By Melissa Antoinette Garza
I have an odd interest in scandals and frauds. When done right, I find documentaries, books and television shows about those who lack a moral compass or act outside of their moral compass fascinating.
The film QUIZ SHOW (1994) is one of my favorites. Once watched, I researched the actual events the film was based on. The show was called TWENTY ONE and in that case not only was the contestants part of the fraud, but the producers themselves were in on it.
Next was the PRESS YOUR LUCK scandal, which regarded an unpleasant man learning a pattern within the game show to win a large amount of money. The BIG BUCKS documentary made regarding this man and show is quite interesting especially since it caused the entire program to change the way the game board worked.
That said, before I found it on YOUTUBE, I had never heard about the UK’s WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE scandal and it may be the most fascinating and bizarre situation yet.
The documentary follows a family who is obsessed with the show. Diana Ingram appeared after her brother and was disappointed at only winning 32,000 pounds which was the exact same amount as her sibling.
Things get interesting when her husband, Charles Ingram, a former member of the military gets on the show. He seems more nervous than any other contestant shown. He also has a weird likability about him whereas his wife just comes across as a horrible person and all around bitch. I almost wonder if she planned the entire fraud and he passively came along for the ride.
Ingram begins answering questions and barely makes it to 5,000 pounds when he uses a lifeline. Things get odd as he seemingly has no idea what the correct responses would be, but still gets every last one correct. He could stop at any time, but doesn’t. Despite repeatedly announcing he’s not sure and even verbally disqualifying the answer, he would then turn around and guess it anyways.
The host, Chris Tarrant, was so caught up in the excitement and focusing in on the questions and answers, he didn’t notice that something very odd was occurring. Ingram was getting help, not only by his wife who sat in the audience, but by another contestant. Tecwen Whittock for whatever reason, most likely financial gain, was very obviously helping Ingram win. Both Whittock and Diana would cough whenever Ingram would say the correct answer. At one point, Ingram believes he knows the answer, but is wrong and Whittock actually coughs the word “NO.”
The entire spectacle has to be seen to be believed. Now, there are some articles and books that claim these three individuals are innocent despite the mounting evidence and even a guilty verdict. I have not yet had a chance to view the other side of the argument though I look forward to it. Still, my eyes and ears clearly saw and heard what they did, and I don’t see how there can be room for any type of reasonable doubt. I’m always glad to see situations where cheaters are brought to justice, though part of me feels for Charles. I truly believe Diana is the brains behind this ridiculously stupid scheme.
I highly recommend viewing this production, and being that it is on YOUTUBE, it’s free. The link is below as embedding has been disabled by the individual who put the documentary up.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
