Host: Barbara, you've done very well so far — $500,000 and one lifeline left: phone a friend. The next question will give you the top prize of one million dollars if you get it right, but if you get it wrong, you will drop back to $32,000. Are you ready?
Barbara: Sure, I'll have a go!
Host: Which of the following birds does not build its own nest? Is it A) Robin, B) Sparrow, C) Cuckoo, or D) Thrush? Remember, Barbara, it's worth one million dollars.
Barbara: I think I know, but I'm not 100% sure. I'd like to phone a friend, Regis, just to be sure.
Host: Yes, who do you want to phone?
Barbara: I'll phone my friend Maggie back home in Birmingham.
(Phone rings)
Maggie: Hello?
Host: Hello, Maggie. This is Regis from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. I have Barbara here, and she's doing really well at $500,000, but she needs your help to win a million. The next voice you hear will be Barbara's, and she'll read you the question. There are four possible answers and one correct answer. You have 30 seconds. Fire away, Barbara.
Barbara: Maggie, which of the following birds does not build its own nest? Is it A) Robin, B) Sparrow, C) Cuckoo, or D) Thrush?
Maggie: Oh, gee, Barbara, that's simple. It's a cuckoo.
Barbara: You think?
Maggie: I'm sure.
Barbara: Thanks, Maggie. (Hangs up)
Host: Well, do you want to stick with $500,000 or play on for the million, Barbara?
Barbara: I want to play. I'll go with C) Cuckoo.
Host: Is that your final answer?
Barbara: It is.
Host: Are you confident?
Barbara: Yes, fairly. Maggie's a sound bet.
Host: Barbara... you had $500,000, and you said C) Cuckoo... you're right! You have just won ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Here is your check. You have been a great contestant and a real gambler. Audience, please put your hands together for Barbara!
(Applause)
That night, Barbara met Maggie at a local bar for a celebration drink. As they sipped their champagne, Barbara turned to Maggie and asked, "Tell me, Maggie, how in God's name did you know that it was the cuckoo that does not build its own nest?"
Maggie replied, "Listen, Barbara, everybody knows that a cuckoo lives in a clock."