Charlie's Angels

Charlie, manufactured by Gottlieb in 1979, stands as a testament to the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines. This licensed theme, likely inspired by the popular culture of its time, marks one of the many collaborations between Gottlieb and major entertainment companies that defined the era's innovative spirit.

What sets Charlie apart from its contemporaries is its intricate layout, featuring a staggering array of features: two flippers, two pop bumpers, two slingshots, five-bank drop targets on one side and three-bank on the other, and even a standup target. This machine was designed by Allen Edwall to challenge players with its complex ruleset, where the End-of-Ball bonus adds an extra layer of strategy. The maximum displayed point score of 199,990 points per player is a nod to the competitive nature of pinball enthusiasts during this period.

As one of the many Gottlieb machines from this era, Charlie's design and art reflect the evolution of pinball aesthetics during the late 1970s. Its compact layout and attention to detail demonstrate the craftsmanship that defined Gottlieb's output during this time. While specific details about its theme or inspiration remain unknown, Charlie remains an intriguing piece in the history of pinball, representing a unique blend of gameplay complexity and visual appeal.