IN THE AREA of TV programming and quality, none in an era, could top this unpretentious, dignified and truly enjoyable panel game show. Slated at the 10:30 PM EST time slot, Sunday evenings, it was truly the pinnacle of CBS TV's week of "Tiffany Broadcasting"; as the Columbia Broadcasting System so 'modestly' referred to itself.
A KEY ELEMENY in the success of this long-running series was their striking a balance in its fundamental makeup. The dignified framing of the program is never overshadowed by the fun and comedic aspects of its entertainment value. Likewise, striving for a 'dignified' presentation never hampers their tickling of our collective funny-bone.
SITTING IN THE Master of Ceremonies was the guy who kept all in balance. With the skill of an eminent surgeon, the very urbane and personable, Mr. Daly, who was concurrently employed as the Anchorman on ABC's Nightly News, conducted business. Moving the show forward, without wasting an precious network time, his acumen was that likened to an Arturo Toscanini or Leonard Bernstein with a baton in hand.
ROUNDING OUT THE cast was the all important panel. In much the same manner as we now refer to the 'chemistry' that goes into making up a successful professional sports' franchise, so too the same care is an essential to a panel. A fine line must be struck between a panelists personality, temperament & entertainment value and the participant's level of team work.
THE STARTING ROSTER of players was: Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf; who would traditionally be last to be seated and in turn, he would humorously introduce John Daly as M.C. Others, who sat in as the fourth panel member were: Fred Allen, Martin Gabel, Robert Q. Lewis, Steve Allen and many others. Veteran Announcer, Johnny Olson, did the voice over honors.
FOLLOWING TWO EVERYDAY people, who attempted to stump the panel with their varied walks of life and bread-winning, the "Mystery Challanger" would occupy the third and final contestants' position. With the admonishment of "Blindfolds all in place, Panel; Mystery Challanger, Sign in Please!", the final segment commenced.
THE "MYSTERY CHALLANGER" was obviously someone who was known to the public at large. Culled from the Worlds of Show Biz, the Sporting World and even Politics, that would need for the panelists' blindfolds. Our own Mother, the Late Bertha Fuerst Ryan, 1917-2008, observed how often this "Mystery Challenger" had also been a guest on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. "They must buy them their supper!", she quipped.
IF ONE IS old enough to have viewed the show when it went out live, you would certainly know of what we speak. If one is too young or needs a little refreshment of the cerebellum; just simply go to youtube.com on your computer. There you will find an ample supply of video clips and whole episodes.
SO, JUST LOG into youtube.com; and knock yourself out!
A KEY ELEMENY in the success of this long-running series was their striking a balance in its fundamental makeup. The dignified framing of the program is never overshadowed by the fun and comedic aspects of its entertainment value. Likewise, striving for a 'dignified' presentation never hampers their tickling of our collective funny-bone.
SITTING IN THE Master of Ceremonies was the guy who kept all in balance. With the skill of an eminent surgeon, the very urbane and personable, Mr. Daly, who was concurrently employed as the Anchorman on ABC's Nightly News, conducted business. Moving the show forward, without wasting an precious network time, his acumen was that likened to an Arturo Toscanini or Leonard Bernstein with a baton in hand.
ROUNDING OUT THE cast was the all important panel. In much the same manner as we now refer to the 'chemistry' that goes into making up a successful professional sports' franchise, so too the same care is an essential to a panel. A fine line must be struck between a panelists personality, temperament & entertainment value and the participant's level of team work.
THE STARTING ROSTER of players was: Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf; who would traditionally be last to be seated and in turn, he would humorously introduce John Daly as M.C. Others, who sat in as the fourth panel member were: Fred Allen, Martin Gabel, Robert Q. Lewis, Steve Allen and many others. Veteran Announcer, Johnny Olson, did the voice over honors.
FOLLOWING TWO EVERYDAY people, who attempted to stump the panel with their varied walks of life and bread-winning, the "Mystery Challanger" would occupy the third and final contestants' position. With the admonishment of "Blindfolds all in place, Panel; Mystery Challanger, Sign in Please!", the final segment commenced.
THE "MYSTERY CHALLANGER" was obviously someone who was known to the public at large. Culled from the Worlds of Show Biz, the Sporting World and even Politics, that would need for the panelists' blindfolds. Our own Mother, the Late Bertha Fuerst Ryan, 1917-2008, observed how often this "Mystery Challenger" had also been a guest on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. "They must buy them their supper!", she quipped.
IF ONE IS old enough to have viewed the show when it went out live, you would certainly know of what we speak. If one is too young or needs a little refreshment of the cerebellum; just simply go to youtube.com on your computer. There you will find an ample supply of video clips and whole episodes.
SO, JUST LOG into youtube.com; and knock yourself out!