Strike It Rich (1950s TV series)

Strike It Rich
Warren Hull with Frank G. Atkinson, president of Joseph Dixon Crucible Company.
Presented by	Todd Russell (1947–1948) Warren Hull (1948–1958)
Country of origin	United States
No. of seasons	11
Production
Running time	30 minutes
Production company(s)	Walt Framer Productions
Release
Original network	CBS (1947–1950, radio; 1951–1958, television) NBC Radio (1950–1957)
Picture format	Black-and-white
Audio format	Monaural
Original release	June 9, 1947 (1947-06-09) – January 3, 1958 (1958-01-03)

Strike It Rich is a game show that aired on American radio and television from June 29, 1947, to December 27, 1957 on CBS and NBC. People in need of money (such as for medical treatment or a destitute family) appeared and told their tale of woe, then tried to win money by answering four relatively easy questions. Each player would be given $30 and bet any of their bankroll on answering each question after being given the category. If the contestant didn't win any money, the emcee opened the "Heart Line", which was a phone line to viewers who wished to donate to the contestant's family.

The radio series aired on CBS from 1947 to 1950. On May 1, 1950, the show moved to NBC until December 27, 1957. Todd Russell was the host from 1947 to 1948, followed by Warren Hull. The television series premiered May 7, 1951, on CBS's daytime lineup and ran until January 3, 1958, including a prime time version from July 4, 1951, to January 12, 1955.

Some applauded Strike It Rich for helping out some less fortunate people, as well as showcasing the sincere charity and goodwill of viewers who donated through the Heart Line. Others found it a sickening spectacle that exploited the less fortunate contestants for the vicarious thrills of the viewers and the selfish gain of the sponsors.

Strike It Rich is a game show that aired on American radio and television 1947 to 1957 on CBS and NBC. People in need of money (such as for medical treatment or a destitute family) appeared and told their tale of woe, then tried to win money by answering four relatively easy questions. Each player would be given $30 and bet any of their bankroll on answering each question after being given the category. If the contestant didn't win any money, the emcee opened the "Heart Line", which was a phone line to viewers who wished to donate to the contestant's family.

Sponsored by Luden's Cough Drops, the radio series aired on CBS from June 29, 1947, to April 30, 1950. Todd Russell was the host from 1947 to 1948, followed by Warren Hull. On May 1, 1950, the show moved to NBC, where it aired on weekdays, sponsored by Colgate, until December 27, 1957.