Password (1975) ***ABC SERIES FINALE*** PT. 1

Howdy, Game headz! Time for some more game show gold, and this one's a gem. Since it's initial CBS debut on October 2, 1961, creator Bob Stewart's timeless game of word communication Password was an institution in American households across the country. The formula was simple, two teams each composed of a celebrity and a civilian competed. The word to be conveyed (the "password") was given to one player on each team and was shown to the studio audience and home viewers. Game play alternated between the two teams. On each team, the player who was given the password gave a one-word clue from which his/her partner attempted to guess the password. If the partner failed to guess the password within the allotted five-second time limit, or if an illegal clue was given (two or more words, a hyphenated word, or any part or form of the password), play passed to the opposing team. The game continued until one of the players guessed the password correctly or until ten clues had been given. Scoring was based on the number of clues given when the password was guessed, e.g. 10 points were awarded for guessing the password on the first clue, nine points on the second clue, eight points on the third clue, etc., down to one point on the tenth and final clue. If the clue-giver said the password, the points were awarded to the opposing team. Password made a star, and husband out of host Allen Ludden, who met his wife, legendary actress and TV game show fixture Betty White on the show. CBS dropped the show in 1967, due to sagging ratings, not to mention the elimination of game shows from the network; however, in the spring of 1971, the show returned; this time on ABC's schedule. Password enjoyed a respectable five-season run on the network, even snagging the very first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show in 1974. But by late in the run, HIGHLY noticeable game format changes began to drive viewers away and the show was ultimately cancelled in summer 1975. This is part one of the final ABC broadcast of TV's classic word association game, Password. This is from the week of 6/23/75-6/27/75 and features celebrity guests Kate Jackson (from The Rookies, Charlie's Angels, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King), and Sam Melville (also from The Rookies). Enjoy, guys!!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• password
• allen
• ludden
• game
• show
• finale
• 1975

[gsnman]

The PASSWORD is awesome!

[gameshowluvr86]

@gsnman The Password is... "WIN!" ;-)

[barber747]

No way! You actually found this?

[gameshowluvr86]

Yeah, it's cuz I'm badass like dat... ;)

[loutenore33]

is it just me or was this version just to werid

[msdemos]

@belcheraaron

You know, over the years I've seen a lot of shows that the late Allen Ludden did, and I don't think I ever recall him once getting angry, or saying/doing anything that could EVER be construed as rude........but I think you're right "belcheraaron"........if not 'pissed', Mr. Ludden certainly does look annoyed at Kate's 'gaffe'.

Thanks for pointing this out......I completely missed the expression on his face the first time I watched this!

[butchboy13]

Thanks for the post. Ironic that Kate Jackson is on the last episode of this version of "Password" since it was what replaced "Dark Shadows" in the ABC line-up, which Kate was in the last 2 years of its run.

[nanlisa]

The next year (1976), Kate Jackson would be one of Charlie's Angels.

[Lstfthemohcns]

I loved Password so much my parents bought me the board game! Great game!

[devares2006]

They erased all but 6 or 7 episodes. 2 of them, including this one, aired on GSN in the past.

[devares2006]

From what I heard, it wasn't Mark Goodson's decision. It was ABC's decision to do it in order to boost the ratings.

[wmbrown6]

"[T]hey had the center camera do that shot from under a 'fake ceiling' "

Or as is technically known, a "gobo."

[sylviabh8ule]

Where can I get a DVD copy of this? It had a classy goodbye from Ludden.