Wheel of fortune Edd Byrnes Pilot

[JohnHolder]

Interesting GS connection - Tanya was a model on The New Treasure Hunt during its early seasons.

Don't pilots frequently use actors/models as "contestants"?

[PriceFanArmadillo]

That set is just a god-awful mess and extremely tacky, nothing but junk and clutter all over the place and it's WAY too small.

The thing I noticed about the set is how dark it was...it wouldn't look entirely out of place today, in the post-Millionaire world of 'darker = better'.

[Briguy]

I wonder if the intro – aside from using to "Big Wheels" and placing the prizes on the stage – was the intro used in the very earliest episodes of "Wheel of Fortune"? I'd guess that Chuck's explanation of the rules was rather similar to Edd's.

Also never got a chance to see how Buy a Vowel worked, since it was not on the wheel in this pilot.

Anyway, the prize list – as I was able to determine it:

• FUR – (unknown type, likely from Dicker & Dicker) – $5,000
• CAR – Opel Manta 2-door sedan – $3,600
• TRIP – Europe – $2,100
• Diamond Ring – $1,500
• Pair of Motorbikes – $1,050
• Spinnet Piano – $850
• TRIP – Acapulco – $750
• Brass Bed (Swan Brass Products) – $660
• 24-in. color console TV – $640
• Refrigerator/Freezer – $600
• BOAT – Snark Sailboat – $580
• Muskin Cat Dune Buggy – $550
• Microwave Oven – $450
• TRIP – Las Vegas – $400
• Movie Camera – $325
• Stereo System – $300
• His/Her Watches – $250
• Punchbowl Set – $150
• Picnic Basket – $90
• Mixmaster (Sunbeam, probably an eletric kitchen mixer) – $75
• Weekender Case (American Tourister) – $40

And probably a couple other prizes to reach the $20,170 total (what I have listed is $19,965).

I think when the actual show debuted, there were probably a few more prizes added, that in addition to grouping them by subject (e.g., the den, the kitchen, the travel boutique, etc.) ... so we were probably well into the mid- to upper-$20,000s even with the first shows.

Brian

[GuyWithFace]

Also never got a chance to see how Buy a Vowel worked, since it was not on the wheel in this pilot.

It was visible in Round 2, sir.

And probably a couple other prizes to reach the $20,170 total (what I have listed is $19,965).

The total stated in the opening was $20,130, an oddly specific number given the standard (at least from June 7, 1976 onward) were simply "over $XX,000"; by 6/7/76, they had gotten up to $31,000.

[Briguy]

It was visible in Round 2, sir.
The total stated in the opening was $20,130, an oddly specific number given the standard (at least from June 7, 1976 onward) were simply "over $XX,000"; by 6/7/76, they had gotten up to $31,000.

• Buy a Vowel: I did happen to see it on the wheel for Round 2. Still, with the clip that is up there, we never actually get to see it in action (since it ends before anyone lands on the space).

• Prize total: Thanks for the correction on the opening total. Again, the prize listing I have in my first post is $19,965 ... which likely means there were more gifts (two, likely three) totaling $165 that we never got to see scrolled on the screen, since it ended before (I think) it got to the end.

If someone would post the rest of the program, it'd be nice to see.

Brian

[howierules86]

This story should explain why Edd Byrnes was NOT picked to host WOF when it became a series:

http://www.gameshowgarbage.com/eddbyrnes.html

[Briguy]

Is there a way we can see either the rest of the second pilot, or perhaps the first one as well?

Just have to see how bad this Edd Byrnes was.

Brian

[Roadgeek Adam]

This story should explain why Edd Byrnes was NOT picked to host WOF when it became a series:

http://www.gameshowgarbage.com/eddbyrnes.html

Siedelman did a kickass job with this induction. Really, it is a rightful induction for this to be garbage.

I was going to post this myself, but I see I got beaten.

[Reloaden]

Is there a way we can see either the rest of the second pilot, or perhaps the first one as well?

Just have to see how bad this Edd Byrnes was.

Brian

I want to see the angry pilot,Maybe we will one day since pilots are popping up

[jaywilliams]

I have seen the first ten minutes of one of Edd's Wheel of Fortune pilots and let me tell you that Edd Byrnes was not fit to be a game show host, he is better fit as an actor.

My only wish is for someone to download the the full two pilots of Edd's Wheel of Fortune on Youtube as well as the January 6, 1975 premiere episode of Wheel of Fortune with Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford.

[GR WHAMMY]

pardon the bump, but the ohter pilot's been posted IN FULL

[PatrickRox80]

Still the occasional "All right!" or "Okay!" along with the caffeinated contestants' screaming. So glad he didn't get the job, though if he were sober it still wouldn't have helped.

[RJSchex]

At least, one "unanswered question" has finally been answered.

A player apparently *was* allowed to buy vowels without having to land on the "Buy a Vowel" space—you heard Edd ask the contestant in Round 3.

[nowhammies11]

Hooray, Buy A Vowel was still redundant after Shopper's Bazaar!