In 2020, Wheel of Fortune will turn 45. The show we know today would not exist if not for series creator Merv Griffin tinkering with his original idea, which was tried out in a pilot called Shopper's Bazaar in 1973. Thankfully, it didn't air, although actor-singer Chuck Woolery, brought in as MC, would eventually land the Wheel gig nearly 18 months later, after Edd Byrnes had bombed out in two pilots, largely because he was caught having to verbally memorize vowels, according to accounts.
The Byrnes pilots, with original letter turner Susan Stafford, haven't turned up online. However, there's this.....
Well, at least Griffin had enough money to spruce up the set.......
Rating: C-.
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