Queen for a Day

First Telecast: January 3, 1956

Last Telecast: October 2, 1964

Network History:

NBC Daytime, 1956 - 1960

ABC Daytime, 1960 - 1964

Producer:

Edward Kranyak

Plot Summary:

"Do YOU want to be Queen for a Day?!" Host Bailey would bellow out those words before each program, to which the audience would reply en masse, "YES!" Four women, each having a sob story to tell, told Bailey why they believed they should be crowned the show's "Queen For a Day". Usually, each contestant asked for a merchandise prize such as a washer and dryer. After all four sad stories were told, the audience chose the winner by applause (determined via the "applause meter"). The winner was awarded her prizes and was bedecked in a sable-trimmed red velvet robe and jeweled crown. Interspersed between the contestants' stories was fashion commentary. Written by Brian Rathjen

Trivia:

"Queen for a Day" was derived from a radio show originally called "Queen For Today".

Prior to being picked up by NBC, this program was shown on local Los Angeles television from 1948 to 1956.

Very few of the NBC and ABC kinescopes survive.

Broadcast from the Moulin Rouge, a theater-restaurant on Sunset Boulevard near Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

From 1969 to 1970, this program was briefly revived in syndication with host Dick Curtis.

Sponsored by Pepsodent Toothpaste.

Director:

Hap Weyman

Head Writer:

Bill Lutz

Announcers:

Gene Baker

John Harlan

Fashion Commentator:

Jeanne Cagney (sister of actor James Cagney)

Contestant Escorts:

Bonita Gaylord

Grace Lee Whitney

Models:

Barbara Lyon

Beverly Sassoon

Suzanne Alexander

Jolene Brand

Maxine Reeves

Darlene Stuart

Dorene Georgeson

Virginia Bingman

Colette De Meyer

Marie St. John

Queen's Escort:

Ted Wood

Chauffeur:

Cecil Moorings