1954-1965
“What’s My Line?” was a panel game show that aired on television from 1950 to 1967 on CBS. The game requires celebrity panelists to question a contestant in order to determine his or her occupation with panelists being called on to identify a weekly celebrity mystery guest. Guests entered and signed-in on a chalk board. The contestants’ occupations were seen by the home and studio audience. Cards flipped by the host told the audience how much money the contestant had earned by stumping the panel. It was traditional that the panel introduced each other in turn.
For all of its 17 years on the air, the show aired on Sunday evenings at 10:30pm from CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.
For all but four episodes, John Charles Daly was the host. It was directed by Franklin Heller for all but a handful of its 870 episodes.
Arlene Francis was panelist for 824 of those episodes, the most of any panelist. Several mystery guests appeared seven times: Hedda Hopper, Peter Lawford, and Jerry Lewis. As a rule, a person could not appear as a Mystery Guest more than once in a calendar year. However, there were four exceptions:
- Paul Newman on January 25 and November 8, 1959
- Carol Burnett on May 7 and December 17, 1961
- Steve Allen on March 8 and October 4, 1964
- Lucille Ball on March 7 and July 25, 1965
“What’s My Line?” is the longest-running prime time network television game-show in history. The show won three Emmy Awards for Best Quiz or Audience Participation Show in 1952, 1953, and 1958 and the Golden Globe for Best TV Show in 1962. In 2013,TV Guide ranked it #9 in its list of the 60 greatest game shows ever.
February 21, 1954 ~ S5;E25, #195
Although sponsored by Remington-Rand, the program ends with a live commercial for Stopette Deodorant, their associate sponsor.
The Panel (left to right)
- Dorothy Kilgallen is a popular columnist whose “Voice of Broadway” appears in the Journal American and papers coast to coast.
- Steve Allen a humorist who stars in his own television show on another network five nights a week. More than thirty years later, Allen would guest star as himself on “Lucy Calls the President” (1977).
- Arlene Francis has her own show “Talent Patrol” on another network on Thursday nights.
- Deborah Kerr (Guest Panelist) is the star of the film From Here to Eternity and the play Tea and Sympathy. She is sitting in for regular panelist Bennett Cerf, who is California. Kerr appears on behalf of the New York Lighthouse for the Blind.
John Daly (Host) was previously a news reporter for CBS radio’s “You Are There.” As an actor, he also played a news reporter in the short-lived TV series “The Front Page” (1949-50).
Dick Stark (Remington-Rand Spokesperson)
Arlene Gray (Stopette Deodorant Spokesperson)
The Contestants
- Frances Vaughn sits on the movie censor board in Kansas. Mrs. Vaughn stumps the panel and wins $50.
- Clifford Olson from North Carolina sells maternity clothes. Deborah Kerr guesses his occupation but Daly gives Olson the full prize anyway.
- Tom Wiswell from Brooklyn is a World Champion checkers player. They run out of time before the panel can guess, so Daly gives him the full prize.
The Mystery Guest
Lucille Ball uses the same voice she created when she played a Martian at the top of the Empire State Building in “Lucy is Envious” (ILLS3;E23). Daly tells the panel that Lucy is speaking Martian. The episode was filmed on February 16, 1954 just five days before this appearance. It aired on March 29, 1954. When Dorothy Kilgallen asks Lucy if she sings, Lucy says “eeew” and shakes her head no. Arlene Francis (in collaboration with Deborah Kerr) guesses that it is Lucy by asking if she’s lately had to take advantage of the last contestant’s products [maternity clothes]. The year prior, Lucy Ricardo gave birth to Little Ricky and Lucille Ball to Desi Arnaz Jr. Lucy puts in a pitch for donations to the Heart Fund. After Lucy leaves, Daly reminds the audience that Desi Arnaz was also on the show [November 2, 1952].
October 2, 1955 ~ S7;E5, #278
In 1955 the panel’s ‘pre-guesses’ have been eliminated and the main questioning begins immediately.
Guest air transportation was supplied by American Airlines.
The Panel (left to right)
- Dorothy Kilgallen is apopular columnist whose “Voice of Broadway” appears in the Journal American and papers coast to coast.
- Robert Q. Lewis (Guest Panelist) is the star of his own show on this network everyday [“The Robert Q. Lewis Show”]. He is substituting for Fred Allen.
- Arlene Francis promotes the new home game What’s My Line.
- Bennett Cerf is a columnist and publisher who was mentioned on “I Love Lucy” in “Lucy Writes a Novel” (ILL S3;E24): “You had your chance, Bennett Cerf!” In two episodes of the series a copy of Cerf’s book Try and Stop Me (1944) can be seen among the Ricardo’s reading matter.
John Daly (Host)
Dick Stark (Remington-Rand Spokesperson)
The Contestants
- Raymond Fadden operates the scoreboard at Brooklyn’s Ebbetts Field. Dorothy Kilgallen guesses Mr. Fadden’s occupation and says he must be very busy these days as the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers are in the midst of the World Series. [The Brooklyn Dodgers will go on to win their one and only series against the Yankees.]
- Victor G. Perry is from London, England. He is a professional pickpocket in a nightclub act. The panel is stumped. Daly flips the cards over when Mr. Lewis blurts out that Mr. Perry is a pickpocket. Mr. Perry wins by default and Daly relates that Mr. Perry performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who quipped “Wonderful. It’s a good thing you’re honest.” Before leaving, Perry returns Daly’s billfold.
The Mystery Guests
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Robert Lewis succeeds in identifying Lucille Ball, but the panel can’t discern that there are two people. Mr. Lewis is so sure he’s seen Lucille Ball on television earlier in the evening, but it’s Miss Francis who identifies the couple. In conversation with Mr. Daly, the Arnaz’s mention that the fifth season of their hugely popular “I Love Lucy” sitcom will premiere the following evening [“Lucy Visits Grauman’s” ILL S5;E1]. The couple says that Mr. Lewis was correct – there was a rerun of an “I Love Lucy” episode earlier that day. They were in New York City to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show” earlier that evening.
After Lucy and Desi leave, Dorothy Kilgallen (mindful of black and white television) tells female viewers that Lucy’s blouse was pink mink. Humorously, Robert Lewis tells the male viewers that Desi’s tie was blue.
January 1, 1961 ~ S11, #545
This is the first show to be sponsored by All-State Insurance.
Due to Faye Emerson’s leg injury, the panel does not enter and stays seated throughout.
The Panel (left to right)
- Arlene Francis is billed as the “delightful star of stage and television.”
- Shelley Berman is a comedian opening at the Empire room in New York City.
- Faye Emerson (Guest Panelist) was an actress who did a play at the Bucks County Playhouse with Shelley Berman in the summer of 1960. Emerson is substituting for Dorothy Kilgallen, who has a sore shoulder. Emerson was mentioned in “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” (ILL S1;E30) in 1952 by Fred Mertz (William Frawley).
- Bennett Cerf is a columnist and publisher who was mentioned on “I Love Lucy” in “Lucy Writes a Novel” (ILL S3;E24): “You had your chance, Bennett Cerf!” In two episodes of the series a copy of Cerf’s book Try and Stop Me (1944) can be seen among the Ricardo’s reading matter.
John Daly (Host) talks briefly about his recent trip to Hawaii.
The Contestants
- Ike Eisenhower and John Kennedy are girdle salesmen, their high-profile names notwithstanding. In January 1961, Massachusetts politician John F. Kennedy was just three weeks away from his inauguration as the 35th President of the United States. Dwight D. Eisenhower (aka Ike) was his predecessor in the White House. Faye Emerson guesses their jobs correctly.
- Ruby Logsdon is a house wrecker (not a home wrecker!) from Louisville, Kentucky. She owns the Blue Grass Wrecking Company. Arlene Francis guesses it very quickly. Almost too quickly!
- Mary and Creighton Coleman are husband and wife judges. Mary Coleman was also a Miss University of Maryland. Time runs out, but Faye Emerson guesses correctly at the last minute. Emerson is in disbelief: “That
lady’s a JUDGE!?!?”
The Mystery Guest
Lucille Ball uses a low, hushed voice to answer. At the time, Ball was appearing on Broadway in the musical Wildcat. Faye Emerson guesses by saying “Are you a red-headed wildcat?” Lucy says she’s lost twelve pounds doing the musical. She says how much she owes to “I Love Lucy.” Faye Emerson reminds everyone that Lucy and Bob Hope have a new film coming out, The Facts of Life. Emerson suggests it could be up for an award. [The film later earned five Oscar nods – none for acting – and won for Edith Head’s costumes. Ball and Hope were nominated for Golden Globes for their performances.]
May 5, 1963 ~ S14
The show has a new main sponsor (Geritol) and a new set.
The Panel (left to right)
- Arlene Francis is introduced by Johnny Olson as starring in the Broadway play Tchin-Tchin. [She had taken over two weeks earlier from the play’s original star, Margaret Leighton. The play closed two weeks later.]
- Buddy Hackett is a comedian opening soon in Philadelphia. Joey Bishop walks out instead. Hackett tells him he’s on next week. Bishop shrugs and leaves without a word. The evening prior, Hackett guest starred as himself on NBC’s “The Joey Bishop Show” which also featured Corbett Monica. Hackett says that he and Bishop are in town to see Monica perform at The Latin Quarter. [Five years later, Hackett will play a scam artist on a 1968 episode of “The Lucy Show” (S6;E19)].
- Dorothy Kilgallen is a nationally syndicated columnist for the Journal American.
- Bennett Cerf is introduced as “the publisher panelist.” He was mentioned on “I Love Lucy” in “Lucy Writes a Novel” (ILL S3;E24): “You had your chance, Bennett Cerf!” In two episodes of the series a copy of Cerf’s book Try and Stop Me (1944) can be seen among the Ricardo’s reading matter.
John Daly (Host)mentions the New York Mets at the end of the show. The team had just started its second season of play, their final at the Polo Grounds before moving into Shea Stadium in 1964. On May 5, 1963 the Mets played a double header, winning their evening game against the San Francisco Giants.
Johnny Olson (Announcer)
The Contestants
- Sonja Tyler gets a few wolf whistles from the studio audience. She is a dog catcher in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bennett Cerf guesses it just before the cards are turned over.
- Eleanor Hansberry also gets some wolf whistles on her entrance. From Hollywood, Florida, Mrs. Hansberry makes ‘diet bread.’ Arlene Francis guesses bread, but not that it is diet bread. Hansberry says it has 46 calories and contains 7 vegetables.
- William Olsen works for the city of New York buildings department inspecting and testing rides at Coney Island Amusement Park. Time runs out so Daly turns over all the cards.
The Mystery Guests
Bob Hope and Lucille Ball sign in as Bob Ball and Lucy Hope. Dorothy Kilgallen guesses correctly on the third question: “Is one of you red-haired and the other ski-nosed?” They are there to promote their new film Critic’s Choice, which premiered three weeks earlier. Lucy and Hope are on a promotional tour, the eleventh of their 19 cities. Cerf also plugs Hope’s new book I Owe Russia $1,200. A week earlier, the final episode of the first season of “The Lucy Show” was aired but Lucy says she is going back [to Hollywood] to do “her show” with Vivian [Vance]. [Lucy and Hope had just come from being on “The Ed Sullivan Show” earlier that evening, also to promote Critic’s Choice.]
March 7, 1965 ~ S16;E27, #754
The show is sponsored by Supp-Hose Stockings. There is no advertising on the panel’s desk or on the cards.
The Panel (left to right)
- Arlene Francis is introduced by Johnny Olson as the “delightful star of stage and television.”
- Buddy Hackett is starring in the musical comedy hit I Had A Ball on Broadway.
- Dorothy Kilgallen is a nationally syndicated columnist for The New York Journal American. Hackett says she has never abused the freedom of the press.
- Martin Gabel (Guest Panelist) is starring in the hit musical Baker Street. He is substituting for Bennett Cerf, who is on vacation. [Gabel played Moriarty to Fritz Weaver’s Sherlock Holmes. The musical won a Tony Award for
costumes.]
John Daly (Host) Gabel introduces him as the “Rolls Royce of moderators.” Daly says he is going to write a new musical called “I Had a Ball on Baker Street.”
Johnny Olson (Announcer)
The Contestants
- Pete Sa from Edison, New Jersey, makes pizza. He owns a business called ‘Wot A Place: Pete Sa’s Pizza’ in Metuchen, NJ. Buddy Hackett guesses right.
- Scott Tutt is 19 years old and originally from Doylestown, PA, but now working in New York City. He makes artificial snow for Metropolitan Ski Slopes, Inc. which fabricates snow for use at Van Courtland Park, NY. No one guesses it and Daly turns over all the cards.
- Benita Caress is an agent in the US Passport Office in Rockefeller Center. She is from from Little Neck, Long Island. Time runs out and Daly turns over all the cards without anyone on the panel venturing a guess.
The Mystery Guest
Lucille Ball signs in merely as ‘Lucy.’ She does a nasal Woody Woodpecker-type voice, even doing the character’s unique laugh from time to time. Buddy Hackett asks her if she’s a male. She replies “Mostly no.” Lucy admits she has a television show on at present and Arlene Francis guesses that it is “dazzling redhead” Lucy Ball. Daly tells the audience that she is this year’s Easter Seals Chairman. Lucy says she had to beg to get on the show because there were a lot of stars in town. Lucy tells a story of her visit to the White House on behalf of Easter seals to meet President Johnson. She relates that she stood in a long receiving line practicing her thank you speech, but LBJ shook his hand and moved onto the next guest before she could get the first word out. Lucy and Daly put in a pitch for Easter Seals donations. [The next day, “The Lucy Show” aired “Lucy and Arthur Godfrey” (S3;E23). Also, a half hour after “The Lucy Show,” Ball appeared on “I’ve Got A Secret,” a sister show to “What’s My Line?” which was also was done in New York City.]
July 25, 1965 ~ S16;E47, #774
The show is sponsored by Poli-Grip.
The Panel (left to right)
- Dorothy Kilgallen is introduced by Johnny Olson as a popular columnist whose “Voice of Broadway” appears in papers coast to coast.
- Mike Douglas (Guest Panelist) is introduced by Kilgallen as the “delightful star of television and records.” This is Douglas’ first appearance on the show.
- Arlene Francis is introduced by Douglas as having spent a week with him on his show [“The Mike Douglas Show”] and opening at the Mount Tom Playhouse in Massachusetts in the new play Mrs. Dally Has a Lover.
[When the play moved to Broadway in September 1965, the title was shortened to Mrs. Dally. It ran 60 performances and earned a Drama Desk Award. It was produced by former “What’s My Line?” panelist Martin Gabel.] - Bennett Cerf is introduced by Francis as one of the “joys of Sunday night” and Random House publisher.
John Daly (Host) hosted the Miss Universe pageant in Miami the previous evening.
Johnny Olson (Announcer)
The Contestants
- Drew Frazer sells Sauna Baths (Finnish Dry Heat Baths). He works for The Viking Sauna Company in New York City and his saunas sell for $1200 to $2500 and reach an average temperature of 185F to 190F. Arlene Francis says that he builds them, but Cerf quickly capitalizes on her error and guesses he sells them.
- Edward Arenson Jr. makes fudge at the New York World’s Fair. He is known as ‘Eddie the Fabulous Fudge Maker’ and his candy business is in the Wisconsin Pavilion. He is originally from Toledo, Ohio, and is a pre-med student at Cornell University. The show runs out of time and no one correctly guesses. [The World’s fair opened in April 1964 and closed in October 1965. The Fair was mentioned in episodes of “The Lucy Show” as well.]
The Mystery Guests
Ginger Rogers and Carol Channing are there to promote the fact that Rogers is replacing Carol Channing in the leading role of Broadway’s Hello, Dolly! Their names are already on the chalk board as they enter and they put a check mark in a box above their name. The pair alternate answering in a squeaky, high pitched “Oui!” and “Non!” Bennett Cerf’s wife is Rogers’ niece, so when Cerf (not knowing it is two people) asks if she is related to his wife, Phyllis Fraser, Channing squeaks “Non!” The Broadway-savvy panel finally guesses it is a duo and their proper identities. Daly adds that while Ginger holds down the Broadway company, Channing will go on tour with the show, eventually to London. Ginger notes that they made the film The First Traveling Saleslady (1956) together. Carol says it was a terrible picture. She says they called it “Death of a Saleslady” and that they succeeded in closing RKO. “That’s not easy for two little girls to do all by themselves.” [In 1957, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz bought RKO studios, renaming it Desilu.] Cerf requests that the pair sing the last line of “Hello, Dolly!” together, which they do (in two vastly different keys). Carol credits Thornton Wilder (the playwright who created the character), Gower Champion (their director), and David Merrick (their producer) for their success.
[In November 1965, Lucille Ball will impersonate Channing as Dolly Levi on “The Lucy Show” (S4;E10). Lucy Carmichael dressed in the character’s costume and even sang a bit of the show’s title song. Ball and Rogers did five films together at RKO in the 1930s. She would play herself on a 1971 episode of “Here’s Lucy” (S4;E11).]
Lucille Ball signs in with her full name. She answers the questions with the same voice she used as Queen of the Gypsies in “The Operetta” (ILL S2;E5) and the fairy tale witch in “Little Ricky’s Pageant” (ILL S6;E10). Dorothy Kilgallen asks if she has bright red hair and Mike Douglas guesses Lucille Ball. Lucy is in New York City to work on the series premiere of “The Steve Lawrence Show.” [Airing September 13, 1965, the show only lasted seven episodes. Lawrence will appear on “Here’s Lucy” with with his wife Eydie Gorme in 1973]. Daly tells viewers that Lucy’s show [which he mistakenly calls “The Lucille Ball Show”] will be on a half hour earlier in the fall, moving from 9pm Mondays to 8:30pm.
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