"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:

Among the approximately 5,000 letters received by the Goodson company each week, many protested Dorothy Kilgallen's relentless onslaught. Many took issue with the puns Hal Block would slip into his earnest questions. Many of those who claimed they could puzzle the panel with their occupations enclosed with their letters irreplaceable old photographs. Sometimes a package arrived containing an 8 X 10 wedding portrait in a glass frame. These viewers ignored John Daly's on-air plea that they should send "a snapshot that you can spare. It can't be returned. Too many come in."

Quotes:

Steve Allen: Is it bigger than a bread box?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Brain That Wouldn't Die (#6.13)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Melody In Moccasins

This is my favorite game show...enjoyed as a child and more so as an adult!

I watched "What's My Line" as a child and am grateful for the chance to see the series again as part of the Game Show Network's current lineup (as of January 2003). This particular show is wonderful in all it's incarnations, though I really enjoy the "early years" from 1951 thru 1967. Besides the fun of guessing the contestants' occupations, it's a joy to listen to the humorous banter of the 4 panelists and the host John Charles Daily. The special guests add an entertaining and historical aspect to the show, as so many of the guests have long since passed away. Though I like many game shows, "What's My Line" will long remain my favorite...and one of the reasons I enjoy the late night hours lately! Check it out before the Game Show Networks revamps their lineup!