Dusting Off Crown for Another Era of TV Royalty

Are there any women in America today who would jump at the chance to be Queen for a Day?

Dan Enright of Barry & Enright Productions pondered that question as he pieced together a pilot for a new “Queen for a Day Show” in his Century City office.

“We wanted to be careful that women would not feel demeaned or exploited,” Enright said of the show, which has yet to be picked up for syndication. “We felt, in these times, that the criteria should be: What has this particular woman done to benefit others?”

In the pilot show, an announcer still asks the magic question and the audience still explodes with applause. But the throne, red velvet cape, four-dozen roses and host Jack Bailey are gone.

“Welcome--to the new ‘Queen for a Day Show!’ ” the announcer booms. “The show that makes dreams come true. And, now, here’s our host--Monty Haaaall!”

In somber tones, Hall explains that the first candidate’s world “came crashing down on her, suddenly and brutally” in 1985 when an airplane in which she was riding crashed into a mountain. Hall sat with the candidate, a burn victim who aids other burn victims, on a couch in a comfortable living-room setting. The woman’s wish was for money to see her through more plastic surgery.

The second candidate had adopted 30 children and requested several water beds and a bus because she wanted to adopt more children.

The third woman founded Mothers Against Gangs in Chicago after her 17-year-old daughter was fatally shot by gang members four years ago. The woman asked for sports equipment and educational materials to help keep youngsters off the streets.

Fifty pre-selected audience members considered the candidates and voted, using IBM selector modules.

Gift Certificates

“And with 27 votes, it’s candidate No. 1!” the announcer says. The new queen’s wish for more plastic surgery is granted and she also receives gift certificates to Macys department store.

The potential audience for the show, said Enright, who has also produced “The Joker’s Wild,” “Tic Tac Dough” and “Concentration,” are those who watch such programs as “Divorce Court,” “People’s Court” and “Crimes of Passion.”

Several former winners from the original show were present in the audience as the pilot was filmed. Although they feel much of the glamour has been eliminated in the new version, they said they’re anxious for the show to air in the future.

“We’re afraid, since we’re all older queens now, that there won’t be any of us left,” said Rose Krause, a widow who was granted a piano for her two daughters in 1958. “So we want the new show to come on. We need some younger members so the club won’t die.”