h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Just thought I'd draw you attention to a post of the same name at the 'Call My Bluff' entry. I was rather concerned, upon reading the entry, that it had been written on the basis that the show didn't exist prior to a couple of years ago. The show has been running, with a brief interruption, since 1965!

Thanks! I'll go check that out.

Living on the wrong side of the ocean does have its disadvantages. But at least we get an eclipse for X-mas.

If the information is worth adding - and I know that it's possible as I contributed to the massive expansion of the 'Freddy Krueger' entry - I'm happy to write up something a little more 'Guide Entry'-like for inclusion with the extended details.

That would be great! Can you just add it to this forum and I'll make sure it gets added?

It's tough to sub something like this when you're a Yank and don't know anything about it. I did two web searches and only found references to card games so I went with what we had in the hopes that others would contribute to the forums.



- X

I hope the following editing and additions isn't taking my role too far. I watched the programme a lot in the 'old days', so I'm far more familiar with the original and have a passing awareness of the new version (I work - and the darn thing is only ever on during the day!).

I've addeda few notes about the individuals who likely will be unfamiliar to anyone who isn't English... just to provide some context.

Thanks.


Call My Bluff is currently As of late 2000 - but the BBC1 is well known for it's deft hand at cutting and chopping shows, timeslots and promising entertainment concepts.   a television show in England that goes out, seasonally, every weekday in England on BBC 1 at about midday Throughout its history the show has always been a daytime television programme, running between lunch time and early afternoon.   . In its 21st century format it is hosted by the longtime host of Blockbusters, Bob Holness. It's a 30-minute quiz show with two teams, one led by Alan Coren Humourist and former editor of the long running 'Punch' magazine.   , the other by Sandi Toksvig Comedienne and former Saturday morning childrens' show presenter.   , and two guests per team.

The principle is that the host of the show sets a word like 'viburnum' A kind of shrub.   , or 'pirlique', and each member of one team will define the word. Two of the definitions however, are bluffs. Based on the descriptions, one member of the opposing team must then choose the definition that they think is most likely to be correct. If they are right, then they score a point; if not, then the opposing team gets the point.

However, the main appeal for the show comes from the way the teams present their definitions. They tell rambling little two-minute long stories about how they were doing something or other when they suddenly had cause to use a fratmeritskal, or when they had occasion to go to a reskitportel, or even wear a footling turtlingdrome. The idea is to be entertaining and funny, and to also make the opponent a little more skeptical about each of the descriptions. Bluffing is a core skill of the show, which may be why so many actors, writers and, most notably, policitians have appeared on the show. Notable participants have included Tom Stoppard, Patrick Lichfield, Geoffrey Archer, Germaine Greer and Salman Rushdie.

The show originated from an American quiz show concept and was first televised in 1965. The original host was Robin Ray and the opposing team captains Robert Morely, the notable British actor Who appeared in 'Hotel Paradiso', 'The African Queen', 'Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines' and many post-war British comedies.   and witty raconteur Frank Muir Who first came to the BBC in the 1950s as a comedy writer working on the radio show 'Take It From Here'.   . Frank survived until the end when the show was axed in the early nineties, and sadly died in 1998. Along the way the host position was filled by Joe Melia, Peter Wheeler and finally Robert Robinson. In comparison to the undoubted talents of Bob Holness, Robert Robinson was something of a titan. Combining the appearance of some kind of university librarian with witty retorts and the ability to handle the rowdy mob of the captains, he remains a lasting image of the perfect quiz show hosts from a halcyon era.

It's a good show, and well worth watching, which is probably why it's lasted so long and was worthy of resurrection after the BBC unwittingly axed it. Not only can you be heartily entertained by Sandi Toksvig's or Alan Coren's verbal flights of fancy, but you can seriously expand your own vocabulary.