I was strolling down Memory Lane and thought of this old TV program called "Queen for a Day." I remember watching the show and thinking it was so cool! The show was early "reality television."

Here's what I found on-line about the show:

Queen for a Day

Definition: Four women were selected from the audience. Their task: to convince everyone that they are the most pathetic. The audience judged their sob stories with the applause-o-meter, and awarded the "loser" with her wishes, plus a crown and roses.

Premiered: January 3, 1956

Catch phrase: "Would you like to be queen for a day?" DH and I definitely remember that phrase!

Hosts:Dick Curtis 1969-1970 Jack Bailey 1956-1964

"Jack Bailey hosted four contestants chosen from the studio audience that compete for prizes by telling their sad life stories - and people back then had it a LOT rougher than we do today! Heck, just going through a GOOD day in the Fifties would be like a major hardship today...

"The audience's sympathy applause decided the winner, who was then crowned, robed, tiara-ed, throned, and showered with gifts like refrigerators and washing machines.

"Jeanne Cagney (sister of James Cagney) hosted a fashion segment that ran between the many tales of woe. The show was broadcast form the glamorous Moulin Rouge restaurant on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood.

"This very popular daytime entry started on radio in 1945, moved to TV in 1956 and finished its run on television in 1964 (with a brief revival in 1969). The show was so popular in its heyday, with so many people lined up outside the studio for tapings, that 'Queen For A Day' was expanded to 45 minutes to accommodate a fifth contestant."

Does anyone remember the show?

Now please pardon me while I go put on my cape and tiara and enjoy my beautiful bouquet of roses!

Why can't I remember this? Was this day time TV? That might explain it. I was probably outside climbing trees.
It does sound like the first realty show. What a hoot.

Oh I definitely remember this one. My Mom always had it on at home. As a child, I remember thinking it was sad and depressing because everyone seemed to feel sorry for the ladies and the eventual "queen" and then when she was crowned she cried and then everyone cried for her. But I definitely remember it well!!!

I remember that show! I used to watch it with my grandmother. She loved it! That and Search For Tomorrow were here favorites.

I was so glad to read that I'm not alone in remembering the show "Queen for a Day." What I definitely remember is the applause meter.

I remember it as well...I think it made every housewife in America dream that it could happen for her some day.

Wow, I remember that one! You're right! The first "reality" show! lol

Oh yeah....shows before TV...isn't that scary? Gosh, we're really getting old!!!! Getting? Okay...I AM old...but, gosh haven't we seen a lot of changes. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

I remember! I remember! Man, I wanted that crown.

I loved this show and wish they'd create an up to date version... don't know how well the 'queen' part would work.

Let me tell you something. From the main page, I thought the topic meant "be JJ for a day".

Nope. Did'nt get to watch it as I was away in school. Would you know what happened to those who were made Queen for A Day?