What's My Line? - Jack Lemmon; Ernie Kovacs [panel] (Nov 3, 1957)

MYSTERY GUEST: Jack Lemmon [film actor]
PANEL: Dorothy Kilgallen, Ernie Kovacs, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf

[@ToddSF]

I saw Jack Lemmon on talk shows many times and always found him to be one of the nicest people, with interesting and funny stories to tell out of his experience as an actor, and never full of himself. I also have to say that I liked him as an actor, too. He could do comedy and drama equally well. I'll never forget his work in "The China Syndrome", which was definitely dramatic work -- and then there are his memorable comedy roles, such as "Some Like It Hot". Here he's 32 years old.

[@WhatsMyLine]

"It's magic time!"

[@loissimmons6558]

+ToddSF 94109 My favorite closing movie line ... "Nobody's perfect." kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYq4l4OKmqpjeq8

[@CamhiRichard]

Also a talented chap at the piano. You can hear him play in what I think is his very first film, "It Should Happen to You" from 1954, with Judy Holliday. He should have gotten more chances to do that.

[@robingagan6288]

And the days of wine and roses

[@photonotavailable7936]

ToddSF 94109 Mr. Roberts.

[@jjcameron7977]

So grateful for these clips of a show I used to love watching as a child with my mom! Dont think I really understood it, but we bonded and that's what counted! Classy show!

[@JDAbelRN]

Remember frequently Grandpa and Grandpa, watching WML, when my Father took me and my siblings on regular visits on Sunday night.

[@Beson-SE]

First contestant Douglas Leigh (1907-1999) designed and constructed Broadway's spectacular electric signs From wikipedia: "His first eye-catching creation was a billboard for A&P, advertising the store's Eight O'Clock Coffee with clouds of steam emanating from a large cup of coffee. A Camel billboard blew smoke rings from a steam generator, while one for Kool cigarettes featured a blinking penguin. One for Ballantine Beer had clowns tossing quoits on a peg. The Coca-Cola sign at Bryant Park gave an ever-changing weather forecast (featuring a house and pictures of sun, rain, snow, etc.) along with the slogan "Thirst knows no season" (Leigh paid a tenant's weekly laundry bills to stop her from hanging her laundry on her clothesline in front of the sign). Leigh's design creation of a large illuminated snowflake is hung at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street every holiday season. With the exception of the Empire State Building, Leigh's creations have been replaced with newer signs, for which Leigh set the bar."

[@kali3665]

And Jack and Ernie are driving each other crazy in Heaven. RIP Jack Lemmon and Ernie Kovacs.

[@gilbertotongco1054]

Rest in peace Ernie Kovacs Will miss you

[@PRR5406]

Jack Lemmon and Ernie Kovacs were best friends. They each worshiped the other, almost as close as brothers. When Ernie was killed, Jack identified the body at the L.A. Coroner's office, so Edie Adams, the new widow, wouldn't have to. Just before Ernie's casket was sealed, Jack stuff two of Ernie's beloved Havana cigars into his jacket pocket. Lemmon was devastated by Kovacs death.

[@chrischeshire6528]

Jack Lemmon and Ernie Kovacs in "Bell, book and candle" was a very funny movie.

[@steveburrus5526]

I have read about the biza rre way that Kovacs was killed in that 1962 car crash. He was driving along a higjhway and decided to light one of his famous cigars on the bottom of one of his shoes. That caused him to lose control of his car and thus the fatal crash .

[@steveburrus5526]

Yeah they acted agfainst Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak in that particular movie. And let's also mention Elsa Manchester [Charles Laughton's wife].

[@bwayland1290]

Steve Burrus ELSA LANCASTER.

[@MosaicRose99]

@@steveburrus5526 That could have happened but it also came out that the car that Ernie was driving, the Corvair, was dangerous in wet weather (it was raining that night). Something about its front end flying up when it was wet. The suspension was also responsible for many rollovers, and it caused many lawsuits apparently. I guess we will never really know what happened exactly. Very sad.

[@davidsanderson5918]

That's lovely....I've never seen a Hollywood film star from that era so naturally ask a colleague 'hey when DO we start shooting? Nobody told me' or whatever.

[@neonknights]

The Hungarian letter "cs" is actually pronounced like the English "ch", so in fact, the correct pronounciation of his name is "Ko-vach". Also, "Kovács" is probably the most popular surname in Hungary. It literally means "Smith". Just a bit of trivia for you people. :)

[@carolv8450]

Is the a in kovach short or long?

[@loissimmons6558]

+Carol V rhymes with "watch"

[@thediamonddog95]

Similar in Serbian we have Kovačević. 😃 It would probably be written Kovacsevic in english.

[@jimchabai3163]

my name is Hungarian. It was originally spelled Csabai, but custom officials changed it over 100 years ago.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Nearly but not quite

[@shirleyrombough8173]

I appreciated Ernie Kovaks including Dorothy in his introduction of Arlene.

[@patriceodom2553]

Me too!

[@agalgonzalez]

This was such a progressive program showing clever women in the panel and women with advanced degrees in a variety of professions as well as women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Who actually cares?

[@rezzer7918]

It is impossible for someone like you to comprehend, but there was nothing progressive leftist or woke about men and women back then. Duh.

[@poolside16190]

I implore anyone to watch It Happened to Jane w/ Jack & Ernie. It’s a gem. It’s also the best makeup job I’ve ever seen on anyone in regards to Ernie.

[@notpurrfect6397]

Mr. Kovacs was referring a famous mob hit in the barbershop at the Sheraton Hotel in 1957. Albert Anastasia was murdered shortly before this show was taped.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

“Can’t we talk about books” Cerf just cannot stand not being the center of attention

[@SG-ug9xj]

When Mr Cerf asked "do you perform a service for visitors who come to Las Vegas" I'm surprised John didn't jump in there and point out that the service would presumably be available to residents of Vegas as well.

[@juliansinger]

Because I had to look it up: I was somewhat confused by just how disconcerted both the panel and John were by Ernie's reference to the Penn Sheraton at 6:53, and then I looked it up. No, one does not generally make light reference to a mob assassination on WML. No wonder John's tugging his ear. (Though he also did laugh, so I don't know if that's a warning tug.) Specifically, Albert Anastastia, who was known as Lord High Executioner, was murdered at 10 in the freakin' morning, in the Park Sheraton barbershop. (On October 26th of that year.) The historical events I don't know about could fill a book.

[@accomplice55]

Disconcerted? They all laughed heartily.

[@teresalinton5898]

the original odd couple movie was the greatest

[@juanettebutts9782]

Dorothy's hair seemed to be a different color in this episode: not the dark it had been nor the occasional red. Perhaps it's because her hair is so shiny the color appears altered. Or I'm imagining the entire thing. Thank you for posting all these WML videos, Gary!! Much appreciated! Today is Thanksgiving 2019 💜🧡💜

[@aspenrebel]

Jack Lemmon is from my hometown.

[@alirezamonshizadehtoussi4638]

Ha was the sweetesttt and the kindesttt and the cutestttttt man that God can creat😭😭😭😍😍😍😍

[@jamesr1703]

Mr. Lemmon?

[@robertjean5782]

???

[@rkoerth2011]

Interesting listening to Ernie talk about Jack and him starting to film "The Notorious Landlady." The film was not done until 1962 after Kovacs death. I wonder what the holdup was?

[@peternagy-im4be]

His impending death

[@Griffinmc]

I had the same question. It sounded like they were all ready to start shooting in December. IMDb doesn’t explain why there was a delay.

[@tjbnyc76]

The film Jack and Ernie banter about, "The Notorious Landlady," didn't get made until 1962, after Kovac's death.

[@CamhiRichard]

And Ernie's role was taken by none other than Fred Astaire!

[@dovbarleib3256]

Bell, Book, and Candle. Of course, that picture had not been made yet. with Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak along with Jack Lemmon and Ernie Kovacs

[@dovbarleib3256]

And Elsa Lanchester. .

[@bluecamus5162]

Ernie says him and Jack will be doing 'The Notorious Landlady' soon. That film wasn't made for 4 more years and released (1962) shortly after Kovacs' death. They did do, however, 'Bell, Book and Candle' together which was released in 1958.

[@bulafritz]

Dorothy is excellent at asking questions but they don't really get her anywhere. Ernie is a bit of a blowhard but he is good at making the show entertaining. So tragic how they both died.

[@fionajones8231]

Dorothy was excellent at this game.

[@BarbaraBertke]

I've re-watched every episode on KZbin many times. It's my considered opinion that Arlene Francis was far superior to Miss Kilgallon and not nearly as condescending/snooty...she seemed to have had a more lighthearted approach/personality than Dorothy's more driven demeanor.

[@dougw.4788]

i wonder how the panel thought of ernie kovacs but it was sure tragic how he would die 5 years later.

[@danielfronc4304]

Doug w. Kovacs lived his life recklessly and was a loose cannon, as is evidenced here.

[@sheilamarie3788]

Jack Lemon had to identify his body as his wife was too distraught. How terribly sad.

[@sarahbee3868]

@@danielfronc4304 Other than sadly not wearing a seatbelt, what evidence is there that he "lived his life recklessly?"

[@joncheskin]

Bennett had a bit Ernie Kovacs disease in this episode: "Do you perform this service for men and for women for what they laughingly call a good time?" The contestant's eyeballs got very big.

[@anthonybopp4607]

Ernie Kovacs is wonderful. Like all the very best panelists, he understood that the point of the show was to entertain, not to win the game.

[@larrygrebler5054]

He was awful! He may have been TRYING to entertain, but he wasn't even TRYING to play the game.

[@MosaicRose99]

I appreciated a little levity once in a while. Sometimes certain people on the panel were just a little too stuffy and straight-faced even though they tried to smile. This was, of course, depending on who the panel member was.

[@accomplice55]

@@larrygrebler5054: I think he was brilliant.

[@robertjean5782]

​@larrygrebler5054 Send a email complaint 😊

[@hcombs0104]

Wasn't Jack Lemmon one of Ernie Kovacs' best friends?

[@peachesj4748]

Yes.

[@erichanson426]

I knew they were going to guess the 2nd guest line (issues marriage licenses), quickly. By this point, they were on to John and his games and knew that the guest had nothing to do with gambling.

[@Beson-SE]

What's My Line? Once again John takes a look at the clock on the wall. 23:00

[@shirleyrombough8173]

When Bennett called John and Mr. X "Ham and X" what was that look on John's face? He did not seem pleased.

[@DaRozeman]

Calling someone a "Ham" usually meant you were calling them an attention whore. A blow to Mr. Daly's ego I'm sure.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

@@DaRozeman I don't think anyone on that panel would use the expression "attention whore." Nor would I ever in this company. Also I think Bennett and John enjoyed the banter between them.

[@kennethlatham3133]

Aaaahhhh, naah, I think Daly was thinking up a good retort and just couldn't whip one out.

[@perfumeaddict1204]

no, that's just John's deadpan expression. Probably thinking up some revenge. They were close friends and admired each other.

[@peternagy-im4be]

It was an act. Bennett and John were in it from the beginning. They were great friends.

[@michaelnivens6267]

I don't blame John - that was a lousy pun , Bennett

[@peternagy-im4be]

Wrong.

[@boognish999]

Ernie Kovacs at the 15:00 mark - "I'll just leave this panel one day." Was this indeed his last appearance on What's My Line?

[@WhatsMyLine]

Yes, in fact, it was! Nice catch. :)

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

What's My Line? not surprising i wasnt impressed by any of his appearances

[@neurodocnm]

What's My Line? Pp

[@michaeldanello3966]

Ernie Kovacs would die in an automobile accident in bad weather in January 1961 about 3 years and 2 months fter this show

[@lemorab1]

@@michaeldanello3966 He died in January 1962, not 1961.

[@randylovering24]

Mr cerf you going to get it from Mr Daly

[@RichardHannay]

1957 and Ernie Kovacs say “Butt in” ... now I wonder how old that slang term is

[@robertjean5782]

1940s😊

[@bigwilson8794]

What is distracting John at 23:00

[@neilmidkiff]

Dick Wilson It looks as if John is checking to see how much time is remaining, either looking for a clock or for hand signals from a director.

[@Dharmon1]

6:20, that look could just about draw blood.

[@robertbeacham4314]

Before It Happened To Jane

[@adamodeo9320]

Mobster Albert Anastasia is murdered at a barbershop in 1957

[@soulierinvestments]

Funny man, Kovacs. Funny on WML, but not quite right for the format. Surreal humor did not quite go over in thjis program where three of the panel played the game mostly straight.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I think this old news to you by this point, but I really love Ernie on WML, more so than on his own programs. But this is certainly far from a universal reaction to his panel appearances. A lot of folks outright dislike him on WML. Than again, a lot of folks hate the 1959 Groucho episode. :)

[@soulierinvestments]

My problem may just be with surreal humor.

[@carolv8450]

What is surreal humor?

[@nathanpoole1479]

It looks. Wicked. hat show !!!

[@dougw.4788]

jack lemmon good guy or bad? discuss

[@robertjean5782]

Fantastic actor, comedian 😊

[@BarbaraBertke]

Jack Lemon was the "every guy" of the era, played comedy & drama equally well. IMHO, today's equivalent is Tom Hanks.

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTS BROADWAY'S SPECTACULAR ELECTRIC SIGNS ISSUES MARRIAGE LICENSES DENTIST

[@ToddSF]

So this was Ernie Kovacs' last appearance as a guest panelist. I'm glad Dorothy made that plain at the beginning. The man was just so annoying on the panel.

[@carolv8450]

I liked him - funny to me :-).

[@markxxx21]

@@carolv8450 I liked him, but as I said before, a little Ernie goes a long way.

[@Sylvander1911]

It's possible she didn't know. Quoting Wikipedia: "When Kovacs gave an interview admitting that he was absent from the show when he wanted to go out for dinner on a Sunday, his stint on the panel show was ended." So, like Hal Block, he got fired.

[@gilliankew]

I didn’t get that from Dorothy’s intro, but I can see why. Nice guy but too much of a limelight hogger and time waster.

[@erichanson426]

So who was worse, him or Hal Block?

[@timothywills7709]

Why was Ernie there?

[@robertjean5782]

Substitute 😊

[@keithnaylor1981]

Normally Dorothy asks good questions but I have to agree with Ernie Kovacs that her first long questioning session went nowhere. However in this edition Kovacs added nothing of any merit to the show.

[@itsjubilee2012]

Ham and x 😂😂😂

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Ernie seems to think he's funny.

[@robertjean5782]

Because he is, and had the #1 show on tv😅

[@edwinrivera8449]

Ernie Kovacs is annoying, not funny and smokes. On a better note... I love Jack Lemmon.

[@richardleon6848]

+Edwin Rivera I love jack Lemmon too. I read that Jack Lemmon was very close friends with Kovacs, and was on of his palbearers, when he died.

[@robertjean5782]

Smoking was permitted on the show, Arlene and Daly smoked also😊

[@jamesroberts2115]

Dorothy with gloves on is a nice touch. I also noticed in the intro as she walked to her seat that she has a very nice rack. My apologies for the crudity, but I can't help it. LOL

[@gilliankew]

I find Ernie Kovacs very annoying. Far too pleased with the sound of his own voice.

[@Julia-fo4tk]

He was unable to ask an intelligent question and waffled incessantly.

[@robertjean5782]

​@@Julia-fo4tksend a email complaint 😊

[@rezzer7918]

One great big display of mutual administration and smuggary. Dorothy was particularly vexing; Ernie, obviously stupid.

[@markxxx21]

Douglas Leigh (May 24, 1907 - December 14, 1999)

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

**YEESH!! JACK IS ONE CREEPY GUY!** Gaze upon the cold-hearted face of Jack Lemmon. He has the eyes of a Hollywood Hit-Man, no doubt about it. I've always heard that clowns are the worst creeps in show-biz (think: Al Jolsen) and this proves it...

[@accomplice55]

Clowns? Al Jolson?

[@aileen694]

@@accomplice55 I agree: WTF ??? Classical fan, why so nasty?

[@robertjean5782]

Outrageous BS totally 😮

[@nathanpoole1479]

laugh potential garbage pzbys ten virtually issue evil technological.

[@Matty-vw8vw]

Ernie Kovacs wasn't funny

[@broughtbackin]

Neither are you.

[@robertjean5782]

​@@broughtbackin😂

[@markxxx21]

Dorothy's gown makes her look fat. Either that or she's been gaining a lot of weight, but her face looks the same, so I'll go with the dress.