What's My Line? BBC - Eamonn Andrews, host - Rare complete episode! (Oct 5, 1957)

[@patdunsmore5174]

Thankyou sooooo much for this, it took me back to a time when I was 14 years old and watched it with my Dad [he died when I was 16 years old and I am now 73 years old ]but this was one of our favourite programmes and unmissable on a sunday night, Oh Happy days!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheConorsmithusa]

Interesting story! Thanks for sharing :)

[@sima3973]

hope you're well!

[@SouthdownsJohn]

The British Version was always witty and compulsive viewing. It is tragic that the entire 1950's series are lost - all of Gilbert Harding, that marvellous man lost as well to us. Thank heavens for this one !!!

[@dizzyology7514]

Very interesting indeed, and though some people didn't find the British version entertaining, I certainly did. The panelists used a different kind of logic than the American panel, and they were impressively good. The pace of the show was much brisker than the U.S. version -- Eamonn stayed on target and didn't engage in John's tortured verbal qualifications on answers. I love John's digressions, but Eamonn's keep-it-moving style is pleasant in a different way -- very similar to the way he handled the American show on the one occasion when he served as host.

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Agree . But I was very happy to hear john's command of the language

[@McAster99]

Fascinating to see the differences between the pond for this type of show, both in questioning and early tips. Thank you for uploading it.

[@TheGadgetPanda]

Ha! What an absolute treat. I've been dying to see one of these.

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Thank you, Gary! Wonderful fun! I enjoyed it completely. It was interesting to see an American on the panelist.

[@guriausa]

She was actually Canadian. She appeared on an episode of the US version as well.

[@VahanNisanian]

I like how they have the score readout on a cube, with an extra long sheet of paper. I also like how they display each of the occupations on screen.

[@dovbarleib3256]

WML in the US with John C. Daly as game show host also displayed the occupations on the tv and audience screens for them to see. So that was not unique.

[@RikardPeterson]

Dov, the difference is that here we got an image of them "in their natural habitat", and not just some text.

[@paulmason329]

The scoring cube was probably an invention of panellist David Nixon who on other shows mentioned his talent for making scoring devices

[@Mandeley100]

Goodness me, that brought back some memories. What a pleasure to see the panel again, especially Gilbert Harding. He was a huge star of British tv in the 1950's and could be extremely testy and irascible on occasion (even with the contestants) but was held in great affection by the British public right up to his sadly premature death in 1960. Thank you so much for posting this reminder of my early youth.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Based on this one program, I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a good deal of time in the future learning more about Mr. Harding. He won me over completely with the enema question, and then later asking if a product went "pssssss". He strikes me as a fascinating character.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I was going to say the British version of Henry Morgan, but Bennett might be a better choice

[@Mandeley100]

What's My Line? He was one of a kind. The BBC once asked Harding to interview Mae West in a basement studio in Greek Street in London . During a break, her agent asked him if, as Mae was a pretty sexy lady, he could sound a little "sexier" in his questioning. Harding stared at him balefully for a moment. Finally, he responded. "If" he said heavily, "I could convey sexual allure merely by the tone of my voice I wouldn't be reduced to wasting my valuable time earning a pittance by interviewing a faded female in a dingy cellar." I understand Mae was less than pleased.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Mandeley100 That is pure joy to read, even though I love Mae West. :) I have GOT to learn more about this guy. His autobiography has been highly recommended.

[@Mandeley100]

What's My Line? One more Gilbert Harding story. He was once a guest at a wedding and a rather pompous guest remarked to him that the bride and groom made a perfect couple. "You should know" replied Harding. "You've slept with both of them!"A VERY provocative comment for Britain in the 1950's, but that was Gilbert Harding.

[@robertmelson2130]

This has been available for a while, but I've been saving it to watch as a special treat. This was very engaging and entertaining! Thank you, Gary! And special thanks for the convenient Wikipedia links. Having the contestants do the bit of mime beforehand that I'd heard about is almost as much an imposition as the "walk of shame", and most of them were probably very self-conscious and unskilled doing it (understandably!). It, thus, easily brings to mind the obvious idea for a potential contestant's occupation: mime! They had to have done it at some point....probably more than once. I also never really thought about how much the miming serves as the subsequent basis for questioning. There definitely must be a production assistant tasked with coaching the contestants on their pantomime. Think of what you could develop (even better than gambits)! Especially with a panelist like Hal Block in mind!

[@williamscott2703]

Many,thanks,for,putting,this,on Brings,back,so,many,happy,, memories This,was,top,viewing,for,the,bbc I,think,it was,on,Sunday,evenjngs

[@mcfrdmn]

Excellent episode of Whats' My Line produced by the BBC.

[@lorraineadams2024]

Thank you for sharing this! I have always heard so much about it but never seen it. Absolutely charming.

[@VahanNisanian]

There are many television shows that if I could, I would be able to resurrect them from the erase-o-matic. And after seeing this episode, the 1950's BBC "What's My Line?" is now officially one of them.

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Absolutely

[@dariawells7438]

The audience is so helpful with the applause when they get closer!

[@TheJonaco]

I actually recognized one of the panelists. David Nixon was a popular British magician who had his own BBC show. Some of his bits are here on KZbin.

[@LOA1955]

At Approx. 17:50: "Were you giving someone an enema?" I don't think even Hal Block would have come up with that question!

[@WhatsMyLine]

I was waiting to see how long it would take someone to make note of this moment. Truly unbelievable-- I fell in love with Gilbert Harding immediately for that moment alone, which you would *never* see on the American version, never. What's even more amazing is that he thought of this in connection with the contestant's MIME. He actually thought she was miming giving a patient an enema. Hilarious-- completely killed me. :)

[@LOA1955]

What's My Line? There was something else I noticed. There didn't seem to be any audience reaction at all when the contestant's line was revealed. However, whenever a panelist asked a question that was even close to what their line was, the audience went wild with applause. And I don't think a panelist in the U.S. version has ever inquired as to the contestant's race or color as happened with the cricket player. And it didn't elicit any reaction (good or bad) from the moderator, or the audience. When I was playing Hal Block in last FB game, I tried to ask some of the obtuse questions that Hal might have asked (just trying to be funny). But I wouldn't have asked that kind of a question, which I think, even back in the fifties, would have been really non PC.

[@MartinWillett]

Very interesting. The differences between this and the US version are highly interesting. No money prizes. No advertising. The mime element changes the game somewhat. No man running on to take the panellists cigarettes away off camera. No taboo on asking about race.

[@16Lizards]

What a treat - loved it! I can see why so many Americans didn't appreciate the "dry" humor and seemingly devoid personalities of the panel, but once you understand the Brits, you appreciate it so much more. Kelly's "eh" gave it away she was not British. I especially enjoyed watching Gilbert Harding - as someone eloquently noted, the Cerf of the Brit panel. Eamonn Andrews is no JC Daly but that doesn't mean he wasn't a great host. I must admit, I knew none of the names before watching this episode and had to look up each one where I found sadly enough most had departed at a very young age. I also liked the mime hints whether or not they assisted the panel. Chippy? What's that?! Oh yes, that rolling countdown "wheel" - much better than the flipping of the cards. I wonder if Benny Hill ever appeared as a MG. I would reckon so. An awful shame these are all lost save for this special one. Another great posting by WGW!

[@WhatsMyLine]

16Lizards There could be more out there. There's at least one other surviving episode from the 1950s because there's an 8 minute clip from one that was posted on KZbin by someone else a long time ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIakaHewgqqWftU If the programs were recorded on kinescope for overseas use, there could be films anywhere. The problem is, there's no great cult demand for a massive search for more WML episodes, unlike a show such as Doctor Who. But I'd love to see more. Gilbert Harding alone won me over completely. I also agree with you that while Eamonn had a very different style than John Daly, he was really quite good as host. He kept the show moving along at a nicely brisk pace. He impressed me a LOT more as host of the BBC show than he did when he subbed for John on the American show once.

[@16Lizards]

What's My Line? Well maybe sometime down the road, the right person will see this and more episodes will come to the surface. Btw, I watched the clip you linked above and I am liking the British version more and more. There was even a classic Cerfism in Gilbert Harding's saying that the panel was being led down the garden path. I also noticed that the panel rotates in the opposite direction as it does on the US version, something I didn't catch the first time around. Didn't the British panel once appear on the US version as contestants?

[@WhatsMyLine]

16Lizards Not as far as I remember, but definitely not in a show that survives today. Barbara Kelly, though, did a sort of "International Panelist Exchange" with Arlene for two weeks in 1953, starting with the 5/31/53 show. Arlene was appearing on the BBC version, while Barbara subbed for Arlene on the American show. Here's hoping some more episodes surface!

[@WhatsMyLine]

I have come from the future to say. . . another BBC ep has been located! And it's a very historically important one, too. I will probably be posting it soon. :)

[@yingtzu3677]

It's enjoyable to see the similarities and differences between this and the American version. Hope you will more post of these

[@theblake5356]

26:38 Amazingly enough, this was never asked of any qualified contestant/mystery guest in any form on the original(American) show.

[@faintsignal]

I'm glad to have had the opportunity to see the British version of the show. But I have to say this feels quite lifeless to me in comparison to the US version. Perhaps this was one of the earlier episodes, before they found their groove. I recall the US version was also a bit dry in its early days.

[@fairlyvague82]

Good Lord look how dashing Eamonn Andrews was back in the day!! I only remember him as an old guy. He was gorgeous! 😍😍😍

[@kylebastian9809]

Let's see some more British What's My Line in the future.

[@Lighting_Desk]

A fascinating watch having binged a lot of the American series.

[@thebohemian.]

Always good to see Lady Isobel and Gilbert Harding.

[@SheilaB]

I liked seeing a picture of the contestant at work. I can't help feeling a little sad watching this and feeling sorry for Isobel Barnett and Gilbert Harding who had tragic ends.BTW Denis Compton was the face of Brylcreme in the UK in the 50s

[@savethetpc6406]

Sheila B I agree about the photos of the contestants at work -- a very nice touch!

[@grahamnancledra7036]

Isobel Barnett was a member of the hang 'em and flog 'em side of politics and she was disgraced having been caught and sentenced for shoplifting. She never lived down her disgrace.

[@jackkomisar458]

David Nixon asks the first question, "Am I right in thinking, Mr. Hall, that you don't launch satellites." This was a reference to the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union the previous day.

[@Amcsae]

Thanks for the context. The American version also alluded to current events on occasion. (Like the MLB or NHL playoffs or a convention in town.)

[@bbailey7818]

@Amcsae Also Sputnik and the Hungarian Revolution once.

[@joelake7986]

Very pleased to see this version. I never knew it existed. Seems paler than the American original, but still a joy to behold, especially due to the rarity of these episodes. I found David Nixon to be quite entertaining. I had to play one of his lines over several times to figure out what he said (I knew it couldn't have been what it sounded like!). During the Denis Compton segment, David is talking about the shape of the ball. "Well I'm glad it's a round one. If it'd been a square one, I'd have been FOXED". Never heard that expression before, but I like it. Was it a kind of naughty wordplay, or is that a common expression over there?

[@carolinepintar874]

Foxed means puzzled

[@paulacornelison243]

Thought foxed meant drunk.

[@Deejaay83urj38]

You made me smile. How did I miss that. No not intended. Think. ."he outFOXED me"

[@Deejaay83urj38]

@@paulacornelison243 tricked, outsmarted, confounded . .foxed. like being done by a cunning fox

[@paulacornelison243]

@@Deejaay83urj38 Georgette Heyer writes about her characters being foxed. She refers to getting drunk. That is where I picked up the drunk definition.

[@TheGadgetPanda]

Not really much of a cricket fan, but I am sort of vaguely aware of Compton as one the greats of the post war era. Was rather surprised to learn via Wikipedia that he actually used to play football for Arsenal as well! Am all-round sportsman. Very impressive.

[@WhatsMyLine]

There was a slight bit of confusion over this in the program, yes. Eamonn made a point about this at the end of the segment.

[@soulierinvestments]

The BBC Version certainly did not mess around with a long introduction as did American WML clear up to 1974. The show is off and running in forty seconds.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

And they don't have to take ad breaks at all (of course that was obvious given the channel that aired this).

[@WhatsMyLine]

Christopher Sobieniak And even with no ads and no long introductions, this show is actually *longer* than 30 minutes.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Jay Bee Yes, blame us and our horrible over-commercialistic ways!

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Jay Bee Good one!

[@Spitalhatch]

Having grown up with the BBC, I find the advertising slogans peppered about the place repellent.

[@michaelcaza6766]

I keep forgetting Mrs. Braden was from BC, thanks for sharing this.

[@Steve27775]

The stupid, short-sighted BBC wiped the tapes of some of their most culturally important shows and re-used them. Argh!

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Very sad, indeed. So much lost to the ages...

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Though at the time this show aired, all they would be doing is kinescopes (or "telerecordings" as they referred to them), but they didn't serve the same purpose American networks had in needing to bicycle prints across the country for stations to run the program at a later date since the BBC was more networked for a nation as small as the UK is.

[@savethetpc6406]

***** Oooh -- quite a Cerfian comment there! :o ☺

[@swallin19]

Quite simple, they were live presentations, no tapes or films except to make a single recorded sample for the archive. The US ones were filmed for syndication and sales across the States, but the contract for the format forbade ssles by the BBC there no filmed versions were made. The Unions also insisted on no repeats.

[@johnabbott9526]

Indeed. There are two BBC DVD box sets - "Adam Adamant Lives" and "Quatermass" - that have episodes missing because of the BBC's remiss attitude to keeping recordings.

[@paulmcmurray3491]

I love the old game shows you find.

[@paulmason329]

The scoring device was a cube with a roll like a bathroom roller towel with the numbers printed on. Probably an invention of David Nixon who built scoring devices. By the early 1960s Eamonn Andrews had an early dot matrix scorer, probably another David Nixon work. Nixon also partly developed the Mellotron electroncal music instrument.

[@bobthetvfan]

I have to tell a story about Eamonn Andrews that Gil Fates mentioned in his book. Andrews was also a boxing announcer for the BBC and was a panelist on the American "WML" the night before Ingemar Johansson defended the heavyweight title he had one the year earlier (1959) from Floyd Patterson. On the earlier show Martin Gabel had figured out all by himself that Johansson was heavyweight boxing champion of Europe. On this show, when Johansson, who I think was a "Mr. X," was revealed, Andrews asked him why he was there instead of at home in bed, with his fight coming up the following night. Johansson said that "WML" had brought him luck before and that it just might again. Not to be. Patterson won the next night, the first fighter to regain the heavyweight crown. Fates also mentions a book of reminiscences about the British version by its producer, Dicky Leemans, I wonder if it is available.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Bob Patrick I just read the Leemans book, actually! It was pretty good, if a bit short-- unfortunately it was written in 1954, long before the end of the British series, but it was never updated.

[@SS08947]

Noticed that David Nixon lit up a cigarette at one point, he died aged 58 from lung cancer...heavy smoker all his life.

[@GreenDani18]

Very tragic what happened to Lady Isobel Barnett in later years.

[@johnday6392]

Yes, she was a beautiful and cultured lady. I loved this show in the 1950's.

[@ysgol3]

Gilbert and the enema - hilarious. I wonder whether that 1957 audience knew the word - and whether the genuinely innocent Eamonn knew it as well!

[@alskndlaskndal]

Nice to see Eamonn Andrews on his home turf! I thought he did quite well in his guest hosting spots on WML CBS. Still, I definitely prefer the original. This feels a little too stiff and formal (although I can't imagine any of the American panelists asking about an enema!), without the same chemistry between the panelists. And what's WML with a little bit of good, old-fashioned audience-fishing? :-)

[@WhatsMyLine]

My jaw dropped to the floor when I heard the enema question. Never in a million years on the American version. Never. :)

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

LOL!!! Dorothy would love to ask someone about an enema.

[@dreamquesttv]

Michael Maloney Not to mention Hal Block; Daly would've had to cut his own ear off!

[@YouDummy]

Barbara Kelly, not Kelley.

[@grahamnancledra7036]

I recall that Gilbert Harding, a little more than bit tipsy, lost his temper, on the discovery, the panel having lost, that the person was a "Sagger Makers Bottom Knocker". I bet the US version NEVER had one of those.

[@fiveYqueue]

My parents were avid watchers of the UK version of this show but having seen this episode it seems to lurch along and lacks entirely the sophistication of the American equivalent. Game shows became much better in the UK a little later with the advent of shows like "Take Your Pick" with Michael Miles and "Double Your Money" with Hughie Green. Eamonn Andrews does his best with this but the camera routines seem poor, the panel don't seem "gelled" and the general feel seems uncomfortable. However, an interesting "period piece" and thanks very much for posting.

[@feralbluee]

something was different from our New York City What’s My Line. the audience was quiet in places i wasn’t expecting and acted much more as an entity in itself. i didn’t find the questioning that different, but the panel is more sedate except for the lady who was more outgoing. i love Mr. Andrews. he has a wonderful charm and ease about him. 🌷 to speak to the person who didn’t seem to like John Daly’s wonderfully astute, but involved statements about answers to panelists’ questions, i love them and he does make clear what the point is. he was always a charming, erudite, and a very good host. our WML has a little more life to it - but i like yours, too. :) the only problem with ours are the commercials. the BBC has none at all, does it!? :)

[@jacquelinebell6201]

I enjoyed it. Just found it a bit difficult working out the occupation in those few seconds. Wasn't sure what I was seeing.

[@rigsiebear]

The hotel that the Page worked at wasn't mentioned, but by the uniform shown I am pretty confident that it is Claridge's in London, any thoughts on this?

[@VahanNisanian]

I can't say I'm familiar with this Mystery Guest, and I know a good number of British stars of the 40's, 50's, and 60's.

[@Beson-SE]

He was a cricketer. How many does anyone know if you aren't British? :)

[@nintendonerdsvideos4727]

Do you have any more of this version?

[@WhatsMyLine]

***** No, sorry.

[@scottstacey7447]

Interesting that Maurice Winnick was associated with importing this show to the UK. In the 30's, he was responsible for incorporating the music style of Guy Lombardo to England with Lombardo's permission. He did a remarkable job incorporating Lombardo's saxophone sound so much that, on records, it was hard to distinguish which band it was.

[@OwlGal]

Big shout out to the BBC for wiping everything that wasn't news related

[@ianbentley7276]

exactly, dickheads.

[@VahanNisanian]

I had fun with this episode. Eamonn Andrews was a great host. And his accent is soooooooo Irish, too.

[@savethetpc6406]

***** Barbara is Canadian, so her speech sounds very much like a Northeastern American accent. Note the comment elsewhere on this page by +Jay Bee, who apparently grew up in the UK and found Barbara Kelly's Canadian accent exotic!

[@danwoodhouse9290]

***** how did that scoring cube work? 4 sides - 10 numbers strange contraption

[@jeannehall6546]

+Vahan Nisanian : Andrews went on to found RTE in Ireland.

[@JayTemple]

+DANIEL WOODHOUSE It looks to me as though there are tiles of some sort that fold over.

[@jimtrue1465]

Daniel Woodhouse: The numbers are not attached to the cube, but rather on a belt that was larger than the cube and draped over the cube, the unseen portion hanging down below the table.

[@smadaf]

The sound in this is interesting. Much less reverb than in the American one. And, whereas the American version seemed to have at least eight microphones (one each for four panelists, host, guest, and announcer, and perhaps one or more for the audience), this one sounds as if only one or two microphones were shared by the whole onscreen crowd. Both these differences helped make the American version livelier.

[@brookehanley3659]

The thing this lacked was an Arlene Francis and a Dorothy Kilgallen.

[@NotHarpoGroucho]

And a Bennett Cerf

[@paperbackwriter799]

And a John Daly.

[@r.rahman12]

also john daly and bennet cerf. those were amazing. this version is good no doubt.

[@Royanexus6]

Most certainly NOT Dorothy Kilgallen.

[@Rupertbear27]

Thats the yankee ones though !

[@marycleary7810]

The introduction of panel members which is delightful in the US version is missing g

[@ACNC1]

1:25 Ant & Dec

[@robertmelson2130]

I had already read that one of the differences between the British version and the American one was the audience applause when the panelist asked a question that was "on the right track". And I had assumed that, like the help provided the panel by the American audience's reactions, it was spontaneous, but I do believe the applause is being cued! It's too "crisp", and there was at least one question where it might have been arguable that the panelist was on the right track that did get applause as opposed to occasional questions that might have qualified but didn't get applauded. There's an Applause light being used. It's as if there's a second moderator then, making decisions and helping guide the panel? Or maybe Eamonn Andrews has a button under his desk? .

[@jackkomisar458]

It does sound like there was a light. The American audiences' applause sounded like it came from a group of people who were hugely entertained, while the British applause sounded much less enthusiastic.

[@soulierinvestments]

26:40 -- We don't know all the sorts of questions that happened on CBS WML from 1950-2, but that question never happened on the American version at all. The closest was when Arlene asked Eddie Anderson if he were a brunette. It leads me to wonder -- and Gil Fates never mentioned it in his book -- if the panel got instructions not to ask mystery guests questions about race.

[@theblake5356]

soulierinvestments 26:38 to get the whole question.

[@robertmelson2130]

27:27 David Nixon: "You think I could advertise that stuff?" Knowing absolutely nothing about what Denis Compton advertised in 1957, the fact that David Nixon is bald as an egg must mean that it was some sort of hair dressing or grooming implement. Ah....I now see that he advertised Brylcreem. This was such an enjoyable show to watch. It bears rewatching...and the comments bear rereading, too! I searched KZbin for other BBC WML episodes, not finding (or expecting to find) anything but the one segment I'd already seen, but I did notice two other uploaders had stolen Gary's video, one as recently as 23 minutes ago!

[@paulmason8352]

Barbara Kelly's birthday was on 5th October, and Gilbert Harding said he was 52 y.o, so this WML dates from 5 October 1959.

[@WhatsMyLine]

The date is already noted in the title and in the description-- thanks.

[@ponugups]

@@WhatsMyLine But Oct 5th 1959 is a Monday. ???

[@16Lizards]

Gilbert Harding asked the MG if it was football (no) which is what soccer is referred to all over the world. Then Barbara Kelly asked soccer and was given a no also. Andrews did not state the question was already asked which Kelly could be forgiven being from North America. But since it wasn't, I wonder now if that was in error or Gilbert Harding really meant American football which is gaining in popularity globally today, but quite doubtful it was in 1957 in the UK. My guess is that Harding referred to soccer and Andrews just erred in not stating to Kelly the question was already asked. Any thoughts?

[@matthewlaurence3121]

That irked me as well. Kelly had been a resident of England of some time by this period, so really ought to have known better. Having said that, as a panalist myself (not on television), it is surprisingly hard to keep track of what fellow panelists have previously said when you are in that position. I assume Eamon, who was normally quite apt, forgot himself or might have been overly eager to end things; he always seemed like that to me. When guest featuring as host on the U.S. version, the panelists made mention of his usual abruptness.

[@OldiesAl]

Wonderful to see the ever grumpy Gilbert Harding, I have just uploaded 2 comedy records believe it or not, he made them with Hermoine Gingold in 1953. I only hope more of these early UK shows are found.

[@ianbentley7276]

would you believe he's 50 years old here! That makes me old enough to be his dad which is a sobering thought indeed!

[@ianbentley7276]

52 apparently, still just old enough to be his dad.

[@stephensaunders1845]

As a teenager in the 1940s, my mother had something of a crush on Gilbert Harding - she was mortified when she first saw him on television and realised that behind the voice on the radio was a rather corpulent, crapulent individual who looked much older than his years (he was only 53 when he died three years after this episode aired). He was popular with the public but astonishingly rude, publicly and privately, and "are you giving someone an enema?" and "are you a coloured person?" were questions only he got have gotten away with - and then only just, judging by the audience reaction.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I knew nothing about Harding until very recently, but I find him absolutely fascinating. We're working on a new book about WML, the American series, really, but there's going to be a chapter in it about the BBC series and most particularly on Harding as its enfant terrible

[@matthewlaurence3121]

Sounds like an interesting piece of literature. A comprehensive work on WML. Sort of thing one could pick up from a bedside table at the end of a hard day :)

[@WhatsMyLine]

We're still working on it! :) Hoping it will be done within the next few months, but then there will be a fairly long delay till publication, I'm afraid, up to another year.

[@matthewlaurence3121]

What's My Line? Take all the time you need, make it a comprehensive work piece. :)

[@malcolmlewis6014]

Why did he say that he didn't play football , he and his brother Leslie both played for Arsenal and Leslie had two English caps.

[@pearlshifer1776]

had to google "diamond core bit"

[@bbailey7818]

Interesting, as John never invited the audience to play along. Eamonn also did it when he hosted the U.S. version. Very glad the American version never adopted the pantomime clue. But the lightning challenger from the audience is good.

[@jimsmethurst6113]

I got a david nixon magic box one christmas and there was a compartment that read something like magic section, do not open. I never did. Did anyone else open it?

[@jimtrue1465]

I understand that this being british tv, the contestants did not win cash prizes. But what was the thing Eamonn Andrews handed to the winners? Some sort of certificate of congratulations for winning?

[@shrillbert]

That it was. Something they could take home and show friends and family for beating the panel.

[@ToddSF]

One thing I don't care for in the British edition of WML, at least not in this particular episode, is the audience's applause for every "yes" answer any panelist happens to get. I note they changed from the flippable cards to that revolving block with a belt around it showing the 10 numbers. As in the single segment from 1955 available from the BBC version of WML, I note they use "points" numbered 1 through 10 rather than monetary amounts. They're still using white paper with a black crayon or grease panel for signing in, rather than a blackboard and chalk. The U.S. version did that in its very early years -- it was harder to read than chalk on a blackboard. They're still doing that "piece of mime" thing at the outset of each segment, something they never did in the U.S.

[@dovbarleib3256]

So the audience clapped every time the panel made a "discovery". Was that planned? I also noticed that the video length was not less than one half hour, but it was far from one hour. So from this I might guess that the BBC was commercial free (which happens to be the case), and they were not a stickler for completing their shows in precise half hour allotments.

[@VahanNisanian]

I had to look up what a "Chippy" is when I watched this episode. And I thought I knew about all the British slangs!

[@savethetpc6406]

From www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/chippy: "chippy1 (ˈtʃɪpɪ ) Definitions noun (plural) -pies (British, informal) a fish-and-chip shop (British & New Zealand) a slang word for carpenter (New Zealand) a potato crisp" Barbara did say "carpenter," so I'm surprised Eammon insisted they had to get the word "chippy." Perhaps he wasn't a "*master* carpenter?" Still, John would have given it to the panel with "woodworker" -- but he also would have probably flipped all the cards, anyway! :)

[@LOA1955]

I wonder if the eatery where the chippy worked, served spotted dick? www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/spotted-dick?showCookiePolicy=true

[@WhatsMyLine]

LOA1955 Still can't shake the Hal Block persona, I see. ;)

[@ToddSF]

***** -- I had to look it up, too. I knew the American slang term "chippy" couldn't apply in this case, since it means either a young woman of loose morals or a prostitute. Also, in California, local police often refer to a California Highway Patrol officer a "chippy" (based on CHP) or the CHP itself as "the chippies". There was a reason George Bernard Shaw said that American and the United Kingdom are two countries divided by a common language.

[@robertmelson2130]

I was going to have to look it up, but this thread saved me the trouble. I know the French word, "chipie", which is probably the origin of the American term ToddSF 94109 cites above and, thus, it had me really expecting something "on the edge" when I watch it in a few minutes. Never mind.

[@UNOwen1]

'Do we come to you (0:26)?' If this had been the us version, Mr Daly would've NEVER let such a half-arsed 'yes & no' answer go without giving one of his wonderfully long, detailed, semi-cryptic (but always astute) answers. What was meant - implied - was does the guest come to their residence, etc., NOT, do you come to my table in a club/restaurant/bar. That was absolute rubbish of Eamonn to not elaborate, but leave it so ridiculously oblique. One would think it's a service which could be done at home OR in a facility/place of business.

[@bbailey7818]

Just love Barbara Kelly. She appeared as a guest panelist on the American show a couple of times. No Brit accent. She even refers to "football" as ⚽️ soccer.

[@boroiasar12]

That's because she was Canadian 😊

[@soulierinvestments]

Personally, I like the BBC British pantomime better than the CBS American Walk of Shame. However, in thinking about miming, I wonder how such American contestants as "nudist colony owner" and the "manager of embalmed whale on tour" would have mimed their work.

[@WhatsMyLine]

The mime is a great idea, I agree. It looks like it's never really all that helpful to the panel, but that's part of what makes it interesting.

[@Beson-SE]

Not to mention "Diaper seller" or "Manager at a Burlesque Theater"... The British really like charades, even Her Majesty the Queen, I have read. :)

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

LOVE the mime idea - yes, a boat load better than the walk of shame

[@jmw9904]

The woman in the black dress wearing a flower button and a white collar reminds me of the British version of Arlene Francis.

[@VahanNisanian]

I could have sworn I heard Gilbert Harding say "Mr. Compton" when they were at 5 down.

[@jimtrue1465]

He did, but he did not ask if it was Mr. Compton...just said that it couldn't be.

[@ianh1984]

John Daly had complete control of the room without making it look difficult. Mr. Andrews is barely passable, he doesn't have the same gifts that John had. He was truly masterful at what he did and very few hosts even come close.

[@edwinrivera8449]

It's ... I am trying to find a words to juxtapose The English to Americans of the 50's to the present day. This is the first I have seen of the BBC What's My Line? Not to drag this on. I am amazed on how proper both counties were in manners, educates, grammar, posture. England has not changed yet Americans have. In English men, women and children compare them in an American today when any interview on any media is taken. Which one of these sounds intelligent?

[@Rupertbear27]

Great, the way Gilbert Harding is smoking a cigarette on TV

[@edmundpower1250]

There was no need for the guests mime at tge beginning. It sets the tone and takes away the intrigue for the panel. The American panel was much more enlightening and fun

[@jasonburns4071]

Ms Barnet was prosecuted for shop-lifting...really sad...ruined her career and I think was instrumental in her death...

[@wishmaster7438]

This show looks like it was recorded on video tape and not on kinescope like the American shows. The picture quality is very good for a TV show in the 1950s. Not exactly entertaining. They all look rather listless and have that typical lugubrious British demeanor.

[@anntaylor2039]

The one panelist I could not understand a word he said!

[@smadaf]

It's kinescope, not tape. When the older, heavyset panelist comes on, there's a big, black spot on the film. There are other filmy artefacts later.

[@LOA1955]

At about 20:19: I love the often quaint British versions of certain American words and phrases. Gilbert guesses that the product that you might press a button and have it go "psssssssss" is a "smell dispeller". Over here we would call it a deodorizer, or air freshener.

[@edrooney9580]

We dont call them that..he says that because he cant think exactly to call it, as he is trying to think quickly

[@johnsimms3957]

What kind of chippy was the last guest?

[@Deejaay83urj38]

That cricket dude . . James Bond all the way!

[@TheCRTProductions]

Seems as though British sense of humor has gotten better over the years and American has gotten worse!

[@edrooney9580]

I would agree..but that's a very broad statement

[@TheJMascis666]

Denis Compton = Arsenal legend

[@roxydog2004]

The best part was always the mystery guest

[@VSV659]

I could not help but wince when Harding asked the mystery guest if he was colored! The West Indies team had toured England that summer and they were gone by August. Was it Denis Compton's monosyllabic answers? And I think Compton was dropped for the Oval test that summer, perhaps the reason for the confusion with regard to that question. He did however play at The Oval for the Middlesex vs. Surrey match. Further, Compton played professional football too, a rare dual professional in English sport so was puzzled when he replied in the negative. Overall, the English version pales in comparison to the US version.

[@TheJMascis666]

BV I preferred the UK version, I found Bennet Cerf and Arlene Francis unwatchable. Phylis Newman however was a different kettle of fish.

[@brookehanley3659]

Mind doesn't look energetic was rather insulting.

[@karenlkvm]

Mime

[@toandoan1967]

I like the british Arlene Francis

[@sferrell1000]

What is a chippy?

[@jeannehall6546]

+Scott Ferrell A chippy (or chippie) can be either a carpenter, or a fish-and-chips place.

[@WhatsMyLine]

+Jeanne Hall There's at least one other common slang definition that's quite a bit coarser in meaning. . .

[@M-David-Hakoh]

Why doesn't the audience shut up? They keep giving it away

[@RayhanAhmed-qr3vz]

Why copy something from the Americans 😂

[@amberola1b]

I liked the show, but unfortunately not being British I didn't recognize any of the celebrity contestants on any of these episodes so it kind of fell flat for me there but otherwise it with pretty entertaining

[@TheJMascis666]

amberola1b I feel the same way when I watch the yank version.

[@pljms]

I think the US version was wittier and far more entertaining.

[@TheJMascis666]

Paul James Are you sure? Anything containing Bennet Cerf was rarely witty.

[@angelthman1659]

The English more modern than Americans as usual. That score cube is ahead of its time in 1957. Better than the American card pad.

[@smadaf]

I'm still amazed by how American some Irish accents sound.

[@Beson-SE]

It seemed like a jolly good show for a start but the differences compared to the American show were not in the UK favour. What a slow pace and unfunny the whole show was! The audience applauded when the panel was asking "right" questions. Big help. (the panelists were so stuffy and boring - no charisma what so ever!). At the beginning I thought it was wonderful to hear British English spoken but after a while I couldn't understand a word, bad articulation indeed. Eamonn Andrews was good though.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

You get so use to how we Americans do things, then switch over to the UK and see where it stops!

[@WhatsMyLine]

The sound quality has a lot to do with it, I expect. It's slightly muffled, which doesn't help. But yes, Gilbert Harding's British accent is very strong. The rest of them I had no trouble understanding. I'm surprised you disliked it so much, Johan Bengtsson , not that there's anything wrong with that. I can't say I'd want to watch 800 episodes of this like the American version, but I really liked it. It was worth the whole show just to hear Gilbert Harding make that "psssss" sound. ;)

[@Beson-SE]

What's My Line? I thought I was going to like it, but I did not. I suppose I am so used watching John and the rest of the panel that everything else feels strange and odd. Perhaps if there were more episodes to watch I might change opinion, but I doubt it. I prefer breadboxes and Bennett's puns. :)

[@JayTemple]

+Johan Bengtsson I liked the photos they had of each contestant when they showed the audience the occupation.

[@Beson-SE]

+JayTemple I agree. That gave authenticity to the contestants. You really felt they were genuine.

[@witherblaze]

I'll say this. The host is less appealing than John Charles Daly.

[@rotagbhd]

Very stuffy compared to the American show. The fun seems to be sorely lacking here. Six minutes in and yet to hear one laugh.

[@sidecarcn]

The BBC version of this show really sucks compared to the US one.

[@RayhanAhmed-qr3vz]

These people copied the American version of what’s my line which is The elite version and addictive compared to this crap rubbish british Version .