Orson Bean probably was offered the chance to host this pilot as a reward for many years as an outstanding celebrity panelist on numerous Goodson/Todman game shows (G/T produced "Concentration" at the time).
Had this become a series, I think Bean would have grown into being a top host.
I'm about 95% certain that this was brought up when this version was shopped around, with the possibility of challenging a word connection being the reason this didn't sell.
Okay the plusses: The sound effects when revealing the numbers, Orson Bean not a bad job at hosting and was comical too. The computer effects. The minuses: The Set, the matching of the weird words which don't make any sense and the cash amounts for each "match". Now I see why Mark Goodson waited two years for Classic Concentration which rocked!
That little "bloop" sound effect sounds like the "Family Feud" sound they use when they show the person buzzes in. The Richard Karn version, that is. As a matter of fact, all the sounds sound like "FF".
That may be the WORST logo in game show history. It's on the set too, but unless you look for it, you'd never see it. The set is a little too beige for me, but I could've lived with it. But the "connecting matches"? No. (Now I understand why the '87 version was called "CLASSIC Concentration".)
And Orson was all right, he might even have grown into hosting. But it would appear the only thing the powers-that-be liked was the theme.
First off, it's obvious someone liked the theme song (which is quite good), but not much else. Let's start with the worst thing -- that logo. That may just be the WORST logo in game show history. While I didn't have any problems with the "Classic Concentration" logo, what was wrong with the classic "Concentration" logo? And this pilot answers a question for me -- why the Trebek version was called "CLASSIC Concentration". However, since this was never aired, who were they reassuring?
This format is awful. Orson gets obnoxious after a while, and some of the matches are vague. Joan Rivers and funny do not go together. Maybe Joan Rivers and facelift...
Orson did a good job hosting. However, I didn't like matching the words, I like the prizes better. I'm split 50/50 on the set, but it was '85. I also didn't like the concentration logo.
The game is challenging enough matching prizes. The word associations make it even more so. It would be interesting to try it with first and last names of famous people.
was this pilot shot for NBC? I also read in Alex Baber's Television Game Show Host Book that Ray Combs also auditioned to host Classic Concentration before Family Feud.
Orson would probably have been a good host had they stuck with the matching words format...he has a way of putting a funny spin on things like "Noone wants a hot orange!" But even though I'm a big fan of O.B., I'm glad they went back to prizes. I suppose the match to 'skunk' was something like 'smell' or 'stink'.
I'm surprised they didn't used the sound effects to reveal the doors like the eventual series.
tpir1972 6 months ago
Orson Bean probably was offered the chance to host this pilot as a reward for many years as an outstanding celebrity panelist on numerous Goodson/Todman game shows (G/T produced "Concentration" at the time).
Had this become a series, I think Bean would have grown into being a top host.
altfactor 6 months ago
I like how they use the Family Feud Fast Money answer reveal sound effect to reveal blocks. :)
barber747 7 months ago
After watching this, I can see why the version that ultimately made it on the air was called "Classic Concentration".
georgef551 7 months ago
Someone actually has it! The Orson Bean pilot! I knew someone would.
RickWolff 9 months ago
@RickWolff Well, one of them, actually. Rumor has it four were shot.
wisp2007 8 months ago
I know some people who would be glad to go on the Joan Rivers Diet. XD
wisp2007 11 months ago
I'm not surprised it didn't go to air under this format, for some reason.
StrangerCoug 11 months ago
it looks like a cross between concentration and password
kes1963 1 year ago
Why is the woman contestant dressed as a stewardess? and the host is dreadful!!!
MPL029 1 year ago
Wow, never knew Orson Bean hosted a game show, I knew he was on To Tell The Truth & Match Game,
gr8zackattack 1 year ago
@gr8zackattack Well, he only hosted the pilot. Alex Trebek hosted when it went to series under "Classic Concentration"
bluebear1985 1 year ago
@bluebear1985 yep in 1987!!!
tbone24100 7 months ago
Was there a second pilot episode featuring the host Alex Trebek floating around in the collectors?
PTH4Fun 2 years ago
How many game shows did Gene Wood announce at the same time?
tbone24100 2 years ago
I would have like to seen Orson do Classic Concentration hosting. I like him on To Tell the Truth and he did a good job on the pilot.
timbabcock 2 years ago
I'm about 95% certain that this was brought up when this version was shopped around, with the possibility of challenging a word connection being the reason this didn't sell.
WarioBarker88 2 years ago
Okay the plusses: The sound effects when revealing the numbers, Orson Bean not a bad job at hosting and was comical too. The computer effects. The minuses: The Set, the matching of the weird words which don't make any sense and the cash amounts for each "match". Now I see why Mark Goodson waited two years for Classic Concentration which rocked!
Dodgerfn5 2 years ago
The 'revealing' sound effect was originally from 'Trivia Trap', then later for 'Family Feud '88' in fast money.
Rlotpir1972 2 years ago
That little "bloop" sound effect sounds like the "Family Feud" sound they use when they show the person buzzes in. The Richard Karn version, that is. As a matter of fact, all the sounds sound like "FF".
travis7310 2 years ago
Considering that "Feud" went out in 1985, not too surprising.
WarioBarker88 2 years ago
Is that Gene Wood announcing?
travis7310 2 years ago
Yes.
secondchance1977 2 years ago
Though Gene sounds weird saying "Can you decode this puzzle?".
DownsA530 2 years ago
Sorry about the double posting -- I didn't think the first one took.
midknightryder13 2 years ago
That may be the WORST logo in game show history. It's on the set too, but unless you look for it, you'd never see it. The set is a little too beige for me, but I could've lived with it. But the "connecting matches"? No. (Now I understand why the '87 version was called "CLASSIC Concentration".)
And Orson was all right, he might even have grown into hosting. But it would appear the only thing the powers-that-be liked was the theme.
midknightryder13 2 years ago
The Logo is hovering over the Turntable screens which hold the game boards for the main and bonus rounds.
SuperGamer7 2 years ago
First off, it's obvious someone liked the theme song (which is quite good), but not much else. Let's start with the worst thing -- that logo. That may just be the WORST logo in game show history. While I didn't have any problems with the "Classic Concentration" logo, what was wrong with the classic "Concentration" logo? And this pilot answers a question for me -- why the Trebek version was called "CLASSIC Concentration". However, since this was never aired, who were they reassuring?
midknightryder13 2 years ago
This format is awful. Orson gets obnoxious after a while, and some of the matches are vague. Joan Rivers and funny do not go together. Maybe Joan Rivers and facelift...
someguy23475 2 years ago 2
Orson did a good job hosting. However, I didn't like matching the words, I like the prizes better. I'm split 50/50 on the set, but it was '85. I also didn't like the concentration logo.
mgsnv2 2 years ago
Wait A Minute That's 1987 Theme Of Classic Concentration OMG I Like Trebek's Era Better
Mechminxer 2 years ago
If you notcied they udidn't use that sound effect when the players chose the number, but they used it first on Trivia Trap.
nextbarker 2 years ago
And Family Feud.
TVLubber 2 years ago
Hey at least Orson tried he didn't do TOO BAD, he did better then Richard Kline hosting To Tell the Truth in 1990.
nextbarker 2 years ago
Yes, that's for sure. I've always wanted to see this though, so thanks!
What other rare gems to you have thewhammy? (curious)
SuperGamer7 2 years ago
I recognized Hap Lawrence from another game show. He won $25,000 with JoAnn Pflug's assistance on The $25,000 Pyramid in 1975.
ShowoffNYC 2 years ago
I didin't know a guy named Hap except for Hap Trout! Good thing this pilot has a guy named Hap!
jwgreek8606 2 years ago
A little too much false enthusiasm from Orson.
The game is challenging enough matching prizes. The word associations make it even more so. It would be interesting to try it with first and last names of famous people.
chris319 2 years ago
Really interesting to see once! Glad the series was unlike this.
flokatirug 2 years ago
was this pilot shot for NBC? I also read in Alex Baber's Television Game Show Host Book that Ray Combs also auditioned to host Classic Concentration before Family Feud.
jwgreek8606 2 years ago
Orson would probably have been a good host had they stuck with the matching words format...he has a way of putting a funny spin on things like "Noone wants a hot orange!" But even though I'm a big fan of O.B., I'm glad they went back to prizes. I suppose the match to 'skunk' was something like 'smell' or 'stink'.
garrisonskunk 2 years ago
How do you think Orson Bean did as a game show host?
nextbarker 2 years ago
Eh... he wasn't that great. Alex Trebek was much better.
Orson's better suited as a panelist.
gshowguy 2 years ago 2