About this season
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.
Episodes (17)
1. Episode 1
Aired 3 September 1973
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.
2. Episode 2
Aired 10 September 1973
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.
3. Episode 3
Aired 17 September 1973
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.
4. Episode 4
Aired 24 September 1973
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.
5. Episode 5
Aired 4 October 1973
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Scottish geography and literature, opera and Britain's railways - four new contestants meet in tonight's round from Glasgow University.
6. Episode 6
Aired 11 October 1973
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.
7. Episode 7
Aired 18 October 1973
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.
8. Episode 8
Aired 25 October 1973
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Sussex University, Brighton
9. Episode 9
Aired 1 November 1973
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.
10. Episode 10
Aired 8 November 1973
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.
11. Episode 11
Aired 15 November 1973
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from the University of Reading
12. Episode 12
Aired 22 November 1973
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.
13. Episode 13
Aired 29 November 1973
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.
14. Episode 14
Aired 6 December 1973
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.
15. Episode 15
Aired 13 December 1973
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.
16. Episode 16
Aired 20 December 1973
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.
17. Episode 17
Aired 27 December 1973
Introduced by Magnus Magnusson The Final for the title of 'Mastermind of the United Kingdom'