Ford Superquiz

1 9 8 1 – 1 9 8 2 (Australia)
30 minute episodes

Produced by the legendary Grundy organisation for the Australian Nine Network (and sponsored, quite clearly, by the Ford Motor Company), the show was a modern revival of Australia’s first major hit television quiz show, Pick-A-Box.

Mirroring the original Pick-A-Box setup – which was famously hosted by the husband-and-wife duo Bob and Dolly Dyer – Ford Superquiz was hosted by Bert Newton and his wife Patti Newton.

Bert was the primary quizmaster, bringing his trademark quick wit, charm, and grand showmanship, while Patti co-hosted, managing the prize reveals and interacting with the contestants.

Phillip Brady was the show’s off-screen voiceover announcer.

Two contestants competed head-to-head, each answering five general knowledge questions. The player with the highest score won the round and was presented with an array of 20 numbered boxes – or “prisms” in this updated version. Inside each was a hidden prize.

Bert Newton would attempt to buy the contestant out of their chosen box, offering them increasing amounts of cash. The contestant had to decide whether to take the guaranteed cash or reject it to see what was inside the box.

The prizes hidden inside the boxes varied wildly to keep the stakes unpredictable and funny.

A contestant might risk a large cash-out offer only to open a box and win a gag prize like a single ball of string, though most prizes were domestic goods (such as new kitchens, silver coffee sets, or home appliances) or luxury items like overseas holidays. The ultimate jackpot was a brand-new Ford motor vehicle valued at over $20,000 (a massive sum at the time)

Hosts
Bert Newton
Patti Newton
Announcer
Phillip Brady

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