GAME PLAY
Two teams of two, a celebrity and a contestant, competed. The team in control picked one of four "Double Talk" phrases - well known sayings, titles, etc. put into different words, such as "Tire of Wealth" = "Wheel of Fortune." One player would interpret the first half, leaving the other to solve the second half. Coming up with the right phrase earned them ten points. If they failed to respond or gave an incorrect answer, the other team could steal for five points, thus ending the round. If a team managed to solve all four available phrases (later three of the four), they were eligible for the jackpot phrase, which if solved correctly won them $1,000 bonus cash. Teams alternated starting rounds. Four rounds were played, with the last worth double. The highest scoring team went to the bonus.

In the bonus, the celebrity was shown a phrase, such as "American Flag." The contestant would be shown the first letters of each word, in this case A and F. The celebrity would describe the word in a sentence form (Ex: On the 4th of July, I wave my...) and if the contestant guesses correctly, a letter in "Double Talk" is lit up. D is given for free. Lighting up every letter earns the player $10,000. If they fail to do so, $100 is paid for every letter. Later in the series, contestants could opt to give clues.

After the bonus, another main & bonus game were played with the contestants switching partners. Whoever earned the most in the bonus round for the episode returned the next day.

NOTES
Henry Polic II, friend of producer Bob Stewart, was best known for his role on ABC's "Webster." Henry also appeared on "The $25,000 Pyramid" as a guest, and hosted an unsold pilot called "Eye Q" which was to be an 80s revival of "Eye Guess."

Midway through the run, the title was changed to "Celebrity Double Talk" in an effort to boost ratings.

The first guests on "Double Talk" were Betty White and Stuart Damon. The final guests were Marcia Wallace and Jamie Farr.

MY THOUGHTS
The concept of a phrase in other words is fun, and there are improvements over the format from "Shoot for the Stars" on which this show is based. The set and a music are good. Howveer Henry is pretty stiff, though personable with the players and celebrities.

JAY SAYS...
Cast - 1.0
Game - 2.0
Bells and Whistles - 1.5
Prize - 2.0
Tilt - 1.0

[ 07.5 ]

It should've lasted longer. "Double Talk" was a fun game.

BACK
Answer - "Beggars Can't Be Choosers"