mrb1980
"The Hollywood Squares" was certainly popular during its run from the 1960s to the early 1980s. The game included celebrities in a giant tic-tac-toe set, who would provide answers to questions on various subjects. Contestants would be required to guess whether the answers provided by the stars were correct or incorrect in order to win each square.It sure sounds like fun, except the shows were scripted, and the stars were provided information about questions before each episode. Did you ever wonder how Paul Lynde was able to give such quick, snappy, and funny answers right after the question was asked? No, he wasn't a mind-reader and he wasn't a genius; he was provided information on each question before the shows, as were the rest of the stars. I was a little kid when this game show premiered in the 1960s, and it seemed like a lot of fun back then. I marveled at how the celebrities were able to give such quick, funny responses to questions when it seemed like they had just heard the questions for the first time. It turns out the whole thing was choreographed and phony. People who like and believe this show are the same people who think pro wrestling is real. Turn the channel.
hfan77
Six years after launching their first game show Video Village, Merrill Heatter and Bob Quigley came up with a show that would eventually be the best comedy game show of all-time, Hollywood Squares. The game was really simple since it was based on tic-tac-toe. But what made the show stand out was the humorous bluff answers from the many stars who sat in the nine boxes throughout the show's 15 year run. Among the many celebrities who appeared on the show were Wally Cox, Cliff Arquette (as his Charley Weaver character),Rose Marie, George Gobel and in the center square, Paul Lynde. His quips were very funny and rescued the show from a slow start into a very funny show. Heatter-Quigley made the right choice in hiring Peter Marshall over Bert Parks as "The Master of the Hollywood Squares." Though he never hosted a game show he got better and better throughout the run and it paid off with a couple of Emmys. I really enjoyed the show, even the nighttime syndicated version that aired once (later twice) a week. It was a true game show classic and X got the square.
zensixties
The Gameshow Channel is now running the original Hollywood Squares from the 60s. First thing that strikes you is the spontaneity, the rapour, the easy going fun fresh atmosphere, the 1960s feel of the show. As the show goes along you realize the contrast between the cleverness of the answers and the dimwittedness of today's gameshows. And of course the nostalgia value...it's now a classic. As a kid I watched the show from the early 70s on when the formula was getting dry and worn out, so see the 60s shows. Of course they're all worth it for Paul Lynde.
BHallums
The 2 contestants are stationed at "X" & "O" to play tic-tac-toe. 3 Squares Across, Up & Down or Diagonally or 5 Squares were possible. One Contestant picks a square by determined the correct answer or making one up will Agreed or Disagreed the answer. The 1st contestant get 3-5 squares with either "X" or "O" wins $200 and completes the 2 out of 3 match wins $400. The Champion completes 10 games (5 matches) wins $2000 plus a new car. In the 1st or 2nd game was "The Secret Square" and the contestant choose that square can win merchandise prizes from $2000 to $5000 and later it raised up greater than $10,000. Contestants will compete before losing the game. In 1976-1977, The Program presents "The Bonus Prize Squares" and all 9 stars has an envelop that anything such as an car or $5000 cash.