Controversy still follows quiz whizzes
Disputes over quiz answers can be far from trivial, writes Ian Cole
WHAT is it about quiz shows that makes for good television and, way back, made for good radio listening?
As a kid I remember listening on the wireless on a Sunday evening to the Quiz Kids, a program hosted by John Dease. Some of the notable kids who were tested by questions from the listening audience on that show were Neville Wran, future premier of NSW and future cabinet minister Barry Jones.
Other radio quizzes at the time were hosted by Bob Dyer (Howdy customers howdy) and Jack Davey (Hi Ho everybody). When television arrived in Tasmania, one of the early popular shows was Pick a Box with Bob and Dolly Dyer on a Monday night. The show saw the rise to public prominence of the aforementioned Barry Jones. He became a household name when he took issue with Bob Dyer on the question “Who was the first British GovernorGeneral of India?” He disputed the question and the answer much to the consternation of the producers, but to the delight of the audience. It was memorable television.
In later years, Sale of the Century, hosted by Carlton supporter Tony Barber, became a fixture on commercial television with its format extending its popularity. Meanwhile a storm had erupted in the US. Back in 1956 on the quiz show Twentyone, the champion quiz contestant Herb Stempel claimed that when the prizemoney had reached huge heights, he was scripted by the producers to make sure he lost to one Charles Van Buren. Van Buren was from a notable family, was charismatic and would increase the ratings of the show if he was successful. Robert Redford in later years revealed all the proceedings in his movie Quiz Show.
Stempel was originally branded a bad loser until all the facts were revealed to prove his claims.
Quizzes soon entered the lounge room for a generation that loved facts — the babyboomers. Trivial Pursuit sets arrived causing arguments, controversies, but great evenings at home. Simultaneously, quiz nights arrived in pubs and clubs attracting many to fundraising functions. It will be interesting to see whether facts and figures beguile future generations as everything these days can be ‘googled’.
A positive sign is that quiz shows are still in favour on television as Millionaire Hot Seat, The Chase Australia and Hard Quiz all have substantial followings. Also, recently I came across another quiz board game for the lounge room – Five Second Rule. The aim is to come up with three answers to a question under five seconds. For example: Name three famous Michaels. The other day my competitors in the game were from a younger demographic. My first question to be answered in five seconds was “Name three beaches.” I replied Waikiki (Hawaii), Copacabana (Rio) and under pressure with one second to go I said Cornelian Bay. My last answer led to frenzied discussion. The rules of the game are that all competitors vote as to whether an answer is valid. As most were from a younger age group, they voted against my Cornelian Bay. I objected on the grounds that many Moonah kids like me learned to swim there back in the fifties.
My objections, like Herb Stempel, were seen as being a bad loser. But unfortunately for me, I don’t think Robert Redford is going to make a movie any time soon.