2 Clips of "Concentration" circa 1969-1971

[beentheredonetht]

As I've watched these clips one thing stands out in my mind: NBC acts like this is one of those low budget locally-produced game shows that aired in only a small number of homes. They could have invested more into this, especially since they knew how popular it was. Why didn't they upgrade the music more (ditch the old organ music and replace it with modern themes) or the set? True, they made minor changes but that's all they were. NBC has done a horrible disservice to a great show.

[saml760]

i wish NBC would get their heads out of their asses and bring back CONCENTRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WSenator1]

Seems "Concentration" had a thing for second bananas hosting the show. Hugh Downs (at the time the announcer for Jack Paar's "Tonight Show") was the original host. He was followed by Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's announcer (in fact JC made a surprise gag appearance on the show once), and Bob Clayton, who was the original announcer on "Concentration." Sidekick Heaven!

[geneking7320]

I was born in 1954 so I remember Hugh Downs hosting Concentration. I didn't now that Hugh Downs was the announcer for Jack Paar's Tonight Show.

Thanks for the post!

[WSenator1]

You're more than welcome. I'm about your age, and I never saw the Jack Paar Tonights (I came in with Johnny Carson's New York years), but my parents told me about Down's announcing gig. Take care!

[beentheredonetht]

Knowing NBC they may have been looking for the cheapest host they could find. They are so Scrooge-like with this show and their treatment of it.

[WSenator1]

beenthere: Back in the day, NBC was (along with CBS) a top-class network. Only over the last generation or so have they become cheap fools.

[beentheredonetht]

I knew they were back then, which is why I'd love to know why they treated Concentration, a show they produced, the way they did. They knew that show was ratings gold, so why not upgrade and overhaul the show? (I don't mean the rules, I mean the set and the music.) Maybe if they had, it might possibly still be around. Oh well..

[baconhead2008]

Your title is misleading.

[PatrioticPirate]

VERY misleading.

[joebradio]

..one of our games is composed completely of money !!! Does it have googly eyes and save you money on auto insurance ...

[beentheredonetht]

I doubt it.

If the 2nd puzzle from the 1969 Christmas ep (posted elsewhere on here) is any indication, they probably had prizes like 4000 nickels, 5000 dimes, etc.

[wahoo76]

I'm a big fan of that closing theme. I remember it being played by an organist and a madcap xylophonist, who seemed to be going crazy trying to keep up with the frenetic beat.

[WSenator1]

Me too. Even though it was good to hear the closing theme again, I miss the version with the "mapcap xylophonist." If someone can post that version of the theme, I would appreciate it.

[beentheredonetht]

You can hear the organ/xylophone version of the closing theme at the end of the 1963 Challenge Of Champions ep posted elsewhere on Youtube.

[WSenator1]

beenthere:  You have made my morning! Thanks very much for directing me to the "xylophone" version of the "Concentration" theme. Also some of the commercials around it (including the one for the Star Time magazine that announced the new NBC shows for the upcoming season - we sent away for one). BTW, I remember something about that xylophonist passing away last year

(2009). Thanks again, and take care.

[yaggazoozy]

I remember this show so well even though I was quite young. The great Hugh Downs and the always memorable Bob Clayton were great hosts.

[bluebear1985]

I believe that even Ed McMahon hosted for about nine months.

[bluebear1985]

Well, I guess getting rid of all the good stuff by the bulk seems to be a tradition at the peacock network. Like when they dumped half of the daytime lineup in 1980 for Letterman.

[GandSAfan]

.....With Bob Clayton, as the announcer.

[beentheredonetht]

In these clips...Wayne Howell is the announcer.

[Freenbean]

I loved the original version of this show. That closing theme I remember to this day. thats for allowing me to hear it again. the show lost a lot when they ditched the live organist and went from the mechanical board to video screens.

[GandSAfan]

Agreed! It wasn't quite the same without the organ & drums!

[wmbrown6]

And the announcing was handled at this point by Wayne Howell.

[kes1963]

hearing the first part brings back memories, where i live, Jack Lalanne was on immediately before concentration

[beentheredonetht]

One question - the last few seconds of the clip, is that the closing theme.

[secondchance1977]

It must be.

[2005dave]

Definitely. Milton Kaye and Tony Columbia playin' yer hits.

[beentheredonetht]

It's so great to hear some audio clips! Hopefully you can get the video too at some point. :)

[secondchance1977]

I hope so