To Tell the Truth - Arthur Marx, Son of Groucho; PANEL: Ilka Chase (Feb 26, 1957)

This is Ralph Bellamy's first show on the panel. He would be a regular panel member for long stretches through 1959, and a frequent guest after that.
PANEL: Polly Bergen, Ralph Bellamy, Ilka Chase, Hy Gardner
CONTESTANT #1: Arthur Marx (Author: "Life with Groucho")
CONTESTANT #2: Jan Wells (Professional bullfighter, singer)
CONTESTANT #3: Dave Herb (Kentucky Derby winning jockey)
Many thanks, as always, to epaddon for providing his copy of this episode.
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[@SueBeaWho]

I read Arthur Marx book a few years ago. Very good read.

[@AvRand6]

I've just discovered my new favorite show

[@kenbrown438]

I did too , "What's My Line" got a little stale !!!!

[@JJJBRICE]

Ilka Chase, with her trademark neckline, was part of the NY poised scene of charm school ladies like Kitty Carlisle and Arlene Francis

[@paco3343]

Miss Carlisle's TTTT debut was on March 5, A.D. 1957, so this episode aired just prior to it.

[@kenyongray2615]

Groucho Marx's son looked like him to my eyes. Pat McCormick was a great champion. She is still with us at age 90. Thanks for the video.

[@paco3343]

Wonderful episode! The next episode, which aired on March 5, 1957, marked Miss Kitty Carlisle's TTTT debut. She was to TTTT as Miss Francis was to WML as Mr. Morgan was to IGAS in that their roles with each lasted around 25 years, including the network and syndicated versions.

[@dannydoc1969]

I don't know how anyone could have missed Groucho's son? He has his eyes, and his facial bone structure.

[@PV-pu5iu]

He looks exactly like him! This was so silly.

[@lolacorinne5384]

Plus the voice was exactly like Groucho’s.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

Jockey Dave Erb is still alive as of this post (November 29, 2016). He is 93.

[@anthonyochocki6535]

Ilka Chase was ALWAYS a CLASS ACT, on and off Screen. Totally under-utilized by Hollywood.

[@heatherrue2655]

Ilka Chase is the daughter of Edna Chase, the editor of Vogue under Conde Nast.

[@Beson-SE]

Polly Bergen and Ralph Bellamy starred in the TV-miniseries "The Winds of War", 1983.

[@fanboy2015]

+Johan Bengtsson I remember Polly in it, but I forgot Ralph Bellamy was. That's right, he played FDR.

[@cherylbean521]

Great show

[@robinjohnson8149]

I used to watch this show with my mother on TV.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

Got the jockey on the first question. #3 was the only one who knew where the track was located. As far as Arthur Marx goes, knowing the history of Milton Berle, and his mother, I still don't know why Polly thought it was so important, that Arthur should know her last name. He worked for Milton, not his mother.

[@Celluloidwatcher]

Thanks for the TTTT episode. The first game was no sweat. #1 was, definitely, Arthur Marx, hence the resemblance. In the second game, I was surprised that #2 was Olympic champion diver (and Ohio State alum) Pat McCormick. It shows that the media back in the Fifties was not as widespread as it is today because, nowadays, technology covers stories 24/7 on different formats. Back then, it was just TV, radio, newspapers, and the movie newsreels in the theatres. So it was a bit infrequent.

[@tomitstube]

pat mccormick, the 4 time gold medalist in diving is still alive at 88. the kentucky derby jockey's name is david "erb", not herb. he narrowly missed winning the triple crown in 1956 finishing 2nd in the preakness, he (on needles) won the belmont stakes and kentucky derby. no mention of his passing on wikipedia, he'd be 95 if still alive.

[@soulierinvestments]

Great questions for the Marxes -- does your father read for pleasure? and what does he really smoke at home? Groucho was one of the best read men in showbiz, and if memory serves me, one of Arthur's books on his father noted that he pipe smoked at home. The comic potential of pipes is rather nil.

[@RayPointerChannel]

Arthur Marx appeared on TO TELL THE TRUTH again in the 1970s.

[@juanmonge8]

They should have worn Groucho glasses.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

Arthur Marx died in 2011 at the age of 89.

[@fuscinula]

I could tell who was the real Arthur Marx just by looking at him... Dead ringer for his father.

[@TheKazadoodle]

Yep and he sounded like him too.

[@joeambrose3260]

U need stronger lenses

[@davidfritz2957]

In the third game, I knew it was #3 the minute it became apparent that he was the only one who knew where Hollywood Park Race Track was located.

[@MrBohuslav]

Correct names are Jan Welles and Dave (David) Erb.

[@djdon60]

Henry Morgan's brother and, immediately, my mind went to three men, with bags, over their heads. Henry looked pretty happy, when he unmasked himself.

[@charlesmeadows6285]

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK-THAT’S ED MURROW’S SEE IT NOW CLOSING LINE.

[@VahanNisanian]

For Game 3, I KNEW for sure it would be #3. Only #3 knew the racetrack (now-defunct) was in Inglewood.

[@tomservo56954]

Either Dave Herb wasn't as small/short as you'd think a jockey should be, or they found two other petite men so no one towered over the other.

[@user-ne8lh2vr2t]

Patricia McCormick Diver and imposter in game 2 just passed on 7th March, 2023

[@soulierinvestments]

First game. One of the imposters is a brother of Henry Morgan; and that is the shape of things to come. As we shall see, Henry will be involved in 1963 in a hugely memorable TTTT incident.

[@Beson-SE]

soulierinvestments What did he do? Or do I have to wait and see? :)

[@soulierinvestments]

Spoiler alert. Well, suffice it to say that one time in 1963 the challengers all wore bags over their heads and claimed to be a spy master. Henry was one of the imposters.

[@arbyfatbuckle1733]

+soulierinvestments that was a great show.

[@TheKazadoodle]

That's why he looked familiar and not familiar at the same time. The family resemblance was definitely there.

[@JayTemple]

Arthur Marks wrote 40 episodes of "Alice" and supervised the story and writing on many others. (He had a similar role with "Live with Lucy".)

[@randysills4418]

JayTemple I think that you mean Life With Lucy....

[@michaelmapes4119]

I am sorry but even though I have seen a picture of Arthur Marx (on back of the book cover), I would have still guessed him because he sounds soooo much like his father. Even when , he put the cigar to his mouth that looked liked his Father. I can't believe that Polly Bergen eliminated him because he didn't know Milton Berle's mother's last name (?), even though he named and knew (correctly, obviously) his uncle's Gummo and his real name@

[@classickruzer1]

His voice was exactly as Groucho's ..

[@Jorbz150]

He has the same eye area as Groucho. Recognized it right away.

[@williamdunphy352]

Bern Bennett is the show's announcer.

[@VahanNisanian]

I'm sure our fearless leader Gary would be happy to know that most of the panel knew it was #1.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

+Vahan Nisanian When people start asking questions about the inside of someone's house, you know you're in trouble.

[@gsadventures678]

I'm in love with Polly!

[@Bigwave2003]

Arthur Marx has his father's voice and phrasing.

[@tvine1]

I know Arthur Marx was #1 as soon as they appeared on stage. His looks were a dead-giveaway.

[@soulierinvestments]

G-T were geniuses to put Hy Gardner on the panel. Very funny man. the Hal Block of TTTT. The producers are getting smarter about asking the panel for reasons for their votes, since Gardner will usually say something funny.

[@alanfollett6242]

+soulierinvestments But without Hal Block's occasional crudity.

[@joeambrose3260]

Another know it all

[@savethetpc6406]

13:51 -- Polly Bergen actually _did_ specify #3 when she asked her question. Either Peggy Parker didn't hear it, or she did a good job of covering up the fact that it took her a while to figure out a good answer!

[@ChuckD79]

Bellamy also guest-hosted at least once in 1957.

[@morganlouisehenderson9901]

They had to have groucho's son on when Kitty carlisle was off lol they were on night at the opera together.

[@lenas5613]

Good that they have a few improvements over the Bud Collyer years. ...such as ..Letting them tell their own votes. Loved the graphics. The artist was on the show I believe. 😊

[@huflpuf5034]

I could recognize the Marx son/nephew! He looks, moves, and sounds like Chico and Zeppo, plus knows how to pronounce Chico. :) No wonder he got the most votes.

[@joswanell5792]

Actually, Harpo Marx real and original first name was Adolf. He changed his name after WWII, for obvious reasons.

[@VahanNisanian]

Hy Gardner is quite the comedian here.

[@beccalove8791]

Never a dull moment

[@donaldlevin800]

Picking Dave Erb was easy if you know where the Hollywood Racetrack was. In fact, that was the first question asked.

[@stanochocki8984]

Ilka Chase, besides being a good actress, and having a seemingly mastery of the Upper Society Roles, as in " Now, Voyager", was she not also noted for other Activities? If so , what were they?

[@jonvater8424]

If I remember correctly, she wrote an amusing book or two!

[@wattsjetton3027]

Celebrity Guests: 1. Polly Bergen 2. Ralph Bellamy 3. Ilka Chase 4. Hy Gardner Host: Bud Collyer

[@lenb7275]

I got 2 right ! The bull fighter & the jockey !

[@henrygrove100]

Dave Herb is spelled Erb possibly

[@mymx5az]

I'm very glad they made changes to the program style later on. The style that they used in this episode is not as fun and free flowing as the later version.

[@soulierinvestments]

Still waiting for someone on the production staff to ask, "If we have that staircase, why don't we show people coming down it?"

[@stanochocki8984]

Have read that there were several reasons for not showing the contestants using the staircase; 1st, the fear of someone tripping or missing a step...some contestants- complained that the lights, as they were descending-- would 'blind them' and hence they were not sure of their footing. 2, or 3 female contestants, did trip a heel in the processes. The production staff kept a supply of 'Flats' for the female contestants to wear, if the so chose to do so. 2nd. Some in the Production Staff, felt it was 'undignified' to show the contestants descending; especially the females, this was the 50's. 3rd. Many contestants, post-appearance--complained that showing them descending was a 'demeaning' moment. This 'Demeaning Moment', was what really forced "What's My Line", from having their contestants, do a walk-by, the Panel. The Producers thoughts were that any given contestants would be 'THRILLED' at meeting such an illustrious panel, ANY Panel, and also give them more of their 15 minutes of Fame. BUT, several female, ex-contestants, filled issues with the FCC...over the 'demeaning nature-of-this-walk-by, to Women, so it was Dropped, ASAP.

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

Don't change the way the program originated.

[@michaelcox436]

Thanks for showing us your gut, Hy. LOL

[@poetcomic1]

Between What's My Line and To Tell the Truth they must have featured every Anglo bullfighter in existence.

[@kenbrown438]

Why DON'T they get a years supply of Geritol !!!!????

[@walkingtrails7776]

i could tell the REAL Marx by his voice!

[@mikeq5807]

Ballet dancer?! He must have had an exquisite musculature.

[@Beson-SE]

I am curious to know if our moderator could tell which contestant was Grouchou's son? :)

[@soulierinvestments]

Johan Bengtsson It would be interesting to know if the production staff kept Bud out of the loop as to IDS. If he is also out of the loop he is not giving anything away accidentally . . . .

[@SuperWinterborn]

Johan Bengtsson If he really knew, he showed no sign of it. He could have sold my used car at any time. ;)

[@Beson-SE]

Johan Bengtsson Maybe I was a little vague in my question. I meant our own "moderator", Gary. :)

[@SuperWinterborn]

Johan Bengtsson Well, he didn't show any sign of knowing, either. At least not yet. ;)

[@Gravydog316]

By his actions & words, I don't think Bud met them.

[@VahanNisanian]

Stay tuned for tomorrow's upload, the first episode to feature this fine lady. The woman who put the show on the map. img5.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/m/n/mnhztdbeoxkzmzho.jpg?djet1p5k

[@henrygrove100]

Dave Erb - born after 1917 wylde_hare (View posts) Posted: 01 Mar 2012 08:47AM Classification: Query Surnames: Erb I am looking for info on the parents, especially the father, of Dave Erb. Dave would have been born after 1917. According to Dave, his father may have come from Chicago IL. Dave Erb was a jockey and operated a restaurant in Phoenix AZ called the Erby Derby sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s. My cousin said he met Dave Erb in the 50s or 60s and Dave looked a lot like my father. Dad's dad, Harry Edwin Erb, disappeared soon after my dad was born and the family never heard from him again. It was believed Harry owed a debt to possibly gangsters and could not pay it. He left his family in Chicago and was never seen again. Could it be possible that he started a new family somewhere and Dave Erb is his son? Dave told my cousin he didn't know much about his father, only that he may have come from Chicago. Any info will be appreciated! Thank you, Janet

[@44032]

This show gives out a lot more money than What's My Line.

[@secretagentviper8382]

No it was geritol

[@darrelldawson6722]

I think in game 2 Polly was jealous she had a singing contract and Polly did'nt!

[@misstee101]

I wonder if Richard Marx is related to the famous Marx Brothers...

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

No, he isn't

[@GirGir183]

Hy looked a bit like Groucho himself.

[@Appleholic1]

I knew from the start number 1 was Groucho Marx son.

[@designsonyouinparis]

I have high hopes that one day Bullfighting will be a horrible act of the past- Can't understand it! And, don't believe in it!

[@leesher1845]

It’s barbaric.

[@victorvelazquez6547]

In Spain , the province of Catalonia has BANNED bullfighting and groups are trying to get it banned nationwide. Sadly, some countries in Latin America, like Mexico, still practice it.

[@jimmygoodrich9590]

Well it exists wether you believe or not

[@secretagentviper8382]

The problem was time to get to know these historical figures, in hindsight they didn't realize the significance of just recording a strict game show, and rules where the imposters had plenty of study time to research and pretend, it's really amazing how ppl can lie and make it sound so believable, that's why I never trust anyone for what they say unless they are religious and they believe their soul is in peril by doing so, plus ive seen ppl swear on stacks of bibles and it means nothing to them. The way the host keeps it on the rails and runs a tight schedule is the entertainment part of it

[@adamcoates2890]

I laugh every episode when Bud says the panel are "presumably intelligent." And he always adds emphasis to it. I mean really? I understand using "presumably" in a news story, when talking about someone. But not when introducing the panel on a gameshow. Lol it's like says they are "possibly stupid" too.

[@goback3spaces]

This is one of the few I can't watch. Arthur Marx tried to make a career out of being Groucho's son.

[@secretagentviper8382]

What is in geritol

[@jimmygoodrich9590]

Google it

[@devonmorris7626]

😅😅

[@Ac76543211]

Geritol...HaHa.

[@Gravydog316]

i just saw geritol vitamins at the grocery store lol

[@mariebrothers7441]

L

[@totellthetruthcbs4220]

Are you absolutely sure about that? You're certain you didn't mean to say, "M"?

[@Gravydog316]

O?

[@karltiedemann9329]

SMFT

[@angelthman1659]

The Marx segment was obvious. Dead ringer for his father plus same wit.

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

Man #1 in Game #1 Lady #1 in Game #2 Man #3 in Game #3

[@peternagy-im4be]

Please remove this moronic troll from the comments section.

[@roseb.1537]

Bull fighting sucks.

[@jacquelinebell6201]

I hate the fact that Jan Wells killed two bulls. I hate bull fighting full stop. Its a cruel and unnecessary sport.

[@stevep-iv4pq]

This was an easy one. They all could have googled Groucho Marx son on their IPhones.

[@freddyfurrah3789]

NO KITTY. NO PEGGY. THANK GOD, FOR SMALL MIRACLES. LOL