Sale Of The Century, 1971
In Tribute To Nicholas Parsons
“From Norwich – It’s The Quiz Of The Week.”
Once prime time must see Friday night TV. Sale of the Century was a UK game show based on a US game show of the same name.
It was first shown on ITV from 1971 to 1983, hosted by comedian Nicholas Parsons.
The first series was supposed to air only in the Anglia region, but it rolled out to other regions since January 1972 and achieved full national coverage by the end of May 1975, at which point it was one of the most popular shows on the network – spawning the often-mocked catchphrase “and now, from Norwich, it’s the quiz of the week.”
The original show ran for 11 series between 1971 and 1983.
The show was revived twice. First on Sky for three series in 1989 to 1991, hosted by Peter Marshall and then for a further two series on Challenge TV from 1997 to 1998 hosted by Keith Chegwin.
captured the success of the original.
Summary
Initially contestants answered questions for money, but after achieving six points during the game they were offered the chance to purchase merchandise at a bargain price.
The winning contestant would be given the opportunity to spend their cash winnings on at least one of several grand prizes at the “Sale of the Century”; the grand prize being a new car. Champions could buy more than one prize, but they could never buy every prize at less than the total of all of the sale prices.
Towards the end of the run, the car was eliminated as a buyable prize; now the champion, provided they won the game with £140 or more, could choose to shop or answer a possible four of five questions, with no risk, to win the car.
Revived versions kept to the basic rules of the original
Clips
Sorry about the poor quality but these were the only Nicholas Parsons clips we could find
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Hosted By
Nicholas Parsons (1971-83)
Steve Jones (1981 celebrity special)
Peter Marshall (1989-91)
Keith Chegwin (1997-98)
Details
Channel:
ITV, 1971 – 1983
Sky, 1989 -1991
Challenge, 1997 – 1998