I fondly remember the original Concentration. My reminiscence here is in the form of a letter of thanks. Mr. Blumenthal is, among others, indirectly responsible for an event that led me to my first television audition, ever.
My love of game shows is lifelong. in my childhood, I always thought that being a panelist on What's My Line was the best job anyone could have. In the spring of 1972, I wrote a letter to Don Durgin, then the President of NBC. I told of my affection for Concentration, Jeopardy and other games on the NBC schedule. I mentioned how adept I had become at these games after years of watching. I asked why didn't they make provisions for kids to compete. I mentioned I would have welcomed the opportunity to be on any one of those shows. I mailed the letter "return receipt requested"", a big deal for a thirteen year old and left it at that. I don't recall an expectation of anyone actually reading it. Well, someone did.
Fast forward to July when I am at sleep-away camp in Pennsylvania. An announcement came over the loud speaker for me to report to the camp director's office immediately. There was a flurry of activity surrounding this. One of my counselors had already begun to pack my things. Apparently, i was going home. I had no idea why. I got to the director's office to find my mother on the phone, in a frantic state. "You have an audition at NBC on Friday. Someone read your letter and they want to talk to you about this new kid's show. Your father is on his way to pick you up."
NBC was casting for a new Saturday morning show entitled, Talking With A Giant. I'll never forget the day of my audition. I had been in the halls of 30 Rock on many occasions as a member of the audience. But to be in that building, in those studios as someone who might be working there. It was a dream come true. I did one run-through of the show in a studio. I did not get the job, but I had one of the most moving experiences of my life.
A few years later, I found a mentor in the personage of Don Lipp, the producer of The Big Showdown and The Money Maze. He taught me so much about the game show business and I am forever grateful to him.
Eventually, I did get to work at NBC for nine years during the 1980's. I have many memories of my time at 30 Rock. The results of that letter in 1972 formed my first memories of the place.
So, dear Norm, thank you. If you had not done your job, I might not have had the opportunity to do mine.