MILWAUKEE -- A real-life participant in "Twenty-One," the 1950s television game show portrayed in the movie "Quiz Show," planned to make two in-store appearances in Roundy's-supplied stores this month.
Herbert Stempel was scheduled to sign autographs April 19 and 20 in Pick 'n Save stores in Burlington and Oak Creek, Wisc. Both stores are independently run. "We want to increase awareness of the film and also promote our video departments," said Teri Severinsen, Roundy's manager of video services. "We want people to come in, take a look and see what we have to offer." Now in his 70s, Stempel is a former "Twenty-One" champion whose charges helped bring the show's deceptions to light. Played by John Turturro, he is featured prominently in the movie. "Quiz Show" was released April 18 for the rental market by Hollywood Pictures Home Video, and is distributed by Buena Vista Home Video, Burbank, Calif.
While in the Milwaukee area, Stempel was scheduled to be interviewed by a television station, two radio stations and several publications, said Severinsen.
Video distributor MS Distributors, Elk Grove Village, Ill., helped Roundy's plan the event along with Buena Vista. The Oak Creek store was picked because it is brand new, Severinsen said. "The timing was perfect," she said. The Burlington store, which is about 45 minutes from Milwaukee, has its own media outlets, said Severinsen. "That allows us to use the Milwaukee exposure, but to make it a small town promotion, where we will get many local people involved and create community excitement," she said.