Since we seem to be on a nostalgia kick following this weekend's post...
The remake of classic game shows is a current network trend. And they try desperately to be funny. As a result they are so forced and for my money, mostly unwatchable. When ABC has to rely on Anthony Anderson's mother for laughs you know we've reached rock bottom.
Some of the original game shows elicited laughs, but usually they came out of the double meanings of certain questions and answers. They weren't desperate quips by celebrity guest stars. And unlike today, these shows were done live. Bloopers and unexpected moments were part of the fun. I'm sure the current prime-time game shows are edited to death in order to eek out a semblance of actual entertainment.
Here is an example of a classic game from the 1950's. It's called WHAT'S MY LINE? Four panelists have to guess the occupation of the guest. So the occupations tend to be somewhat unusual to better stump the panel. Part of the charm (and bonus humor) of the show is John Daly, the moderator. His attempts to clarify points are so long-winded and precise that he forever confuses everybody.
Enjoy a segment from WHAT'S MY LINE? Remember, this was 1958. I don't want any "This is inappropriate and offensive" comments. No one was offended then.
from By Ken Levine
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