I've Got a Secret (1952–1967)

"I've Got a Secret" debuted on the heels of the successful "What's My Line?" Though "Secret" had somewhat similar rules, there were other elements that gave the show its own distinctive ... See full summary »

Creator:

Allan Sherman

Stars:

Henry Morgan, Bill Cullen, Betsy Palmer

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Henry Morgan	...	Himself - Panelist (218 episodes, 1952-1967)
Bill Cullen	...	Himself - Panelist (202 episodes, 1952-1967)
Betsy Palmer	...	Herself - Panelist (191 episodes, 1955-1967)
Bess Myerson	...	Herself - Panelist (189 episodes, 1959-1967)
Garry Moore	...	Himself - Host (111 episodes, 1952-1966)
John Cannon	...	Himself - Announcer (108 episodes, 1955-1967)
Steve Allen	...	Himself - Host (106 episodes, 1961-1967)

Storyline

"I've Got a Secret" debuted on the heels of the successful "What's My Line?" Though "Secret" had somewhat similar rules, there were other elements that gave the show its own distinctive flavor. As with "Line," four celebrity panelists try to guess an unknown-to-them secret, which the contestant (or sometimes group of contestants) whispered in the host's ear; the secret was always shown to the television and studio audience. Each panelist has one 30-second period to ask questions that will help them try to guess the secret; if a panelist fails to guess the secret before the buzzer sounds, the contestant(s) receive(s) $20 and the next panelist gets a turn. The process repeats until either the secret is guessed or if all four panelists are unable to guess the secret, meaning the contestant receives the maximum payout of $80 (during the early years, each panelist had two questioning periods, with $10 paid per unsuccessful try). Usually, a skit or demonstration of the secret followed each ...

---

Plot Keywords:

quiz show | audience participation | non fiction

---

Genres:

Family | Game-Show

---

Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 June 1952 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions, Telecast Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White (1952-1966) Color (1966-1967)

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Garry Moore went on vacation during the summer of 1960, regular panelist Bill Cullen replaced him as host. For the duration, Cullen was replaced by Victor Borge on the panel. Henry Morgan also served as guest moderator when Moore was on vacation.

---

Connections

Remade as I've Got a Secret (2006)

---

Soundtracks

"I've Got A Secret (Jazz Version)"
Written and Performed by Norman Paris from 1961 to 1962

User Reviews

We Need Shows Like this Today!

I love all these little shows of the past. I'm seeing them again on Game Show Network. They take me back to the nice times back in the 50's when I was a kid. We need more entertaining shows like these on TV today.