What's My Line? - Groucho Marx destroys the show; Claudette Colbert (Sep 20, 1959)

Here it is, my vote for the single funniest episode of "What's My Line?" I suspect there are some folks out there who will find it irritating how much Groucho demolishes the format of the show around him, but everyone on stage appears to be loving it just as much as the audience is. One of Groucho's finest (half) hours after the breakup of the Marx Brothers as a team.
MYSTERY GUEST: Claudette Colbert (Groucho on Panel)
PANEL: Arlene Francis, Groucho Marx, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf
Groucho returns to WML as mystery guest in 1963: • What's My Line? - Grou...
Groucho returns to the WML panel in 1964: • What's My Line? - Grou...
Groucho returns one last time as mystery guest in 1967:
• What's My Line? - Grou...
Groucho Marx on You Bet Your Life: / @grouchomarx-youbetyou...

[@jec1ny]

Groucho had a reputation for edgy comedy. On his own show he once had a lady contestant who had 13 children. Groucho asked her "how did that happen?" to which she responded, "I guess I just love my husband." Without missing a beat Groucho replied "lady, I love my cigar but I take it out of my mouth now and then."

[@PuffKitty]

😆

[@arthuridis]

Brilliant.

[@specialnewb9821]

If she'd had it in her mouth she wouldn't have had any

[@jcole4]

I believe that episode was the one that got Groucho fired. He was after all a standup comedian, today the woke would be trying to have him fired.

[@sueznann8927]

😂😂

[@waldog550]

8:36 "Are you a corrupt politician...or am I being redundant?" Priceless.

[@ericashmusic8889]

The quickest wit, Sharp as a razor..& full of fun. Are you aware no one's listening ? ha ha.

[@roopejuusola6844]

Waldog o

[@fricken99]

That Kruschev guy actually says "yes they say I am a little bit crooked".

[@CellGames2006]

If that was Kamala Harris instead of a random warden Groucho could have went on...

[@david203]

Amazingly, everyone knows that politicians tend to be corrupt, yet nothing is ever done about it.

[@Gwaithmir]

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." (Groucho Marx)

[@grassroot011]

That was originally from and by Mark Twain.

[@yorkipudd1728]

Are you married? Are you rich? Answer the second question first.

[@CarolineWolterHall]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@marktrevorranum3515]

8

[@m.e.d.7997]

Lame

[@cavebear33]

It's always interesting to know what became of the guests on the show. Claudette Colbert, the mystery guest is well known. The warden, Henry McFarland, went on to make some dubious headlines. He was suspended from his warden job, and sentenced to six months for perjury in 1966. He passed in 1971 at the age of 77. Judy Grable had a long and successful career as a wrestler, and is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. She died in 2008 at the age of 72.

[@SIM2014]

...and Groucho whent on to become a car salesman. 😂

[@karthiks881]

McFarland even mentions “he’s a little bit corrupt” to Groucho’s question

[@TFABMN]

@@SIM2014 He became a kitchen product salesman disguised as Ron Popeil

[@SIM2014]

@@TFABMN wrong quiz kid. He was forced paycheck to paycheck to sell Desotos. Where's your humor?

[@carlosmontana8840]

And Dorothy Kilgoin was murdered by our government because she was investigating JFK assignation.

[@SuburbanDon]

I was born in 57 and we watched this until it was cancelled. it was classy. I'm glad I found these here.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I'm glad you found the channel, too-- thanks for the comment!

[@ryanturk4589]

I lost it when Arlene says to Claudette Colbert, "Groucho wants to know if your product is found in the kitchen."

[@WhatsMyLine]

That's maybe my favorite moment from the whole show. :)

[@watchman1178]

+What's My Line? That's my 2nd favorite quip. #1 for me was Groucho saying, "Well, she must do something. A woman can't make a living by just being a blonde," followed up by (with perfect comedy timing) "Although, I've heard of a few who have." lol........

[@TheShenanigangster]

What's My Line? A year late, but that's the line that started my enchantment with the show, Arlene Francis, and your KZbin channel. Thanks!

[@taruntius1]

Whats the joke.. I don't get it?

[@pablosolis1589]

"Would you say you deal with more sex-- i mean-"

[@Matthew-qy7op]

"Are people happier when you perform your services?" Groucho: "I should think so...."

[@cheryldahl9192]

"I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal." Groucho Marx.

[@liamroberts9047]

Hello, How are you doing?

[@CarolineWolterHall]

Cheryl Dahl - I do quotes at the beginning of each of the chapters in my book. This is another one by Groucho Marx: _Time flies like an arrow._ _Fruit flies like a banana._ 😂

[@k2thepeak]

Are you kidding me? That was a Groucho line? I had no idea - first time seeing it was in a bathroom (graffiti) at the UnivofMichigan decades ago. And here, I thought it was original bathroom wit? So funny and makes it all the better for now knowing its true source. What a wit he was?

[@spy1965]

That's the best tasting pickle I've ever hoird

[@satori03]

" you realize that no ones listening to you" i LOVE Groucho!

[@smithsmith9379]

Khrushchev had been in the US since September 15 to meet with president Eisenhower, and he visited Los Angeles while he was here. The day before this episode aired he had been barred from going to Disneyland because of concerns about the crowds and his security, which made him very upset. That explains the Disneyland references and the Khrushchev look-alike.

[@xstensl8823]

i remember that

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Thank you so much for adding that.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Nor you manners.

[@su8483]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

@MichaelKingsfordGray you can tell him in a polite manner!

[@dcf3204]

Delicious show with groucho

[@user-hu4gr1bo5g]

*Wherever Groucho is, it's The Groucho Show. He's the whole thing. The real deal.*

[@johnjones3813]

And yet we're all on board. It could come across as obnoxious and self centered, but it doesn't, at all. That is true genius.

[@alperman5]

I was born exactly 57 years ago on the early morning hours of September 21, 1959. I was 7 and a half months premature when I was delivered that Monday morning. My mother was watching this episode with my Dad that Sunday evening and could not stop herself from laughing so hard since the show started and by the time Claudette Colbert appeared she had already been experiencing severe abdominal cramps and had to be rushed to the hospital. I wasn't supposed to come out until that November, but my mother to this day blames Groucho Marx and thanks him at the same time for the unexpected events that happened that night.

[@wayne6969able]

Wow! What a story.

[@bettyburk1739]

What's my line with Ronald reagan

[@WhatsMyLine]

I missed your comment when you first posted it, +alperman5, but I'm so glad I finally saw it a month later. So Groucho Marx actually induced premature labor. What a fantastic story-- I'm gonna have to share this in our WML Facebook group!

[@tungstentourniquets403]

How were you seven and a half months premature? How many body parts are you missing?

[@sandydennylives1392]

Were you born above. or below the waist?

[@BeachComber1977]

Arlene Francis looked gorgeous.

[@lorenanders702]

Love her!

[@unclejustin7267]

She was 52 in this episode. Gorgeous indeed

[@newjeffersonian6456]

Arlene Francis remained a panelist on What's My Line even after the show left CBS and went into syndication in 1968. She still looked gorgeous in 1975 when a then nationally unknown southern governor named Jimmy Carter was a mystery guest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKjcnIWKha-qpas

[@BegoneJonah]

The weird thing about Arlene Francis is that she looked better towards the end of the show's run than she did at the beginning!

[@auletjohnast03638]

Sea Shore Girl, How about me?

[@hunting69doehle62]

Amazed as to how Groucho manages to keep such a straight face when delivering one joke after another.

[@repealthepatriotact]

Sort of jokes. Too bad he didn't realize he was on a game show instead of a night club show. So weird how he's always so desperate to make jokes, but lands so few. Still, he was a pioneer back when no else was that funny either. He lacked so much subtlety that others added years later to not be as clumsy as he was. So many have learned from his mistakes.

[@dougmacqueen1679]

​@@repealthepatriotactYes you are so right. That explains why everyone on the show was laughing throughout the show.

[@repealthepatriotact]

@@dougmacqueen1679 Thank you! Someone confirming my point of how people way back then had a very simple sense of humor and were easily amused by anyone halfway funny.

[@charlescharpentier9196]

Every time I stumble across and watch episodes of this old show (I was born in 1953), I am amazed at how smart Dorothy Kilgallen is. She nails it so often.

[@harlenburke8535]

Was also born in '53 and always thought she was very attractive and intelligent....

[@keithhyttinen8275]

In November, 1965 -- someone thought she was a bit too smart. And possibly knew something.... about something.

[@jacquieharris389]

I actually found her annoying. It was Arlene Francis whom I enjoyed and thought was extremely clever.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

She clearly cheated.

[@dw7922]

I’ve definitely wondered that

[@IAmAlsoTheWalrus]

I'm 25, so this show was obviously way before my time, but I stumbled upon it maybe two weeks ago at most while looking for Buster Keaton interviews and now I can't stop watching it. Something about it is very soothing.

[@creelsmusic5814]

Too funny, that’s exactly how I found it a few years ago, I was looking for Buster Keaton interviews! I must have watched hundreds of them by now, this show is pure class!

[@miltonmania18]

I did too! Last week i was looking for a buster keaton interview.

[@bellinghammond]

"Something about (the show) is very soothing." Wit and outrageous wit....Graciousness coupled with a complete lack of Political Correctness... and above all, Social Cohesion

[@bloggerccc]

I think all the episodes have been saved. I watch a few of them.

[@kaylamcafee5070]

Hey I watch it for the same reason! It's a very very easy show to watch. They seem so much like us today, I always imagined the 50's as a lot more.... "stiff"

[@minutemuse]

17:24 - Groucho looks so proud of that little flub. Like he's thinking "My work here is done."

[@SuperBC10]

Love the way Arlene Francis presented herself. Her manner, her speech, the way she looked was simply All American fabulous IMO ❤️

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Yes, that of the 1930s lavish. Or in other words, the transatlantic accent of the 19th century on its departure into a high society form (it was very common amongst all classes of women however, just that everyone had a wonderful decree of elegance with their rich dialects." I loved the deep voiced women of that decade...notably Tallulah Bankhead who has always had such a electric low tone.

[@cards0486]

I was 8 in 1959. I’m sure I didn’t watch WHAT’S MY LINE? weekly, but I remember it through the years. What always caught my attention was Arlene Francis’s diamond heart pendant. She always wore an outfit that would have a neckline so the pendant was prominent. I thought that was the most beautiful thing ever. Even today I think it’s gorgeous. And I certainly never have had one like that.

[@cards0486]

Groucho certainly made that much more fun than usual. That man’s brain was always set to full speed. The Marx Brothers became an obsession of mine in college, early 70s. I still love them. No one could top them.

[@peterlemieux7614]

Francis was smart as was Kilgallen. Her getting the first contestant right was pretty impressive. Later on, Betsy Palmer played a role like that of Francis on "I've Got a Secret." She was no "dumb blonde" either.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

What a naturally funny man, he obviously doesn't need a script

[@zelphx]

Please put me in a time machine. I want to go back to when I watched a little black and white portable, and we had four channels to chose from... and LOVED every minute.

[@jeffbarnett2348]

Me too Bradley.

[@melodyjordan6052]

Me too!

[@trueyankee4767]

I had 2 stations till I was 18 and no color t.v. till I was 9. I'm not even close to 50 yet!

[@KingVikram]

Just wikied Miss Judy Grable. She died in 2008 and was 72 yrs old. It's fascinating to watch her so young on this show. All the people on the panel and the moderator have passed on. Most likely all of the live audience has too passed on. This was a different era and it's good to have these clips from that time. We will make our own memories and then the generation 40-50 yrs down the line will feel nostalgic about us. Hopefully we leave them a good legacy, both in terms of our deeds and thoughts.

[@jimwilson5093]

As I watch older shows or movies I too wonder if I am watching something where everybody on screen has passed and its becoming the case as I do like watching older tv shows and old movies. It is like a time machine that allows us to look back and see people who are long gone. Imagine if we have film of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address or Napoleon giving a speech. Due to digital technology we will be able to preserve and store anything put on film or recorded. We now take it for granted but its a pretty cool thing.

[@hugodogobob]

I hope they look back in embarrassment at us. What's currently on our TV is nothing to be happy with.

[@bettycogswell9851]

I love these guys so much and only came across the show a few months ago. Arlene is my fav. I would have loved to have been her friend. It's sad to think they are all gone.

[@92larsko]

@@hugodogobob they said that back then as well you know tho i feel you, i hate tv lmao

[@mrsheatherteske]

That's a nice sentiment ❤️ odd to think everyone we see has passed on

[@Knight14649]

All these years later, Groucho is still a riot... way ahead of his time in comedy...

[@jeffreyamster6020]

I agree. I’m 62 and I’ve always loved Groucho but he really was way ahead of his time.

[@debbief9861]

Not really way ahead. People were actually that funny years ago. We don’t live in superior times comedically.

[@johnjones3813]

Yes, he was like a party crasher, the one we all want to crash our party.

[@brianhaygood183]

It is very impressive that Daly was able to maintain control of the show, add on to a few of Groucho's jokes, etc. Expertly done.

[@guyfawkes9951]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with my favorite comedian of all time, GROUCHO! But then I read the comments and was saddened to find that we have truly lost our sense of humor. Folks, being a professional a---hole was Groucho's JOB! He spent his life poking the establishment in the nose! They knew exactly what they were going to get when Groucho showed up!!!

[@EmpyreanSasarai]

"Groucho wants to know if your product is found in the kitchen."

[@anishraja9655]

That smile on Groucho's face when Dorothy says " Do you in any way alter or improve their appearance?" really proves that however witty and comedic Groucho Marx was, he could still laugh if he encountered something funny enough. Timestamp: 19:53

[@bonzaibopfest9361]

Claudette Colbert is the icing on the cake. She is a gem. It Happened One Night is one of cinema's greatest films.

[@tlstory1]

Is Claudette Colbert on the show?

[@annazeman8521]

"Claudette Colbert was the mystery guest. She starred in "Sleep My Love" which can be found on KZbin -- scary and sweet and funny.

[@dhpbear2]

" 'Believe you me'; you bore me to DISTRACTION!" :)

[@bonzaibopfest9361]

@@dhpbear2 That's a GREAT line from a GREAT movie! LOL. 🤣🤣🤣

[@slaytonp]

Don't forget Claudette Colbert's dramatic role in Johnny Belinda, where she is a deaf mute. That was some smooth acting.

[@djmips]

Everyone else seems dated but Groucho is could be transplated into today without missing a beat.

[@windstorm1000]

+djmips absolutely---but Arlene is cool too.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@ djmips. If Dorothy Kilgallen was alive today she would still be considered the best investigative journalist of them all! Considering that today's news media does no real investigative journalism at all , she would make today's so-called "journalists" look like total amateurs!

[@muckerwood]

@@michaelbarlow6610 Pull the string on any talking doll and it would make today's MSM "journalists" look like amateurs...

[@libertytree3209]

Actually, I can always tell if a show is old or new if the people are really intelligent or not. If the people are truly incisive and brilliant, it is pre 1960. If their smarts are limited to what was on TV last week, it's a newer show.

[@chalkwalk]

@C The fact is that Groucho already faked his death once and came back as Alan Alda.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Nearly 40 years after his death Groucho is well remembered, as he should be. There were few (I can't think of any) sharper wits around.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Groucho kept it pretty well together until his bad stroke in the 70's. I've seen him on Cavett in the early 70's when he was about 80 years old, and he was still sharp!

[@itsaguinness]

Horse Feathers is the most amazing movie....

[@DennisDean-gm2gt]

Groucho demolished that show and was utterly hilarious in doing so.

[@johnjones3813]

He took over, broke it apart, and yet we love it. The guy absolutely killed.

[@rsr789]

This was filem 70 years ago and it's still hilarious. None of the people in that entire building could have predicted that not only that we would be still watching this so many decades later, but it could be watched, on demand, from basically anywhere on earth, whether stationary or moving.

[@accomplice55]

I was 4 when this was filmed, and I'm still a ways from 70, so I think your math is off.

[@rsr789]

@@accomplice55 My math was fine, my typing was off, 6 is next to 7.

[@jess4metoo]

@@rsr789Those three little dots on the right of your post allows you to edit your post just by tapping it.

[@rsr789]

@@jess4metoo Are you always this obtuse or is it just an occasional thing?

[@hockeyrd99]

When Arlene says "Groucho wants to know if your product found in the kitchen"! I almost had a heart attack laughing!

[@WhatsMyLine]

One of my favorite moments, too. It's even funnier that it's coming from her, because he's been disqualified. She could have chosen to just ignore him, but she delivered the line, and no one could have delivered it any funnier. This, for me, is one of the big clues that they weren't annoyed with Groucho, but fully enjoying his antics.

[@tearbag]

Same!

[@nankerphelge3771]

@@WhatsMyLine True, but I think that Arlene is the only one of the regulars who could hang in there with Groucho. Dorothy was completely flummoxed by him.

[@taruntius1]

what's the joke?

[@hockeyrd99]

@@taruntius1 The show often had inventors, so "Is your product found in the kitchen?" was a standard question that someone would ask on just about every show. Groucho used it in a hilarious way.

[@soulierinvestments]

Director Franklin Heller knew we were in for a treat. You will note he kept Groucho's microphone hot to capture everything and also called for an unusual number of two and three person shots involving Groucho's antics. As a bonus, I think some of Dorothy's remarks are among her funniest things ever uttered on WML. I particularly like the place where she rings her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice amid the roar of confusion. Groucho was one of the brightest guys in Hollywood at that time -- a voracious reader and a good writer -- and that theme question of his cracks me up every time.

[@vaeshethblade931]

Nobody could destroy a show quite like Groucho.

[@rachelbk5881]

I was so enchanted to see the lovely Claudette Colbert in this show

[@gazurtoids1]

So far ahead of his time he's ahead of our time

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

Wow, Groucho Marx was what, 69, when he made this appearance? And he was still sharp as a tack.

[@bug1494]

he was so sharp im not sure time mattered, you could dig him up and when you cracked open the coffin he would probably tell you to shut it before the hot air got in.

[@tinat9486]

Actually, 69 is not necessarily old and senile, these days anyway. People are living longer. My clients are older and very sharp minded.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

He stayed sharp, his body failed him, not his mind

[@ronflatter1235]

Gee. 69. That's like, ya know, 101?

[@slaytonp]

@@ronflatter1235 I agree--my daughter is 69, and just finished building a timber frame/straw bale house for herself--from scratch--with the occasional help of 3 or 4 old ladies her age and a neighbor man who is 80. From my perspective, 69 is the age of maturity.

[@Celluloidwatcher]

What an episode of WML this was. Groucho REALLY DID break up the show. His rapid-fire delivery when he spewed jokes was his trademark. Loved it, whether it was from a Marx Bros. film, or You Bet Your Life. He was a master of insult comedy. The One, The Only...Groucho. Thanks for presenting this clip.

[@paulwardle4761]

Groucho, the master of the ad-lib. This never gets old. Dorothy can't even concentrate on the game, and that's saying something.

[@jasonburns4071]

How I wish Groucho...and the rest of the boys...were still with us...

[@FiremistDreamwalker]

+Jason Burns They still are; just pop in one of their performances once you find 'em to buy and take home. :)

[@satori03]

yes..they will ALWAYS be with us!

[@marvinthiessen3454]

Groucho would have a field day with this strait jacket, touchy-feely p.c. crap we have to put up with. No one can take a joke anymore.

[@francisu.5005]

Today he wouldn't be on TV or anywhere else. Probably flipping burgers in some suburban bistro. So sad we don't promote the good and intelligent any more

[@dialan7399]

"Is this product found in your kitchen?" happens to be a line that I've grown to randomly use with people during a meaningful conversation. I take so much joy in witnessing their blank stares. (I'm an interior designer, it's just that appropriate haha!) I think the the episode wouldn't have been as mirthful without Groucho. Gotta love that man ♡

[@WhatsMyLine]

I love that you use that line randomly. For extra bonus points, randomly ask them if they touch people above or below the waist. For the super jackpot, before they can even answer, ask them "For how much?"

[@bmjpdx9222]

This reminds me of a story that illustrates just how outrageous Groucho could be: A plane of USO performers was arriving at Washington, DC, with Groucho and Eleanor Roosevelt amongst the greeters. As Charlotte Greenwood was getting off the plane, at the top of the airstairs she did one of her hallmark high kicks. Groucho turned to Mrs. Roosevelt and said; "You know, you could do that if you put your mind to it." .

[@mortalclown3812]

One of my favorite comments ever.

[@madbrowniac7871]

"Aunt Eller" from "Oklahoma" was known for "hallmark high kicks?" There is an Educational moment IMHO.🤔💃B.W.

[@lorigorton591]

BwaHaHaHa!!!

[@joandeluca6846]

😂😂😂

[@sfbuck415]

that's high humor

[@ReynaHerichan7769]

Groucho Marx is one of my fave comedian of all time. He died eight days after i was born and i'm sad knowing him just by stories and videos like this. Lots of love from a fan in Indonesia.

[@stpaulimdog]

The best part is when he turns his blind fold into his signature mustache :)

[@MrKmoconne]

They knew exactly what to expect when they invited Groucho Marx on the show and they got it. I laughed my ass off watching it.

[@melodialin4681]

John Doe ll 3666778899

[@JoeXTheXJuggalo1]

Yeah and it was funny. By the way nice No Face

[@stevenmacphail1136]

If he had behaved himself, it would have been a disappointment.

[@maryjennings4277]

Looks like this show was running over time.

[@nancymeyhoefer4102]

he tried to steal the show…I don’t like it.

[@loganmatthews3672]

Anyone else love the high level of casual vocabulary these folks have?

[@johnjones3813]

An elegant time.

[@trudyfox938]

10:05 Groucho almost got it when he said he loosened his collar because he said “it’s a little like being hung sitting here”. 😂

[@drewmorone8993]

Groucho is brilliant. John Daley can barely keep it together. These people were so classy and witty, and Groucho just tears it up.

[@914Rocky]

Speaking about brilliance, John Daley was an incredible host. Just incredible. He was so polite to all guests, and turned the panel into pretzels with his verbal gymnastics. What a great show. Just great.

[@dodgecrockett3474]

I'm sorry Morone, but you're just plain wrong.

[@drewmorone8993]

@@dodgecrockett3474 My opinion is wrong? What is it wrong about?

[@joerivandeweyer3056]

@@dodgecrockett3474 yeah it's true Groucho is a running joke in Gilbert's bids on Stern Radio. If Dean Martin's the cool funny uncle, Groucho's the other uncle that wants to be the funny one but of whom you'd just want he would shut his pie hole

[@dodgecrockett3474]

Monroe, you are right about one thing. The cast is classy. It was their class that enabled them to maintain their composure while that loser tried to ruin the show. Groucho wasn't "brilliant" on What's My Line. You probably confused A Day At The Races with What's My Line.

[@Jerkwad152]

Man, Groucho had John Daly dying back there, XD

[@rosemma34]

Groucho does an authentic double-take when he recognizes Miss Colbert -- it's very cute

[@indisummers4385]

What I love is that he's actually very respectful of women.

[@MrTraherne]

"The question is withdrawn" "Let's see you withdraw it, then" I also love Salvador Dali's episode, for what it's worth.

[@scootscootriot1020]

The Salvador Dali one was good because he (Dali) tried to befuddle the panel by saying yes to 90% of the questions. Plus, the audience laughed at most of his replies.

[@37thraven]

That one was my first, and one of my favourites! @@scootscootriot1020 Part of it was to stump the panel, but honestly, part of it was just because he was a nerdy artist! Athlete? Yes. Writer? Yes. Use a pen? Yes. Brush? Yes.

[@rosemma34]

@@37thraven agree

[@holliswilliams8426]

I mean, part of it might have been that he didn't know much English and probably didn't understand the questions, so he was just saying yes to everything.

[@Powerranger-le4up]

Groucho is really one of a kind.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Powerranger6342 The one. . . the only.

[@0okamino]

+Powerranger6342 That's good information. Now if I see anyone with two Grouchos, I'll know they're cheating at cards.

[@MrDavey2010]

Groucho is so rebellious! Way ahead of his time! Hilarious!

[@WalkerRileyMC]

Love how by the end Groucho had the rest of the panelists joining in his antics, to the point Daly just gave up.....or so he thought, and then the special guest came out.

[@southernbrooklyngal]

I've never seen John Daly laugh so much!!! LOL

[@filmguymike]

Jan Rene You're right, also I don't think he's ever laughed as hard. What an entertaining show this was.

[@jimlange944]

This is hands down the FUNNIEST episode of "What's My Line?" I have EVER seen. And just like you, I have seen quite a few of them myself!! No matter how many times I watch this, I am almost in tears every time!! I have NEVER heard any of the panel or John Daly laugh the way they did on this show. Plus, Groucho brought out John Daly's ad libbing skills as well. To anyone who thinks Groucho is being annoying, you have never seen Groucho or how dull WML? can be sometimes. This was a REFRESHING change from the norm!!

[@WhatsMyLine]

Well said, jimlange!

[@windstorm1000]

Amen!

[@sylviaarce1621]

I think this is the funniest WML episode followed by Rosalind Russell's appearance on the show

[@CarmenZynger]

Groucho is so sharp, fast, and funny! He cracks me up. Imagine Groucho un censored.

[@pattytanur3321]

I do much enjoy how panelists’ and Mr Daly had so much flourishing vocabulary and cultural & educational background knowledge. So funny and at the same time respectful.

[@henrywyche]

I bet the producers held Their breaths when they got Groucho on the panel. Not knowing if they made a mistake, but I can assure them now, almost 60 years later, it was a great idea.

[@onyxgio6178]

F

[@windstorm1000]

He was such a loose cannon! But worth it!

[@catherinehazur7336]

2 Best quiz shows of the day... YOU BET YOUR LIFE and WHAT'S MY LINE. Groucho is irrepressible wit and outrageous as usual. Is Mr Macfarland KGB? He could be Nikita Kruschev's younger brother or stunt double. Amazing family resemblance. This show never disappoints

[@Amcsae]

I couldn't stand him! I have enjoyed many, many episodes of this show, but he grated on my nerves every time he opened his mouth.

[@peternagy-im4be]

@@Amcsae okay

[@markrocovich2234]

I remember watching this show with my mother and grandmother who lived with us...we had many wonderful times in front of the old Muntz B&W TV, and even though they are gone, this clip reminds me that I had a wonderful life....

[@emilyyoung386]

Mark Rocovich

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

yes, I was about 7 in 1964 and and I remember watching a TV with rabbit ears which had to be adjusted all the time I'm going to say it was an RCA brand but not absolutely sure about that. One day my mother took me and my sister on a car ride to see my grandmother and grandfather some distance from us. After that visit she drove to a residence even farther away and purchased a Zenith TV for 25 dollars. And I can almost remember exactly where this residence was some 54 years later. That TV was MUCH MUCH better but still the rabbit ears existed. After a while I knew exactly what position was best for them to be in for each of the 3 channels it received.

[@parkzed3855]

john noe EXACTLY! I remember those days like it was yesterday. I tell young kids today “we had 3 channels & that was 2 too many!” TV has been destroyed today: totally overload.

[@MuzixMaker]

Madman Muntz!

[@andylutz3505]

I just want to put this out there that as a young person, I love reading these stories of times long ago, and I appreciate everyone for taking the time to do so!

[@PC4USE1]

Scripted on nonscripted, Groucho was indeed a comedic genius. He could make a restauant menu bawdy without uttering a 'forbidden" word. A wit as sharp as a scimitar.

[@gradyrogers6707]

Agreed

[@stickman-1]

I swear Groucho was the Robin Williams of the time. Just amazing.

[@rebeccalachowicz6721]

Watching John Daly lose it is totally worth this entire show. Priceless! He is absolutely hysterical by the mystery guest!

[@WhatsMyLine]

This is why it puzzles me so much that some people read his reaction to Groucho as annoyance. I don't see it, not in the slightest. I've never seen John laugh harder or more often than on this one show.

[@ceciliem1811]

@@WhatsMyLine 5hat's so true!! 😂😂😂

[@ceciliem1811]

So true! Groucho, is one comedienne who has made me cry, with laughter; while watching this episode! 😂😂😂

[@michaelbarlow6610]

The only time in this episode of "What's My Line?" in which moderator Charles Daly seemed a bit irked by Groucho's interruptions is after Groucho says, "That's getting out of it good Charles Daly!" when Daly has a look on his face as if he's thinking that he wished Groucho would stop interrupting so much. But Daly appreciated and recognized the brilliance of Groucho's improvisational humor as evidenced by his losing it after Groucho asked Judy Grable if she was a foot doctor?!

[@arthurparsons8900]

@@michaelbarlow6610 by cyyu

[@Carterofmars]

Groucho was a master of comedy. The format of the show was inconsequential. He stole the show, and was a riot.

[@jamesbeshears6717]

I still love the Marx Brothers. Did you know that Groucho Marx passed away the same week as Elvis?RIP Groucho and Elvis Thank you for helping me through my yesterdays 🎶🎄☃️

[@psychedelicpython]

Dorothy Kilgallen’s question about sex to the woman wrestler had me laughing so hard I had tears.

[@brianwilliams3438]

Groucho truly got to Arlene and Dorothy with his humor.

[@erichanson426]

Even though it is black and white, I could tell Dorothy's face was bright red.

[@allenjones3130]

During the mystery guest segment, John disqualified Groucho. (He HAD to!)

[@4seeableTV]

And if you look at Dorothy at the end of her questioning, even her eyes are watering. 18:18

[@RepentfollowJesus]

I have heard them mention sex on this show several times and I am amazed it flew past the fcc back then

[@MoiraRussell]

"You two are getting pretty chummy over there" and we're off. That is the greatest deadpan of all time.

[@darnact]

Dorothy Kilgallen is adorable XD

Totally agree.

[@histubeness]

Back in 1959, there were only 4 minutes of commercials in a half hour show. Now it's twice that.

[@sdkelmaruecan2907]

Now the shows are between commercials

[@TheThinkVoid]

I'm 28 and I absolutely love this show. I would put it in contest with any crappy, generic sitcom from nowadays, in terms of the laughter value. I laugh so much from this show. For example, I love when Mr. Daly gives such a long-winded, discombobulated answer that everyone looks even more lost. Then you add Groucho or Steve Allen to it? I'm literally laughing in tears from how funny it is with the different comedic geniuses they have on from yesteryear. I have no problem with strong language or crude or crass humor, but there's just something about how classy and clean this show was that makes it intoxicating. Get a panel of admirable, sophisticated individuals (I particularly admire Bennett Cerf) and have them play a simple guessing game. It was absolute genius in concept and execution. I would absolutely love to see this come back in the same format. It truly, truly breaks my heart that my generation and those to come will most likely never hear of this show (or care), much less hear the names of the past brilliant and interesting talents who are the celebrity guests -- and non-celebrity for that matter -- who cover such a remarkably broad range of fields.

[@cookie5335]

I like that there is little editing, chopping from here to there, makes for a more engaging view

[@sergioosea7974]

If Groucho were to behave like any other panelist, what would be the point of asking him on the show? You ask Groucho because you want him to BE Groucho.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Sergio osea Very true. Personally I wouldn't have booked him for the show. Bored the excrement out of me.

[@davmax7751]

@@davidsanderson5918 Would anyone have asked you opinion nearly 61 years ago?

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Did they ask him Groucho come on and do your schtick or Groucho come on and do the show? I think if he had any sense or decorum he would have behaved properly.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@ Dave Sanderson. If you find Groucho Marx to be "boring" then I feel sorry for you!

[@johnnyalucard9704]

@@davidsanderson5918 yeah, you and...... Um... And... ER... well, nobody

[@TomBarrister]

The play that Colbert was appearing in at the time was Leslie Stevens' "The Marriage-Go-Round" with Charles Boyer. The play ran for 431 performances at the Plymouth Theatre (now the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre). Marx refused to wear the customary tuxedo worn by male panelists, refused to follow the format, and even announced the name of the mystery guest (Colbert). Marx appeared four times on the show: twice as a mystery guest, twice as a panelist. Brother Chico appeared once in 1951 (the episode is lost). Groucho's question: "Are you a corrupt politician?" wasn't far off-base. A few years after the show, McFarland was sentenced to 18 months of prison for perjury in denying various improprieties related to his tenure as warden. Judy Grable was originally an acrobat but turned to wrestling in the 1950s and 1960s. After wrestling, she worked as a nurses aide. Daly is one of the few people to have worked on all three major networks (CBS, NBC, ABC) in the early days of television. In addition to being the host of WML, he was the news anchor for ABC in the 1950s and also filled-in for various people on NBC, most notably for David Garroway on the Today Show.

[@lwisestouf4098]

Any nurses aide will agree that the job often involves some wrestling.

[@stevencullimore4173]

V interesting. Great research.

[@bh8365]

@Tom Barrister. Thanks for these facts. Valuable info for sure.

[@edwardhayes6113]

Great knowledge and research which makes you ineligible to enter politics

[@magicknight13]

Thank you so much! Insightful!

[@catsarereallycool]

What's My Line best show ever. Thank you for sharing. P.S. Mr. Daly was just excellent.

[@MatthewTheMattam]

I showed my grandfather this episode, and the segment with the female wrestler had him in occasional stitches, and he had me in stitches watching him enjoy the good ole days. Thank you, WML, for making that moment possible!

[@johnjones3813]

This is a very endearing story.

[@markmarsh27]

This was the best game show of all time in my humble opinion. The world was a kinder sweeter place when "What's My Line" was a "reality" show and the themes of mainstream entertainment hadn't devolved and degenerated into humiliation, conquest and the summary executions of "losers."

[@WhatsMyLine]

Mark Marsh "Summary execution of 'losers'"???

[@markmarsh27]

What's My Line? ...."Survivor," ..."The Apprentice" ...."How to Marry a Millionaire" ..."The Mole" ..."America's Next Top Model" Do I need to continue? These show were much more about humiliating the losers than they were about glorifying the winners. You can't see that?

[@WhatsMyLine]

Mark Marsh Ah, I see-- I thought you meant "execution" literally!

[@markmarsh27]

What's My Line? No my friend, figure of speech.

[@pborrellij]

Absolutely agree.

[@idadudenmanner]

See, you don't see brilliant people like this on television anymore. If they remade this show for primetime at a major network, the panel would be full of gorgeous, sexy, chiseled actors/actresses/musicians/reality TV stars, but highly doubt that the panel would have one functioning brain between the four of them... How cool is it that on THIS panel there's a book publisher? When do you ever see publishers on TV on popular shows nowadays except for when they are being played by someone super gorgeous....?

[@WhatsMyLine]

This is exactly why I never get interested in-- let alone excited by-- any prospect of reviving the show today.

[@VarnaVix]

This is why I watch British panel shows.

[@NosyFella]

Yeah, 'QI', 'Would I Lie To You' and 'Have I Got News For You' are all still pretty good.

[@chrisgast]

That's because we've lost so much innocence within the last few decades, in my opinion.

[@WhatsMyLine]

***** You honestly see no difference between the tone of a show like WML and what airs today except the hairstyles and its having been in B&W? Seriously? If it were redone today in the same style, with the same people, but with fully updated hairstyles and in glorious living color, it would never even make it to air, let alone succeed. Look at the revival of To Tell the Truth ABC is airing now versus the original. There's a whole hell of lot more that's different than hair styles and color. Also, the publishing industry, while it does still exist of course, is perhaps in its last dying gasps.

[@brucedavis3816]

Man when he was whispering in Frances ear the expression on her face wow she was enjoying it like nobody's business!!!

[@bellinghammond]

Some may fault Groucho for 'interrupting' but that's just the way that master humorist's mind worked... the world was his straight man, feeding his lightning wit. What did he want? He wanted to MAKE people laugh....and he did. That's 'greatness' right there

[@MerleOberon]

58 years later, I'm still laughing.

[@loissimmons6558]

And I rarely laughed during this episode and usually at someone else besides Groucho. I watch WML to enjoy myself, but the enjoyment doesn't have to come from laughter. I did not enjoy this episode. I rarely laughed and there were only a few moments where the game play redeemed the rest.

[@knighthood7676]

The funniest guy who ever lived. Most comedians even today need a host of writers but Groucho was just naturally funny and outrageous. His comedy is timeless. Other comedians from the same era seem dated and corny by today's standards but Groucho's humor never gets old. He's just as funny now as he ever was.

[@frenchmarky]

He had an instantaneous wit. I thought Fred Allen did too, seldom said anything that was other than witty.

[@ToddSF]

Knight Hood -- Groucho was hilarious, and he was hilarious on WML, without doubt. I wouldn't have wanted him on every week, though, since his humor was so hilarious it tended to disrupt the flow of the show. But when he was on, he was just so funny it's amazing!

[@knighthood7676]

It's a good thing they did not invite Chico and Harpo as well or it would have been complete pandemonium. I can see Harpo chasing the girls and Chico taking the mic away from the announcer and having a continuous banter with Groucho.

[@cjsm1006]

He's the GOAT!

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

Agreed. I never found Bob Hope or Milton Berle funny, but Groucho and Jack Benny were hilarious.

[@maynardsmoreland]

The one...the only...Groucho!!!

[@joandeluca6846]

Groucho was an absolute GENIUS!!!!!! LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS EPISODE!!!!!!!!!

[@randylovering24]

Congratulations on one million views of this classic episode of what's my line a TV classic

[@downbntout]

Mr. Marx certainly destroyed Mr. Daly's composure!

[@-oiiio-3993]

Daly got Groucho at 07:01 - it was 'on' from there.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@-oiiio-3993 he got him even better a few seconds later and had him struggling to keep it from being too “blue” for live tv

[@WhatsMyLine]

Yikes!!! This is easily the most instantly popular WML video I've ever posted, by a huge margin. 10,000 views in less than a month! Hooray for Captain Spaulding!

[@WildBillCox13]

"His friends all call him Schnorer . . ."

[@WhatsMyLine]

Make that 100,000 views in 4 months. And two hard-boiled eggs.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Mu91c14n Make that three hard-boiled eggs.

[@WhatsMyLine]

***** And one duck egg.

[@PepsiMama2]

Captain Spaulding... from the horror movies... the other day my sons went to Fright Dome and one of my sons got to meet and got his picture taken with Sid Haig...

[@territarheel5163]

Groucho was a genius. No one ever laughed "politely" at him; it was always laughter they could not contain!

[@hanscraig1850]

Groucho could make it today, he was the absolute best ever.

[@MaureenMaynes]

Groucho Marx - one of the greats!

[@D800Lover]

In the world of comedy, Groucho was an anarchist.

[@windstorm1000]

+D800Lover yes-- that's the key word!

[@___Mal]

At least he wasn’t a Marxist

[@cinexeon]

He is an Anarcho-Marxist

[@cinexeon]

And that makes all the sense in the world, and me stan him more!

[@farnumbp]

I love the way the moderator laughs and has a great time with this

[@tappedout300xc]

This is exactly why I have always loved Groucho. His humor was so quick and out of the box.

[@antinotis]

You have to hand it to Claudette for being a good sport. She probably knew Groucho well enough to know what it was going to be. She seemed to have a good time with it all.

[@BobPetrone]

Why was television so much better in the 50s & 60s? Thanks for uploading all of these WML shows.

[@WhatsMyLine]

You're very welcome-- it's been a pleasure sharing the shows!

[@jillkjv3816]

Because the people were classier.

[@marybroussardmusic]

“Groucho wants to know if your product is found in the kitchen.” dead.

[@melindamercier6811]

Groucho was always an acquired taste, but he made for a hilarious episode! Daly was equal parts terrified and side-split by Marx. What a great show.😄

[@anitakinnear6735]

An “acquired taste?” I guess humor must be, too.

[@thelastmotel]

@@anitakinnear6735 There are different kinds of humour, and different people find different things funny. I've always loved Groucho, but it took audiences a long time to get used to him. During their vaudeville years, audiences loved Chico the best, and in the early years of their films, audiences loved Harpo the best.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

That had to have been the funniest episode I've ever seen. Between the Krushchev double and Groucho Marx, I couldn't stop laughing.

[@Argonvey]

Thanks for posting this. I LOVE Groucho's comedy. He delivers those lines in a way nobody else can.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Absolutely! Coincidentally, I just posted his first return to WML (as mystery guest) on Monday, so if you haven't seen it yet, you might want to check it out too: What's My Line? - Groucho Marx; Tony Randall [panel] (Oct 13, 1963)

[@julienielsen4462]

This show was so funny. I’m addicted. My dad was born in 1950 and he always told me about this show but I never watched it till now.

[@tonyknapp2927]

One of my favorite TV shows when growing up, along with "I've Got a Secret," and "To Tell the Truth."