HOLLYWOOD SQUARES '86
Broadcast history: Syndication September 15, 1986 - September 8, 1989
Host(s): John Davidson
Announcer(s): Shadoe Stevens
Sub host(s): Jm J. Bullock, Shadoe Stevens, Alf
Sub announcer(s): Richard Stevens, Howard Stern
In the bonus round, the player first selected a key from five put into a bowl. Then they selected one of five cars on stage and a "good luck celebrity" to sit in the car with them. If the key started the car, they retired with the car. If the key did not start the car, they returned. If they won the game, they used a new key to start the car, the one they used the first time removed from the bowl.
Later, this was changed to each star holding a large cardboard key. They corresponded to a key and the contestant chose a vehicle as before. Now, the contestant had the key celebrity to sit with plus a "good luck celebrity" to just...stand there.
NOTES
Host John Davidson was formally was a regular on the first version of "Hollywood Squares" with Peter Marshall. John previously hosted "Time Machine" and later "The $100,000 Pyramid". In addition John starred in "That's Incredible!", "The John Davidson Show", and a play, "Bully" among others.
In the first season, the nine stars took turns as center square. Later, semi-permanant center squares included Alf and Joan Rivers. Jm J. Bullock and Wil Schriner have also appeared in the center for brief periods.
When John Davidson dislocated his shoulder while playing tennis, Shadoe Stevens guest hosted. Howard Stern filled in as announcer while also serving as a square. Richard Stevens filled in as announcer when Shadoe was filming scenes for "Traxx."
MY THOUGHTS
A popular revival that Merrill Heatter rightfully called "a circus." The visual questions do take a long time, and I agree they are a distraction. John Davidson is not anywhere near Peter Marshall, but he does keep some stars from going on and on at times.
JAY SAYS...
Cast - 1.0
Game - 1.5
Bells and Whistles - 1.5
Prize - 2.0
Tilt - 1.0
[ 07.0 ]
Slight points off game for the unfair first season format. $500 per game the whole show? There's virtually no way to catch up if your opponent takes the first two games. Bells and whistles gets .5 off for the barren floor covered in stars. They added an audience pit later on that completed the set somewhat.
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