Bill Wright
Director
Mastermind (1972)
1973
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.
Released Sept. 11, 1972
Episode 30 min
None+
Genres: Game Show, Talk, Talk Show
Keywords: tmdb.quiz, imdb.quiz-show, mdblist.has-trailer, imdb.general-knowledge, imdb.contestant, imdb.famous-opening-theme, imdb.long-running-tv + 12 more, imdb.one-word-title, imdb.spotlight, imdb.chair, imdb.question, imdb.non-fiction, tmdb.knowledge, imdb.game-show-host, imdb.1970s, imdb.1980s, imdb.1990s, imdb.british, imdb.quiz
Production Companies: Hat Trick Productions, Hindsight Productions
Network: BBC Two
Country: United Kingdom
Languages:
English
S2E1 - Episode 1
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Quick reactions, depth of knowledge, fast recall and concise answers. All these are required in this tense and exciting Brain Game which comes tonight from the University of Lancaster.
Sept. 3, 1973, midnight
S2E2 - Episode 2
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
When the questions begin, there is no time to ponder or elaborate. Contestants in this Brain Game know the answers immediately - or not at all. Tension mounts again at the University of Lancaster in this second round contest to find the Mastermind of 1973.
Sept. 10, 1973, midnight
S2E3 - Episode 3
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Greek mythology, words, classical music, 19th-century English literature... four aspiring Master-minds answer questions on these and general knowledge questions in the third round of this contest from the University of Bristol.
Sept. 17, 1973, midnight
S2E4 - Episode 4
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Quick reactions, depth of knowledge, fast recall and concise answers.
The University of Bristol is the setting for tonight's episode of the Brain Game where four contestants answer questions on: Harps, harp music and harpists; Liszt-his life and works; European mountaineering to 1914; Rudyard Kipling-his life and works.
Sept. 24, 1973, midnight
S2E5 - Episode 5
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Scottish geography and literature, opera and Britain's railways - four new contestants meet in tonight's round from Glasgow University.
Oct. 4, 1973, midnight
S2E6 - Episode 6
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
In tonight's brain game, from the University of Glasgow: an information scientist answers questions on Frederick the Great; a student on the history of music, 1680-1850; a civil servant on Shakespeare's plays; a teacher on Romano-British archaeology.
Oct. 11, 1973, midnight
S2E7 - Episode 7
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Tonight's round of the brain game comes from Sussex University, Brighton. Douglas Gibson, a British Airways station officer, answers questions on modern weapons; crossword puzzle compiler Charles Key answers on the city of Paris; editor and writer Phyllis Hartnell on the history of the theatre; and student Stephen Wildman on painting, 1880-1914.
Oct. 18, 1973, midnight
S2E8 - Episode 8
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Sussex University, Brighton
Oct. 25, 1973, midnight
S2E9 - Episode 9
Magnus Magnusson introduces the ninth heat which comes from the University of Keele. Reginald Drew answers on the Royal Navy, Sally Copeland on classical mythology, Christopher Monro on English literature and Marjorie Elliott on symphony orchestras.
Nov. 1, 1973, midnight
S2E10 - Episode 10
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Keele University, Staffs.
Tonight's contestants answer on British geography, Gilbert and Sullivan, the Third Reich and the 19th-century novel.
Nov. 8, 1973, midnight
S2E11 - Episode 11
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from the University of Reading
Nov. 15, 1973, midnight
S2E12 - Episode 12
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Reading University
In tonight's heat, the last before the quarter finals, Daniel Appleby answers questions on West Africa, Mrs Marilyn Halberstam answers on 19th-20th century crime, Andrew Hardman on the history of Greece and City States to the death of Alexander and Paul Ponder on British birds.
Nov. 22, 1973, midnight
S2E13 - Episode 13
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Sixteen area Masterminds have won through to the second round of the competition.
Four matches will be played and the challengers in tonight's programme are Archie Orton from East Midlands, Rosemary Bown from Northern Ireland, Rev Peter Strange from North East, and John Coleby from Wales.
Nov. 29, 1973, midnight
S2E14 - Episode 14
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
The challengers in tonight's second round are Paul Ponder from South East, Dr Reginald Webster from North West, Eleanor MacNair and Dr Archie Campbell from Scottish teams.
Dec. 6, 1973, midnight
S2E15 - Episode 15
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
Sixteen area masterminds have won through to the second round of the competition.
Four matches will be played and the challengers in tonight's programme are Charles Key and Richard Snailham from London, Jeffrey Boss from South West and Margery Elliott from West Midlands.
Dec. 13, 1973, midnight
S2E16 - Episode 16
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
The four best runners-up from the national heats are given a second chance in this match to obtain a place in the final.
They are John Colman from North West, Michael York from North East, Patricia Owen from London and Daniel Appleby from South East.
Dec. 20, 1973, midnight
S2E17 - Episode 17
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson
The Final for the title of 'Mastermind of the United Kingdom'
Dec. 27, 1973, midnight
Network: BBC Two
Episode Runtime: 30 min.
Season Runtime: 33810 min.
Released: Sept. 11, 1972
Last Air Date: Nov. 24, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR
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