User:Daniel Benfield/Hollywood Squares 1966 Video Archive

The Hollywood Squares was easily one of the longest-running games of its era and one of the most unpredictable (in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it inspired Goodson-Todman to revitalize Match Game in 1973), although admittedly it did start to fall apart around late 1978 or so...especially after Paul Lynde left in mid-'79, returned for the Vegas season, and per one recollection was kicked out again prior to at least the final week in '81.

From what I can tell from old ATGS posts and websites, everybody who knew of the franchise wanted to see more of the original era than the few episodes (mostly daytime, it seems) that were circulating. Following the discovery of somewhere between 650 and 3,000 episodes in a warehouse, GSN picked up repeats for about 18 months (approx. April 15, 2002-October 2003); these were mostly 1971-77 (Seasons 1-6) syndicated shows, but also included the 1968 primetime version and a single NBC daytime show.

In a nice touch, the very first episode aired was from the '68 version, even beginning with the classic NBC Peacock of the era. Several other shows had this intro, and at least one also retained NBC's "snake" ID after the show.

A huge thanks to Dixon Hayes' celebrity listings for a lot of the NBC-era info.

LEGAL STUFF SO I DON'T GET SUED: I'm only linking to these videos, none of which were uploaded by me, for the purposes of research and as a public record. Footage ©1965-81 Merrill Heatter-Bob Quigley Productions and associated entities.

NBC Daytime (1966-80)
NBC Daytime: October 17, 1966 - June 20, 1980

The original version which, barring some repeats circa 1981 and one airing by GSN in 2002, has never seen the light of day since. The original theme, "The Silly Song", was replaced in 1970 by a William Loose composition commonly called "Bob and Merrill's Theme"; this in turn was replaced by a Stan Worth disco-esque piece shortly after Paul Lynde left in August 1979.

At first, a brand new car would be awarded to any champion who won five matches. By November 3, 1975, this changed to a prize package which usually included a cruise, two new cars, and $5,000; sometime between October 3, 1977 and October 15, 1979, this was changed to $10,000 and two new cars. Sometime in 1980, this changed again to a car, $10,000, and a trip for four.

The original set (or at least the one present on May 29, 1967) remained, with very minor tweaks, until sometime between New Year's Eve '79 and March 20, 1980; the new set was colorful and seemed to pave the way for the sets of the next two incarnations. Since there don't seem to be any nighttime episodes around from the second half of the 1979-80 season, I'm not sure whether it was in use there.


 * Taped 4/21/65 (Pilot #1, hosted by Bert Parks: Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Gisele MacKenzie, ROBERT Q. LEWIS!, Vera Miles, Charley Weaver, Abby Dalton, Jim Backus {center square}; Pam vs. John, with Fern playing later {alternate copy})

Car awarded for winning five matches
 * May 29, 1967 (Vincent Price, Marty Allen, Michael Landon, Joanne Dru, Charley Weaver, Eva Gabor, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Steve Rossi {center square}; Larry {$200} vs. Candy {Match 2 - $400}, continued from last Friday during Game 2 with Noelle playing later {Part 2}; has commercials, B/W kinescope {alternate copy of some portions, same source})
 * July 8, 1968 (Robert Morse, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Wlll Hutchins, Charley Weaver, Connie Stevens, Wally Cox, Eartha Kitt, Vincent Price {center square}; intro, audio only)

$20,000+ prize package awarded for winning five matches (debuted by November 3, 1975)
 * January 23, 1976 (McLean Stevenson, Sandy Duncan, BIG BIRD!, Carol Channing, George Gobel, Anson Williams, Demond Wilson, Marcia Wallace, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Bob vs. Eva {continued from yesterday during Game 1}, with Rick playing later; has commercials, begins at "Which star is it?")
 * [Peter mentions to "Stay tuned for The Magnificent Marble Machine." Winning a match still awards no bonus.]

Winner of each match picks a star for a bonus prize, one of which is $5,000 (debuted by October 3, 1977)
 * October 3, 1977 (Ed Asner, Barbara Rhoades, Jim Nabors, JOAN RIVERS, Billy Crystal, Isabel Sanford, George Gobel, TOM KENNEDY, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Rob {$200} vs. Edna {$800}, continued from last Friday during Game 2 with Trina and Rosemarie playing later; has commercials, part of end credits cut off)


 * December 19, 1977 (Storybook Squares: Soupy Sales {Thomas Edison}, Connie Stevens {Queen of Hearts}, Pat Harrington {Leonardo Da Vinci}, Florence Henderson {Belle Starr}, Jo Anne Worley {Martha Washington}, George Gobel {Henry VIII}, Bill & Susan Hayes {Caesar & Cleopatra}, BIG BIRD!, Paul Lynde {Frankenstein}; Meier vs. Saunders; taped from GSN, as the only daytime episode they've ever aired! {alternate copy})

Uncertain "bonus for five matches" payout
 * February 19-23, 1979 (Paul Williams, Bernadette Peters, Frankie Valli, William Christopher, Priscilla Barnes, George Gobel, Charlene Tilton, Vincent Price, Paul Lynde; last 49 seconds)
 * March 13?, 1979 (John McCook, Jayne Kennedy, Mike Connors, Carol Lynley, Mary Crosby, Foster Brooks, Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara, Antonio Fargas, Paul Lynde; Barbara vs. Morris; WPIX repeat from 4/21/81 with commercials, replacement fee/ticket plugs only)
 * [Thomas Schofield: "This took place from the period time of Monday, April 13-Friday, August 14, 1981 (repeats of Monday, March 5-Friday, July 6, 1979 NBC daytime episodes).﻿"]

Paul Lynde departs (began August 27, 1979), final theme debuts (began September or October 1979)

$25,000 prize package ($10,000 and two cars) awarded for winning five matches (debuted by October 15, 1979)
 * October 17, 1979 (Tim Reid, Daryl Anderson, Richard Sanders, Shelley Smith, John McCook, Didi Conn, George Gobel, Sidney Goldsmith, Tom Poston {center square}; John {Champ, $400 on his way to $2,000} vs. Beverly; taped from WNBC with commercials, ends during second match)


 * November 9, 1979 (Clip of a contestant winning a necklace {taped 10/22/79})
 * December 31, 1979 (Richard Sanders, Pia Zadora, Tom Poston, Dianne & Peggy Lennon, Kathy & Janet Lennon, George Gobel, Robert Mandan, James Coco, David Brenner {center square}; Gary vs. Barbara; has commercials)
 * [Still has the old set. Game 1 is a bit odd, as the current champ knows the Lennon sisters and hence couldn't be on this week; Barbara had lost her first game against him and was losing the second when time was called on 12/28.]

Redone set (debuted by March 20, 1980)
 * March 25, 1980 (Country Music/Comedian Week, Day 2: Tammy Wynette, George Lindsey, Margo Smith, George Gobel, Minnie Pearl, George Jones, Jim Stafford, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark {center square}; Diane {$600} vs. John {$200}, continued from yesterday at Game 2; has commercials)
 * May 7, 1980 (Skip Stephenson, Barbara Mandrell, Vincent Price, Judy Landers, George Gobel, Mary Crosby, Jan Murray, Didi Conn, Wayland Flowers & Madame {center square}; Bob {$400 on his way to a second $25,000 bonus} vs. Berlina, continued from yesterday; jumpiness in video during Game 1)
 * June 20, 1980 (Finale: Rose Marie, Tom Poston, Michelle Lee, Vincent Price, Leslie Uggams, George Gobel, Marty Allen, Charlie Callas, Wayland Flowers & Madame {center square}; Dean {$200} vs. Sue {$1,000}, continued from yesterday at Game 2 {Part 3}; has commercials)

NBC Primetime (1968)
NBC Primetime: January 12 - September 13, 1968

Nearly identical to the daytime show, except each episode was self-contained: two contestants played throughout, and whoever had more money won a bonus prize alongside whatever else they picked up along the way. The Secret Square was almost always a car and/or a trip.

As far as I know, the center square was always Buddy Hackett or Marty Allen.


 * February 2, 1968 (Sally Field, Jan Murray, Nanette Fabray, Walter Matthau, Van Johnson, Charley Weaver, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Wally Cox, Buddy Hackett; Ray vs. Betty; taped from GSN)
 * February 9, 1968 (Eva Gabor, Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Charley Weaver, Steve Rossi, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Marty Allen; Judy vs. Tom {Part 2, Part 3}; taped from GSN, begins during open, various portions missing but still very watchable)


 * February 23, 1968 (Walter Matthau, Barbara Eden, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie, Charley Weaver, Robert Morse, Wally Cox, Abby Dalton, Buddy Hackett {Parts 2, 3, and 4}; Bob vs. Peggy, with an AMC Javelin as a Secret Square prize!; taped from GSN, with NBC Peacock!)


 * March 8, 1968 (Edie Adams, Don Adams, Raymond Burr, Charlie Weaver, Abby Dalton, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Milton Berle, Buddy Hackett {Part 2}; Dean vs. Loretta; taped from GSN)


 * April 12, 1968 (Connie Stevens, GARRY MOORE!, Bill Bixby, Charley Weaver, Angie Dickinson, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Jan Murray, Buddy Hackett {Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6}; Sally vs. Andy; taped from GSN)
 * [Peter comments that Sally is expecting her child in "five months?" "August."]


 * May 31, 1968 (Lorne Greene, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Charley Weaver, Abby Dalton, Wally Cox, Kaye Ballard, Jan Murray, Paul Lynde, Buddy Hackett {taped 5/68}; Pat vs. Priscilla, with a Pontiac Firebird as a Secret Square prize!; taped from GSN's "Squares Tuesday", more specifically a "Pete's Picks" lineup)
 * [The Producers (released 3/18/68) is mentioned as being a new film. The same panel is also listed for 6/21/68.]


 * 1968 (Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Charley Weaver, Nanette Fabray, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Jan Murray, Dean Jones, Buddy Hackett {Part 2, Part 3}; Maria vs. Ron; taped from GSN, begins during open, ends right before car description)
 * 1968 (Barbara Bain, Charley Weaver, Eva Gabor, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Steve Rossi, Martin Landau, Marty Allen {Part 2, Part 3}; Janette vs. Pat; taped from GSN {opens with NBC Peacock!}, various portions missing but still very watchable)

Syndicated (1971-81)
Syndicated: November 1, 1971 - March 27 [September 11], 1981 (started as Weekly, becoming Twice-Weekly in September 1974 and Daily on September 8, 1980)

Like the 1960s spinoffs, two contestants play for the whole show with, for the first seven years, a car to whoever had the most cash.

For whatever reason, there was no copyright date for the first six years. One was added starting in Season 7.

Originally, the syndication distributor's credit was "World Wide Syndication through Rhodes Productions", which in about late 1975 was appended to add "Company" with "A Filmways Company" underneath (although the unique "Rhodes Productions" font was removed). In late 1976, this was changed again to a larger, fancier logo with stars and the restored font, which also used the Filmways logo for its credit.

Season 6 added a split-screen effect for the Secret Square questions, while Season 8 swapped out the car for the bonus round used on the daytime version (including, for whatever reason, the same top prize of $5,000), although the car was retained as a prize.

The final season saw a move to Las Vegas and expansion to five-a-week syndication...along with kicking out the cash, Secret Square, and bonus round in favor of simply awarding a prize with each game. The winner of each show had the chance to play in the $100,000 Playoffs, probably held at the end of the run, with the winner earning $20,000, a motorhome, and an actual house.

No copyright date in credits (1971-77)
 * Taped 10/72 (Michael Landon, Lee Grant, Redd Foxx, Vincent Price, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Mel Brooks, Linda Day, Paul Lynde; Karen vs. Ken, a fun episode with {among other things} Secret Square #2 including a puppy!; taped from GSN's "Squares Tuesday")
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 11:06 is most likely Fall/Winter 1972, and is also shown on the two below '72 episodes. Karen acts so odd, Peter actually asks her "Have you ever seen this show?" in an incredulous tone of voice!]
 * 1972 (Janet Leigh, Wally Cox, Rose Marie, Shecky Greene, George Maharis, Carl Reiner, Suzanne Pleshette, Buddy Hackett, Paul Lynde; Gladys vs. Greg, with Peter jumping the gun during the first set of Secret Square prize descriptions; taped from GSN in May-June 2003, with a partial debut promo for Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned on June 15)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 6:50.]


 * 1972 (Doc Severinsen, Sandra Dee, Harvey Korman, Hugh O'Brian, Wally Cox, Amanda Blake, Joey Bishop, Karen Valentine, Paul Lynde; Gail vs. Joe {Parts 2, 3, and 4}; taped from GSN's 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time {as #11}, "shaky-cam" upload)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 1:04 of Part 2.]
 * 1972 (Doc Severinsen, Sandra Dee, Harvey Korman, Hugh O'Brian, Wally Cox, Amanda Blake, Joey Bishop, Karen Valentine, Paul Lynde; Martha vs. Don; recorded from the official Squares Hulu channel, various portions missing {probably to get the upload under 15 minutes})


 * 1975 (Lynn Redgrave, Buck Owens, Rose Marie, Michael Landon, Charo, John Davidson, WINK MARTINDALE, Mike Connors, Paul Lynde; Jane vs. Bruce; taped from GSN)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 2:20.]

Rhodes Productions logo appended
 * Late 1975 (Jimmie Walker, Dom DeLuise, Rose Marie, Ernest Borgnine, Theresa Merritt, Roddy McDowell, Elizabeth Montgomery, Jonathan Winters, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Bill vs. Judy; taped from GSN in April-May 2002, with a Friend or Foe? debut promo)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 7:22 of Part 1 is the Fall/Winter 1975 one.]


 * 1976? (Dionne Warwick, Robert Fuller, Don Knotts, Jonathan Winters, Karen Valentine, George Gobel, Suzanne Pleashette, Dom DeLuise, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Miriam vs. Paul, both back due to errors, with Peter making a Jeopardy! reference in Game 4; taped from GSN in April-May 2002, with debut promos for Russian Roulette and Friend or Foe?)


 * 1976 (Ed McMahon, Anson Williams, Jonathan Winters, Karen Valentine, George Gobel, Elke Sommer, Jimmie Walker, Rose Marie, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Harriet vs. Alan, with Karen modeling a fur coat {and getting a pillow to the face!} and a Game 3 that's a mini-forerunner to "YOU FOOL!"; taped from GSN on 5/22/03 {cable box graphic pops up briefly})
 * [Spiegel catalog shown is the Spring/Summer 1976 one, and is also shown on the two below '76 episodes.]
 * 1976 (Carol Channing, Vincent Price, Aretha Franklin, William Conrad, Charo, George Gobel, Joan Rivers, Marty Allen, Paul Lynde {Part 2, Part 3}; Jody vs. Tom {who resembles Santa Claus!}; taped from GSN, small part of Game 2 and first part of Game 4 missing, ends just after Peter signs off)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 1:11 of Part 2.]
 * 1976 (Elke Sommer, Rob Reiner, William Conrad, Arthur Godfrey, Florence Henderson, George Gobel, Connie Stevens, Doc Severinsen, Paul Lynde; Vicki vs. John; taped from GSN)
 * [Spiegel catalog shown at 8:40.]

Split-screen added for Secret Square questions; Rhodes Productions logo made larger and fancier (began late 1976)
 * Early 1977 (LeVar Burton, Jonathan Winters, Tony Randall, Linda Lavin, George Gobel, Karen Valentine, John Amos, Rose Marie, Paul Lynde; Lolly vs. Don; taped from GSN)
 * [Peter indirectly plugs Roots (aired January 23-30, 1977) and directly plugs John's new series Future Cop (which ran from March 5-April 30, 1977).]

Copyright date in credits (1977-81)
 * April 9, 1978 (From the film Rabbit Test, Peter announces the demise of Squares due to the fact that since a man can indeed get pregnant, over 600 questions regarding childbirth were in error...although interestingly, he claims the show's been on for 15 years when it'd actually been about 11 and yet, in the end, Squares was canned after 15 years; hm...)
 * April 14, 1978 (Jame McArthur, Gavin McLeod, Bonnie Franklin, George Gobel, Suzanne Pleshette, Rodney Dangerfield, JOAN RIVERS, Paul Williams, Paul Lynde; Stephanie vs. Nearlin; taped from WRC, with commercials)
 * [Peter plugs Rabbit Test.]


 * Taped 4/17/78 (Master copy of a promo for #455 {Party Special #1}, with timecode)
 * {The Party Specials had the stars in costume and a really nice set, the latter giving off much more of a "nighttime" feel than using the daytime set.]
 * Taped 4/17/78 (#457/Party Special #3: Mel Brooks {Mel Funn}, Sandy Duncan {Mrs. Satan}, Steve Landesberg {Wise King Solomon}, Valerie Bertinelli {Bride of Frankenstein}, Tammy Wynette {Madame Pompadour}, George Gobel {Confucious}, Denise Nicholas {Queen Tut}, John Byner {Rasputin}, Paul Lynde {Narcissus}; Joseph vs. Carol; studio master with slate!)
 * [Probably the Season Finale, if only because of the tapedate and general feel of the closing segment. If nighttime Squares had been canned after Season 7, this would've been a great way to go out; whether it should've ended after this season, though...]


 * July 4, 1978 (MELISSA GILBERT, John Amos, Karen Lynn Gorney, George Gobel, Loretta Lynn, Harvey Korman, Rose Marie, Paul Williams, Paul Lynde; Robin vs. Tony, with Peter landing a Zinger on Harvey!; taped from WRC with commercials, but may be a repeat)

Daytime bonus round replaces car award (began late 1978)
 * 1979 (KABC promo)
 * 1979 (Eight Is Enough Special: Connie Newton & Willie Aames, Dick Van Patten, Diane Kaye & Lori Walters, Lani O'Grady & Grant Goodeve, Adam Rich & Susan Richardson, George Gobel, Loretta Swit, Ed Asner, Paul Lynde; Bill vs. Diane)

Post-Lynde
 * September 1979 (Clip of Jerry Stoner at the bonus game)
 * September? 1979 ("Legends of Rock & Roll" Special: Little Anthony, Freddy Cavens, Fabian, Connie Francis, Bobby Dee, Martha Reeves, Frankie Avalon, Patti Page, DICK CLARK {center square}; Jenette vs. Gary {Part 3}; ends during credits)
 * [Still has the early-1970s theme. Not sure if the 1979-80 season ever used the final theme or set.]

Las Vegas (1980-81 season: cash, Secret Square, and bonus round dropped; each game is played for a prize, and players have a chance to return for the $100,000 Playoffs)
 * 1980 (KCPQ promo)
 * December 24, 1980 (Gabe Kaplan, Pia Zadora, Patrick Wayne, Greg Morris, Phyllis Diller, Buddy Hackett, Britt Ekland, Arte Johnson, Paul Lynde; Mike vs. Cathy, with a pretty amusing moment in Game 4; taped from WPIX with most commercials, begins at Paul's intro, ends during fee plugs)


 * Taped 12/22/80 (Jay Johnson & Bob, Skiles & Henderson, Stella Stevens, Fred Willard, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Byner, Phyllis Diller, Jan Murray, Paul Lynde; intro)
 * Taped 1980 (Ward vs. Debbie; final segment, taped from WLS on 6/28/81)
 * 1980-81 (Clips of Donna Fargo as a celeb)