Merrill Heatter and Bob Quigley created and produced game shows with larger than life sets such as Video Village, Gambit, High Rollers, the kids game show Runaround and their biggest hit Hollywood Squares. But the duo was also involved with the major 70s flop The Magnificent Marble Machine. The machine itself was very large and fragile and suffered from numerous technical problems. Also, the format and scoring system changed several times throughout the show's run, usually a sign of a bad show. A good show has a consistent format viewers identify and play along with but this one probably left viewers confused with the changes. Even worse, the show went to an all-celebrity format, another case of a show's death knell (for those who remember the 70s version of Password).
There were only two things good about the show. The first was host Art James, who guided the show smoothly through all the confusion and the main game that featured clues on an electronic marquee. Also Mort Garson's electronic theme was outstanding and carnival-like. But for the rest of the show---TILT!
There were only two things good about the show. The first was host Art James, who guided the show smoothly through all the confusion and the main game that featured clues on an electronic marquee. Also Mort Garson's electronic theme was outstanding and carnival-like. But for the rest of the show---TILT!
