$ALE [NBC]: Episode 53 (BIG MONEY WEEK FROM VEGAS)

[palmer7]

Sam Hodkin so far has $150,000 in cash and prizes. Who would like to challenge him?

[mringgenberg]

I'll play.

[palmer7]

Thank you, Matt. We need one more.

[pathfinder20]

I will try again. Have to do better than my last appearance.

[palmer7]

(on the set of $ale in Las Vegas)

Greg: You're watching WBTS-LD, NBC Boston. Same chimes, new channel.

---

(drumroll)
(shot of Sam)


Greg Palmer: (VO, inserted in post-production) So far, Sam Hodkin has won cash and prizes totaling..... $150,000!



[OPENING THEME]





This week, one of our contestants could win a Corvette billiards table, an orchestral digital grand piano, or a cruise around the world!


And continue a journey towards a fortune in cash and prizes including this 2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn......




And hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash!


As we continue Big Money Week on.........




(echo)





(the screen zooms out to reveal the logo on the Tropicana video screen)





And now, from the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, here are the stars of our show! GREG PALMER and STACEY WREN!



(wild cheers and applause as Stacey and I walk through the audience and up on stage)



Greg: I thank you, Burton Richardson. Thank you all very much, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our show. The first $ale of 2017, and it's Big Money Week. I hope you're doing well? How are you at home? (pause) Wonderful! How's everyone in the audience? (and the audience is very happy) Our studio audience is really happy, and I can tell you why. Between last episode and this one, we had a drawing for the Camaro, and another drawing for the $25,000. So, we had two happy people. Plus, we gave away all kinds of other things. If you're ever in the area, drop by and see a taping. We have a lot of fun.


We decided to try something different tonight. Stacey and I came in together, like another famous game show power couple.


Stacey: Pat and Vanna?


Greg: That's right. Good for you, Stace. Now, we have a returning champion who has won two games, and he really won a lot on the last show, including a motorhome. When we factored in the investment we'd give him for the Broadway show I'm co-producing, we decided to round up his winnings to $150,000. Please welcome back Sam Hodkin!


(audience cheers)


Hiya, Sam. Happy New Year. What plans do you have for this new year, and with your prizes?

[hodders]

Well the plans for the new year somewhat depend on the prizes I keep winning it seems!

[palmer7]

Ah, that's right. In any case, I expect you'll be doing a lot more traveling, especially if you win tonight, because if you win, you could stop and take a cruise around the world! (audience cheers)


So now, let's welcome your challengers. Stacey?


(As Stacey introduces the contestants, models of the opposite gender escort them to their seats)


Stacey: First, he's a grocery store clerk from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Please welcome Matt Ringgenberg. And he's a cashier at a Firehouse Subs who has a rather interesting collection. From Valdosta, Georgia, here's Kourtney Wilson.


(audience cheers)


Greg: Thank you very much. Kourtney, what's this about a very interesting collection?

[pathfinder20]

Well it's a start of one to be exact. I collect cigar boxes for storage and in my home. I also the type to have a place for everything. To be honest, I am a non smoker but always been intrigued by the different wooden boxes it is in.

[palmer7]

And so you put various knick-knacks and coins and the like in there?

[pathfinder20]

Yes. Mostly pens, electrical cords. Thinking about converting one of them to a place I can charge my phone and other small gadgets. Haven't found the right box yet.

[palmer7]

Well, with what you win tonight, you might find the perfect box. Good luck to you.


Matt, you're a clerk in a supermarket. What are some of your favorite parts of your job?

[mringgenberg]

Stocking shelves.

[palmer7]

And what do you like so much about that?

[mringgenberg]

It helps the time go by.

[palmer7]

That it does, that it does. Much like this conversation. Good luck to you. $20 to start.

(the board initializes)



Kourtney: $20
Matt: $20
Sam: $20



(Stacey waves goodbyes, exiting as if on instinct) Greg: We'll see you later on. Bye. (to the contestants) All right, then. Wednesday night, Round 1. Let's go!


1. In which US state is Gettysburg National Military Park?
2. Which ocean does Ghana have water access to?
3. What is Private Ryan's first name in Saving Private Ryan?
4. Who was the only Australian to portray James Bond?
5. What were the 5th generation iPods the first to offer?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)

[palmer7]

1. In which US state is Gettysburg National Military Park?
(buzzcode: 89)
*Sam buzzes in (87)*
Sam?
Sam: Pennsylvania
That's right, the champ draws first blood.
(ding)


Kourtney: $20
Matt: $20
Sam: $25


2. Which ocean does Ghana have water access to?
(buzzcode: 27)
*Kourtney buzzes in (16)*
Kourtney?
Kourtney: Indian Ocean
(wrong)
Oh no.... the Atlantic. You lose $5 for that, sorry.


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $20
Sam: $25


3. What is Private Ryan's first name in Saving Private Ryan?
(buzzcode: 54)
*Sam buzzes in (18)*
Sam?
Sam: James
And that's correct, up to $30.
(ding)


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $20
Sam: $30


4. Who was the only Australian to portray James Bond?
(buzzcode: 72)
*Matt buzzes in (49)*
Matt?
Matt: George Lazenby
That's correct, and you go up to $25.
(ding)


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $30


5. What were the 5th generation iPods the first to offer?
(buzzcode: 55)
*Sam buzzes in (38 )*
Sam?
Sam: The Lightning connector
(green checkmark) And the judges are giving it to you. You're right, and you go to $35.
(ding)


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $35



[INSTANT BARGAIN]


That sound means it's time for an Instant Bargain. The player in the lead can buy bargain merchandise, and that's Sam. You've got a $10 lead over Matt, $35 to spend, and..... would you look at that?!


(Kelly and Jeff, in full Greek Whammy costumes, display these rugs, along with a special guest)





Stacey: Sam, you've heard about them all your life, but here they are! Not one, but *two* Flokati rugs!


(I heavily applaud these, nearly slumping from my lectern in excitement)


Stacey: Steady, Greg. These are 10-foot by 16-foot all-wool rugs that can be used as wall hangings or bed throws or before your fireplace to add warmth and beauty to your home. Easy to clean, quick to maintain, and built to last. From Flokati.com.

And you can learn more about these rugs on your trip to Athens, Greece!





You and a guest will fly round-trip business class from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece for a 6-night stay in a Grand Suite at the King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Set amongst a vibrant patchwork of history, in the heart of the city, King George is steps from the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, and a short stroll from Plaka and Thission. Boasting a harmonious blend of eclectic antiques, modern technology, and unrivaled amenities—including signature Luxury Collection beds and premium bath amenities—our 102 guest rooms serve as gracious sanctuaries, with views of the city or hotel atrium. The King George!




Plus, discover hidden treasures of Ancient Greece in an Athens Photo Tour, by walking the city streets. This full day private Athens photography tour is an adventure in the center and outskirts of the Greek capital.

We're also including $3,000 spending money! All together, this prize package is normally priced at....




$19,097


But is yours on $ale of the Century for only....


$6


(audience cheers as I join the three, stunned and delighted at what I am seeing)


Greg: Oh, Sam! Sam! Look at all this! Not one, but two Flokati rugs! (I hold them up) Two of them! And to match, two Whammys! And matching them.... TODD NEWTON!




(audience cheers as I shake hands with him) Todd, welcome to $ale of the Century.


Todd: Why thank you, Greg. It's great to be here in Las Vegas! (beat) Now, Greg..... now, Greg, we were supposed to have Peter Tomarken show up, but I've got some bad news.


Greg: What's that?


Todd: He's dead. (audience groans) He has been for about 10 years.


Greg: Well, I knew that. That makes you the heir to the Press Your Luck franchise. (back to Sam) Sam, what we've got here is a trip to Greece, business class, a full-day photography tour of Athens, $3,000 in cash, and....


(Todd holds the rugs up) Todd: Two Flokati rugs!


Greg: Yes, two of them. Now, Sam..... what do you think of this?

[hodders]

I say 2 words, No Sale.

[palmer7]

And we're done. No Sale. Todd, it was great having you here. (we shake hands again, and Todd exits) Todd Newton, everyone! (audience cheers) From somewhere. Who knows what he'll do next?

(I walk back to my lectern) Well, so much for that. Back to the questions.


1. Transom, poop and keel are all parts of a what?
2. What American holiday is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November?
3. What type of creature is located on top of the Calcutta Cup?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)

[palmer7]

1. Transom, poop and keel are all parts of a what?
(buzzcode: 54)
*Sam buzzes in (82)*
Sam?
Sam: A boat/ship
Either one is right, and you go to $40.
(ding)


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $40



2. What American holiday is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November?
(buzzcode: 18)
*Sam buzzes in (38)*
Sam?
Sam: Thanksgiving
That's right, up to $45.
(ding)



Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $45



3. What type of creature is located on top of the Calcutta Cup?
(buzzcode: 49)
*Sam buzzes in (52)*
Sam?
Sam: An Elephant
(in an Indian accent) Veddy good, veddy good. Up to $50 you go.
(ding)



Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $50



(normal voice) That was my Kunal Nayyar impression.


[FAME GAME]


Fame Game time, and we're putting a $10 Money Card up on the board. We also have hidden up there $25,000 in cash, and a Camaro. Since the car hasn't been hit yet this week, Burton's going to tell us all about it. Burton, if you please.




["PASSING LANE"]

Burton: (VO) It's the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible! It takes full advantage of its tighter proportions with more responsive braking, better attack in and out of corners, and more nimble performance. Features a 2-liter 275 HP direct injection engine, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a complete airbag system, an Electronic Stability Control System, On*Star Assistance Service and the 2LT Equipment Group! From Chevrolet, Find New Roads. It's a prize worth.....

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]



Greg: Yes, sir. And we're offering that car all this week on the Fame Game board. But before you can hunt for it, the cash, or the Money Card, you've got to identify this famous fictional character. Hands on buzzers.


I am the protagonist in a series of realistic fiction novels for children and young adults. I am a self-described "wimpy kid", though I can often be selfish, lazy, arrogant, or even mean and dishonest. I am the middle child of three sons. Throughout the series, my schemes to gain popularity in my school, attract girls, and acquire money always backfire, landing me in several dilemmas. Often, I am my own worst enemy. I rarely learn from my ill-fated mistakes and continue to scheme and plot for my various goals. Because of this and my rather-impulsive nature, I usually puts myself and others in trouble, and will often try to find a scapegoat to take the blame. Many of my teachers despise me because they originally had my older brother, Rodrick, as a student, even though my behavior doesn't mirror that of him. I have been portrayed by five people in films, including Zachary Gordon, who won the award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast at the 2011 and 2013 Young Artist Awards for his portrayal of me. In the first film, I've been called an "unlikable protagonist" by Rotten Tomatoes.


(buzzcode and answer, please)

[palmer7]

(buzzcode: 21)
*Sam buzzes in (45)*
Sam?
Sam: Greg Heffley
That's right! (audience cheers) And he's going to be in a new movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, coming out this May. Very good, Sam.


Stacey, where's the $10 Money Card?

[tmann3x]

Stacey:  Dead center... at number 5.

[palmer7]

(lights in motion)


Greg: Sam, you could extend your lead even further if you hit that $10 Money Card. The lights are locked into your buzzer. Good luck, and fire when ready. (a letter from A-I, please)

[hodders]

Certainly wouldn't be a bad thing, stop! (D)

[tmann3x]

[palmer7]

(he stops)


He misses, but stops at #7. What do we have for him?

[tmann3x]

[palmer7]

["EGGS ASHTON"]





Burton: (VO) It's new silverware. From Wallace Silversmiths' French Regency collection, this 46-piece set of flatware is made out of sterling silver, is dishwasher-safe, and has enough utensils for 8 people. Furnished by Wayfair.com. It's a prize worth $7,600!


(loud cheers and applause)


Greg: Wow! $7,600 in silverware. That's pretty good, I'd say. That prize is yours to keep regardless of how well you do in the game. We'll be back with more.... stuff!



(main theme to commercial)
(shot of the gang cruisin' the Strip in the Camaro)
(cheers and applause)
(fade to commercial)

---

---

(fade in, main theme closes, cheers and applause)


Welcome back, and let me tell you what you missed during the break. An Elvis impersonator just married two bikers right here on this very stage! Yes, sir. I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Harley Davidson! (Harley and Karen stand up to cheers and applause) The man's name was Harley, I swear. And kids, we want to give you a wedding gift. If the Camaro and or the $25,000 is not won by our contestants tonight, that's what you two kids will get. (audience cheers) The entire audience agreed to it. Plus, we're going to send them off to Greece with two Flokati rugs and that silverware set Sam won before the break! (audience cheers even louder) You just stay in your seats, kids, because the wedding party's going to continue!


Meanwhile, back at the game.....



Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $50



Sam has a commanding $25 lead over Matt and $7,600 in silverware. Kourtney is still in it with $15. Back to the questions.


1. What name is given to the fruit of an oak tree?
2. What mineral is known as the softest mineral?
3. What instrument did The Who call a "Squeeze Box"?
4. What U.S. national park is known for its geysers?
5. On what 70's game show might you see one of "Chuckie's Fables"?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)

[palmer7]

1. What name is given to the fruit of an oak tree?
(buzzcode: 43)
*Kourtney buzzes in (44)*
Kourtney?
Kourtney: Acorn
Acorn is right, and you go back to $20.
(ding)


Kourtney: $20
Matt: $25
Sam: $50


2. What mineral is known as the softest mineral?
(buzzcode: 24)
*Kourtney buzzes in (26)*
Kourtney?
Kourtney: Gold
(wrong)
Oh no..... Talc. Talc is the softest mineral. You go back to $15.


Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $50



3. What instrument did The Who call a "Squeeze Box"?
(buzzcode: 55)
*Kourtney buzzes in (67)*
Kourtney?
Kourtney: Accordion
And Daddy never sleeps at night. You're right!
(ding)


Kourtney: $20
Matt: $25
Sam: $50


"She goes in and out and in and out and in and out and in and out....."

4. What U.S. national park is known for its geysers?
(buzzcode: 27)
*Sam buzzes in (76)*
Sam?
Sam: Yellowstone
As opposed to Jellystone, you're right. Up to $55.
(ding)


Kourtney: $20
Matt: $25
Sam: $55




5. On what 70's game show might you see one of "Chuckie's Fables"?
(buzzcode: 71)
*Kourtney buzzes in (13)*
Kourtney?
Kourtney: Match Game
(wrong)
I don't think Charles Nelson Reilly ever told any fables. But if he did, they were pretty good, a-huhhuh. Sorry, you go back to $15.



Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $55




[INSTANT BARGAIN]


Well, Sam.... Instant Bargain time again. Well, you've got a motorhome, you've got trips, you've got an investment in a Broadway musical, among other things.... how about this?



(Todd and an Italian beauty live it up)


Stacey: Sam, how'd you like to live it up for three months in a luxury apartment in Firenze, Italy!?! (audience cheers) This apartment for rent is just 4 minutes from Piazzale Michelangelo in a very panoramic position. It has independent access and covers a surface of 430 sqm divided in two floors with private elevator and plate glass stairs. It comprises a broad open space used as living room, a kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a launderette. It is fully furnished with flatware and sheets included. Included in the residential expenses are: use of the pool, security, garden maintenance, external lights, power, gates maintenance, alarm system, elevator maintenance, water purifier and 3 parking spots. And you get to enjoy that for three months, Sam! From Carratelli Real Estate srl. It's normally priced at...




$31,767


But you can enjoy all this on $ale of the Century for only....


$10


(audience cheers as I join them)


Greg: Eat your heart out, Bill Cullen! (I take a glass of sparkling ginger ale and sip from it) Sam, we know you're an Englishman, but what do you think about Italy? We'd pay your rent for three whole months. That's 90-plus days. Sounds good, hmmm?

[hodders]

Too good to refuse with a lead like mine.

*Presses buzzer*

[palmer7]

He's going to buy! (audience cheers)



Kourtney: $15
Matt: $25
Sam: $45



Congratulations. We take $10 off your score, and you're going to be enjoy three months of "la vita dolce". (I walk back to my lectern) And you still have a $20 lead. Back to the questions we go.


1. What was Iran known as until 1935?
2. An atom or molecule that has an odd number of electrons is known as a free WHAT?
3. What video game title does breaking the sound barrier cause?


(buzzcodes and answers, please)