Like car wax and cattle, I have led a branded life: First-born. Latchkey kid. Jock. Underachiever. Gen-X'er. White-collar worker. Ex-pat. Broad categories all, yet my childhood included at least one more of ignominious distinction: Game-show devotee. Sick days home from school and summer vacation meant mornings watching Price is Right (the night-time version of which was hosted by Dennis James, who grew up in my NJ hometown), Hollywood Squares (hosted by Peter Marshall, straight man to Paul Lynde, George Gobel, Rose Marie, et al.), Tic-Tac-Dough (hosted by Ken-doll-with-better-teeth Wink Martindale) and many others.
But the one that was most confusing -- and therefore most fun to watch -- was mid-70s Match Game. It was hosted by a broad-faced man named Gene Rayburn who wore pink tuxedos and asked juvenile questions to listless celebrities who were rarely funny but giggled like kids in detention hall. For me it was adults acting goofy at a time when there was very little to laugh about in the U.S. (or in my household). Two of the regular panelists, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly, passed away in 2007. In its annual The Lives They Lived, the NY Times pays sweet tribute to this strange, memorable pair.
1 comment:
The blogs are really appreciable and one can trust the knowledge and information provided in the writing. The article you do produce on a weekly base really the best. I have found a similar website Please Check This One. <"https://www.signking.com.au/">signs makers,awning signs visit the site to know more about sinking.
Post a Comment