Queen for a Day

Queen for a Day

This television game show helped usher American viewers' interest and fascination with giveaway shows that heap valuable gifts on contestants. The series is considered by many to be the first reality show. Each contestant is queried, and has to talk about her tragically hard life, while maintaining a positive and upbeat response, no matter what was said.

Each contestant then has to say what she needs most, and why she wants to win the title of Queen For A Day.

Many women break down sobbing as they talk about their bad circumstances and hapless lives, when questioned by host Jack Bailey. The audience would applaud whom they wanted to win. The lucky winner was wrapped in a red velvet robe and a jeweled crown, then led to a velvet-upholstered throne, and given a dozen red roses. It was then that the prizes were announced. The losers were given lesser, but significant prizes.

Additional Info

  • Genre: Game Show
  • Year: 1956
  • Duration: 7 x 30 min.
  • Clips:
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