TV Show spotlight
Concentration
Concentration is an American television game show based on the children's memory game of the same name. Matching cards represented prizes that contestants could win. As matching pairs of cards were gradually removed from the board, it would slowly reveal elements of a rebus puzzle that contestants had to solve to win a match. The show was broadcast on and off from 1958 to 1991, presented by various hosts, and has been made in several different versions. The original network daytime series, Concentration, appeared on NBC for 14 years, 7 months, and 3,770 telecasts, the longest run of any game show on that network. This series was hosted by Hugh Downs and later by Bob Clayton, but for a six-month period in 1969, Ed McMahon hosted the series. The series began at 11:30 AM Eastern, then moved to 11:00 and finally to 10:30. Nearly all episodes of the NBC daytime version were produced at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. A weekly nighttime version appeared in two separate broadcast runs: the first aired from October 30 to November 20, 1958 with Jack Barry as host, while the second ran from April 24 to September 18, 1961 with Downs as host.
Insights
Plot Summary
In post-World War II Germany, a British officer is tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of a concentration camp into a POW facility. He grapples with the lingering horrors of the past and the ethical implications of his mission, while also dealing with the complex relationships among the survivors and the local German population.
Critical Reception
As a television play, "Concentration" received significant critical attention for its sensitive and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of the Holocaust and the challenges of reconciliation. It was praised for its mature handling of a difficult subject matter and its compelling performances, though some found its unflinching portrayal intense.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its mature and sensitive handling of the Holocaust's aftermath.
Notable for its powerful performances and thought-provoking narrative.
Considered a significant and unflinching exploration of guilt and reconciliation.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older television play, but it is generally remembered as a powerful and disturbing examination of post-war Germany and the lingering effects of atrocities.
Fun Fact
This British television drama was part of the BBC's 'Sunday-Night Theatre' strand, known for its ambitious and often controversial productions.
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