Break the Bank

Break the Bank is a title that has been used for three entirely separate American game shows throughout television history.

Related Topics:
American - Game shows

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The first (and arguably best-known) of these series was a long-running quiz show which aired variously on ABC, CBS and NBC from 1949 through 1957. It began on radio, and generally had Bert Parks as a host. Bud Collyer co-hosted from 1948 through 1953.

Related Topics:
Quiz show - ABC - CBS - NBC - 1949 - 1957 - Bert Parks - Bud Collyer - 1953

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The show was always one of the highest-paying quiz shows. The ultimate goal was $250,000, although no one ever won that amount during the run of the show. Even in the early days, though, contestants routinely won $10,000, a large amount during that period. Contestants were drawn from the studio audience. The contestant chose a category of questions to be asked, and received more money for each question answered correctly.

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At one time, singer/actress Ethel Waters appeared on the show, and won $10,000 to pay her back taxes.

Related Topics:
Ethel Waters - Tax

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