Television: Whither Charley?

"I know his name—I know his name," the contestant muttered desperately. For a few seconds longer he punished his memory while some 50 million Americans held their breaths. Then Charles Van Doren, 31, turned full face to the TV camera. "No, I don't," he confessed with a weak smile. "I guess I don't know."

So ended last week the four-month mental marathon that had accomplished the transformation of an egghead into a TV darling (TIME, Feb. 11 et seq.). By failing to name Belgium's King Baudouin, Van Doren lost the game on NBC's Twenty One to Mrs. Vivienne Nearing, a blonde...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!