"What's My Line?" (1950) TV series 1950-1967

User Rating:

8.9/10   

Directors:

Paul Alter
Frank Satenstein

Seasons:

4 | unknown

Release Date:

2 February 1950 (USA)

Genre:

Family | Game-Show

Plot:

Contestants with unusual occupations were interviewed by the panelists. Only questions that could be answered with a "yes" or "no" were allowed...

Plot Keywords:

Panel | Mask | Contraction In Title | Question Mark In Title | Quiz Show

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

John Daly	...	Moderator / ... (810 episodes, 1950-1967)
Arlene Francis	...	Herself / ... (754 episodes, 1950-1967)
Bennett Cerf	...	Himself / ... (675 episodes, 1950-1967)
Dorothy Kilgallen	...	Herself / ... (656 episodes, 1950-1965)

Also Known As:

Occupation Unknown (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

30 min (876 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White (1950-1966) | Color (1966-1967)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

CBS Broadcast Center, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Trivia:

Contestant Pat Finch holds the record for most appearances on the series as a regular contestant. She appeared on the very first show in 1950 as a hat check girl working at the Stork Club in New York City. She then appeared on the fifth anniversary broadcast, but by that time she was working as a chorus girl on Broadway. She also appeared on the final broadcast in 1967. At the time of her final appearance, she was still appearing on Broadway. She had also gotten married and now had a five year old son.

Quotes:

Steve Allen: Is it bigger than a bread box?

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in Down with Love (2003)

Soundtrack:

Roller Coaster

Thank Goodness For GSN B/W Overnite!

The best "What My Lines" to me are the ones from the 1950's I tape 7 days a week from the Game Show Network.

There is so much history. I have seen many notable people/celebrities from the 50's--Conrad Hilton (Hilton Hotels), Rodgers & Hammerstein, Jo Stafford, Walt Disney, Jane Powell, Lucy & Desi, just to name a few.

Also, as stated here, there's a class and sophistication that is evident from the very beginning of the shows.

Arlene and Dorothy would be introduced and would gracefully appear in the most glamourous/classy dresses and evening gowns.

I loved Bennett Ceif. He was so intelligent and funny. He was publisher and was well versed on so many subjects.

I am taping every one I can because I know in another 10 to 20 years these may never be available again. I also enjoy watching them every evening--it's just as fresh as when they first aired.