The History of Toys and Games(1997)

Actor John Ritter ("Three's Company") hosts this fun look at America's favorite playthings. From the humble, hand-crafted objects that occupied Colonial children to the complex video games of the '90s, toys and games hold a special place in the nation's collective heart. Archaeological digs have turned up little wooden tops, whistles and corn-husk dolls that once gave children a way to cope with harsh everyday realities. Today children still love their now mass-produced delights. The History of Toys and Games follows the progress of fun pastimes and introduces the fascinating inventors who've created and marketed this century's most popular toys - including Barbie, Lionel Trains, Crayola Crayons, Erector Sets, Hot Wheels, Play Doh, PEZ and Mr. Potato Head.