TV Show spotlight
Sale of the Century
$ale of the Century was an Australian game show that aired on the Nine Network from 14 July 1980 – 29 November 2001. Tony Barber hosted a game show with essentially the same format under the title Temptation from 1970 to 1976, and was also the initial host of Sale for over a decade before being replaced by Glenn Ridge in 1991. Hostesses over the years have included Victoria Nicholls, Delvene Delaney, Alyce Platt, Jo Bailey, Nicky Buckley and Karina Brown. Pete Smith was Sale's announcer for the majority of its run. Ron Neate was announcer for only the first ten episodes in 1980 before Smith took over. From 30 May 2005 – 23 January 2009, the series was revived under its original Australian title, Temptation. The Sale of the Century format has been used internationally.
Insights
Plot Summary
Sale of the Century is an American television game show that aired in several iterations. The original and most famous version featured contestants competing to answer general knowledge questions to win cash and prizes. The show was known for its high-stakes bidding and the final "Bargain Square" round, where contestants could win a grand prize by purchasing an item for a set price, often with a significant discount earned through gameplay.
Critical Reception
As a long-running game show, 'Sale of the Century' was primarily judged by its entertainment value and contestant interaction rather than critical acclaim in the traditional sense. Its various incarnations enjoyed periods of popularity, appealing to audiences with its blend of trivia and consumerism. The show's format was seen as exciting and accessible, though later iterations sometimes struggled to maintain the same level of cultural impact as the original.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its engaging trivia and fast-paced gameplay.
The "Bargain Square" round was a highlight, creating suspense and exciting wins.
Its focus on prizes and consumerism made it a relatable and entertaining watch for many.
Google audience: Audience reception varied across its different runs, but many recalled 'Sale of the Century' fondly as a classic game show that was fun to play along with at home. Its blend of intelligence and the thrill of winning prizes often elicited positive memories.
Fun Fact
The show's iconic theme music, composed by John Anzalone and Stan Worth, was often described as catchy and contributed significantly to the program's memorable atmosphere.
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