I just adore the way the women used to dress, very lovely and feminine! I would like to see it in color! My father never missed WML which was on Sunday nights at 10:30 PM where we lived when I was a little girl!
WHATS MY LINE is like a drug, it makes me feel good. P.S. And no bad side effects, but definitely a wonderful afterglow. As a teenager I had to watch this late show Sunday night even though I'd be a bit sleepy the next day in class.
@@larrydewein401 This 59 year old says it's the best music ever. By the way I hate rap, and don't understand it. But I know it's the music of younger folk.
Watching this on Sunday nights was my gift to myself because the next day was school and I just wanted the weekend to go on forever. I loved the panelist's introductions, the women's elegant dresses and the way they said goodnight to one another. I love it to this day same as ever. They've brought back some game shows but I can't see WML having the same elegance and class as they did back then. I could go on but I'll save it for another time.
Sharon here: I have come to adore John Daly. I was in elementary school during the fifties, so wouldn't have been allowed to be up late enough to see WML. Love these old telecasts, and the wit and intelligence of both Daly and the panelists.
*Arthur "Slim" Vaughn was the honorary mayor of my hometown, Tujunga, California--and also of Tujunga's "sister city" Sunland. I saw him once when I was about seven years old, and was so fascinated that I later published a poem called "Jesus in the Supermarket"!*
OK, when Dorothy asked if the handsome young sword swallower would have people standing and watching him, and Arlene chimed in "I would!" (as usual), did you notice how the camera zoomed in on his face? Cute.
The first contestant, lady sword swallower Estelline Ball, aka Pike, was actually extremely well known in her field and for many years was a regular at the Ringing Brothers circus each spring when they had their sideshow at Madison Square Garden. She also played at the old Hubert's Museum on 42nd St.
Tennessee 'Ernie' got his big start on TV on I Love Lucy as 'Cousin Ernie'. Desi Arnaz, a savvy producer, knew he was pure gold from the 'get-go' and did several more shows with him.
Arlene Francis is one of those rare women that can hang out with a group of men in any setting, and be the ring leader of the laughs, marinate in the attractions that different sexes have for each other, joke about, flirt about, while everyone knows it’s all in fun, and the boundaries are respected or you wouldn’t be in the gang. She’d so cool. She’s so cool and sexy.
When Arlene said to Gig Young at the end of the show, "Say hello to your lovely wife, Elizabeth," she was talking about Elizabeth Montgomery--yes, the one who went on to star in "Bewitched" (which didn't begin until 1964). They were married from 1956 to 1963 and she left him because of his drinking. And it's a good thing she did: three weeks after his fifth marriage (it was his third and Liz's second), in 1978, he blew himself and his wife away. Murder-suicide.
It might not have anything to do with his appearance. At just about the point where the murmuring starts, you hear Mr Daly guide him to the chalk board. The laughter may be due to him appearing a little clueless (off camera).
Really enjoyed. I've recorded 16 tons and wrote a song called "Who Killed Dorothy Kilgallen? I really enjoyed this whole video! And love going through a bunch of them. Very entertaining for me anyway! Thanks SO much for providing these precious videos. And wish TV and shows like this ! I really do!
Since this is before the Beatles era I think it was very uncommon (or even outrageous) to see people with long hair and beard like Mr. Vaughan (the tree surgeon)....
I love how the audience groans when Mystery Guest Ernie Ford uses a less than disguised voice (they do the same thing when Charlton Heston appeared and talked in his natural voice)
james joyce Actually, his voice was heavily disguised as about 4 octaves from his natural baritone speaking/bass singing natural voice. I was really surprised at just how high he got his voice. Listen to him singing "16 Tons" and you'll better understand.
Tennessee was on 3 episodes of I Love Lucy. The 3rd one is when the Ricardo’s and Mertzes are on their way to Hollywood and stop and visit him in his home town Bent Fork. It is really great especially at the end where they all dance including those chubby twins!!!
@@pauladouglas9891: Same here I loved them too. In fact one lived in California(the other died) and I was going to try and find her to meet her but by then she also passed away.
You would never believe it to look at him, but Gig Young murdered his wife and then turned the gun on himself, according to a police report, just a few weeks after their marriage. His screen persona was so happy-go-lucky it's almost inconceivable.
He also, according to his 3rd wife Elizabeth Montgomery and his 4th wife, was mentally and physically abusive. Alcoholism seemed to be a contributor to all that. Even though he’s a handsome man I can’t look at him anymore.
Not in anyone's wildest dreams did they think the "Tree Surgeon" look was to start coming into it’s own by 1967. That’s less than 10 years later. Freaky… even to me now!!!
I have a similar name as Gandalf in my family, or my son’s I should say. His grandfather on his dad’s side is named Gandolfo. I had never heard that name before meeting my son’s dad.
I wish Bennett Cerf hadn't spoiled the mystery guest portion, which he did often. He must have read every section of the newspapers to see who was in town so he could guess immediately.
What fun to watch these bright people! They just don't make 'em like this any more. One real joy is to see the women's gowns. Amazing how they never seem to duplicate an outfit. Also, it seems like most of them have something flowing down the back. Or in a bow. And most of the lady contestants seem very well dressed as well. I have to wonder if there was a costume department on the show.
They'd only been married for 22 days. Kim Schmidt was only 31 years old. So tragic. Kim was an Australian citizen and was raised at Eildon weir in Victoria where her family lived and was born and was known back then as Ruth. She is buried in the Eildon cemetery alongside her parents with the headstone reading Ruth Schmidt Young.
Bob Hope once pondered on stage at an Academy Awards ceremony what he needed to do to win an Oscar. A leading actor replied "I told you to cut back on the frivolous comedies and try to find a dramatic script written by someone like Tennessee Williams." Hope replied, "Tennessee Williams? I thought you said Tennessee Ernie!"
Gig Young's name was taken from his character (in the Gay Sisters film) as Gig's real name was already registered in the Actor's guild. His real name was Byron Barr. I thought I was hallucinating! So the credits read: Gig Young as Gig Young!
+Joe Postove But even though the second challenger included the nickname of "slim", he wasn't Virginia Slim. Of course, with that line of reasoning, there would also be quite a few Georgia's. And there's also Florida Friebus.
My in-depth article (24 pages) on Gig Young was published in the summer 2020 issue of FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE. Gig was a handsome, complicated, troubled, highly talented actor. He was nominated for three Oscars (Come Fill the Cup, Teacher's Pet, They Shoot Horses, Dont't They?) and won for the last-mentioned film. The article focuses much more on his contributions on stage, film and TV than his violent demise.
Panelist Gig Young starred in The Twilight Zone episode "Walking Distance". Later, in real life he killed his wife and then himself. He was a drunken prick. A little late for him. Yes, very late.
![What's My Line? - Miyoshi Umeki; Robert Ryan [panel] (May 11, 1958)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6k7q1aTd_IA/mqdefault.jpg)
![What's My Line? - Miyoshi Umeki; Robert Ryan [panel] (May 11, 1958)](/img/tr.png)
![What's My Line? - Danny Thomas; Ernie Kovacs [panel] (Oct 6, 1957)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E-571SalKYk/mqdefault.jpg)
I loved the interaction between the tree surgeon and Arlene! She could get along with anyone. I loved the man's response, "...it's natural".
Mr Ford came to our neighborhood and filmed a documentary on how treat people with handicaps. A great man.
Stumped by a tree surgeon: poetic justice.
He was a very funny man. Sharp on the comebacks. Probably heard it all by then.
And who would have thought that the hair style would be so popular today.
Hysterical! I laughed out loud!
Beautiful manners and lovely clothes. So much fun.
I just adore the way the women used to dress, very lovely and feminine! I would like to see it in color! My father never missed WML which was on Sunday nights at 10:30 PM where we lived when I was a little girl!
WHATS MY LINE is like a drug, it makes me feel good. P.S. And no bad side effects, but definitely a wonderful afterglow. As a teenager I had to watch this late show Sunday night even though I'd be a bit sleepy the next day in class.
@M M Just don't mention rock and roll to these snoots. They hated and didn't think it is/was real music.
@@larrygrebler5054 This 80 year old says You got that right! It NEVER was real music!
@@larrydewein401 This 59 year old says it's the best music ever. By the way I hate rap, and don't understand it. But I know it's the music of younger folk.
Watching this on Sunday nights was my gift to myself because the next day was school and I just wanted the weekend to go on forever. I loved the panelist's introductions, the women's elegant dresses and the way they said goodnight to one another. I love it to this day same as ever. They've brought back some game shows but I can't see WML having the same elegance and class as they did back then. I could go on but I'll save it for another time.
Yes, nice show after all the mayhem, PC culture crap thrown at us. This is when people had manners still, witt and class. Love it too.
Love watching these. A wonderful glimpse of the America that once was.
A better America
And will sadly never be again
Tennessee Ernie Ford..Much Beloved back in the day
Mr. Vaughan the tree surgeon with the long hair and beard was 10 years ahead of his time. Virtually no man looked like him in 1958.
Ernest Hemingway and hundreds more
not ten, 70 may be. Now a lot of men look like him!!
At this time his long hair and beard were evocatinve of early America and pioneers and Wild Bill Hickcok etc.
Ernie was so handsome and he had quite a God-given voice.😊😊
Sharon here: I have come to adore John Daly. I was in elementary school during the fifties, so wouldn't have been allowed to be up late enough to see WML. Love these old telecasts, and the wit and intelligence of both Daly and the panelists.
The tree guy is one of my very favorite guests.
A real person
It would have been a real fun to drink a beer with him!!
I just love Arlene's whole look in this episode!!
she was a beautiful lady! Her Smile and attitude made her glow!
I agree. Always a classy, beautiful lady.
One of the best base singers I’ve ever heard.
I think you mean "bass"
*Arthur "Slim" Vaughn was the honorary mayor of my hometown, Tujunga, California--and also of Tujunga's "sister city" Sunland. I saw him once when I was about seven years old, and was so fascinated that I later published a poem called "Jesus in the Supermarket"!*
Thank you for telling us..very cool
Such pretty dresses Arlene and Dorothy have on in this episode.
all those years they never bring out another chair for these occasions
Lack of money brudda
OK, when Dorothy asked if the handsome young sword swallower would have people standing and watching him, and Arlene chimed in "I would!" (as usual), did you notice how the camera zoomed in on his face? Cute.
There would be “me too” Karens coming out if the woodwork had this same situation occurred with a woman.
Arlene also flirts with Gig Young making her heat beat fast. - Martin must have been at home fuming.
The first contestant, lady sword swallower Estelline Ball, aka Pike, was actually extremely well known in her field and for many years was a regular at the Ringing Brothers circus each spring when they had their sideshow at Madison Square Garden. She also played at the old Hubert's Museum on 42nd St.
"it isn't done - it's natural" very funny comeback.
Fax.
Tennessee 'Ernie' got his big start on TV on I Love Lucy as 'Cousin Ernie'. Desi Arnaz, a savvy producer, knew he was pure gold from the 'get-go' and did several more shows with him.
I’ve seen him on “I Love Lucy” but I haven’t seen his show. This is my first time hearing his real voice.
@@dancepiglover Free Tennessee Ernie show episodes are floating around on CZcams and worth a look.
Arlene Francis is one of those rare women that can hang out with a group of men in any setting, and be the ring leader of the laughs, marinate in the attractions that different sexes have for each other, joke about, flirt about, while everyone knows it’s all in fun, and the boundaries are respected or you wouldn’t be in the gang. She’d so cool. She’s so cool and sexy.
We all miss a person like her around us, don't we!?
Touche' Mr. mack, although it does help to have an 'allowing' rich husband. 🤫
I always loved her sunny smile, so sad when I read that her beautiful diamond heart necklace she always wore was stolen in a robbery.
But Arlene Francis is charmed. And I am thoroughly charmed by her. :)
i woulda married her
Its fun to watch these old shows….. we didnt have a tv in 1958….the house didn’t even have indoor plumbing
Mr. Vaughan comes from my hometown of Sunland-Tujunga, California. It's located about 15 miles from The Rose Bowl. He died in 1971 or '72.
Love the unique careers..and the many questions for the tree surgeon..
Touche' Mr. Vaughan......Naturally!
Arlene is very flirty. I like that.
A very classy lady.
@M M I agree
Gig Young's voice but not face is in "Rear Window." He is heard over the phone as Jimmy Stewart's editor.
Arlene just has three best sense of humor with the hair issue
12:23 Arlene meets her match. 🤣
And I love her "hair comb" as John called it.
When Arlene said to Gig Young at the end of the show, "Say hello to your lovely wife, Elizabeth," she was talking about Elizabeth Montgomery--yes, the one who went on to star in "Bewitched" (which didn't begin until 1964). They were married from 1956 to 1963 and she left him because of his drinking. And it's a good thing she did: three weeks after his fifth marriage (it was his third and Liz's second), in 1978, he blew himself and his wife away. Murder-suicide.
David Fritz Wow, didn't know that.
stunning!
Gig Young when drunk also physically abused Elizabeth Montgomery, which disturbs me every time I look at his face.
@@michaelbarnhart2593 Me, too.
Father of all hippies. The legendary "Slim" Vaughan.
??
Cause of long hair a label?
I couldn't figure out at first why I heard laughter when the second guest signed in but then I remembered this was back in the pre ZZ Top days.
It might not have anything to do with his appearance. At just about the point where the murmuring starts, you hear Mr Daly guide him to the chalk board.
The laughter may be due to him appearing a little clueless (off camera).
Good point.
I didn't know a man could have long hair like this in 1958
"It isn't done, it's natural" Wow! a long hair, bearded man way back in '58 and he's a Tree Surgeon....
He wasn’t alone. It’s only conformist who all look alike
Re-runs of this show should be brought back so new generations of people can enjoy.
AGREE
WHY? They can watch them all right here on youtube.
The tree surgeon actually looks like an old west character
Buffalo Bill
Reminded me of Gabby Hayes. Yurr durn tootin
Really enjoyed. I've recorded 16 tons and wrote a song called "Who Killed Dorothy Kilgallen? I really enjoyed this whole video! And love going through a bunch of them. Very entertaining for me anyway! Thanks SO much for providing these precious videos. And wish TV and shows like this ! I really do!
thetiler
So where can i hear this song?
I really love this program.
Verdugo was a well known Spanish family in California. Actress, Elaina Verdugo is part of that family.
The interaction between Mr Vaughn and panel members was one of the funniest and beautiful segments on WML.
I remember him most from I Love Lucy
Mr. Vaughan. Comment of the show!
Dorothy looks fabulous in this stage of her life.
Puffy rounded face with no chin isn’t fabulous and she looks unhealthy. Did you mean Arlene?
Dorothy liked a cocktail or two
@@igkoigko9950 You must be near sighted or something. She is far from unhealthy. No, I did not mean Arlene.
A gracious man,
Estelle’s written ”E” is beautiful!
Damn I wish I had been 6 years older in the late 1950's and been in the audience to see Dorothy and Bennett in person!!!
This aired on May 4th, 1958. Young was sober for a change.
It would have been funnier if the third contestant (Vaughan) had been a barber.
Since this is before the Beatles era I think it was very uncommon (or even outrageous) to see people with long hair and beard like Mr. Vaughan (the tree surgeon)....
+Ernie Galvan The beard and long hair of this type at this time would be associated with an early pioneer look.
poetcomic1 In the late 50's there was a select few men that had long hair and some with beards, they were referred to as "Beatnecks".
William Linington
Beatniks. Like Maynard G Krebs on the Dobie Gillis Show.
It's a good thing for you there isn't anyone remaining from the "Old West". Haircuts weren't nearly as popular back then as they are now!
Coulda been related to Buffalo Bill Cody!
Slim had a wry sense of humor...
I love how the audience groans when Mystery Guest Ernie Ford uses a less than disguised voice (they do the same thing when Charlton Heston appeared and talked in his natural voice)
james joyce Actually, his voice was heavily disguised as about 4 octaves from his natural baritone speaking/bass singing natural voice. I was really surprised at just how high he got his voice. Listen to him singing "16 Tons" and you'll better understand.
Tennessee was on 3 episodes of I Love Lucy. The 3rd one is when the Ricardo’s and Mertzes are on their way to Hollywood and stop and visit him in his home town Bent Fork. It is really great especially at the end where they all dance including those chubby twins!!!
I loved the twins in their tight jeans and high heels.
@@pauladouglas9891: Same here I loved them too. In fact one lived in California(the other died) and I was going to try and find her to meet her but by then she also passed away.
Ford looks like he’d be an excellent bro to James Garner.
Why couldn't they add more chairs for multiple people???.
It's so interesting to see that, back then, networks (like CBS for an example) didn't get upset if the NBC call letters occasionally got mentioned.
You would never believe it to look at him, but Gig Young murdered his wife and then turned the gun on himself, according to a police report, just a few weeks after their marriage. His screen persona was so happy-go-lucky it's almost inconceivable.
He also, according to his 3rd wife Elizabeth Montgomery and his 4th wife, was mentally and physically abusive. Alcoholism seemed to be a contributor to all that. Even though he’s a handsome man I can’t look at him anymore.
@@friendofdorothy9376 So as soon as you saw him you stopped watching this episode ?
@@Walterwhiterocks I think Friend of Dorothy meant she stopped watching him here (and in films) as soon as she read the comments. Same for me.
@@aileen694 Hmmm. Possibly, but that' not how I first interpreted it.
Bennett wishes he had all that hair!
His show was in San Francisco. I saw him outside the studio once . I only know 16 TONS, but, it was a good one.
Only sung it, Harland Howard wrote it
Not in anyone's wildest dreams did they think the "Tree Surgeon" look was to start coming into it’s own by 1967. That’s less than 10 years later. Freaky… even to me now!!!
"Slim" looks like Gandalf.
I have a similar name as Gandalf in my family, or my son’s I should say. His grandfather on his dad’s side is named Gandolfo. I had never heard that name before meeting my son’s dad.
Ernie should have kept his answers to simple 'yup's and 'nope's.
5:56 John Daly's comment to Gig Young "nicely spoken, Mr Young" is so on point. Bravo.
Every time I here THIS theme, I want some Jazz musician to record this tune.
Hello! Its on a jazz album by Melba Liston released in 1958.
@@spongevee1 Oh, I hope it's on CZcams.
@@spongevee1 Thanks I heard it. That makes sense 'cause the theme sounds great. I'll look for the composer next.
I only started to watch 'what's my line 'lately it's really good ?wonder if something like it could be brought back just an idea ?
I wish Bennett Cerf hadn't spoiled the mystery guest portion, which he did often. He must have read every section of the newspapers to see who was in town so he could guess immediately.
Too much time on his hands.
He and Dorothy knew who was on town. It was part of her job.
2021 Aug. thanks
T Ernie ford gave his voice away...!
Wondering why WML never had a third chair handy for guests........?
Perhaps they were waiting for the appearance of Groucho Marx so they could sing "Three chairs for Captain Spaulding ..."
brian sanford I think it's the screen size
how come?
What fun to watch these bright people! They just don't make 'em like this any more. One real joy is to see the women's gowns. Amazing how they never seem to duplicate an outfit. Also, it seems like most of them have something flowing down the back. Or in a bow. And most of the lady contestants seem very well dressed as well. I have to wonder if there was a costume department on the show.
Wilf Carter was known as "Montana Slim" in the USA.
A lost time when people were civil
I'll betcha that What's My Crime from One Hundred and One Dalmations was based on this.
6:10 So chivalrous!
Gig Young was married to Elizabeth Montgomery at this time.
Fortunately, she escaped.
Yes. She wisely divorced him.
amazing how he had everything, women , money and fame. yet he preferred the bottle.i'm 81 and drink every day but beer never ruined my great life
Didn't Mr. Ford have a Show all his own at one time Mr. What's My Line?
He got on What's My Line because he had a show of his own.
This was time when people were respectful.
gig young killed his wife then himself? this is chilling if true.
Doug w. It's true
They'd only been married for 22 days. Kim Schmidt was only 31 years old. So tragic.
Kim was an Australian citizen and was raised at Eildon weir in Victoria where her family lived and was born and was known back then as Ruth. She is buried in the Eildon cemetery alongside her parents with the headstone reading Ruth Schmidt Young.
Oh, no!
Gig Young was a brilliant, I think under rated actor. Too bad he was personally flawed.
😳
Bob Hope once pondered on stage at an Academy Awards ceremony what he needed to do to win an Oscar. A leading actor replied "I told you to cut back on the frivolous comedies and try to find a dramatic script written by someone like Tennessee Williams." Hope replied, "Tennessee Williams? I thought you said Tennessee Ernie!"
Dorothy looks a vision!
Gig Young's name was taken from his character (in the Gay Sisters film) as Gig's real name was already registered in the Actor's guild. His real name was Byron Barr. I thought I was hallucinating! So the credits read: Gig Young as Gig Young!
Tessie Mae Really?? Now that i never knew I'll look it up later,but thats interesting.
"Byron Barr" was already taken? Gosh, even back then that name wouldn't have been that popular...kind of surprising it was already taken ;)
Gig Young was married to Elizabeth Montgomery at this time. They divorced a year before her starring role on "Bewitched"
Mr Vaughan was the image of Sir Ian McKellen or actually vice versa.
Arlene suddenly looks 10 years younger!
Mr.Daly has the clearest voice I've ever heard,wonderful depth to his voice!!
This is first time I ever noticed a spotlight on the guest as he existed, shaking the panel's hands.
As for famous people with names of states; there must be lots of Virginia's!
+Joe Postove
But even though the second challenger included the nickname of "slim", he wasn't Virginia Slim.
Of course, with that line of reasoning, there would also be quite a few Georgia's. And there's also Florida Friebus.
Minnesota Fats
Washington Irving
Indiana Jones ...OK that's anachronistic and fictional....but nonetheless...
Joe Montana. He was not quite 2 years old when this episode aired.
They were so hung up with his appearance in those conservative uptight 50's.
This I hope is good..
I love Tennessee.
I want the contestants to win.
I only dream it isn't rigged.
Hope lives eternal, what are we to do?
Estellene Ball was on by herself on another show
Early TV appearance by Gandolf rhe Gray.
Arlene is 'hitting' on Gig Young and the young handsome sword swallower. Martin must be home having a fit.
The panelists are begging to hear more about the first guests! I don't see that very often.
Was this show rigged? How do they guess the celebrities so fast? I watched this as a child. Fun to see the shows again.
I guess they were very involved in the all the entertainment industries
They usually had celebrities who were in New York for some show.
My in-depth article (24 pages) on Gig Young was published in the summer 2020 issue of FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE. Gig was a handsome, complicated, troubled, highly talented actor. He was nominated for three Oscars (Come Fill the Cup, Teacher's Pet, They Shoot Horses, Dont't They?) and won for the last-mentioned film. The article focuses much more on his contributions on stage, film and TV than his violent demise.
Panelist Gig Young starred in The Twilight Zone episode "Walking Distance". Later, in real life he killed his wife and then himself. He was a drunken prick. A little late for him. Yes, very late.
the tree guy was funny
That tree surgeon looks like John Hurt as he looked in a particular film..but the name escapes me.
I suspect you’re thinking of James Gammon in Wild Bill, which John was also in-but he didn’t wear a beard.
Was the tree surgeon guy the only time a male guest had long hair, and/or a beard that long?
Dorothy only smitten with corporals. Definitely hates the tree surgeon