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Mastermind
On BBC One · BBC Two — From Hat Trick Productions · Hindsight Productions
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Where to watch
Not available to stream in US
Synopsis
Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness. Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five 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 being interrogated by the Gestapo during World War II. The atmosphere is helped by Mastermind's famously ominous theme music, "Approaching Menace" by the British composer Neil Richardson. The quiz programme originated and was recorded in Manchester at studios such as New Broadcasting House and Granada Studios, before permanently moving to MediaCityUK in 2011.
Themes
Episodes
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- E1 Episode 1Next upSep 11, 1972
Synopsis
This new and exciting brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom. They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject with a further two minutes to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's programme comes from The University of Liverpool
- E2 Episode 2Sep 18, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject with a further two minutes to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's programme comes from The University of Liverpool Contenders Mary Grummitt, Dr Michael Dewar, Vera Gallagher, Patrick Maher Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E3 Episode 3Sep 25, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom Tonight's programme comes from the University of Glasgow Contenders Joyce Ligertwood, David Wate, Robert Crampsey, Julius Green Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E4 Episode 4Oct 2, 1972
Synopsis
Tonight's contenders come from the West of Scotland and the programme was recorded at Glasgow University. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E5 Episode 5Oct 16, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom Tonight's contenders represent the North East of England, and the programme comes from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E6 Episode 6Oct 23, 1972
Synopsis
Tonight's contenders are drawn from the London area, and the programme comes from the University of Essex, Colchester. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E7 Episode 7Oct 30, 1972
Synopsis
Tonight's contenders represent the South East of England, and the programme comes from the University of Essex, Colchester. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E8 Episode 8Nov 6, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom Tonight's contenders represent Wales, and the programme comes from the Llandaff College of Technology, Cardiff. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E9 Episode 9Nov 13, 1972
Synopsis
Tonight's contenders represent the South-West of England, and the programme comes from Llandaff College of Technology. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E10 Episode 10Nov 20, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the UK They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject, with a further period to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's contenders represent the Midlands, and the programme comes from the University of Birmingham. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E11 Episode 11Nov 27, 1972
Synopsis
This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject, with a further period to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's contenders are drawn from the London area, and the programme comes from the University of Birmingham. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E12 Semi-Final 1Dec 4, 1972
Synopsis
Eleven aspiring Masterminds have won through to the Semi-Finals. In this round the contenders have to prove their ability in a second specialist subject, as well as a further exacting round of general knowledge questions. Tonight's programme comes from Edinburgh. Rev Dr Michael Dewar (Northern Ireland), Nancy Wilkinson (Cambridge), Nicholas Lane (London), Robert Crampsey (Glasgow) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E13 Sem-Final 2Dec 11, 1972
Synopsis
In this round the contenders have to prove their ability in a second specialist subject, as well as a further exacting round of general knowledge questions. Tonight's programme comes from Edinburgh. James MacGregor (Kelso), Joan Taylor (Newcastle upon Tyne), David Drake-Brockman (Lymington), Ivan Limmer (Burnley) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E14 Semi-Final 3Dec 18, 1972
Synopsis
Tonight's programme comes from London. James Bruce (London), Beryl Leatham Thomas (Oswestry), Frederick Nicholls (Haverfordwest) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
- E15 The FinalDec 26, 1972
Synopsis
Only three contenders remain to take up the challenge to become Mastermind of the United Kingdom. The Brain Game that requires the co-ordination of specialist and general knowledge, with the ability to answer quickly and concisely. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson
Cast & crew
Created by Bill Wright
Clive MyrieVideos
Trailers
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