| Mastermind is one of the most highly regarded British
quiz shows, well-known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting, and
air of seriousness. Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never altered — four contestants face two
rounds, one on a specialised subject of the contestant's choice, the other a general knowledge round. Wright drew inspiration
from his experiences of interrogation in World War II.
Mastermind's ominous theme music is particularly famous — its name is Approaching Menace and it is composed by
Neil Richardson.
Versions of Mastermind
Mastermind has appeared in four versions:
- The seminal BBC version hosted between 1972 and 1997 by Magnus Magnusson. At points this was one of the most-watched shows on British television. Magnusson
was famous for his catchphrase "I've started so I'll finish" which was also the title of his history of the show (by far the most
authoritative work on the show — ISBN
0751525855). The original series was also noted for the variety of venues where filming took place — often including
academic and ecclesiastical buildings. The original series also spawned an International Edition between 1979 and 1983.
- A version on Discovery Channel hosted by Clive Anderson in 2001. This version shortened the amount of time available for
the answering of questions and lasted just one series.
- A new BBC Two version hosted by John Humphrys, beginning in 2003. Whereas the original series kept talk to a minimum, asking contestants only
their name, occupation and specialist subject, the new show includes some conversational elements with contestants between
rounds. It is also distinguished from the original BBC TV series by the fact that many more contestants' specialist subjects come
from popular culture, which probably reflects cultural changes in the British middle classes in recent years.
- Junior Mastermind,
also hosted by John Humphrys, is a children's version of the quiz programme and has the same format, the difference being that
the contestants are only ten and eleven years old. The programme aired across six nights on BBC One, ending on 4 September 2004. The winner was Daniel Parker,
whose specialist subjects were the Volkswagen Beetle (heat) and
James Bond villains (final).
Records
The highest Mastermind score is 41 points, set by Kevin Ashman in
1995.
The lowest score record of 8 points, set by Jill Perry in an edition broadcast on September 13, 2004. Scores of 9 points have been recorded by Armando
Margiotta, Sally Copeland and a community worker from Warwickshire who
wishes to remain anonymous.
Perhaps the most famous Mastermind winner was garrulous London taxi driver Fred Housego, who won in 1980.
Some "Specialised Subjects"
The Life and Works of Gilbert & Sullivan
The Moomin saga by Tove
Jansson
The History of Lancashire County Cricket
Club
The Life-cycle and Habits of the Honey-bee
The Buddhist sage Nichiren
Champions
- 1972: Nancy
Wilkinson
- 1973: Patricia Owen
- 1974: Liz Horrocks
- 1975: John Hart
- 1976: Roger Prichard
- 1977: David Hunt
- 1978: Rosemary James
- 1979: Philip Jenkins
- 1980: Fred Housego
- 1981: Leslie Grout
- 1982: no contest
- 1983: Chris Hughes
- 1984: Margaret
Harris
- 1985: Ian Meadows
- 1986: Jen Keaveney
- 1987: Jeremy
Bradbrooke
- 1988: David Beamish
- 1989: Mary Elizabeth
Raw
- 1990: David Edwards
- 1991: Stephen Allen
- 1992: Steve Williams
- 1993: Gavin Fuller
- 1994: George
Davidson
- 1995: Kevin Ashman
- 1996: Richard Sturch
- 1997: Anne Ashurst
- 1998: no contest
- 1999: no contest
- 2000: no contest
- 2001: no contest
- 2002: no contest
- 2003: Andy Page
- 2004: Shaun Wallace
Web links
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