What is the history behind the phrase "64 thousand dollars question"...?

Answer 1

The $64,000 Question had its roots in the CBS radio quiz show, Take It or Leave It, which ran from April 20, 1940, to July 27, 1947, hosted first by Bob Hawk and then by Phil Baker. In 1947, the series switched to NBC, hosted at various times by Baker, Garry Moore, Eddie Cantor and Jack Paar. On September 10, 1950, Take It or Leave It changed its title to The $64 Question. With Paar and Baker still on board as hosts, the series continued on NBC radio until June 1, 1952.

On both Take It or Leave It and The $64 Question, contestants were asked questions devised by the series' writer-researcher Edith Oliver. She attempted to make each question slightly more difficult than the preceding one. After answering a question correctly, the contestant had the choice to "take" the prize for that question or "leave it" in favor of a chance at the next question. The first question was worth one dollar, and the value doubled for each successive question, up to the seventh and final question, worth 64 United States dollars.

During the 1940s, "That's the $64 question" became a common catchphrase for a particularly difficult question or problem. In addition to the common phrase, "Take it or leave it," the show also popularized another phrase, widely spoken in the 1940s as a taunt but now mostly forgotten (except in Warner Brothers cartoons). Chanted in unison by the entire audience when someone chose to risk their winnings by going for the $64 prize, it was vocalized with a rising inflection: "You'll be sorrr-REEEE!"

Answer 2

A game show in the 50's called "The 64 Thousand Dollar Question"

Answer 3

It was a game show back in the 1950's. People answered questions to win money. They started with a low dollar figure and worked up to 'The 64 Thousand Dollar Question'.....a LOT of money back then!!!

Answer 4

There used to be a TV quiz show with the main prize of $64,000. You went through several levels of difficulty, each worth a certain amount, increasing with increasing difficulty. When (if) you reached the last level, the quizmaster would announce, "And now for the $64,000 question!".

Answer 5

There was a gameshow in the 50's (I think it originated on radio then moved to TV) called the 64000 dollar question. You answered questions then tried to answer the $64,000 question to win $64,000.

Answer 6

Name of a game show back in the 50's.

Answer 7

the sixty four thousand dollar question was a game show back in the late fifties or early sixties where you answered questions till you get to the big one that paid $64,000.

Answer 8

history phrase 64 thousand dollars question: https://tinyurl.im/e/what-is-the-history-behind-the-phrase-64-thousand-dollars-question

Answer 9

It was a TV game show in the 50s.

Answer 10

probably have to do with game shows in our country. 64,ooo dollar question, etc. not sure but google it