More Bleeps?
I’ve noticed a disturbing trend of your needing to “bleep” out a lot more these days. It seems foul language has become more and more part of the American vernacular. Sad.
—Bob Pierce
Littleton , New Hampshire

Peter’s reply: You may be right, although there were quite a few bleeps in my Dad’s day. In the earliest days of Candid Camera, he’d occasionally bleep something that was completely clean. He knew that bleeps are often very funny. But network officials put a stop to that, saying it was unfair to bleep if you don’t have to.

Favorite Gag?
I was just wondering, out of all the stunts you guys have ever set up, which one is your favorite? It must be really hard to decide; they're all so creative and wonderfully funny! I could never pick one, but I hope you'll keep making the world smile!
—Kristen Plumridge
Enfield, Connecticut

Peter’s reply: My Dad and I have often said that our “favorite” Candid Camera sequence is usually the one we’ve just finished. There have been thousands. From the recent collection, I suppose my favorite is “The Green Student,” because it touched so many people and has proved so valuable in schools across the country.

Cross-Eyed Viewer
Why does Dina Eastwood always, while sitting on the stool, cross her legs from left to right?
—Tony Granahan
Wheeling, Illinois

Peter’s reply: You’re not cross-eyed; you’re eagle-eyed – and correct. It started with Suzanne Somers, who told me one day that if she sat to my left (as Dina does) and crossed her right leg over her left, it would be bad body language. She said it means you don’t care for the person. I don’t know if that’s true, but she and Dina obviously care for me so much they always cross the left over the right.

Fond Memories
I can recall as a young child having to go to bed just as Candid Camera was coming on television. Worse than knowing I was missing the show was hearing my father cackling at top volume over the goings-on. My father passed away several years back, and that is certainly one of the very fond memories that I hold of him. Years later, with two children of my own, I make certain that I don't put them through the "torture" of listening to me enjoy the show while they're in the next room. I find it to be a good, funny bonding experience, and I think it has helped shape their appreciation for humor. Keep up the good work on your show, and I especially appreciate the one or two bits from the 60s that you feature. It allows me a glimpse of the episodes that my father enjoyed!
—Paul Schoon

The Naked Truth
I live on Hawthorne Avenue in Yonkers, New York and attended Hawthorne Junior High School in the late 60's and was in school the day that segments of "What do You Say to a Naked Lady?" were filmed there. I couldn't actually see it until AFTER I turned 18 years old. I just wanted to say "thanks" for keeping an institution alive and well. Some of the segments are a thrill to watch. I guess Candid Camera is such a part of American life that it's almost become sort of a joke when something out of the ordinary happens, the immediate reaction is always: “Am I on Candid Camera?" Hope your cameras stay hidden for a LONG time to come to give folks like me a good laugh at people "in the act of just being themselves."
—Jack Roth