What's My Line? - Elsa Maxwell; Pat O' Brian; Ernie Kovacs [panel]; Mike Todd [panel] (Oct 13, 1957)

MYSTERY GUEST: Elsa Maxwell [hostess/socialite]; Pat O' Brian [film actor]
PANEL: Ernie Kovacs, Arlene Francis, Mike Todd, Bennett Cerf

[@geraldkatz7986]

Ernie Kovacs finally gets a Yes on asking if it folds and then proceeds to get the product. Perfect! Right up there with Steve Allen getting a contestant makes bread boxes.

[@johngreen3543]

I know a lot of the people that love WML and don't like Ernie Kovacs, but I really love it when he shows up. This episode with the German impression was priceless WML.

[@briane173]

Going back and watching this series I haven't seen or heard anything about Kovacs I don't particularly like, but I also never had a chance to see him outside of this show. I was only 5 y/o when he died.

[@loissimmons6558]

The Bugs Bunny "What a Maroon" Award goes to the member of Pat O'Brien's staff who called a well-known WML panelist to find out where Pat should go when appearing on that evening's WML episode.

[@thecandidcounterbalance1492]

Wonder if they mentioned Pat would be appearing as the "Mystery" guest??

[@roderickfernandez5382]

Pat O'Brien didn't have a staff

[@andreaplummer3841]

@@roderickfernandez5382 He had a manager who called Arlene and asked about where Mr. O'Brien should be that night for his appearance. That was why she disqualified herself from the MG round.

[@dorothysubah8372]

@@thecandidcounterbalance1492 à

[@dorothysubah8372]

Qq

[@dorothykilgallenwasmurdere1653]

Hilarious when Ernie finally got his folding product. 🤣

[@josephlacerra8433]

I recall sitting excitedly in front of the TV to watch an enormous party at Madison Square Garden, given by Mike Todd and Liz Taylor. It soon seemed to me like just a lot of people just milling around. I quickly lost interest and went off to play.

[@karenleemallonee684]

This show was brilliant! I was thrilled to see Mike Todd as a panelist. A few years back I read a book on the life of Mike called, The Nine Lives of Mike Todd, what a life he had. It was written by a friend of his and was almost finished with it, but he died in the crash with Mr. Todd. The book had been finished by this gentleman's wife, I don't recall the last name. I wish I still had the book, it was a very good read!!!

[@BrianPicchi]

Ernie finally got something that folds! So awesome!

[@beccawiley6684]

He was so excited about it!!

[@lcfritsch]

The play that Pat O'Brien had just finished on Broadway was "Miss LonelyHearts" and only had twelve performances. This appears to be his last play on Broadway, although he did do other stage work in touring companies.

[@vincentdaly78]

I just looked it up. Should have read teh comments first.

[@esmeephillips5888]

The play was based on a novel by Nathanael West, whose latter-day publisher was... Bennett Cerf.

[@Dolphin-cb9sq]

True classics. Such a joy to watch.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Hey could you correct the title? Pat O'Brian should be Pat O'Brien with an E. Played wonderfully with Cagney in Angels With Dirty Faces. And bith he and Cagney were great lifelong pals.

[@michaelnivens6267]

The back and forth between Pat and Kovacs Is priceless

[@yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

They forgot they spoke English for a minute 😂

[@miltonmania18]

Ernie's reaction is priceless.

[@sgcollins]

A glorious victory for Ernie!

[@jvcomedy]

Kovacs used to smoke his cigars on this show, but tonight he said he hadn't lit one on the show in 2 months. Dorothy was gone tonight and Daly had just announced she'd be back next week when Kovacs lit his cigar and Arlene said "you better not do that next week". Makes me wonder if Dorothy had complained about his cigar smoke and that's why he hadn't been lighting them.

[@Beson-SE]

When he was the MG some weeks ago, he sneaked up in front of Dorothy and puffed smoke in her face. :)

[@ToddSF]

I really thought Kovacs was even more obnoxious than usual during that game when he had his right arm around Arlene, resting on the back of her chair, with his cigar adjacent to her right shoulder. The word "boor" comes to mind where Kovacs is concerned.

[@syd8802]

@@Beson-SE my ears still haven't recovered from that episode 😂

[@sebastiencimpaye5871]

What episode was this

[@jvcomedy]

@@sebastiencimpaye5871 The episode information is listed just below the video that is posted. This one is 10/13/57

[@ToddSF]

I was hoping that Ernie Kovacs would ask Mr. Purves if his product could be folded! And he did ask and received an affirmative answer! I wonder if the producers didn't pick the contestant deliberately, hoping for just that, since they knew Kovacs kept asking that question.

[@arlinemiskie2590]

usa, the

[@CamhiRichard]

And John Daly was pretty cagey, giving Bennett the first question. That way, there was a better chance that Ernie would get to ask about there being a product involved. Bennett was always trying to link the person with the place they came from.

[@preppysocks209]

reminiscent of the time when Steve Allen was a panelist and a guest was brought in who made breadboxes

[@Beson-SE]

John: Now, what is it that mr Horn does with salami? Bennett: He doesn't do the dance of the seven veils of Salami. 13:48 ("The Dance of the Seven Veils" is a very famous piece of music from Richard Strauss's opera *Salome*)

[@soulierinvestments]

Elsa was like the fifth mystery guest in the early days of WML 1950.

[@michaelnivens6267]

Hooray for Ernie !!

[@juliansinger]

Because I fixate on things, at 1:35 or so, during her introduction of Todd, Arlene mentions 'The biggest party since 7-Up.' I was wondering if there was a specific party, but it seems to have just been advertising-related. Also, there does not seem to have been a particular fire she was referencing. Mr. Purves has some patents for sofa beds; the last one I can find in a short check is from 1975. Also had a low-level magic act in the 40s. (Billboard refers to him as 'semi-pro'.) In addition, did Boy Scout stuff. Seems to have died in 1988. Ernie does sometimes make things grind to a halt, but I enjoy his give and take with the rest of the panel/John.

[@loissimmons6558]

Fresh Up Freddie was a Disney-created animated rooster mascot for 7 Up in the 1950's. He gave viewers lessons about how to plan successful parties and picnics by having a plenty of 7 Up on hand. A sample commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/habRh4VjrsummtU

[@sleb99]

Lois Simmons thank you for the commercial!

[@spongevee1]

I think what she referred to was that Mike Todd was about to have a huge party at Madison Square Garden.

[@goodsamaritanskitchen5165]

He finally got it! ... too funny.

[@savethetpc6406]

Good Samaritans' Kitchen Hurray for Ernie not only getting a yes answer to his incessant "folding" question at long last -- but actually pursuing the whole theme and coming up with the right answer! I'm sure they picked that particular guest with him in mind, but it is rather amazing that he got all the way to the right product on one turn and just a few questions! I would guess that he thought he was just being silly when he asked his follow-up question about PJs -- but the producers (or whoever it was that chose the guests) obviously knew the way his mind worked and were ready for him! Great stuff!

[@mikejschin]

Three days before this episode, Bennett's Random House published Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged", one of the most famous and influential novels of the 20th century. Controversial, also: people either love it or hate it. It would have been fitting if Remington Rand had sponsored the show that night, because Rand got her pen name from a typewriter of theirs that she was using as a young writer.

[@WendyDarling1974]

A couple weeks before this episode, Dorothy plugged the novel, saying she'd had an advance copy.

[@getit5196]

I love the book, I read it in 1995, thanks for the info.

[@billding7073]

Ernie was so ahead of his time. He was funny without trying.

[@bwayland1290]

bill ding THANK GOD ,for someone who takes up for ERNIE. My Dad's Favorite. When Ernie died in his Corvair coming back from Milton Berle's in Beverly Hills, in the early hours of Jan.13, 1962, his wife EDIE ADAMS was too distraught to identify his body; so JACK LEMMON, Ernie's best friend identified it instead. All these senseless insults to Ernie are very surprising. Most media historians think of his innovations in TV as being Trailblazing. Indeed HE WAS ! Sad to think both he & Mike Todd would be dead within 5 years ;TODD on March 22,1958 & KOVACS on Jan.13, 1962. Each in their 40s. Each in accidents. As far as Elsa Maxwell: I only heard about what a dreadful women she was from my Mom & Aunts growing up, this is my 1st time seeing her...OMG what a mess. She's too hilarious to be for real ! This may sound funny , but how did she become... whatever she became ?

[@preppysocks209]

@@bwayland1290 Ernie Kovacs was not killed coming back from Milton Berle's. Close though.. The party was a baby shower for Milton Berle and his wife, but it was held at Billy Wilder's house.

[@slaytonp]

@@bwayland1290 Elsa Maxwell was a mystery to everyone at the time. Her parties were always given on someone else's money, and she appeared to have more chutzpah than class. She was a joke and got by with it.

[@jerrylee8261]

@@bwayland1290 I was wondering about her. To be such a "famous party giver" I would have thought she would have been charming and nice.

[@voxtango1916]

@@bwayland1290 Well, she was a lesbian for a start - and apparently never said no to a cheeseburger.

[@poolside123canadian7]

Ernie Kovacs reminds me of Patty Deutsch’s husband Donald Ross. :-) Not too dull & never too over the top.🤓

[@cresentltd]

The Todd Party for Around the World is on the DVD of the movie. It still is a train wreck of the 50's.

[@joncheskin]

I think I know why WML considered Ernie Kovacs for their fourth panelist. First off, they wanted a legitimate comedian (Fred Allen and Steve Allen both served this role in the past), but second he was a bit of an interesting bad boy without being completely crude and inappropriate, like Hal Block. In the end I think he is a bit too distracting, notwithstanding the hilarious bit when he finally finds a product that folds. Fred and Steve always kept the comedy within the game itself, and I think too often Kovacs wrecks the pacing and direction of the show.

[@jimbeasley1931]

The last contestant was from my hometown.

[@timothydouglas7949]

Mine too. Indy.

[@joeambrose3260]

Please post proof pronto

[@Troyis]

I believe it's Pat O'Brien and not Pat O'Brian.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

Such a coincidence I picked this one to watch tonight. Daly mentions the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Canada and the US and I am viewing this episode on the day of her death, September 8, 2022.

[@christy4421]

Mike and Ernie were sadly on borrowed time at this point :(

[@peternagy-im4be]

As are we all.

[@preppysocks209]

Not so many years earlier, Irving Berlin wrote a song for Ethel Merman in "Call Me Madam," in which she plays a character based on Perle Mesta, another party giver whom Bennett mentions here. Part of the lyrics go, "They could go to Elsa Maxwell When they had an axe to grind They could always grind their axe well At the parties she designed Now the hatchet grinders all prefer to call On the hostess with the mostes' on the ball."

[@leesher1845]

Cute how Pat O’Brien blew a kiss to Arlene.

[@Beson-SE]

Ernie: Is this something you can fold? 1 contestant: No. Ernie: Seven weeks in a row. 8:47 ---- Ernie: Can you fold it? 2 contestant: Yes! (FINALLY!) Ernie: I never worked out a followed-up question to that! :) 22:33

[@WhatsMyLine]

I've gotten into more than one discussion with folks over the past months about the irony that Kovacs introduced the "can it be folded" question purely as a gag, and somehow, it became a semi-standard question asked with some regularity after-- mostly by Dorothy, the most serious game player of all!

[@theamishumpire1301]

What's My Line? Dorthy also likes to ask is it solid or liquid almost every time.

[@neilmidkiff]

+What's My Line? Watching this, I'm wondering if the folding bed maker sent in his name and occupation after hearing Ernie ask the question in previous weeks, or if Mark Goodson had to go out searching for someone with a folding product. Either way, the look on Ernie's face made it worth the trouble!

[@Beson-SE]

+Neil Midkiff I think the latter. Mark Goodson maybe decided to have a contestant with something foldable when Ernie was on the show (and hoping he would ask the question!).

[@shadowg6563]

Kovacs adds absolutely nothing to this show. He is not funny and his questions rarely reveal anything to solve the line of the contestant.

[@roberttelarket4934]

I think that heart pendant of Arlene's was ripped off her neck by as mugger in New York City decades later!

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

1:30 If Henry Morgan had been on the panel, he would have told Arlene to get on with it.

[@leannsherman6723]

Cute that Mr. Hahn, the salami guy gave everybody a sample; that’s very good advertising!

[@richardmcleod1930]

Elsa Maxwell is priceless!

[@Beson-SE]

Ernie and the second contestant trade cigars. :) 14:43

[@virginiahanna869]

That is funny when it can be folded! LOL!

[@Johnnycdrums]

"No substitute for class".

[@ilzamaria6424]

First time I hear Mike Todd's voice.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Well I never....I always thought salami was pork ie. from a pig. Pork IS from a pig, isn't it?!?

[@slaytonp]

I heard that too. Yes, salami is usually pork, but I think the "no" answer came because the question went on to cite "ham" more specifically. I couldn't think of any other reason for it.

[@vincentdaly78]

Thee are all-beef salamis. It would not surprise me if a salami made in Brooklyn in 1957 was kosher and therefore pork-free.

[@bweatherman3345]

@@vincentdaly78 smart remark

[@alanrode7791]

Either everyone on these shows were hard of hearing or the acoustics were terrible.

[@TheCometHunter]

The accoustics were terrible. And heavy-duty analog electric equipment wasn't exactly known for operating silently. Stray noises from the audience could also be heard by the panelists, even if the microphones back then couldn't hear them.

[@usermikes]

Pat O' Brian...Started out as a song, and dance man..

[@CuriousMutation]

Michael Todd killed in a plane crash five months after this episode aired.

[@joeambrose3260]

Please post proof pronto

[@CuriousMutation]

@@joeambrose3260 It's on the internet, Tonto...

[@joeambrose3260]

@@CuriousMutation Then it must be true, Kemo - sabe

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Mike Todd died in a plane crash near Grants, NM on March 22, 1958. The twin engine, propeller Lockheed Lodestar, named "the Liz," was apparently overweight with fuel, passengers and luggage. The plane flew into icing conditions causing it to gain more weight, have an engine fail and loose control killing all five on board.

[@joeambrose3260]

@@WAL_DC-6B Poppycock. I watched the Leonard Nimoy show " In Search of........Mike Todd" He faked his death, fled to Columbia and ran a bogota bodega for nearly 20 yrs ( Pedro's Pastrami Palace ) Ironically, he died in 1978, when he was hit by debris from a mid-air collision. Karma's a bitch

[@Chosimba13]

John's face at 9:48 lol

[@BellaFirenze]

Mike Todd was killed the following year in an airplane crash. He was 48 years old.

[@soulierinvestments]

Todd's party, which CBS broadcasted and which CBS WML plugged here, was one of the biggest broadcast disasters in the whole history of 1950s TV. Walter Cronkite narrated it and was loath thereafter to even admit to it. CBS claimed Todd promised more than he delivered. Todd claimed everything that could go wrong did. As for Michael Todd himself, it would have been interesting to see 1) how his movie career developed and 2) how long Liz Taylor would have stayed with him --- had he not died young shortly after all this in a plane wreck.

[@boognish999]

Liz Taylor was 26 and on her 3rd marriage at the time of Mike Todd's death so I think she was already on a roll. But who knows..

[@briane173]

Kovacs beat that question to death and then made the most of it. BEYOND lucky.

[@leesher1845]

Tragic end to Mike Todd. 😔

[@Beson-SE]

20:30 Who was this Tots/Toots/Tuts (?) Shore/Sure/Shure (?) they always talked about?

[@WhatsMyLine]

Toots Shor was a restaurateur who had a NYC establishment frequented by celebrities (Jackie Gleason, for one). John is said to have eaten (and drank) there before the WML shows, which is why his name comes up. Toots was actually a guest on one WML you must not have gotten around to seeing yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoeuZZ15o9lmhNk

[@loissimmons6558]

While Toots Shor was considered a restaurateur by others, according to the dialog between Jackie Gleason and Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show, Shor considered himself to be a saloon keeper. However, the name of his establishment was Toots Shor's Restaurant.

[@preppysocks209]

It was a very popular hangout with actors and ballplayers, including Yogi Berra, whose remark, "Nobody goes there any more, it's too crowded" supposedly was a reference to Toots Shor's. Another Berra story was that while at Toots Shor's one night, he was introduced to Ernest Hemingway as an "important writer," to which Berra supposedly responded, "What paper you with, Ernie?"

[@sdgakatbk]

@@preppysocks209 Classic. I can picture Yogi doing that.

[@stephensaunders1845]

Ernie Kovacs reminds me of the British comedian Bob Monkhouse, who appeared as a panellist just a month later (Nov 10). Both very sure of themselves while trying to appear self-effacing, both slightly creepy towards women.

[@AllenMQuinn]

How could someone be so dumb to call a panelist and spoil the mystery guest?

[@tomklock568]

How long was Ernie Kovacs on the show? I didn't know he had this long of an involvement in the show.

[@philippapay4352]

Tom Klock - Like David Niven, Tom Poston, Paul Winchell and others he was a frequent guest panelist, though not a regular guest panelist as were Martin Gabel, Tony Randall and Robert Q. Lewis. During this stretch where Dorothy was particularly taken with other journalistic duties with QEII & Prince Philip's visit to North America, Ernie was on for quite a few weeks in a row. After his tenure, they'd grab Steve Allen whenever they could get him to substitute for another panelist.

[@michaelnivens6267]

never heard of Elsa Maxwell

[@k.g.1259]

I had to google her name..... ** she passed away 8 months before I was born

[@michaelnivens6267]

@@k.g.1259 - I was nine

[@waldolydecker8118]

gossip columnist and gadabout party-thrower for high society of the entertainment/business/political world in the 1920's-1950's. The wealthy scavenger/treasure hunt party portrayed at the beginning of the 1936 film "My Man Godfrey" is modeled on her famous high society parties of that era.

[@michaelnivens6267]

He Is Irish !! for cryin out loud

[@donnawoodford6641]

Who would call a panelist to ask for directions rather than call the studio?

[@Danno682]

Yikes! I read Ernie’s cigar in his car was also unlit!

[@peternagy-im4be]

Smoking kills

[@wcwindom56]

unusual to have 3 men on the panel; I wonder why they didnt get a female to replace Dorothy?

[@arthurmerchant8016]

I think there was an episode or two w/ 3 female panelists. Also in the first year, I recall several times either Arlene or Dorothy was the sole female panelist and then they both became regulars by 1951.

[@tjbnyc76]

Elsa Maxwell really couldn't be considered a "socialite," although she certainly was *social*, and adored associating with, writing about, and being feted by members of 'society'. She was, in her own words, "...a short, fat, homely piano player from Keokuk, Iowa, with no money or background, [who] decided to become a legend and did just that."

[@WhatsMyLine]

She was best known for hosting parties, so I don't see how "socialite" is an inaccurate description of her.

[@tjbnyc76]

What's My Line? In Ms. Maxwell's day, the term 'socialite' would be described as "a socially prominent person," inferring that a socialite is, by extension, a member of 'high society,' which Elsa was not. In fact, most of the bills for her legendary parties were footed by her high society pals in exchange for the attendant publicity, as well as the unquestionable knack that Maxwell had for throwing one hell of a wingding. Just a quibble with the word, no offense meant (to either you, OR Ms. Maxwell!). Incidentally, I'm thrilled that you've been uploading all of these episodes in their entirety. For that, many, many thanks.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Oh, I see what you mean now. I really don't know anything about Elsa Maxwell other than her being known as a party hostess. Certainly no offense taken on my part. I appreciate the clarification.

[@gregh7400]

I'm sometimes amazed at the dumb questions asked and the fact that some questions are asked several times. For god's sake, pay attention to what's going on.

[@jd66604]

There is a back story to some of the "stupid questions" I was reading that Bennett Cerf and a couple others knew some of the guests and we're trying to get the other one rilled up

[@jerrylee8261]

Greg, what gets me is when a panelist says was that a yes or no and John always says and flips a card at a no so answer should be obvious. Have heard Dorothy ask this and she's certainly no dummy. Maybe just stalling for time.

[@ilzamaria6424]

Pat O'Brien 's beautiful restaurant in New Orleans have anything to do with him ?

[@accomplice55]

Nope. Different person.

[@steveburrus5526]

Ya he, Todd, sure left an empty bed for Elizabeth Taylor okay. Was ".........The World" movie the only movie that he ever produced, at least of such popularity?

[@accomplice55]

He was mainly a theatrical producer.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Bennet on a roll today.. #salami

[@loissimmons6558]

Salami on a roll. Makes a nice sandwich. I prefer hard salami to Genoa, thank you.

[@CamhiRichard]

That's the wurst kind!

[@sdgakatbk]

@@CamhiRichard

[@leannsherman6723]

Since when would you keep salami in another room of the house other than the kitchen? I never saw salami in the bedroom.😂

[@preppysocks209]

dining room?

[@jennjenn61]

I swear mike todd resembles gary burghoff

[@gdownz1044]

Paddy O 🙌👍

[@leannsherman6723]

Ernie Kovacs was funny!

[@garydeblasio8810]

Does Ernie Kovacs EVER not put on a show? He and Victor Borge are my least favorite panelists.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Victor Borge was the worst of the worst. Nobody ever came close.

[@roberttelarket4934]

Cerf is brilliant hitting on bologna, etc.

[@leannsherman6723]

Salami is not always served cold.

[@beccawiley6684]

Did Pat O'Brien really call Arlene "Dorothy"??

[@bethe192]

Called her " darling". 😉👋

[@miketheyunggod2534]

Ernie traded his cigar for the contestant's.. 14:45.

[@roberttelarket4934]

Why 3 men panelists and not the usual 2 men and 2 women? Surely they could find a female celebrity!

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

ELSA MAXWELL TIES KNOTS IN SALAMI MAKES FOLDING BEDS

[@vingotaq777]

Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams were a lovely couple

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

15:00 Smoking Nazis even existed in 1957.

[@roberttelarket4934]

How ridiculous the man ties the ends of salamis!

[@winomaster]

Re:. Salami man One uncommon use for the salami doing as a friend has done and strapping it to the upper thigh before attending a party. It seems to set all the ladies a Twitter.

[@slaytonp]

Sliced?

[@trock6577]

Why did they have Kovacs on this show ? He’s not funny in the least . He’s embarrassing

[@sandybruce9092]

Thank you! This is always my opinion, even when I was a child! I never ,Ike’s him in so many ways!!,

[@Johnnycdrums]

What the hell did Elizabeth Taylor see in Chuck Todd? He's not even funny.

[@chuckendweiss4849]

Johnnyc drums Money back then he was loaded

[@accomplice55]

Chuck?

[@bartgreenberg9001]

Mike Todd was a brilliant powerhouse (and reportedly a wonderful lover) who relentlessly wooed Elizabeth with words, flowers, and jewels until she couldn’t say no.

[@sandybruce9092]

@@accomplice55his name was MIKE Todd!!!

[@accomplice55]

@@sandybruce9092: Yes, I know. Someone previously referred to him as "Chuck Todd," so I wrote "Chuck?" With a question mark. Because I knew his name was Mike.

[@bp.andrewherron8539]

Ernie Kovacs was a very funny man, but he is so irritating in this show.

[@waldolydecker8118]

Agree...a waste in this format

[@leannsherman6723]

While I’m sure it wasn’t done intentionally, it was insensitive and in very poor taste to be speaking in German so soon after the Holocaust when presumably, many survivors were still alive and watching this program.

[@leannsherman6723]

John Charles daily was always so gracious with the guests. No matter what they did he always made them feel comfortable and important.

[@kristabrewer9363]

John is annoying and Ernie's gotta GO!!!

[@freddyfurrah3789]

Ernie believed the IRS wasn't entitled to any money he made 💯 👌 🤷 🙏 🤣

[@freddyfurrah3789]

Elsa had to be a LESBIAN to look like that. Don't tell me GENETICS doesn't play a part in it 😤 😒 😑

[@roberttelarket4934]

Why 3 men panelists and not the usual 2 men and 2 women? Surely they could find a female celebrity!