What's My Line: Groucho Steals the Show

[@robie46]

I have enjoyed laughing at a lot of comedians in my lifetime but Groucho was without a doubt, the best. No matter what words came out of his mouth he made me laugh the hardest. God bless you, Mr. Marx.

[@Tsamokie]

Dittos to that rob.

[@8311XHT]

Groucho was great, even on his death bed he was cracking jokes and flirting with the nurses.

[@buzzlightyear6796]

This aired in September of 1958 and Groucho was just about to turn 68. He looks good for his age.

[@user-xs3og8us3d]

Best person Evah

[@onlythewise1]

@@user-xs3og8us3d sure he defeated Germany single handed

[@jessicathethreestoogesfan2635]

Yeah, but his forehead’s the same size

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti1663]

Groucho didn't steal the show... ...he OWNED the show!

[@Thegregcoulson]

McGannahan Skyjellyfetti your mum stoke the show

[@elijah1404]

I feel like this kind of humor is healthy for my brain.

[@RS-ol8or]

Absolutely! Marx Bros we’re excellent, as well as Jack Benny & Mel Blanc and a lot of the comedians from that era. Good clean fun.

[@thugswhislte]

they are all so very well spoken, what has happened to us?

[@ifihadafulcrum]

I think liberty in communication has been taken for granted; sure people have the liberty to say whatever they like but somewhere down the line people started seeing restraint and consideration as bad things that infringe on their freedoms. Therefore with the popular mindset endorsing rebellion against anything restrictive the young are left with no standards to live up to and no social constraints reigning-in the vulgar, brash, lewd, and crude. All that is left are bluntness and volume because the rational limitations that inspired ingenuity are no longer there - where once there were admirably cultivated topiaries there are only rudimentary unkempt shrubs.

[@LukesShorts]

The people on the panel tended to be journalists and socialites and other such high flyers - and talking like that on television was practically mandatory for decades. It may seem great as a novelty now, but it didn't represent the way people really spoke that accurately and lead to a lot of censorship and elitism. I agree that in some ways we've gone too far in the other direction, but strict social propriety is a rather unhealthy thing for a society

[@ifihadafulcrum]

LukesShorts Why did my mentioning of restraint, consideration and rational limitations lead to you mentioning that "strict social propriety is an unhealthy thing"? I'm certainly not in support of returning to the way things were, but the way things are isn't working, so I'm suggesting taking a good concept from the past and applying it to the present: people communicating effectively having access to a well versed vocabulary and possessing the discerning to pick the right time and place for such communication. What say you?

[@tomwilko7841]

Ifihad Afulcrum Here, here.

[@PissGargle]

+Ifihad Afulcrum I'm amazed, and I couldn't agree more. Every comment I've read from you is spot-on social commentary, and I do mean 100%. Are you an author?

[@DarkDawnActual]

Love it. Now I am going to show my age a bit, I watched this on black and white TV when I was young.

[@johnboythai1514]

So did I...Ha! Ha!

[@ifihadafulcrum]

I'm envious! I'm a child of the 80's therefore only discovered this show recently and thanks to N.P.R.. Very cool Bear. :]

[@sim33009]

I sure miss Groucho's quick wit. There is no one like him today.

[@spaingano]

Don't forget Norm Macdonalds quick wit.

[@PissGargle]

+dust ䷷ "but Merton's wit is quicker." That's your opinion. As for Robin Williams, he's been gone over a year, and Simone was talking about TODAY. So her statement is still valid. No need to knock Groucho just to be contrary.

[@sim33009]

Thank you for the comment. Groucho, of course, can stand on his own. And i still miss him.

[@PissGargle]

My pleasure. He was before my time, but he's an American treasure.

[@sim33009]

That is true. I am very picky at what makes me laugh and of course Robin Williams is also on that list. I do not go for salacious humor or bathroom humor at all. Guess I am just an old lady, stuck in the past.

[@mrmyyankee]

Love Groucho. So funny. I watched all The Marks Brothers Movies growing up. There will never be another family like them. Hilarious.

[@dodge96neon]

just think of the gold that there could have been if groucho had been on the panel for the nudist resort woman

[@asmradam1]

"Do you touch them above the shoulders?" "Yes" "Are you a foot doctor?" Groucho's quick wit was astonishing. An absolute genius.

[@WitoldBanasik]

+Adam ASMR Witty as he was at times he used to be too egocentric and even pushy. Check his interview with Ms. Jayne Mansfield during his own TV show. He was sitting and smoking cigarettes while she was standing next to him all the show. It was all too much for me. I haven't found him funny since then. Cheers !!!

[@bobupanddowne5532]

+Adam ASMR That was my favourite part too, hilarious.

[@neilwilson5785]

If you read his literature, yes, he was a complex character. A human being perhaps and not perfect. but a true wit and a guy with true insight. er, and funny even in 2016.

[@joycetrif]

Witold W. Banasik and

[@JohnSilverfan01]

Happy 125th Birthday, Groucho!!

[@BelloBudo007]

Old style humour at it's very best.

[@MatthewPippin]

Comedy of manners is always the funniest.

[@meganburns4027]

Groucho, the funniest man I've ever seen.

[@UncleMike43]

Groucho Marx a National Treasure Period !!!!

[@Thegregcoulson]

UncleMike43 your mums a national treasure

[@mantistoboggan5171]

what's a national treasure period?

[@NintenloupWolfFR]

I'm not sure, but I think this was sponsored by Kellogg's.

[@FrostyButter]

What ever gave you that idea?

[@Lampshade51]

LOL!!!!

[@user-xs3og8us3d]

The wrong kind of finger shape

[@Thegregcoulson]

Nintenloup Wolf (FR) they’re great

[@VictorKPanda]

That was nice. I wish they could bring back this show but they're all gone so I know that'll be difficult to do.Great panel.

[@robertglenn5398]

wonderful clip. I recall watching this with my parents back when and Groucho was so quick witted and one of the funniest men ever born. He was the last of the great comics who need not resort to profanity in order to get an ostensibly off color quip.

[@Russ442100]

people who call swearing 'profanity' Dont understand language

[@hughcorston9645]

I've loved Groucho since I was 13. We did our best to be as witty and irreverent as him.

[@adamsinger123]

I love that Groucho is implying (by his glances, never mind what he says) that she's a member of the oldest profession this whole time.

[@nlwilliams31]

@4:44 I am dying laughing over here.......Groucho's look is priceless

[@SwoteOffical]

I put a price on it, 620,876,230$

[@Thegregcoulson]

nlwilliams31 your mums look is priceless

[@normanepstein7798]

What a Freudian panel this is!

[@71superbee3]

Groucho had the panel in such a state as to cause John Daly to "throw in the towel" and award Miss Grable the full $50, which wasn't exactly chump change back when this was recorded on kinescope.

[@SecsSells]

Actually, $50 from 1959 would have a value of $403 today.

[@jamesoblivion]

Let's face it...anyone who's seen more than a handful of episodes of What's My Line? can say with confidence that Daly "threw in the towel" quite frequently. ;)

[@ksteiger]

James O'Blivion I remember that as a kid. He was constantly tossing all the cards over!

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

Always amusing that this show never had Show and Tell with the guest showing a photograph of themselves. There are dozens of pictures of Judy Grable on the web and Judy would have been glad to show one?

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

hi

[@checkeredflagfilms]

brillant and hilarious!

[@marcweeks9178]

The director certainly knew which side his bread was buttered on; that camera hardly left Groucho.

[@apetro8290]

Groucho was a gem. He was funny and fun to be around. I can tell. More people like him would make the world a better place.

[@davidharrison6615]

Groucho what a wonderful man . rip.

[@kevinjudy7218]

Groucho is the master when there is any mystery or ambuguity

[@DavidEzell]

Groucho was one of the genuine talents of the century. And in the scripted, spin-doctored environment of the 21st century he would not be given a stage. Long live Groucho!

[@DonGomez007]

Groucho was the show that night! LMAO :-)

[@richardknapp8322]

Miss Dorthy laughing! Groucho was charming and very funny....

[@Lampshade51]

Groucho on Whats My Line is always a treat. My favorite question of Groucho's: "Are you a corrupt politician......or am I being redundant?".

[@titusweekes8711]

Groucho was an entertainer, that's why he was on the show. If you don't like his jokes you're taking the show way too seriously.

[@geraldflood4434]

Titus Weekes I

[@sweiland75]

Get back in your cave.

[@daves.9479]

@@DennisCanter He was a professional narcissist.

[@TheBatugan77]

Very well put, Titus. Nicer than I would've....

[@TheBatugan77]

@@DennisCanter No no. He's the entertainer. You're the asshole.

[@Atombender]

"Do you touch them above the waist?" "Yes" GM: "For how much?"

[@AceripXF]

lmao

[@AWSOMEPOSSUM16]

This man was always on fire.

[@inhibited44]

Would like to see Paul Lynde meet in conversation with Groucho Marx. To extremely quick witted individuals.

[@RobertJones-ux6nc]

Gracious has everybody cracking up the audience and the people on stage. I use to love watching him on his show.

[@RobertJones-ux6nc]

PS that should say Gracho Marx

[@boblowney]

i see why groucho's show was cancelled after his guest with 5 kids said she loved her husband and he retorted well I love my cigar but I still take it out of my mouth once in a while! genius! and naughty.

[@Thegregcoulson]

Bob Lowney shutup

[@claxton1959]

Too funny...

[@rd812]

Urban legend. He never said that.

[@Deejayboy]

Ah, life back in the black and white days of tv seemed so simple.

[@71superbee3]

Not to mention .... it was free.

[@FlyBoyBigBlue]

71superbee3 If you have an antenna, it still is.

[@queensuejesuseschild3136]

David James it was people helped each other and was honest left our doors unlocked windows opened no air conditioning in home back then. Very great time in our history we lost all of our morals and our honesty. When kids played out side from sun up to sun down. And ran all around town playing with different kids or riding bikes. we didn't have to worry about someone taken them. When parents made the kids mind with a spanking and a good talking to about what they did wrong. Now days we have kids running the parents instead of the parents running the kids. It is getting worse each day parents let their kids get by with hitting and cussing them with out slapping their mouth or butt. A few times. If my kids cussed me they got slapped and had to lick soap too to wash out their dirty mouth. They didn't cuss anymore because they knew if they did what would happen and lava soap don't taste good either. They still remember it too they didn't like it but they respect me and others and other people's things. They don't steel either. Or be disrespectful to anyone. They respect the elders. Kids today don't respect nobody not even their self. We lost a lot in the last 55 years or more what a shame we let our government tell us how to raise our children and now we are scared to spat that butt but God says Don't spare the rod on the child because you answer to God for not making your children mind you and respect others.

[@Thegregcoulson]

David James your mums so simple

[@WalterLiddy]

I'm amazed she came so close at the end. Did they feed answers/clues to the panelists that we don't see? I would NEVER have gotten anywhere near the answer based on the show thusfar.

[@glencadieux886]

Groucho - Unbelievable unscripted Raw Talent,& Comedy...!!! Rip GROUCHO, Chico, & Harpo

[@stephen300o6]

Long live Zepo!

[@keeperofthecheese]

I love how the slightest innuendo was hilarious in the 50s :D

[@DarrenFreemanVAA]

God, John Daly just puts ALL modern game show hosts to shame! So intelligent and articulate!

[@snowden67]

Groucho was on as a panelist at leas twice. For his second appearance, Arlene Francis introduces him by saying, "Hold on to your hats, he's back, here's Groucho Marx." One he was the mystery guest and he was equally off the wall. John Daly was even cracking up, answering the paneilsts with a wisecrack. When a panelist asked Groucho, "Do you perform standing up?" Daly blurted in laughing, "Not if he can do it sitting down." and the audience howled. I love the Groucho episodes.

[@sanjayshetty2339]

5:15: "Ah, Dorothy. Before we pursue this subject any further...I don't want to pursue it any further...If I can interrupt, maybe I can pursue it further..."

[@billythedoggie]

i could watch this video time after time and laugh again and again....they are all funny on this show...great great show.....

[@TJae1]

Imagine Groucho thought alice copper was pretty cool ~ def. ~ ahead of his time

[@sentfrom4477]

Mr Daly is a real gent. Are there any still on American TV?

[@richardknapp8322]

Kramer....

[@TheBatugan77]

There is no question... Groucho has the whole panel turned upside down..

[@cjck311]

Ahh, The Golden Age Of Television.... I Wish That They Hadn't Screwed It Up So Soon! T.V. Is Drowning In Commercials, And Lacks The Wit And Humor It Once Had! Thanx For Sharing This Historical Clip! 2 Thumbs Up!!

[@AForceTrulyEvil]

I should be doing my school work, but I can't get off these videos..

[@THE-HammerMan]

Groucho. The greatest ever. Period.

[@Thegregcoulson]

Matthew Hamersly your mum. The greatest ever. Period

[@TheoHockeyton]

"Oh boy what a Freudian panel !" hahahaha Groucho's genius comedy is still cracking people up 70 years later !

[@rostamdastan9272]

Groucho the great....

[@Losrandir]

Having Groucho on the show, I mean it has to go this way. Love and light!

[@theundertaler5875]

I don,t know why, but watching Groucho makes me hungry for corn flakes.

[@zackspaulding]

Groucho marx is a legend....funniest,wittiest man who ever walked the face of the earth.

[@spensert4933]

Groucho’s timing is amazing!

[@Thegregcoulson]

Jamie Spenser Thompson your mums timing is amazing!

[@fatbelly27]

I'm from the UK but I find these old shows very easy to listen to, and it took me a little time to work out that I was watching the American version. The UK had it's own What's My Line but the BBC was not good at keeping copies of anything back then. As for this episode I love Groucho's humour.

[@DutliAnvilhand]

On fire, simply on fire.

[@normal_media]

Groucho. Man ahead of his time when it came to tv.

[@edithsymmans3273]

Groucho Marx is a total scream…… such a talented man who had timing and an awesome wit…… loved watching his antics when he was on air in the black and white days…… very funny man……

[@philipclock]

Innuendo, TIMELESS humor!! LOVE IT!

[@greenwolfegreen6028]

Groucho was one of a kind. He had the unique ability to take anything you said and turn it into a joke. Everything people said came out funny to him. But his genius was that he could instantly clue you into his mind and let you see the same humor in it that he did. That was his genius. He let you laugh along with him. No one that I have ever seen has been able to do that with the frequency that he did. If some people can't see that, then I feel sorry for them because their life must B miserable.

[@whyask6446]

Your comments SHOULD STIFLE any critic of Groucho! However, the left is destroying any semblance of sanity or even debate of right or wrong

[@sarahg2653]

I love how serious Dorothy takes her job.

[@albanymike]

Groucho rocks!

[@Thegregcoulson]

albanymike your mum rocks

[@merendobereglidditz9304]

Just couldn't stop him, could they? Never going to be another. 💛

[@lymanmj]

The embarrassed laughter demonstrates how much more innocent Americans were in that era.

[@ifihadafulcrum]

Yup. I rather think its a pity that innocence has gone altogether.

[@wystanisles4094]

+Ifihad Afulcrum why?

[@ifihadafulcrum]

Laurence Herring Because innocence is a particular kind of clarity, fragile, and fleeting. Through it we process experience, ideas, emotion, in a way that can't be duplicated after it's innocence is lost. I understand innocence to be the most complete lack of fear a person can be; we are born wholly innocent, we are taught/learn to be worldly, cautious, jaded. We can't remain wholly innocent, as adults it would be impractical and dangerous, but as in all things balance... I think we should endeavor to retain as much as we can, especially for the young. Sorry if that was to lengthy LHerring, I hope I've answered your question.

[@ifihadafulcrum]

dust ䷷ That's such a general statement though, things aren't necessarily "better" all around now either. Most things are better now, but a few things were better then. Repressed... under control, dignified, refined, it all depends on how one looks at it. Some people are frugal, to others they're tight-wads or cheap. Some people are kind, to others they're gullible bleeding hearts. Some people are have a serious nature, to others they're mean, boring, or sticks-in-the-mud.

[@PissGargle]

+Ifihad Afulcrum Great answer, but probably a bit over the heads of the average youtube minions.

[@beemo9]

well put. Wish there were more minds like him out and about.

[@sdgakatbk]

This is so funny! And after Dorothy's slip, it's like a feeding frenzy.

[@kennethgross1993]

This represents the best of "live" TV.............alas, long gone................

[@Kelmosa]

"Do you touch people above the shoulders?" "Yes." "Are you a foot doctor?" Quickest wit of all time. I can watch Groucho clips all day.

[@coriebratter6686]

Hahaha .Grouchooo is the best ..Hahaha..I love this show

[@news4usunshine]

I wish I had been born early enough to watch these shows. They are all orders of magnitude superior to any of the TV garbage of the past 15 years. In this episode, Groucho was incredibly good, and that gorgeous blonde was made to order for him. They should have made Groucho a permanent panel member, replacing that "chinless wonder."

[@Bernie20Kosar]

@news4usunshine... I agree with everything you said...except..the "chinless wonder". Dorothy Kilgallen (the chinless wonder) was, by far, the MOST intelligent of all the panelists who've appeared on What's My Line. Her deduction prowess was of 'Sherlock Holmes-esque' proportions. She was hot on the trail of the mystery of the Kennedy Assassination when she mysteriously died of 'drug overdose'. There is much speculation that she was murdered. Check it out...I bet there's a show on KZbin somewhere dealing with just that. I have the utmost respect for the "chinless wonder"...perhaps you should have the same.

[@stickitupyourasteric]

Bernie20Kosar HOt on the trail..... she just talked to Jack Ruby..... I'd say that is far forward of ,,,,,,,,,, One the Trail..

[@TheWeegeeToast]

This show is great but you're a childish hipster if you believe that all modern TV is garbage.

[@ifihadafulcrum]

Man of Truth news4usunshine 's statement is rather blanketed but if you're going to sling-mud like "childish hipster" the least you can do is give News some examples of what you consider to be the modern exception to News' rule. As someone who doesn't watch broadcast television I tend to miss-out on some lesser known shows, but News' statement may be true based on his sampling. Do give us a list though, you might know of some jems I don't.

[@TheWeegeeToast]

Ifihad Afulcrum I don't give essays or lists right off the bat. Anonymity does not make everyone my peer, people need to earn my audience before I give them anything but ridicule, and his comment showed clear signs of mindless bias and/or attempts at looking more "cultured" by acting like everything new is shit and everything old is not, and just generally carrying an air of "I believe this and nobody will ever change my mind!" without having any actual experience to back up his shitty viewpoint. Cognitive dissonance is an easy stench to catch wind of. You on the other hand sound potentially more sensible than he does, so examples? Here, have a measly few; Regular Show, Adventure Time, American Pickers, the Daily Show and Colbert Report, Bob's Burgers, South Park, King of the Hill, Vikings, etc. And bear in mind even I avoid branching out to other channels fairly often, so there are probably good shows I'm not even watching. There are a lot of good shows. Just because they don't consist of an archaic atmosphere of restraint and maturity does not mean quality is not there. Being different does not automatically make something bad, nor does perceived immaturity. Then again I'm not sure why I'm trying to argue on that front since the very video this person is championing features a comedian making prostitute jokes about a female wrestler. Of course if you do nothing but turn on MTV or Fox for ten minutes and judge all television based on what you see you're going to decide that TV is shit now, but that's no different than people thinking that all modern music sucks because they listen to one whole radio station that plays shitty music aimed at and popular with the lowest common denominator. "Hurr, what's this Miley Cyrus and Lil Wayne shit!? Music stopped being good after the Beatles!" - Are words that I've seen far too often, barely even phrased differently, while I laugh and listen to some of the best music humankind has ever made. Same goes for TV, animation and games. You should do your research and gain some experience in a medium before judging it. See all that it has to offer before deciding that it offers nothing good and sitting around on KZbin waiting for people to tell you otherwise.

[@Eddie_Schantz]

I agree with you 100% about their quick minds & wit & Grouch was one of the best. I just think on this particular show he carried it to far which caused a lot of wasted air time. Thanks for you thoughts.

[@prunepanthormanofprunes7686]

That would be very true for todays standards but, this is the kinda t.v that set standards for live events.

[@generalbullmoose]

Almost as bad as this was the Robin Williams episode of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

[@Bernie20Kosar]

I didn't think Groucho went too far...he is legendary for being extremely quick-witted and I could watch/listen to him for hours. MUCH more entertaining than the last 20 years of TV. I don't see/hear any "wasted air time".

[@stickitupyourasteric]

its obvious someone here doesn't like Groucho.

[@sdushdiu]

Clueless. The irony is that Groucho was on the panel PRECISELY for his wit and banter that you erroneously think "wasted air time".

[@Tubemanjac]

@1122DLAN We had black-n-white TV in those days, she also could have been red or silver, er does that count for blond too?

[@sftrajan]

Do you touch them above the waist? Yes For how much? brilliant!

[@MichaelGarland]

"Have you ever won".

[@poorsonwelles]

It's interesting how much more grammatically correct these people speak compared to most people today.

[@Mu91c14n]

"Do you touch them above the shoulders?"-"Yes."-"ARE YOU A FOOT DOCTOR?" OH GOD, that kills me all the time.

[@rustydog1236]

$50 dollars was equal to about $500 in today's money after inflation.

[@maureenoneill2847]

Milton Drysdale's by reading married lady by which banker?

[@JimK2450]

Poor Dorothy...she always had such a time being "proper"!!!!!

[@Nebuchadnezzar31]

you were the greatest :D

[@Thegregcoulson]

Edgar Allan Poe your mum was the greatest

[@Mike1614YT]

2:50 Daly is doing his long-winded self-important explanation, Groucho: "you realize no one is listening to you" lol

[@71superbee3]

"Well then, get her up here and I'll pursue her."

[@leviathan68w78]

I may only be 30 but I love this show and this episode in particular. I think Judy is beautiful. I love the Marx brothers too, especially Groucho. I'm going to rewatch Horse Feathers now that I think about it.

[@CreativoErratico]

You know the world is kinda messed up when you find peace of mind in comedy shows from 1950 and they are infinite times better than anything you can find either on tv or anywhere else today. :/ I'm 26 and it's been about 5 years I can't stand how idiotic everyone and everything has become... We applaud stupidity.

[@bazzatheblue]

i thought it was pretty clear it was a joke,I think the term is"whoosh".

[@Sough]

Lol he destroys that guy, Francis can't help but laugh and you can tell she's having a good time

[@blackphillip564]

Marx was lethal. If he's got his sights on you, you leave the room immediately.

[@VrgniaMailman]

I have watched "zillions" of actors and comedians in my lifetime, but Groucho is right at the top for being very quick-witted. George Carlin was that way, also.

[@ChurchillCigar]

"You think I'm the only one obsessed with this subject ???" lmao

[@dancebandleader]

Very well put ! The pop music field could also use lessons on restraint and good taste, not to mention more pure talent.

[@jackoshaw]

...............Groucho Marx..... His views were very liberal, just like most of the celebs today, but you would never know it........He was there to entertain and that he did.... He was one of the biggest comedy celebs we've seen from movies to TV, ever...............Groucho never shared his views until he was older... You can find some of his interviews with Dick Cavette and other talk shows of that day on youtube...... I am glad he kept his views to himself all those years and spent his time and efforts making us laugh!.........He is a legendary entertainer............just some thoughts on Groucho........

[@byzancez1125]

As always, Mr. Marx was brilliantly witty.

[@71superbee3]

Right. That explains the uproarious laughter from the audience, panel, guest and moderator.

[@MrFPSDude]

Groucho was brilliant lol

[@Thegregcoulson]

MrFPSDude your mum was brilliant lol

[@71superbee3]

He asked, "Are you a foot doctor?"

[@sarahlight956]

😂😂 I love my sweet shy boy 😗

[@leftys408]

I remember Judy Grable from the 50s.....movie star beautiful.