No Vote on “Recall” Gag
I was very disappointed in your show regarding the California Recall. You took a very serious and important matter to most Californians (the large turnout at the polls is an indication) and made it appear we were uninformed stupid voters to even have a recall and made it look to be just a big joke. If you lived in California you would know why we had to get Gray Davis out of office. Unfortunately, the voters had no control over all the unqualified, unpatriotic names that appeared on the ballot. The stupidity should have been focused on all those who were not even qualified to be anything much less the Governor or this great state of California. We watch your show a lot and have never seen a show that was so insensitive.
—Janelle Statzer
Carlsbad, California

Peter’s reply: We value your opinion, but disagree. First, as most viewers know, Candid Camera is based in Monterey and Hollywood, so we certainly know about our great state. The point, quite clearly, was that the recall process is ridiculous; anyone with enough money can mount a petition drive to recall anyone. We weren’t focusing on voters; we were observing how foolishly well-meaning people often react when asked to sign a petition. By the way, your letter points out that there were many unqualified people on the ballot. Unfortunately, one of them, with no qualifications other than being an actor with a long history of abusing women, got elected.

“Green Boy” Touches Many Viewers
The show where you asked children their opinion or how they feel about “green” people really brought me to tears. A particularly beautiful little girl with red blouse or dress really gave an answer that touched my heart. She said, "This is a free country." I also heard her say that people are free to visit America, and "we will make them feel at home.” All the children said that it does not matter the color of skin that anybody has and that everyone is created by God and are equal.
Peter, may God bless you immensely. (I am a Nigerian. I came to America in 1999, to work with preschool children.)
—Ms. Chidi
Landover, Maryland

Thank you for tonight's segment about "Green Skin." Presenting the idea of a new kid in class with green skin to other children, just to see what they would say was wonderful. You see, when I was in elementary school I was a target of much ridicule, to the point that I'd get a knotted stomach just looking at the campus. Now I teach the very same group you interviewed, second grade, and you can count on my ordering a tape for my class.
—Agape Phileos,
Dory Blankenship
Chandler, Arizona

The story with the second-graders and the "green boy" was absolutely fantastic. I was so impressed with how the kids responded. It's a shame that, in this day and age, prejudice always rears its ugly head. And not just with one's color of skin, but with one's religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, handicap, and more. Thank you for an enlightening piece on your show. Maybe it will wake up some of your viewers to smell the roses. We're America -- a melting pot for all.
—Robert M. Macre
Buffalo, New York

Peter’s reply: We’ve received hundreds of letters about that segment. During the broadcast we offered a free VHS copy to educators who wished to use it in their classrooms. To date, over 400 have requested the video. [Educators must write, on school letterhead, to Candid Camera, Box 827, Monterey, CA 93942.]

Love Those Frogs
I’ve been watching your show for a long time. I enjoyed it when Allen was hosting and I enjoy it more lately. Anyway, I recently watched the episode in which Peter went to Hawaii to investigate singing tree frogs. It was amazing how you had local people and tourists completely taken in. Keep the good work up.
—Jesse Garner
Luverne, Alabama

Disgruntled Postal Workers
My husband and I are postal workers. I do not appreciate Dina Eastwood’s comment about “snail mail!” No where in the world does anyone offer such an unbelievable service with so much volume! Get that comment off. It’s not true and very offensive. And, no, I won’t go postal! Thanks. Keep up the good work!
—Terri Hale
Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Peter’s reply: Dina and I thought it was a fairly common term these days. But we’re not going to say it again. By the way, we appreciate all the help we get from the Postal Service. Have you seen our 0-cent stamps and E-mail stamps in our Merchandise Section?

Go Ahead, Pull Our Legs
My wife and children and I think Candid Camera is the best show on TV. Thanks for your clean comedy and fun you show every week. Chris and Peter, you guys are the best leg-pullers ever. God bless all the Candid Camera employees.
—Bryan Evans
Skelten, West Virginia

A Hit in Indonesia
Your program has been viewing for six months on our local station called Lativi, but it seems that yours become one of the most expecting show in our country. Is it possible that you visit other country outside USA to get the great picture about people who get shock by your team? We believe that would be a great support for uniting all nations by laughing together, watching the funny scene, not just getting the war news.
Thank you for making such a great show.
—Herman Wiryawan
Indonesia

I always watch the Candid Camera show on Indonesian television (Lativi) but the show is about two years old. It is still funny and makes the whole of my family smiles. Because of different culture and language, sometimes we do not understand what the host says but we still understand by watching the body language. Thank you Candid Camera to make my family smiles and still your camera rolling on to make whole world smiles.
—Nofaldi
Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

Airport Case
I was appalled to read of the troubles that you are suffering due to a money-seeking individual who made claim due to your airport bit. This is, as you stated, reality TV, and for the life of me, I do not understand how this clown could be awarded ANYTHING for his mishap. It is truly a sad day when people can sue over "nothing." I hope that the litigation goes as well as can be expected and that you can continue on with your show so I can share with "my" children what quality shows I grew up with.
—Robert Adams
St. Louis, Missouri

Peter’s reply: The case Mr. Adams refers to involved passengers riding the conveyor belt at an airport in Arizona. Much has been written on this site about the matter. The case is now being appealed.

The Yellow Balloon
I watched your piece about a yellow balloon and how different people reacted to it in it's various locations (i.e. a park, a street, a town square, etc.) Playing with the clip as background music was a beautiful piano solo. I would love to find out where I can get a copy of that music and would appreciate any help you could give me.
—Gary E. Cornelia
San Jose, CA

Peter’s reply: The music, called “Trees,” was written and performed by Jonathon Lee. It is on a compilation CD titled “A Moment of Grace,” by JLM Recordings.

A Tall Bit of Trickery
I loved the episode when you raised the house 10 feet above the ground and then had delivery people try to enter the front door! I love your show and I hope you never make me look like a dork on television!
—Amanda Pluntze
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Peter’s reply: Your kind letter reminds me of an exchange many years ago when the late Al Hirschfeld drew a picture of my Dad for The New York Times. My Dad wrote in protest, saying Mr. Hirschfeld “makes me look like a monkey.” Hirschfeld wrote back: “Only God can do that. I just draw the pictures.”