Merry Widow

The Merry Widow, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in 1963, is a four-player electro-mechanical (EM) machine built around a "Happiness - Dancing" theme. By 1963 flippers were long-established pinball equipment, but the Merry Widow puts them to inventive use alongside a pair of ball kickers that propel the ball toward swinging targets, a distinctive mechanism for the era.

The machine boasts an impressive array of features, including two ball kickers that propel the ball towards swinging targets, four pop bumpers, and three rollover buttons. The unique combination of these elements creates a dynamic gameplay experience that rewards strategy and skill. One notable aspect is the replay system, which awards players with additional games based on their score matching at the end of each game. This feature not only adds an extra layer of excitement but also encourages competitive play.

With 2,150 units produced and artwork by George Molentin, the Merry Widow is a representative example of Steve Kordek's prolific run of EM designs for Williams in the early 1960s.