Product ID: TQQU
Control Number: 7498074
Twenty Questions 17 Episodes
Twenty Questions was a wildly popular and intellectually engaging radio panel game show that captivated audiences with its simplicity, wit, and mental agility. Based on the classic parlor game, the program featured a panel of contestants who attempted to guess a mystery subject — person, place, or thing — by asking no more than twenty yes-or-no questions. The charm of the show lay in the panel’s quick thinking, humorous banter, and the audience's delight in playing along at home.
With its clever format and friendly competition, Twenty Questions became one of the most enduring and beloved quiz programs of radio’s golden age.
The Stars
The show’s most notable host was Bill Slater, later succeeded by Jay Jackson and Jack Barry, all of whom brought poise and clarity to the role of moderator. The real stars, however, were the panelists — a rotating group of regulars that often included Fred Van Deventer, his teenage son Bobby McGuire, and clever panelist Florence Rinard. The family atmosphere and rapport among panel members were key to the show’s appeal.
The mystery subjects were usually submitted by listeners, who received a small cash prize if the panel failed to guess their entry.
Key Dates
• Twenty Questions debuted on NBC Radio on February 2, 1946, and later moved to ABC, where it remained until 1954.
• It transitioned successfully to television in 1949, running concurrently on radio for several years.
• The original concept was developed by Fred Van Deventer and his son Bobby, who also became popular panelists.
Other Information
The format of the show was elegantly simple: one person on the show (usually the moderator) knew the answer submitted by a listener. The panel would take turns asking yes-or-no questions, using deductive reasoning to narrow down the category — “animal, vegetable, or mineral?” — before attempting to guess the exact subject.
Subjects ranged from historical figures and celebrities to obscure objects and whimsical ideas, which often led to laughter and creative thinking. The show emphasized logic and teamwork over high-stakes competition, making it one of the more family-friendly and mentally stimulating programs on the air.
Part of the show’s magic was its interactivity: listeners at home were encouraged to guess along and even send in their own mystery items. Its success was proof that brainy entertainment could be just as engaging as action or drama.
Today, Twenty Questions is remembered as a classic example of early participatory radio that celebrated intelligence, humor, and curiosity. It influenced generations of game shows and panel formats and remains a nostalgic favorite among fans of vintage radio.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.49
Mice Price: $9.69
Length: 12.5
Width: 17
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
***** Item Detail Page End
***** Home
Blind Mice Order Center: 346 839-3150
Open 9 am - 4pm CST Monday-Friday
You have arrived!
Blind Mice Mega Mall - "The Mall with the Blind
In Mind!
Blind Mice Mega Mall is designed for use with screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers!
The Mice have built Blind Mice exclusivily for the Blind & Low Vision Community! The sighted have millions of web sites built for them...
Each store is an independent business owned and managed by a member of the Blind / Low Vision Community!
Please browse the great offerings from the merchants in Blind Mice Mega Mall
You will find great items and unique products for the Blind and Low Vision community.
Shop all the stores and check out just one time! The Mice make it easy to shop from all of our outstanding merchants!
Remember, the Merchants operating stores in Blind Mice Mega Mall are also part of the Blind and Low Vision Community so when you buy from them you are supporting the Blind and Low Vision Community directly!
Every purchase at Blind Mice Mega Mall benefits the Low Vision / Blind Community!
** **
Have a MICE Day! Make It Count Everyday!
You help the Blind Community every time you purchase from the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall
Every purchase made at Blind Mice Mega Mall gives back to the Blind and Visually Impaired Community!
Proceeds from sales fund the MouseHole Scholarship Program, the Cooking In The Dark Show and The Movie Vault!
Join the Today's Cheese Newsletter Here!