RENO, Nev., Sep 2, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --
The zany castaways of television's Gilligan's Island(TM) one day will be washing up in the nation's casinos according to IGT (NYSE: IGT), which says the company has signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce a Gilligan's Island(TM) slot machine. The slots will be shown at Global Gaming Expo, the largest gaming industry trade show, in Las Vegas later this month. All of the surviving members of the original cast -- Bob Denver, Dawn Wells, Russell Johnson and Tina Louise -- will make an appearance at the IGT booth during the show.
The half hour comedy that focused on a diverse group of people marooned on a Pacific island aired from 1964 to 1967. "This is classic television at its very finest. Everyone has their favorite episode and can sing the song. And best of all, every member of the cast is featured in the game so all the characters have a part in the game," said Rich Pennington, executive vice president of product development for IGT. "The show represents a great mix of nostalgia and pop culture that has the makings of a very successful slot theme."
Bob Denver was Gilligan, first mate and "little buddy" of the Skipper, who was portrayed by the late Alan Hale, Jr. Dawn Wells, a former Miss Nevada from Reno, played MaryAnn, the wholesome yet sexy farm girl. The late Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer were the Thurston Howells, billionaire socialites. Russell Johnson played the ever-resourceful Professor; and Tina Louise was movie star, Ginger Grant. The show was the brainchild of Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of The Brady Bunch.
IGT is developing the Gilligan's Island(TM) game as a MegaJackpots(TM) product. It has not been determined when the new machines will be available in casinos.
IGT ( www.IGT.com ) is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of microprocessor-based gaming and lottery products and software systems in all jurisdictions where gaming and lotteries are legal.
GILLIGAN'S ISLAND and all related characters and elements are trademarks and (C) of Turner Entertainment Co.
SOURCE IGT
Connie Fox of IGT, +1-702-896-8751
http://www.igt.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
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