They’ve been showing old episodes of the 1970s “Celebrity Bowling.” Every single show is a nostalgia trip, many times with actors I haven’t thought about in ages. For many younger viewers, the names will be unknown or else you’ll be astounded at some of the people you’ll see. I mean, really, where else can you see Adam West teamed up with Roy Rogers? Interestingly, thus far the best bowler was Bob Newhart, who clearly knew what he was doing and could have beaten everyone else single-handedly.
So tune in Saturday morning at 8 AM and get a blast from the past, even if it’s not your past.
PAD
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I caught this the olther night — first with the aforementioned Roy Rogers and Adam West, then with Lloyd Bridges and company — and it was a hoot! I really like the now-retro prizes that the contestants could win (based on the skill of the celebrities, I’m betting a lot more audience members won slacks than a car), and the fashions were a hoot as well.
I’m curious: Do any other competitions use the alternating format used on this show? (Both members of the same team bowl at the same time, and if neither got a strike or spare, whoever got fewer pins bowled the second frame of the person who got the most pins. It’s an intriguing way to get a single score for a two-person team.)
In competition, I’ve seen the Baker format used, in which bowlers alternate frames. And I’ve seen a format where two bowlers take turns throwing the first ball, and the second bowler has to convert the leave (if any) of the first bowler. But Celebrity Bowling is the only place where I’ve seen the best ball format.
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But you may be seeing it again! I’ve learned a new series called “Stars and Strikes” which is essentially Celebrity Bowling redux is being shot for syndication and intended for release in early 2011.
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PAD
Reminds me of the fond memories I had a few years ago watching late night (actually, early morning) reruns of “What’s My Line?” and “I’ve Got A Secret.” These were shows of a bygone era when there was actually gentle wit on television — kind of like “Says You” on radio today. And, among other things, one of the “I’ve Got A Secret” episodes had the only footage I’ve ever seen ob Bob Holiday, Broadway’s Man of Steel in “It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Superman.” A more barrel-chested Superman you’ve never seen, and apparently wearing a woolen costume to boot.
Caught the first five or ten of the Roy Rogers one… He was a pretty a good bowler.
Of course, this comes from a guy whose bowling score is a great golfing score and my golfing score is a great bowling score.
TAC