The Game Show Nework is now showing re-runs of this rarely-seen children's show, hosted by Match Game's Gene Rayburn. Unfortunately, GSN relegated these classic shows to the wee-hours of the morning, so you may have to stay up late or set your TIVO to catch it. The 1950's nostalgia makes it worthwhile- especially if you're a baby-boomer.
The premise is fairly simple. About 100 kids are invited to the studio to compete in stunts to win prizes. Half are designated Buckaroos and the other half Sky Captains. A Jovial (but you know he had to be less than thrilled, given his later career) Gene Rayburn leads the 8 to 12-year-olds on stunts that are dictated by a weird paper-mache character with rolling eyes and collagen-looking lips (you have to see it).
Some of the well-groomed kids look absolutely horrified, and the least coordinated often are assigned tasks that require balance, speed and finesse. Still, it's good-natured and offers a glimpse into an era long past.
The premise is fairly simple. About 100 kids are invited to the studio to compete in stunts to win prizes. Half are designated Buckaroos and the other half Sky Captains. A Jovial (but you know he had to be less than thrilled, given his later career) Gene Rayburn leads the 8 to 12-year-olds on stunts that are dictated by a weird paper-mache character with rolling eyes and collagen-looking lips (you have to see it).
Some of the well-groomed kids look absolutely horrified, and the least coordinated often are assigned tasks that require balance, speed and finesse. Still, it's good-natured and offers a glimpse into an era long past.