Gloria Lockerman, "The $64,000 Question," Martha Raye and Tallulah Bankhead - Hisoric Television!

This video is a condensed version of a 5-part article that I wrote by the same name, which can be found here: http://otrfan68.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/gloria-lockerman-the-64000-question-... ---------- Gloria Lockerman was a 12-year-old child, who in 1955 appeared on "The $64,000 Question," and correctly spelled "antidisestablishmentarianism." The day after the show aired, she was the talk of the nation! Perhaps any child would have made big news by appearing on a quiz show and spelling the word correctly, but most Americans found Gloria Lockerman exceptionally gifted because she was intelligent.....and black. This video tells the story of Gloria's appearance on "The $64,000 Question, as well as her appearance, a month later, on "The Martha Raye Show." Her Martha Raye Show appearance is also significant, as it was the show that was probably responsible for the show's cancellation. Tallulah Bankhead was the guest star on the show. She and Martha Raye, at the end of the show, felt inclined to give hugs and kisses to little Gloria Lockerman. The public was outraged that two big stars such as Martha & Tallulah would publicly show affection to a black child, as innocent as it was.

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[sdeschanel1]

Wow - you are right, she does have an amazing story to tell and it is a valued part of history that many people want and need.

I hope that one day soon we get to see and hear the full story of her journey by her and those who knew her. However it turned out she is to be celebrated.

Thank you so much for the part you have played in bringing as much of this story to us as you could, you've done a great job that warms my heart and expands my mind. I celebrate you for this @OurKrazyKulture x

[OurKrazyKulture]

@sdeschanel1 Thanks sdeschanel1. I love history, especially the interesting parts that shed light on our behavior. I don't deserve to be celebrated, as I would have done the research whether I had shared it or not. I just could not help but to share it though, because Gloria Lockerman's story, in my opinion, is something that should be a part of our culture in America.

Regardless of our ages, whether teens, middle-aged or senior citizen, most of us have heard about (to be continued)

[OurKrazyKulture]

.....the 1939 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast that effected so many people. We know about the quiz show scandals of the 1950's, we know about the private lives of celebrities, past and present, etc. Why, I wonder, have we not carried the story of Gloria Lockerman to the present day too? It was a big deal at the time that it happened, so I wonder why our parents and grandparents didn't pass this story down to us along with the many others we've been told.

[Lorripops123]

What an amazing story. What you've put at the end is really touching, I'm sure if Gloria ever see's this she'd be happy that we still remember her and what she taught everyone.

Thanks for making and posting this, it's now added to my favourites so I can show it to others :)

[OurKrazyKulture]

@Lorripops123 Thanks Lorripops 123. You left this comment for me in the midst of my move from Arizona to Texas. Went without the internet for a couple of months. Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[marshhen]

This story is fascinating. It is hard to imagine that affection towards a 12 year old child could cause a scandalous, racist response from the public and the advertiser. Its chilling to know that this kind of racism, though still around I suppose, was so recently explicit and acceptable. Yikes. Thanks so much for the video.

[OurKrazyKulture]

I totally understand the "chilling" quality you describe, but it is not so hard for me to fathom anymore. I've been researching the 14th amendment recently, and following its effects over the following decades. Based on the extent and depth of the racism that existed, I am surprised (but pleased) that race relations have progressed as much as they have. If it had not been for the willingness & strength of the people to fight for civil rights, I don't think we would be where we are today!

[jimalda]

Thanks for the story-very interesting and well researched. Especially liked the Honeymooners clip.

[MsMiChAeLjAcKsOn4EVA]

sadly...Gloria passed away on August 29, 2010..just some days ago. her funeral was yesterday Sept. 3, 2010. i, as well as the other members of my University's Choir, had the oppurtunity to sing @ her funeral. i did not know her @ all, but reading her obituary...i found out so many interesting things about this GREAT woman..especially this whole spelling bee champ thing. it felt as though i had known her so much longer. may she now Rest In Peace for she has done her work here on Earth <3

[sdeschanel1]

@OurKrazyKulture you do deserve celebrating because although those that should have past on the story for whatever reasons have not you have. As a result, the story is being kept alive along with the possibility that we may get this out there, as it should be finally.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Meade

[merrihew]

Thank you for putting this together. Actually there were a number of instances back then where certain stars made it clear where their sympathies were. Pat Boone hosted Nat King Cole on his show in 1958 and there was a lot of unnecessary physical contact - it actually looked like they were intentionally making a point.

[sdeschanel1]

@OurKrazyKulture you do deserve celebrating because although those that should have past on the story for whatever reasons have not you have. As a result, the story is being kept alive along with the possibility that we may get this out there, as it should be finally.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Meade

[sdeschanel1]

@OurKrazyKulture you do deserve celebrating because although those that should have past on the story for whatever reasons have not you have. As a result, the story is being kept alive along with the possibility that we may get this out there, as it should be finally.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Meade