"The author explores the iconography of the mid-century U.S. in the context of TV watching, game playing and prize winning--and collective self-examination. The scandals that marred the genre's reputation are revisited, highlighting American's propensity for both gullibility and winking cynicism"--

The 1950s television game show was a cultural touchstone, reflecting the zeitgeist of a flourishing modern nation. The author explores the iconography of the mid-20th century U.S. in the context of TV watching, game playing and prize winning. The scandals that marred the genre's reputation are revisited, highlighting American's propensity for both gullibility and winking cynicism.