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Hot Diggity

Manufacturer: Williams Manufacturing Company (1944-1958) [Trade Name: Williams]
Year: 1956
Date: May 28, 1956
Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)
Players: 1

About This Machine

Hot Diggity, released by Williams in May 1956, is a classic single-player electro-mechanical game designed by Harry Williams with artwork by George Molentin. Its title nods to the song 'Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom),' recorded by Perry Como, which hit number one on the Billboard chart in March 1956 - a timely tie-in for a game with a music and dancing theme.

Gameplay revolves around the traditional EM experience, with players using two flippers to control the ball through a playfield featuring three pop bumpers, two slingshots, three kick-out holes, two standup targets, and a gobble hole. A distinctive touch is found in the top left and right lanes, where each lane has four wireforms mounted snug to the playfield surface that guide a rolling ball in one of three directions, adding an extra layer of variety to ball paths.

The design and artwork exude a sense of joy and playfulness fitting the game's upbeat theme. The cabinet is notable for its narrow width, measuring 22 inches across (23 3/4 inches including the wood rails). While little is documented about Harry Williams' inspirations behind Hot Diggity, its charm as a mid-1950s Williams game gives it an enduring presence in collector circles.

Images (24)

Technical Details

Theme:
Happiness - Music - Dancing
Model Number:
165
Notable Features:
Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Slingshots (2), Kick-out holes (3), Standup targets (2), Gobble hole (1). The top left and right lanes each have four wireforms, mounted snug to the playfield surface, that guide a rolling ball in one of three directions. The width of the lower cabinet measures 22 inches, or 23 3/4 inches if including the woodrails.

Credits

Designer:
Harry Williams
Artist:
George Molentin