Network: CTV Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1971 to 1973
Broadcast Medium: Television
Alan Hamel hosted this daytime strip panel show, in which a panel of three women celebrities faced an unfortunate male guest – also a celebrity – and dumped on him for some perceived slight to their femininity. Owing something to the 1950s panel show Leave It To The Girls, it was nevertheless something of a breakthrough in 1971, and its Vancouver production location enabled Hamel to entice U.S. guests from Los Angeles to hop the northbound shuttle to take part. Panellists included Hamel’s future wife Suzanne Somers, Stefanie Powers, Chelsea Brown, Selma Diamond, Margot Kidder, Jacqueline Suzanne, Meredith MacRae, Sue Lyon, Jaye P. Morgan, Phyllis Kirk and Carol Wayne. Harlan Ellison and Paul Lynde were two of the male lambs who accepted modest fees to be led to the slaughter.
Produced for CTV at their Vancouver affiliate BCTV, Mantrap debuted in 1971 as a daily strip, which CTV affiliates played in various time periods in each market. It remained in the CTV schedule for two years, and was also syndicated in the U.S.
Written by Pip Wedge – August, 2002