Originally titled "Pantomime Quiz," Stump The Stars premiered as a local series in 1947 and ran in both syndication and on CBS until 1970. The format was simple: two teams of celebrity panelists were joined every episode by a guest star and played Charades. It was a natural for television, drawing on the pantomime skills of the leading lights of Hollywood and Broadway while at the same time requiring nothing special by way of sets or costumes. Series producer Mike Stokey also acted as host, and under his guidance Stump the Stars pioneered the game-show tradition of showing its big-name performers in a relaxed, casual setting; ad-libbing was not only permitted but also encouraged, and even Stokey's introductions were delivered in a charmingly off-the-cuff manner.
This DVD features four episodes from the 1963 season, during which the regulars were Sebastian Cabot, Beverly Garland, Hans Conried, Stubby Kaye, Ruta Lee, Richard Long, and Ross Martin. The guest stars include Fabian, Julie London, Dennis Weaver, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Bert Lahr, Macdonald Carey, David Wayne, Marilyn Maxwell, Nanette Fabray, and Dane Clark. Also included are the original commercials for the various cereals manufactured by the show's official sponsor, the Ralston Purina Company.