Hollywood Squares first aired in 1965, running into the 1980s in its original form. Hosted by the charismatic Peter Marshall, the show pitted Hollywood's funniest and most famous against each other in a game designed to produce funniest quips and one-liners.
Although there is a modern version, there is something about the '70s version that perfectly captures its moment in time.
"eBaum's World calls it the funniest gameshow of the '70s..."
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Peter Marshall
As host of The Hollywood Squares in the late 1970s.
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A Square in the 1970s
Paul Lynde was a fan favorite, and full of camp jokes.
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The Hollywood Squares
Demond Wilson, Rose Marie, John Davidson, Rod McKuen, Paul Lynde, Karen Valentine, Charley Weaver, aka Cliff Arquette, and Rich Little.
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Cast Photo
Peter Marshall allegedly only agreed to host because he did not want rival Dan Rowan to host. He held the job for 15 years.
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Jim J Bullock
Doing a bit where he pretends to guide and crash an airplane into his square.
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Celebrating the Start of its Ninth Year on the Air in 1974
Paul Lynde, Rose Marie, host Peter Marshall and Cliff Arquette as Charley Weaver.
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Paul Lynde in the Center
Many celebrities were given writers, and shown questions beforehand to spruce up answers. There was a small disclaimer at the end of each episode disclosing this.
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The 2000th Show
In 1974.
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“Totie Fields to Block, Peter”
This should be good.
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Behind the Scenes.
Preparing for action.
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Spin-Offs
A brief spin-off called Storybook Squares aimed to make a children's version of the show, but ultimately failed.
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Nightly
Originally airing just once a week, it was bumped up to twice a week in the mid '70s, and was airing nightly by 1980.
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Paul Lynde
Sitting in the middle.
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Wolfgang Puck
Making dinner in the bottom left-hand corner square.
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Lynde in Center Square
Over time, Lynde became the regular center square. He earned three Emmy nominations for his quick wit.
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Peter Marshall and Paul Lynde
Lynde often alluded to his closeted sexuality on the show.
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Scripted
Although many jokes in the show were scripted, the gameplay was not.
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New Edition
Joining the Squares.
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Donny Osmon and Marie
Teaming up to be a celebrity square.
