The Big Payoff

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Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Infobox television/Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Infobox television".Script error: No such module "Infobox television disambiguation check". The Big Payoff is a daytime and primetime game show that premiered on NBC in 1951, and ended its network run on CBS in 1959. It had a brief syndication revival in 1962.[1] NBC used The Big Payoff to replace the 15-minute show Miss Susan starring Susan Peters, which had gone off the air in December 1951.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Over its eight-year run plus syndication, the show had three hosts. The first was Randy Merriman (from 1951-1957), who left after claiming that CBS was in breach of his contract. Bob Paige took his place from 1957-1959. He was followed by a short stint by Bert Parks (1959).Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In October 1959 CBS removed the show along with all of its other quiz shows out of abundance of caution; it stated it could not ensure the shows were produced honestly in the wake of the quiz show scandals of the late 1950s.[2]

Contestants were selected from men who mailed in letters explaining why the women in their lives deserved prizes. The men were asked four questions (delivered on a silver tray by "Question Girl" Susan Sayers) in order to win prizes like a mink coat or a vacation. Late in the network run, the format changed to three competing couples playing a guessing game. The couple with the highest score answered the Big Payoff question. For the 1962 revival, there were only two couples.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

On Tuesdays, the format changed to the "Little Big Payoff" in which children sent in a letter in which they voiced the reason that they should appear. Four questions were asked, and prizes awarded for each correct answer.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Winning contestants (other than the children) had the opportunity to answer one final question. Getting this question correct, the individual was awarded the "big payoff" of a mink coat or a trip to Europe, or both.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Bess Myerson modeled the mink coat for several years.[3]

The theme song was "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" by Irving Berlin, and the sponsor was Revlon.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Other cast

References

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  1. "Big Payoff To Return", Oakland Tribune, Sept. 9, 1962, p. 5-TV
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External links

Template:Quiz show scandals