What's My Line? 

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.

Stars:

John Daly, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
John Daly	...	Himself - Moderator / ... 873 episodes, 1950-1967
Arlene Francis	...	Herself - Panelist / ... 831 episodes, 1950-1967
Bennett Cerf	...	Himself - Panelist / ... 758 episodes, 1950-1967
Dorothy Kilgallen	...	Herself - Panelist / ... 736 episodes, 1950-1965

Storyline

Contestants with unusual occupations were interviewed by the panelists. Only questions that could be answered with a "yes" or "no" were allowed. At the conclusion of the questioning, the panelists attempted to guess the contestants occupation. There was also a "mystery guest", usually a famous person; the panelists had to wear masks when questioning this person and the guest usually disguised his/her voice.

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Plot Keywords:

question | question mark in title | question in title | quiz show | 1950s | 

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Taglines:

Want a job that's difficult? You'll get ideas from John Daly's guests as the panel tries to guess their lives. (season 16)

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Genres:

Family | Game-Show

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 February 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

Occupation Unknown

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

CBS Television Network, Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min (876 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

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

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

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."

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Quotes

Steve Allen: Is it bigger than a bread box?

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Crazy Credits

The uncredited announcer introduced the first panelist, sometimes the left-most, sometimes the right-most. Beginning with the first panelist, each panelist then introduced the person to his/her left or right, depending upon the first panelist's position. The fourth panelist then introduced moderator John Daly.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: McLean Stevenson/Gene Hackman/George Carlin/Gloria DeHaven (1974)

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Soundtracks

Roller Coaster
(End Credits Theme/Main Theme)
Composed by Lou Busch (aka: Joe "Fingers" Carr) (ASCAP) and Milton Delugg (ASCAP)
Original Publishers: Burning Bush Music (ASCAP) and Amy Dee Music (ASCAP)
Current Publishers: Burning Bush Music (ASCAP) and Amy Dee Music (ASCAP)

User Reviews

The Original, The Best

I have recently begun watching this show late at night on the Game Show network and I was surprised at how straight it was compared to the more comedic syndicated version hosted by Larry Blyden. John Daly pretty much treated this show as if it were Face the Nation or Meet the Press or other shows of that ilk. However, the big intangible that made this show as great as it was, was the chemistry between the panelists, especially between Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf and Dorothy Kilgallen. Sure the Allens, Steve and Fred, were also on the panel, but everyone remembers the "big three" of Arlene, Bennett and Dolly Mae. Also, special kudos must go to Phyllis Newman and Aileen "Suzy Knickerbocker" Mehle. Phyllis and Suzy did admirably filling in for Dorothy in the days after her tragic death. Also, Tony Randall and Martin Gabel were great in their roles as the two of them were pretty much permanent guest panelists on the show. This show will always be a perfect example of style, sophistication and downright fun.