Taken during the last week of August 2006, this collection of photos takes us through the journey that John and Marc took during the last handful of Season 34 tapings and the historic taping of TPiR’s 35th season premiere.
TPiR Stage Manager Adam Sandler chats it up with the models during the rehearsal for Master Key.Shane Sterling and the now-famous “pair of surfboards”!Here will see a rehearsal for Master Key, complete with one of TPiR’s newest props – the car turntable!The full rehearsal view. We have Master Key, the Master Key prize package, and a little pre-show chit chat.A new TPiR covering has been placed to the left of Contestant’s Row. This conceals some of the electronic inputs that are down here.What the audience sees when Master Key is up next. As you can see, the game’s logo is easily visible from the studio audience.A prop from the Passport Showcase, used on the episode that aired on November 2, 2006.Any guesses? Yes that’s right – this is the underside of the Hole In One putting green! This was a golden-road.net Mystery Photo for the Season 35 Kickoff Contest.Here you can see the rear of the Hole In One sign prop. Note the release mechanisms that help rotate the golf ball (after Bob presses the button, of course!).John shows us which key he’d pick if he were playing Master Key!So does Eddie Walker.Marc is not a savvy player, so he decides not to make any recommendations. If it were up to him, he’d pick the center key!Producer Roger Dobkowitz verifies that the price is right during the pre-show rehearsal of Shopping Spree.Yep! Roger verifies that $2,247 is in fact the correct price for the wine cabinet.We’re not sure if Roger is checking the Flip Flop prices, or if he’s just fascinated by the prop!This group of stagehands is eager to help Roger with the price verification process. Is $2,595 the 1 Right Price?We found this written on the back of a pricing game. It’s almost like this was a hint of things to come – as the very same thing happened on the next taping day.A backstage shot taken during an actual Showcase Showdown taping. See the monitors to see the on-stage action, while Gina and Ron watch to determine the score they need to light up on the scoreboard.As we’ve stated in the past, the good folks in the Art Department like to take advantage of as much available space as possible. Here is such an example, where you can see two of TPiR’s more popular car backdrops. When one of these backdrops is visible for the viewers to see, the other one remains concealed offstage – unbeknownst to your average viewer.Jeff Thisted is on ball! He’s already getting the next slate ready before the audience is done unloading.Gina, Shane and Adam laugh it up during a rehearsal. The Hole In One grocery prop is brought on stage for a camera check.More electronics and camera testing – this time of the Step Up game.We found this interesting…the dollar amounts on Step Up’s gameboard are removable.Here’s a nice shot of Hole In One’s putting green holder. To save backstage space, this game is stored vertically.The hardest working crew in the business gets ready to rehearse Switch.Camera operator Ed Nelson, Doug Quick and Adam Sandler prepare to run through the Punch A Bunch small prizes.Almost ready to rehearse. What’s missing? The lights on the right backdrop need to be flipped on.Just minutes before the game is to be played, Roger and Scott determine that they’re going to hide the big money……here!Here you can see a full backstage crew getting Hole In One ready for Bob and a contestant.One, two, three, now!Roger, Stage Manager Doug Quick, and Rachel have a pre-game discussion about the proper putter to hand Bob during the game.And here is Bob, Rachel, Shane, and the actual contestant. In this shot, Bob is explaining to his audience how he has made his last five putts…but the putter that he used to accomplish this has gone missing. What will happen here?Tap…Six in a row for Bob! Unfortunately for the contestant, putt one was wide right and putt two was just a little bit off.Looking as enthusiastic as ever, Roger explains the rules of the Showcase Showdown to these three contestants.Here we see TPiR production assistant Gina Edwards-Cook at CBS tech Ron Nugent working the one-bid controls. Ron is in charge of actually keying the contestant’s bids into the operating computer and flashing the appropriate podium at the right time. It’s Gina’s job to cue Ron as to which podium to make flash, and to tell the sound mixer (who sits behind Gina) which audio effect needs to be played. In this example, Gina’s hand “over” the head means that all bids are over, and that the overbid buzzers should be readied.Hand’s gone! No overbid…we’re good to go with the bells!Here’s a view from the Producer’s Table of an actual Double Prices go-round.Oh no! This contestant should have went with $5,789.Roger is done explaining the rules of the day’s second Showcase Showdown. Bob is now ready to do what he does best!As he has been gracious enough to do for the past 34 years, he we see Bob fielding audience questions before the start of the Showcases.Gina and Ron listen for the contestant’s Showcase bid and get ready to transmit the bid to the podium readout.Oh no…a double overbid! As is the procedure for this bit of bad luck, Bob descends into the audience pit to greet his studio audience prior to the close of the show.Here we see Bob greeting audience members after the misfortune of a double overbid.Eddie and John were among the first in America to get their picture taken with TPiR’s newest game…Stack the Deck.TPiR’s Art Department is the greatest…and in this case they outdid themselves. When Stack the Deck was built, Bente and crew actually turned the game’s logo into the price reveal. Here you can see the upside down logo on the back of the prop, while the car’s correct price is visible on the front side of the prop.A close-up of Stack the Deck’s gameboard……and a close-up of the game’s grocery area.The scales of Balance Game are disassembled while the game is in storage.It’s a scaleless balance!And here’s the two table props that are used in Balance Game. One holds the bags that the contestant has to chose from, while the other hold’s the prize value bag and contains the price readout…which was recently expanded to include five digits.Oh no…the last contestant to play Ten Chances didn’t fare all to well.Here is the back of Balance Game…already with stagehand stories written on the back!John tips the scales of TPiR. At first we thought these scales were controlled by an off-stage computer, but as you can see they are in fact manually operated.All three of TPiR’s big doors received a colorful starburst makeover to celebrate the start of the show’s 35th season.For the first time ever, there is no way to differentiate between the big doors. In years past, each door would have a different pattern and colored border. With the start of Season 35, this is no longer the case.A view from the left side of the turntable, where the Lucky Seven cars are pushed out.Eddie, John, and our good friend MSTieScott take some time to reflect on the recent taping day.Which is greater? Scott’s age times two, or TPiR’s age times one?A cool looking TPiR logo has been painted to the wall of the staircase leading up to the Bob Barker Studio.But of course, the logo is nowhere as near cool as John Sly is in his sunglasses.John shows us that a “6” can be used to Stack the Deck.Here is a close-up of one of the labels attached to the Balance Game coin bag.As you can see, the label is made of suede and is custom sewed by the CBS Props Department.Several have tried…but none have succeeded. Maybe soon?!?!Studio 33’s audio suite has recently received an overhaul. Here is the new equipment that Stan and Maryann use to pipe the show’s music into the studio and onto our television sets.More new audio mixing equipment.Poor Money Game. The naked prop was left sitting on the turntable after a taping day.Our buddy, TPiR Intern Travis Schario, fulfills his lifelong dream of walking through Door #2.He WISHES that he were the next host of TPiR!The Cadillac CTS and the Saturn Sky are on the CBS Back Lot, ready for Thursday’s premiere taping.The big wheel, Dice Game and Pass the Buck are brought onstage for a pre-rehearsal electronics test. Dice Game is receiving special attention by way of a paint touch-up.TPiR Art Director Bente Christensen (center stage) ensures that the stagehands place the car in just the right spot to look best on the cameras. Once she determines that the car in property positioned, tape will be used to mark the correct spot. This tape is often seen on the air.The “Race Game Curtain” and the giant price tag are two major set elements that have not received a makeover in several years.Rachel, Shane, and Phire share a few laughs during a break in rehearsal.Veteran stage manager Doug Quick summons the models for a Credit Card run-through.And here they come now.A rarely seen look at the actual TPiR contestant selection process. During this time, lead contestant coordinator Stan Blitz along with production assistant Scott Schalk review their notes and select the nine contestants that will ultimately be selected to “Come On Down” during this taping day. You can see Scott actually preparing the handwritten list which will be given to announcer Rich Fields. A representative from Standards and Practices is present to ensure that the contestants selected meet the eligibility requirements. Intern Travis Schario looks on – hoping that one day he will be in these seats.As the audience is unloaded, stage lead Eddie Rinier preps the Plinko game for a rare on stage event.The big wheel and special lighting is also brought out for this event.Roger sticks around with a twinkle of excitement in his eyes.Roger, Stan and Scott recount the day’s events as further on-stage preparations take place.Here come the cameras…it’s almost time.Roger and Marc take a moment to discuss the historical significance of this week.And here we go. In preparation for the upcoming taping of TPiR’s 35th Season Premiere, CBS’ “The Early Show” co-host Julie Chen pays a visit to Studio 33 to interview host Bob Barker.John pretends to drop a Plinko Chip….it probably would have landed in the $0 slot.Marc uses the opportunity to ham it up for the camera.A view of Plinko that only a contestant gets to see…until now.Another unique angle…with the back of the Plinko scoreboard included.This picture shows us how the pegs are attached to the Plinko board.Another shot taken from the top of the Plinko prop.In order to pickup contestant reaction and the plinking of the Plinko chips, a microphone is embedded on the top of the game board.Intern Travis takes a moment out of his busy schedule to pose with this historic prop.John helps us establish this unique view of a wheel spin.Oh…close…but no grand!Come on John – we saw you move it!The interview is over, the lights have been turned off, but the classic props remain on stage for an overnight stay.As has become a tradition of sorts, Marc and John pay a visit to the TPiR bungalow, which is located on the Television City back lot. Here we see Roger taking a minute to chat with his guests. Do those pictures on Roger’s wall look familiar?This signage was recently created and hung with pride.The Eeta Lotstrom Showcase involved loading a trailer with lots and lots of food. The trailer was rigged so that the food flew out of the trailer when the door was opened.More prep work occurs in the trailer, while One Away sits ready for an electric test.Let ‘Em Roll as a rollin’ contestant sees things.The next series of photos were taken during a rare visit to the CBS Art Department. This binder (the Price Game Bible) contains a series of photos and staging schematics for all of TPiR’s active pricing games….he we see Golden Road. Also visible are some drawings and on-paper designs.More from the bible…this time it’s Clock Game.We didn’t lie – there actually is a book called the “Price Game Bible”.Eddie shows us some conceptual drawings of what ultimately became the updated look of Let ‘Em Roll.And more schematics…this time for Push Over.Look carefully. The series of smaller photographs on the left were carefully meshed together to create the Acapulco trip skin that is seen on the right.Art Director Bente Christensen proudly shows us her finished product. Bente’s extensive collection of travel books support the fact that a great deal of research in put into each and every skin she designs.Some conceptual drawings of TPiR’s primetime salute to teachers.A rarity indeed. This is the original mold to the silver Barker’s Dollars used both in Balance Game ’84 and later in Balance Game ’06.From the bible, it’s our newest game Stack the Deck……along with some of the drawings & ideas that went into the game.More Stack the Deck drawings and artwork…including the game’s grocery cubbies.Again, a huge thank you to Bente Christensen and Set Decorator Richard Domabal for allowing us to take you on a tour of the TPiR Art Department.Here you can see a CBS Audio Mixer getting ready to add the appropriate bells and buzzers during an actual playing of Cliff Hangers.Talk about high-tech! Here is a shot of TPiR’s audio mixing equipment in action.Music Director Stan Blitz takes a moment out of a taping day to show us how the new music equipment works.He’s a very nice guy, but you’ll need to work hard to impress Stan if YOU want to be selected as a contestant on TPiR!Here you see a stagehand prepare to put away the small prize turntable that descends from the rafters.The 35th Anniversary logo is proudly displayed on one of the in-studio monitors.Nope…Marc didn’t make the Barker’s Brawn cut this go-round.To celebrate of Bob’s 50th year on television, TPiR Announcer Rich Fields and his lovely wife Christine took a great deal of time to prepare this scrapbook. Inside contains MANY rare photos dating all the way back to Bob’s earliest days on TV. A wonderful retrospective indeed, and Bob was truly touched as he (very accurately) recounted the wonderful events showcased.And here we are…premiere day is here. Roger arrives early to the studio and is very impressed by the festive look of the studio.Like we saw earlier, many of the show’s games that involve electronics are brought out on stage for a required pre-show check.Here we can see how the 3 Strikes game is loaded…you can see a stagehand removing one of the game’s big numbers towards the right of the photo. The smaller lights you see are quite effective in illuminating the big numbers.Seen yesterday outside, the Saturn Sky car given away on this show is loaded onto the stage and property marked for display.Lots of to-do for this big show. Here we see a Showcase rehearsal, while you can see some members of the press taking their shots for this momentous occasion.TPiR Director Bart Eskander was kind enough to allow our cameras in the control room for some rare shots of TPiR’s technical crew at work. Here we see Bart reviewing the monitors in efforts to select the best shot to air.Present for every Showcase rehearsal, producer Roger Dobkowitz offers his advice and recommendations whenever necessary.Here we see the shot currently offered on Marty Wagner’s camera – camera #3.And here is another monitor shot, this time of Gabby making a beautiful car look even more beautiful.Thank you Associate Director Fred Witten, Bart, and Technical Director Dave Hallmark for the tour of these important backstage facilities.Many, many more pre-show happenings take place before the studio audience is brought in.As mentioned earlier, numerous members of the media were present for this historic occasion. Here we see a reporter from syndicated show Entertainment Tonight interviewing TPiR announcer Rich Fields.We thought it would never happen…but here is a rehearsal for the only time in history that 3-prize game Most Expensive was actually played for THREE CARS!Eddie and the rest of the backstage crew ensure that the car #1 positioning and lighting is just perfect for tape.The same is done with car #2, as veteran cameraman Marty Wagner establishes the shot.Stage Manager Adam Sandler plays Bob, while production assistant Jeff Thisted acts as a contestant for this model walkthrough (off-camera).Jeff did good!The beautiful Cadillac that we saw yesterday is now pushed on stage for this rehearsal of Lucky Seven.While the Lucky Seven rehearsal continues, John chats with some of the other models working on this momentous show.Cameraman Wayne Getchell frames the perfect shot of this ski boat that was ultimately won via the Double Prices game.Rachel takes a moment to run through her Double Prices duties.As usual, Rich Fields sounded great on this big day. Here we see Rich reading through some spa prize copy……but the spa is where most of the eyes are focused right now.He tells us every visit, and let us reiterate – Rich Fields is truly honored to be standing in this spot – especially so on a day as momentous as today.Ed Nelson makes sure that it’s all camera systems go. Lucky Seven rehearsal is coming to a close!CBS Shop Manager Ron Nugent ensures that the car turntable is in service for this beauty of a Corvette! Stage Manager Doug Quick looks on.The show is over…it’s celebration time! Bob takes a moment to pose with the cake freshly prepared and baked to mark this special occasion.Doug Quick was very quick to get his picture taken with all six of Barker’s Beauties that were present for the occasion.Bob and Marty take a moment to reflect on the day just past and the years that have past. Combined, these two gentlemen have worked the stages of CBS for nearly 70 years.Bob prepares for a number of post-show interviews that occurred during the afternoon….…the first one being with a local Los Angeles newscaster.Marc wouldn’t have missed this photo opportunity for the world……neither would Roger!Yummmmmmm!Roger Dobkowitz spends a moment with John following the post-show festivities.Roger too takes time out to take a picture with Marc.Both Marc and John were honored to be present for TPiR history by way of this record-breaking show. A huge thanks to Roger and everyone associated with the Price Team for being so very good to us.Rich Fields and John Sly are thrilled that the day went as it did.Oh no Rich! Don’t step on the balloons when Bob is talking to the media.Thank you Rich…it was a great day and a great week to visit.Bob Barker spent over 90 minutes speaking with various members of the media who were present for the occasion.An American Legend indeed. Thanks for your 35 years of service, Bob. We continue to enjoy and cherish every memory of it.
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