earth they'll always be denying global warming and pollution problems.

[@2ndwindthanksbetogod317]

Loved Edith Head in the movie “The Incredibles “

[@cance7984]

15:00 Edith Head

[@mikeyates7931]

1955 : what a wonderful time to be alive ; when Men were Men - and proud to be - and Women were Ladies - and proud to be ❤

[@Nick-ty9us]

Groucho mentions that he made movies at Paramount

[@funkbass]

23:28 "swag" this word has gotten popular again recently.

[@nooneknown]

and now, not anymore

[@Patrick3183]

I wanna hear more about his sailing across the ocean

[@Setebos]

NO CAPES!

[@kingbee1500]

Marilu was one tall, fine lady!

[@adco]

What a hoot!

[@moorek1967]

Grace Searock's son Charles Jr. became a Lieutenant General in the US Air Force.

[@douglasthompson9482]

Boy what happened to the women of the world. Mary Lou is great.

[@marilynwillett804]

they became liberals, they mistake femininity for being slutty. [and i'm a woman]

[@berniemcfadden7760]

I think Edith Head was the inspiration for the 'little lady' who designs the customs in the animated movie "The Incredibles".

[@Nick-ty9us]

Edna actually loosely based on Edith head

[@JJTownley_Classical-Composer]

I've watched every episode on KZbin. There are still many more that are not here if this show ran for 10 years. Where are the other episodes?

[@crumblefest]

Love the way people kiss (on the lips!) on this show... impossible to imagine today, even without Covid...

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

That kiss at the end was super strange

[@manbtm1]

I didn’t think so at all, people gave each other kisses very casually, it was considered a nicety,by most people ,,today , everybody gets all upset if you try that, attitudes have changed, we’ve become very insular and intolerant of each other.

[@brennocalderan2201]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Your coward presence is a plague. Get a life.

[@raiynna2395]

Grouchy seemed like a nice man. He could be sarcastic without being mean, and his humor always hit the mark. His guests were always unusual, and interesting in their way! It must have been scripted, but it was good anyway..

[@philgranito4043]

I don't know if we are going backwards or forwards.

[@trace6402]

Edith Head must have been Yoko Ono's idol.

[@worldnotworld]

Edith is so weird in those sunglasses - don't know why but she makes me think of David Bowie

[@realretrorelapse]

Groucho is my all time favorite comedian. This dude was so sharp even in his old age. My favorite story was his last tv appearance on Bill Cosby's talk show and he just went on and insulted Bill the entire time lol. Then after the show he was mad that Bill smoked better cigars than him so he went to Bills dressing room and stole a bunch 😂😂😂

[@mr.crighton9491]

why would Mr. Gioia choose that category?!? He seemed totally lost and uncomfortable in the quiz.

[@elspethcoogan1499]

Edith was evidently Anna Wintour's muse with the sunglasses-indoors look. Yes, I know Anna is “light intolerant” but I couldn’t help making the comparison.

[@georgestroud8507]

I grew up watching and listening to Groucho Marx he was a genius. Anyone who can take nothing and make it out of something is highly acclaimed.

[@CrabbyO]

When I was a kid, back in the early eighties, whenever my siblings or I said "So!" in response to an unwanted argument, my mom would always reply with "Sew...buttons on your underwear." I wonder if this is where she got that line.

[@franciscojavierestrada7179]

(Laughs of sympathy with the use of the expression). "So" = "Sew", when pronounced out of context. At that time, it was very common, among adults, using this kind of non sense arguments with kids, due to the lack of time or pacience in verbal arguing.

[@evangelinekariadakis8661]

Good

[@henningandersen9027]

...and gioia means joy,

[@LeChaunce]

It only just dawned on me that Edith Head was the inspiration for Edna Mode in the Incredibles movies.

[@piustwelfth]

"mode" means fashion in French, i.e., "a la mode" means "according to the fashion".

[@mikeyates7931]

For all the young folks out there who may not know , Edna from , "The Incredibles" was based on , Edith Head 😮

[@519djw6]

I know this is a long shot, but since Gioia is rather uncommon name, even in Italy, I'm wondering whether Sam Gioia was any relation to the poet Dana Gioia (born in 1950), who was the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts for several years.

[@First._.Last.]

It's interesting to see that while Ms. Head maid a brief assertion that she intended to defer to her male partner, she couldn't hold out very long at all. Says a lot about her.

[@marybradley3871]

Funny stuff!

[@berwyn58]

EDNA MODE!! LOL

[@martinjones5965]

14m20 Buckingham palace . Only savants know that kind of stuff like Pi to 50 places ... should have been worth $1000. :)

[@gregorywendfeldt1811]

22:13 Groucho makes the comment "They know the answer. They don't even have to know the question". Off the cuff? A Groucho jab at the phoniness of pre-fed answers? A little service for old colleague Edith Head? And Edith snickers at this remark. And in the end it means a bigger donation for charity.

[@sullivanthemighty]

I get lost in the era and start yelling out the answers as if I was there. Strange being it went off the air 18 years before I was even born.

[@jessicamikailian7801]

😊😊😊😊

[@because78...9]

14:54

[@FF11Freshstep]

I believe the model's last name would be spelled Messenkauf. Old German name as far as I am aware.

[@MrThesper]

It could also be Messenkopf

[@JoeyMayo]

Ms. Head seems to be posing, probably because of the outfit that she has on. I wonder why she chose to wear sunglasses and if she was a bit of an eccentric.

[@SheriSoltes]

She always wore blue tinted glasses. She felt it added to her mystique.

[@47mexicana]

That model Marylew looks a lot like a young Precilla Presley.

[@aprendizdebrujo100]

she was acting as a serious woman but she laughed many times... (and the camera turned away each time, but no enough fast)

[@Fluxtime451]

This is so funny

[@franceswright8155]

Doesn't Edith Head remind you of someone? The Incredibles , Edna? That is definitely where they got the idea for Edna . Edith was a costumer for motion pictures she won like 4 Oscars , and what a coincidence Edna makes the costumes for the super heroes. I'm old so I knew who Edith Head was so when I watched the Incredibles with my grandbabies I saw the resemblance. I know I'm right.

[@hofico6]

Edith looks like she could be quite the freak

[@rahkinrah1963]

+ Pepe - !!!!!

[@LeonAllanDavis]

She was, actually. In a sexy kind of way...

[@LazlosPlane]

Edith Head?!?!?

[@ajsmith5295]

That model looked like a young Elvis Presley

[@gilbertotongco1054]

The quiz show is unfair. Sometimes a partner Just stand like a fool. Mostly men but they get half the prize money. It should be shared pro rata

[@mariangelasp1168]

I know!!! I say the same

[@AventuraLuver]

17:30 "women are all difficult, including stars" what is with this internalized misogyny, ms.head?

[@davidlanham99]

People had class back then. Pipe down and go make me something to eat.

[@AventuraLuver]

David Lanham Fuck you, David

[@davidlanham99]

That sounds interesting

[@jim165670]

Ooooo... Marla learned a couple of new words she had to use. This is what happens when some of the ignorant are educated

[@jojoUK120]

I guess the women she was paid to dress were more likely than the men to have their own ideas about fashion and insist on changes