The Hollywood Squares

The Hollywood Squares is a classic American game show that first aired in 1965. Produced by Merrill Heatter-Bob Quigley Productions in association with MGM, it was hosted by Peter Marshall, a figure who would become synonymous with the show, due to his role as master of the 'square', a position he held until 1981. The show took the basic premise of the classic game of tic-tac-toe and introduced an engaging twist involving celebrities, humor, and unpredictable gameplay.

The game show was filmed on a gigantic three-tiered set, resembling a massive three-by-three tic-tac-toe board. Each square in the set was occupied by a notable celebrity, making a panel of nine stars. Some of these notable celebrities include Paul Lynde, Charley Weaver, Rose Marie, and Wally Cox, along with occasional appearances from bigger stars like Betty White and Roddy McDowall. The celebrities not only brought star power but also a sense of unpredictable humor and witty banter, as they were encouraged to bluff their answers or give creatively humorous responses.

The participants in the game were not your traditional game show contestants. Instead, each contestant represented an X or an O and their objective was to get three symbols in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. To gain these squares, the contestants had to agree or disagree correctly with the celebrities' answers to a wide variety of trivia questions, asked by the host. The success in the game relied as much on the contestant's knowledge and judgment as on the unpredictable responses and bluffing skills of the celebrities. For each successful decision, the contestant would claim a square; if they made an incorrect decision, the square would go to their opponent, unless it could win the game for the opponent. In that case, the opponent had to win that square themselves.

This quirky rule made The Hollywood Squares an exciting and tense affair, as contestants had to be strategic about which squares they chose to compete for, adding a layer of strategy and risk to the game. It was not purely a game of chance or pure knowledge, but rather a mix of both, enriched by the improvisational comedy of the celebrity participants. The dynamic exchange between the celebrities, contestants, and the host packaged with a unique blend of entertainment and competition, kept viewers engaged and invested in the outcome.

The final round, termed the "Secret Square" competition, offered contestants the chance to win a special grand prize, usually a high-ticket item like a foreign trip or a car. The secret square would be selected at random at the beginning of each game and was only revealed to the home audience. The contestant who chose this square and agreed or disagreed correctly with the celebrity's answer, won the grand prize.

The Hollywood Squares is remembered for its light-hearted nature and congenial atmosphere. The back-and-forths between show host Peter Marshall and the panel of celebrities added an element of humor rarely observed in game shows of that time. There was a sense of camaraderie and friendly rivalry among all who appeared on the show, creating a unique brand of fun-spirited competitiveness and making it all the more captivating and enjoyable for the audience.

From its inception in 1965, The Hollywood Squares ran in daytime slots on NBC until 1980, and then continued as a nighttime syndication until 1981. The show was brought back several times with different hosts, testifying to its unique mixture of comedy and competition that kept viewers coming back for more.

In conclusion, The Hollywood Squares provided audiences with an innovative take on a classic game, made all the more entertaining by celebrity appearances. Its enduring popularity and multiple revivals attest to the originality and charm of this MGM classic. Whether viewed as a nostalgic piece of television history or a gold standard for game shows, The Hollywood Squares remains a groundbreaking production that continues to entertain generations of viewers.