If a contestant said the secret word on the U.S. game show "You Bet Your Life", what type of toy animal would drop above the stage?

When a NBC contestant said the secret word on the U.S. game show "You Bet Your Life", the type of toy animal that would drop above the stage was a duck. This activity was done to create some tension with the contestant and the audience. The "secret word" was a common word which was revealed to the audience at the outset of each episode.

If a contestant said the word, a toy duck resembling Groucho (with eyeglasses and a mustache) fell from the ceiling. It would also have a $100 prize.

The cartoon of a duck with a cigar was used in the show's opening title sequence. A duck was occasionally replaced with other things or people. To increase the likelihood that the quiz show would be more funny and enjoyable, the duck according to Groucho Marx was not used and something (someone) more interesting was exchanged in its place. A wooden Indian figure and even a female model attired in a tight bodice and very short skirt were used.