People Are Funny

Comedy (1942 - 1960)

A man with remarkable background, John Guedel, produced and wrote People are Funny. He was without a home during the Depression and slept on the street when he was the most poor. He finally got work for the WPA digging ditches, later became a traveling salesman, and he got his "big break" writing for Hal Roach.

A game show, People are Funny was perhaps a precursor to "reality" based television shows of today such as Survivor or prank-based shows like MTV's Jackass. People are Funny asked individuals to do extreme acts for the amusement of audiences. This was done to "reveal the true nature" of their guests. Guests could be hit in the head with a paper bag full of spaghetti. Another man had to attempt to register at a hotel claiming that a trained seal was his girlfriend.

Most audience remember the host Art Linkletter, but People are Funny was originally hosted by Art Baker, the show was popular right after its debut thanks to Baker's talent at adlibbing and likeability. The show was sponsored by Kool Cigarettes' often staring Kenny Kool the cigarette smoking mascot in a Penguin suit. It was later sponcered by Mars Candy.

Stunts on People are Funny continued to get more and more outrageous (and funny) as the show continued its 18 year run. John Guedel was also the producer of the game shows "House Party" and "Pull over Neighbor" as well as Groucho Marx's game show You Bet Your Life. This show appeals to modern audiences with its wit and outrageous humor. This collection also contains a bonus episode of Pillsbury House Party starring Art Linkletter.

See also: Vox Pop, Bob Elson Interviews on the 20th Century Limited, You Bet Your Life and What's My Line?