‘Candid Camera’ days recalled

Press, 2 March 1984, Page 13

‘Candid Camera’ days recalled

Allen Funt and Angie Dickinson are the hosts of “Candid Camera Now and Then,” a special honouring the classic television series. The programme, spotlighting hilarious moments of “people caught in the act of being themselves,” will be screened on Two at 8.30 tonight. The programme includes vintage footage of past “Candid Camera” shows and specials dating back 35 years, in addition to new stunts with the hidden camera. Hollywood stars such as Bob Hope, John Huston and Telly Savalas make cameo appearances relating their memories of the popular show. An unsuspecting Muhammad Ali is shown in an interview that took place during his years of boasting that he was “the greatest.” When Funt asked him: "Do you believe your own publicity?” Ali, not realising the camera was running, answered in his own inimitable way.

A favourite “Candid Camera” location was the diner and the programme presents memorable gags in that setting, such as the bottle from which ketchup would never flow, sinking bar stools, a patron dunking his donut in his neighbour’s coffee, spoons that melt, and new stunts taped recently. There are “Candid Kids” interviews and a segment on a dog that goes to a typewriter, pulls paper out, and puts it in a rubbish basket. Also included is footage of third basemen seemingly playing baseball to music and pinballmachine buffs who appear to be synchronised with a tune. Cars were always a “Candid Camera” highlight. In that area, there is the automobile without a motor, “driven” by a former cohost, Dorothy Collins; the vehicle that splits in half while in motion; and the amphibious car that runs off the street into water.