What's My Line? - Jason Robards, Jr.; Buddy Hackett & Martin Gabel [panel] (Jan 3, 1965)

[@georgemartin1436]

Hope they know people are laughing and enjoying the show many decades later.

[@davidharris6581]

Robards was also a real live American Hero. He was on board the Northhampton when she was sunk in Iron Bottom Sound off Guadalcanal and treaded water all night until a destroyer picked him up the next day.

[@samanthab1923]

I wonder if thats why he drank

[@bluecamus5162]

According to Wikipedia, he was, two years later, aboard the cruiser Nashville when it was struck by a kamikaze, inflicting 223 casualties. I don't suppose there are words to accurately describe such experiences and their aftermath.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@samanthab1923 I read somewhere that his adult beverage of choice was vodka mixed with milk of magnesia. That's known as a Phillips Screwdriver.

[@samanthab1923]

@@jubalcalif9100 Yikes, saw him in LaGuardia airport years ago. Was headed to FLA. in a wrinkled linen suit.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Jason Robards- wonderful actor. No one like him today, sad to say.

[@jubalcalif9100]

He was a truly powerful actor who was equally at home in both comedy and drama.

[@TheProfessorpat]

Jason was in my mother’s graduating class at Hollywood High School. He was known back then more for his athletic prowess than his acting chops: was Los Angeles city champion in the mile his Senior year.

[@juerv1]

Jason Robards - an actor with an incredbible screen presence and a fantastic voice. I saw him in younger years in "Once upon a time in the West", and since then I am a great admirer of him. Very notable in "All the President's Men" where he gave the best performance in a line up of first rate actors like Rdeford, Hoffman, Warden, Balsam, Holbrook, Beatty.

[@lorraineb.4698]

Won Academy Award for Best supporting Actor. He was excellent in the role and embodied Ben Bradlee

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@lorraineb.4698 Actually, Jason won TWO Best Supporting Actor Oscars (for 1976's"All the President's Men" & 1977's "Julia").

[@shadowgirl8038]

I love Buddy Hacket. A sweet, funny man. 😊❤

[@twoarrows2543]

Love Jason Robards

[@madeleinerickardsson4202]

So do I ...So attractive

[@jubalcalif9100]

He didn't have the raw sexual energy or charisma of Huntz Hall, but Jason was indeed one fine actor and one handsome fella!

[@taylynmae13]

"I'm not speaking to you anymore." 🤣🤣 They are so cute and entertaining!

[@sandygort]

Yes, that WAS funny.

[@soulierinvestments]

As I recall, the first contestant's famous writer-philosopher uncle died on 22 November 1963 and that news got completely buried in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination. Brave New World.

[@rapunzelz5520]

Theologian C.S. Lewis, Huxley, and Kennedy alldied on the same day.

[@joeambrose3260]

@@rapunzelz5520 U didn't mention my great aunt Angelina. Whatsa matta you ?

[@kenyongray2615]

Unlike some of the unfunny and boorish so-called comedians that come on the panel, Buddy Hackett was actually funny and didn't even have to try. Miss Huxley was a very attractive young lady who got more attractive, the more you looked at her. Jason Robards was a talented man. Thanks for the video.

[@leesher1845]

Buddy Hackett Was smart. He apparently had guest diaper pins and was seemingly too shy to say it out loud and only showed it to Dorothy Kilgallen on his notes. Then he guessed Jason Robards. He came across as kind of a goofball but he was a pretty smart guy.

[@Beson-SE]

Always jolly to see Martin Gabel in the panel! Aldous Huxley (uncle to the first contestant) died on 22 november 1963, same date as John F. Kennedy and author C.S. Lewis.

[@kenretherford1197]

Gabel proves he is a bona-fide moron.

[@philippapay4352]

@@kenretherford1197 How so? Martin Gabel always seems well-informed, educated, interested in a variety of things, witty and warm when on WML. He was a successful producer, but also one of our best stage actors ever.

[@juanettebutts9782]

My beloved sister's 14th birthday! She's 70 now and we're closer than ever. Family is everything!!

[@photo161]

Jason Robards Jr., one of the few undisputedly truly great American actors was never as well know as he ought to have been.

[@philippapay4352]

eoselan7 - As a theater professional who watches these shows now as happy reminders of my ill-spent childhood watching them in real time, I think that our stage actors are not as well known as the legitimate theater actors are in other nations. Some of those countries are physically smaller and have a huge theater tradition, that we have but gets eaten away in America by TV and competed with by movie acting, rather than supplemented by it (as it is in France and Britain). Martin Gabel was one of the finest theater actors this country has ever known, but many did not know his work because they did not have the opportunity to see those roles. Robards, being the son of a fine theater actor (Jason Robards, Sr.), was superb and always revered among actors worldwide. It was considered by many that he was born to interpret the work of Eugene O'Neill. I agree with that. Stunningly beautiful work. I don't know if his alcoholism badly hurt his chances to better promote his work through the film industry or not. Being a slave to booze never helps. Lauren Bacall's marriage with him did not last due to the addiction. Their son is an extremely talented actor, Sam Robards. But, you are sadly so right. One sees his performance as Ben Bradlee in "All the President's Men" and, if you love fine acting, not to mention sonorous voices, you have to crave more such.

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

I've long thought that the ranking in terms of prestige vs fame of actors in American theater, movies, and TV are inverse. (Prestige: 1.theater, 2.movies, 3.TV. Fame: 1.TV, 2.movies, 3.theater.) Perhaps the difference in terms of fame of theater actors in the US and some other countries might be the sheer size of the US (and consequent inability of most of the population to get to Broadway), as well as having two major cultural/media capitals, namely New York (theater) and LA (movies and TV). In many other countries, national fame is concentrated in one all-purpose capital.

[@joeambrose3260]

So make it right. You got a book in you ?

[@57highland]

He won an Oscar, at least, for the film "Julia" (1977).

[@jubalcalif9100]

Right On !!

[@billcbren]

Jason Robards, one of the great American actors. Can never be replaced.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Amen to that !! :-)

[@m.e.d.7997]

Great in ‘All the Presidents Men’ 1976 as Ben Bradlee

[@jubalcalif9100]

He was no Leo Gorcey, but Mr Robards one indeed one gifted thespian.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Dang ! I was surprised the panel got Jason Robards so quickly ! One of my favorite actors. Equally good in both comedy or drama ! A stage legend..I wish I could have seen him in a play. But at least we have MANY wonderful screen performances !

[@xenafan234]

The Panel always Knew, Who was in NYC for an Opening of a Play or Theater on Broadway.

[@dizzyology7514]

I was fortunate to see him live in his penultimate Broadway production, Israel Horovitz's "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard." He played opposite Judith Ivey in a two-person cast, and both were sensational.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@dizzyology7514 Wow ! Jason and Judith ! Two icons of the theater ! That had so be amazing and awesome ! THANKS so much for sharing with us ! :-)

[@dizzyology7514]

@@jubalcalif9100 If you'd like to see Jason Robards playing with the all-star cast of all time in a film nobody ever talks about, try "The Good Mother: The Price of Passion" (1988). Listen to this cast: Diane Keaton, Liam Neeson, Jason Robards, Teresa Wright, Ralph Bellamy (in his last film appearance) -- directed by Leonard Nimoy. Spectacular cinematography, and sensitive handling of a hot-potato topic. It deals with exposure of a child to adult sexuality, and despite the tasteful way it's written, directed and acted, the topic was just too controversial, and the film bombed.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@dizzyology7514 Thanks so much for the recommendation ! I actually saw that movie at a local theater with a friend years ago when it was first released ! Yes, it's a very well made film with xlnt script & cast ! I can see why it bombed....a downbeat storyline...but as you pointed out, it was handled with acute sensitivity ! I think that was the first movie I ever saw Liam Neeson in. And I did NOT know that was Ralph Bellamy's last role. Leonard Nimoy was a good director....a shame he didn't didn't direct more feature films (I think he also directed "Three Men & a Baby", which was a huge box office hit & which I also went to go see when it first came out). I also didn't know that "The Price of Passion" was part of "The Good Mother" title; till now I only knew it as "The Good Mother". Thank you again very much for your comment ! CHEERS !! :-)

[@davidsanderson5918]

That was so opportune to have Arlene and Martin are at opposite ends of the panel which of course made Martin's raised voice for the $3000 quip so much more necessary and all the more juicy for it!! Really enjoyed it. I like Arlene an awful lot but she's pecked comedically at Martin quite a few times in the past. At last Martin got her back!! Ha ha. Take THAT!!

[@debbigray1752]

It was monumental!

[@princeharming8963]

He Hammered it here! (Martin was so smart.. and had such a Commanding Voice.. one could easily listen to him reading the phone book!)

[@jools01]

14:07 “because, dear, it costs less than 3000 dollars!” “you may have to live in baker’s street after that one!” “that narrows the field, Arlene.” “i’m not speaking to you anymore” i love that little interchange😂 24:40 - “long run to you too martin!… in the other direction!”

[@moderne-ist1612]

This was a REALLY funny episode!

[@hellokitty777able]

I first saw Mr. Robards in, " Something wicked this way comes."

[@williamlawlor7445]

Robards was a very underrated actor. He was brilliant in the hour of the gun.

[@Historian212]

He was not in any way underrated.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I wouldn't say he was underrated. He won many awards & much acclamation over the years, especially for his Broadway work & in the plays of Eugene O'Neil. He was considered by most critics and much of the public as one of America's finest actors.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@Historian212 I certainly have a notion to second THAT emotion !

[@VahanNisanian]

And so here we are, at long last, in 1965. 1965 was easily,without a shadow of a doubt, the most infamous year in the history of "What's My Line?".

[@oswaldomilano3848]

yeah why did they allow fade away the great humanity of dorothy killgallen?

[@gailsirois7175]

Yes..filled with sadness

[@buffbill-t2i]

Jason was in LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT and I have been wanting to see it again on TCM although I might have to purchase it.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Hackett is a racket tonight! One of the funniest guest spots in a long time. Even better than Groucho's last appearance (I hope I have not blasphemed here)!

[@VahanNisanian]

Joe Postove I'm sure Gary wouldn't mind.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Well, I actually don't find Groucho's second appearance on the panel anywhere NEAR as funny as his appearance in 1959. Not even close. And I say that as a confirmed Groucho fanatic!

[@soulierinvestments]

Hackett was bright and funny and always gave WML its money's worth; tonight he really was in top form. I thought Groucho's 1964 appearance was certainly funny. I think there was something wrong with that particular audience that it did not laugh more.

[@savethetpc6406]

I always love Buddy Hackett on WML, and he was indeed especially funny and clever in this episode!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

soulierinvestments Maybe they were grouchy. Now on to Bennett!

[@MaggillaKutz71]

Watching these shows I’ve come to realize many of the special guest were very good friends with some of the panel , when Martin spoke of Jason I felt it.

[@photo161]

See the film "Long Days Journey Into Night", for 4 great actors in a great O'Neill play featuring an unforgettable performance by Jason Robards Jr..

[@philippapay4352]

eoselan7 - Jason Robards, Jr., though brilliant in all he did, was absolutely born via the acting gods to interpret the work of Eugene O'Neill. Unsurpassed talent.

[@kathleenharris3403]

He played the stage role of one of the sons prior to the movie I believe around 1957. It says Katherine Ross had a role as maid but I can never find anything to verify that.

[@larrynelson3329]

My favorite movie of Jason Roberts was a made for TV movie House Without a Christmas Tree (1972).

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes! That's one of the BEST made for TV movies ever. I watched it as a teenager when it first aired on network TV way back in' '72.

[@carolv8450]

Hackett shows wit and intelligence here.

[@philippapay4352]

Carol V - I loved Martin Gabel, Tony Randall, Robert Q. Lewis, Paul Winchell and several other of the revolving 4th panel members. They were articulate, warm, talented men, respected in their fields. Buddy Hackett was full of warmth and wit and intelligence. He managed to be funny and never demean anyone and to show respect to all and yet could flatten you with laughter. He was respected in acting. There were some performers I had liked in their little area of expertise whom I thought were horrible as panel members because they had no clue how to keep the show moving and while being funny or urbane not make it all about themselves to the detriment of the guest sitting next to the moderator. I could not stand it when Groucho Marx or Victor Borge were on and yet I loved them as performers doing what they did. They simply could not translate it well to this format, whereas a David Niven could when he was a guest panelist. It was always interesting to see how those things played out. Buddy Hackett was underrated.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

I love Buddy Hackett. He plays around but he is no slouch.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

This is only time I ever heard Johnny Olsen say at the end "announced by Johnny Olsen". If I'm not mistaken up until then it was always "this is Johnny Olsen speaking".

[@justinmay3451]

You are correct. No matter what show he was doing, it was always "This is Johnny Olsen speaking for (insert show name here.) A Mark Goodson/Bill Todman production."

[@randylovering24]

Maybe he wanted to change the way he said it from Johnny Olsen speaking he said announced by Johnny Olsen

[@harrysharp3838]

Enjoyed as a kid the movie "A Thousand Clowns" and later as a journalism enthusiast, "All The Presidents Men". Jason Robards was great.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Martin Balsam won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for "A Thousand Clowns".

[@galileocan]

"Because dear...it costs less than $3,000"!......LOL.... Love ya Martin Gabel!

[@carolv8450]

Very witty man!

[@kevinkool3]

Hilarious yet so apropos of a response to Arlene's innocent question.

[@leannsherman6723]

Buddy Hackett (born Leonard Hacker) came across as not too bright, but he actually was pretty good at this game, and his speech impediment came from an illness (Bell’s Palsy) he had as a child.

[@omargonzalez2641]

Long Day's Journey into Night is my comfort blanket.

[@BernardJTarver]

The play Jason Robards was in, "Hughie" opened on Dec. 22, 1964, 56 years to the day before I typed this note. I just happened to watch this particular episode by coincidence.

[@PepsiMama2]

oooooooooooooh good one... I LOVE Jason Robards...

[@dariawells7438]

I am convinced no one listens to John Daly closely. He's given yet another clue to the panel with the first guest who works with cattle: he mentions "Not a large HUMAN population comes to this building" and no one catches on.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Who had a better voice Martin or John? When I was in radio I would have died, just died for lungs like those!

[@TheBraveIntrovert]

+Joe Postove I would say Martin.

[@philippapay4352]

Joe Postove - My vote would be for Martin, but then I prefer what he has to say, as well. I always found John's lugubrious sincerity to be quite cloying, at best.

[@loissimmons6558]

Just for the record, I have heard radio air checks of Joe Postove's voice in extensive interviews and he has a marvelous voice. I've even tried to entice him to be my co-host on a radio show, but even a lifetime supply of ice cream sandwiches hasn't prompted him to come out of retirement.

[@jubalcalif9100]

For my money, Percy Helton had the BEST voice! Who knows how many women in the audience went gaga over him!

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

I wish there was a color photo of Dorothy's outfit!

[@taraxacum]

The main wish I have is that I could see all the ladies' dreeses in color.

[@trumancapote9097]

Have seen many theatrical productions over the years both on Broadway and the West End including TWO Oscar winners on BOTH continents in FOUR separate plays: KEVIN SPACEY and VANESSA REDGRAVE but one actor I would have given my eyeteeth to see on stage was JASON ROBARDS. One of the few actors to win back-to-back, consecutive Oscars back in the mid-70s. They don't make actors like him anymore. RIP.

[@Walterwhiterocks]

"back-to-back" MEANS "consecutive" Truman.

[@AaronHahnStudios]

And thus begins Dorothy's last year in this world.

[@justinmay3451]

Loved Jason Robards in Julius Caesar!

[@madeleinerickardsson4202]

Love him...period

[@jubalcalif9100]

Is that the one where Brutus stabs Julius because he's so jealous of his salad dressing recipe?

[@epaddon]

Robards was married to Lauren Bacall at the time. Not many people remember that Bacall in fact did marry again after Bogart's death.

[@merricat3025]

epaddon didnt know that

[@preppysocks209]

Bacall and Kilgallen were in a huge feud following Dorothy's inaccurate (according to Bacall) reporting on Bogart's illness. She would not appear on WML after an early MG spot. In an interview with Dick Cavett years after Dorothy's death, Bacall called her a "monster" and denigrated her reporting abilities. I am surprised she was ok with Robards going on this show. Bacall did appear as MG not long after Dorothy's death. At 23:40, Gabel says how great Bacall is (although not by name). The camera is not on Dorothy to show her reaction, which was likely far less enthusiastic.

[@madeleine9907]

Jason Robards was very charming...

[@jubalcalif9100]

@gcjerryusc Perhaps Lauren married Bogie because she loved him. There have been many happy marriages when both or either of the spouses had looks that were (in the eyes of the world) "less than stellar". As the old saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...."

[@Historian212]

“Not many people remember”? Are you kidding? Common knowledge.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Miss Huxley's uncle, Aldous Huxley, died on November 22nd, 1963 as well as C. S. Lewis, author.

[@justinmay3451]

Of course, somebody else who was very famous died that same day as well!

[@preppysocks209]

@@justinmay3451 a play was written about the entry of all 3 of those individuals into heaven that day. Yes, the deaths of the other 2 were given much less attention than would have been expected, given that is was a huge news day.

[@Walterwhiterocks]

He did it again ! Once again John says "you've done quite well tonight, panel." Actually, they didn't. They didn't get the "line" of either the cattle groomer OR the diaper pin maker. Hackett did nail Jason Robards but in general the panel had a bad night.

[@mehboobkm2018]

But then those occupations were really tough. I don't think pane lists could have figured the diaper pin out even if they were given 50 chances. They could have gone as far as diaper but metallic nature of the product would carry them astray

[@gailsirois7175]

Really funny show

[@poetcomic1]

Robards wife at the time that Gabel mentions is Lauren Bacall.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes indeed. Though the marriage eventually ended in divorce, Jason was Lauren's second husband (she was he widow of screen icon Humphrey Bogart).

[@elisabethanderson8654]

I walked up to him at a bus stop in NYC so many years ago. I lived near him. We just glanced at each other. Both of us are tall!😊

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

Who is "him"?

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@RonGerstein-tf5tp I was wondering the same thing. Is the "him" Martin, Buddy, Bennett, John, Jason, etc ??

[@riveranormanf.8770]

Jason Robards Jr was married to Lauren Bacall at this time. They married in 1961, divorced in 1969 after 8 years of marriage. They have a son together Samuel Robards.

[@jubalcalif9100]

That's true! They even did a TV commercial for instant coffee, which can be seen here at KZbin.

[@loissimmons6558]

Whenever I hear York (PA) mentioned, I always think of the famous York Barbell company. Pierre Hill looked like someone who worked for a company that promoted weightlifting, not diaper pins.

[@drakea.5816]

Watch "A Big Hand for the Little Lady". When Mr. Robards was telling his future son-in-law to shut-up, it was hilarious!

[@jubalcalif9100]

You are SO right ! That movie proves how adept Jason Robards could be in comedic roles!

[@garyzerr8134]

One hates to see the calendar turn to1965, with mid1967 so close by. I will have to start rationing my daily fix of watching these. The format had matured beautifully by this point.

[@scottpardee6303]

I’m in my second time through these shows. They are addictive, and better than anything on TV now.

[@disvids8754]

"a $4 top" - assuming that is the highest ticket price - wowzers!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

The diaper pin man was on for 9 minutes! That seems extraordinarily long. John seems to usually want to get a third contestant on after the mystery guest, but tonight I think he was so into it, he lost track of time. Normally, I think he would have thrown the cards over earlier here.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I'm guessing he didn't throw the cards over because the segment was so funny.

[@soulierinvestments]

It was all too funny to stop.

[@savethetpc6406]

Mr. Hill also looked way too young to be the vice president of his own company! I had been expecting John to announce that he was still in school but had a sideline occupation.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I wonder if John Daly was the judge on how long to take a segment, or if the director was allowed what directors normally do?

[@WhatsMyLine]

Joe Postove Just a guess, but my feeling is that John had the ultimate say on how long segments went on for.

[@jmccracken1963]

A tale of three plays..... "I Had A Ball" (book by Jerome Chodorov; music and lyrics by Jack Lawrence and Stan Freeman), in which Buddy Hackett played Garside, opened on Broadway on Tuesday, 15 December 1964 (after a week of in-town preview performances) at the Martin Beck Theatre, and closed on Saturday, 12 June 1965, for a respectable 6-month run of 199 performances. The production was directed by Lloyd Richards and choreographed by Onna White, with sets and lighting designed by Will Steven Armstrong, costumes designed by Ann Roth, and hair designed by Ronald De Mann. Others in the cast included Richard Kiley, Rosetta Le Noire, Luba Lisa, Morocco, Karen Morrow, Al Nesor, Steve Roland, Ted Thurston, Jack Wakefield, and Conrad Yama. (In the Dennis McGovern/Deborah Grace Winer book "Sing Out, Louise!", Rosetta Le Noire has a number of things to say about Buddy's professionalism - or lack thereof - in performance during the Broadway run.) Luba Lisa was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (she played Addie) and did receive a 1965 award from Theatre World for her performance in "I Had A Ball." (The 1965 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical that year was awarded to Maria Karnilova, for her performance as Golde in "Fiddler On The Roof.") Hers was the only Tony Award nomination which "I Had A Ball" garnered. "Hughie" (by Eugene O'Neill), in which Jason Robards, Jr. played "Erie" Smith and Jack Dodson played A Night Clerk, opened on Broadway on Tuesday, 22 December 1964 (after 8 in-town preview performances) at the Royale Theatre - and closed on Saturday, 30 January 1965, after a run of only 51 performances. This was the play's first run ever on Broadway. The production was directed by Jose Quintero (who had also directed the original Broadway production of "Long Day's Journey Into Night," if I remember correctly), with sets and lighting designed by David Hays and costumes designed by Noel Taylor. (By the way: Dana Elcar understudied both Mr. Robards and Mr. Dodson.) Jason Robards, Jr. was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play - but the Tony Award in that category in 1965 went to Walter Matthau for his performance as Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple." And, since Martin Gabel was the other male panelist in this episode..... "Baker Street" (book by Jerome Coopersmith; music and lyrics by Marian Grudeff and Raymond Jessel, with three additional songs written by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock), in which Martin Gabel played Professor Moriarity, opened on Broadway on Tuesday, 16 February 1965 (after 6 in-town preview performances) at the Broadway Theatre, and closed at the Broadway on Saturday, 30 October 1965. It then ran an additional two weeks at the Martin Beck Theatre (but Martin Gabel did not play Professor Moriarity at the Martin Beck), opening there on Tuesday, 3 November 1965 and closed there on Sunday, 14 November 1965. Its total Broadway run was 311 performances. The production was directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Lee Becker Theodore (who had played Anybodys in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story"), with sets designed by Oliver Smith, costumes designed by Motley, lighting designed by Jean Rosenthal, special makeup designed by Dick Smith, hair designed by D. Rusty Bonnacorso, and the Diamond Jubilee Parade by Bil Baird's Marionettes. The other cast principals were Fritz Weaver, Inga Swenson, Paddy Edwards, Teddy Green, Patrick Horgan, Daniel Keyes, Jay Norman, Peter Sallis, and Martin Wolfson. "Baker Street" garnered three Tony Award nominations in 1965: Motley, for Best Costume Design (Patricia Zipprodt won, for "Fiddler On The Roof"); Jerome Coopersmith, for Best Author of a Musical (Joseph Stein won, for "Fiddler On The Roof"); and Inga Swenson (Irene Adler), for Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Liza Minnelli (Flora Mezaros in "Flora, The Red Menace") won). Oliver Smith did win the 1965 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design, but that was for his set designs for "Baker Street," "Luv," and "The Odd Couple," not just "Baker Street."

[@soulierinvestments]

10:00 -- Dorothy is the one remembered for being humorless and combative, but yet again, here is an example of Arlene getting up on her hind legs and taking Daly to task. This happens pretty regularly with The Delightful Star. Fortunately as was the case with Bennett several weeks early, he does not scratch the side of his face with his middle digit this time.

[@WhatsMyLine]

The Dorothy Kilgallen of the 1950s is almost a totally different person than the Dorothy of the 1960s on WML. She was always a vital part of the show's chemistry, but in the 50s she functioned as a sort of irritant. I find her genuinely endearing in the 1960s, which is particularly interesting considering that she simultaneously had become ever more vicious in her gossip column.

[@janinegaston6068]

What's My Line? Did she become more vicious in her gossip column or did the birth of the 1960s counterculture in 1965 give her more nonsense to expose? Prime example was the public announcement from Joan Baez, usually a sane person, that she was evading her federal income tax as a protest against "the government's armament policy" -- words from the Sept. 15 Journal American Voice of Broadway. When Baez eventually realized her error and agreed to pay the IRS what she owed, the Journal American ran it in the November 5 edition.

[@2508bona]

It would have been interesting to have seen her reactions to what was going on in '66 and '67. Pop 60s, summer of love and all that.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

soulierinvestments - I never thought of Dorothy as being humorless or combative. She was not as flamboyant as Arlene but everyone is different in their public presentation of self.

[@RedNekLvr22]

I do enjoy WML, a lot, but let's not kid ourselves. It really was a blood game for Arlene, Dorothy, and Bennett and, yes, all three of them could get rather petulant when they wanted to be.

[@loissimmons6558]

Johnson & Johnson introduced the first mass market disposable diaper in 1948, (As far as I know, my mom didn't use disposables on me, born in 1952.) Pampers were introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1961. Diaper pins, even self-closing ones, didn't have much of a future by 1965. Pierre Hill was still a relatively young man. I wonder what he did as his company's business declined.

[@m.e.d.7997]

I still remember diaper services on my Street in the early mid 60s

[@soulierinvestments]

Robards. Too funny. One of the most distinguished actors of that time sounds like a rusty hinge. I wonder if he and Lauren Bacall ever worked together.

[@lucindariva08]

No, I don't believe they did. I knew Jason - as a close friend of my family - throughout my childhood and teen years...through Jason, I met Sandy Dennis In 1962 (in "A Thousand Clowns" together - he introduced us) who became my very good friend.

[@rmelin13231]

@@lucindariva08 I know this post is ancient, but I would like to ask if you know whether Sandy Dennis ever appeared in "A Hatful of Rain" in the mid-late 60's? I could swear I remember seeing it on TV - maybe a Playhouse 90, or something similar? She was always terrific in anything she performed.

[@Historian212]

⁠@@rmelin13231Playhouse 90 ran from 1956 to 1960. By the mid-60s, that sort of live, or live-to-tape TV drama production was no longer being done. Maybe, very occasionally, on public television.

[@rmelin13231]

@@Historian212I later learned that it was a made-for-TV movie in 1968

[@jubalcalif9100]

That's a good question. I wish they had appeared in a Broadway musical comedy version of 1966's "The Ghost and Mr Chicken". ATTABOY, LUTHER !!

[@VahanNisanian]

Within a few months, Martin Gabel would look like "The 5th Beatle" or something.

[@philippapay4352]

Vahan Nisanian - He was a renown stage and film actor, so probably had the haircut required for the role since it was not his prep school/Ivy League style.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Beatle? For some reason Martin looks more like a "Herman's Hermits" type of chap.

[@tomitstube]

2:05. see bennett, that's how you introduce the host. good for martin gabel 4:30 to recognize the british huxley name, (read further for bennett cerf's connection to the huxley's) susan was the grand daughter and grand niece of intellectual half-brothers julian huxley and aldous huxley respectively. aldous, who died the same day president kennedy was assassinated, (nov. 22, 1963) was also infamously tied to bennett cerf, cerf made public his discovery that aldous was lying about the benefits of an eye sight therapy called the "bates method"... aldous huxley's vision was extremely impaired after an illness in his teens, he had great difficulty reading even with very thick glasses, huxley would later make the assertion (while living in the u.s.) that at times he didn't even need glasses to read, (due to the benfits of the "bates method") in 1962 bennett watched mr. huxley speak at a hollywood banquet (without glasses) in which the orator lost his place and couldn't continue, it became painfully clear according to bennett (who wrote about it) that mr. huxley wasn't reading at all, but speaking from memorization, and that mr. huxley tried in vain to put the paper up to his face to find his place in the speech.

[@loissimmons6558]

A reasonable assumption is that WML timed Miss Huxley's appearance for an episode when Bennett was away.

[@soulierinvestments]

It is interesting that one of the most funny individual games in late 1950s WML (the diaper service in Cleveland) and one of the most funny individual games in the mid 1960s (here) both revolved around diapers. It would be darned interesting to know what $3000 object Arlene stuck Martin for during the holiday that he is still ruminating about it on live TV.

[@WhatsMyLine]

One of the funniest moments between Arlene and Martin in all of his 112 appearances.

[@georgiayost550]

Out of all the guests on the panel I think Buddy Hacket was the smartest

[@KTPurdy]

Jason's voice came through

[@jubalcalif9100]

You hit the nail on the head. He may have lasted longer if he had disguised that VERY distinct voice of his !

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

He is legally Jason Robards JUNIOR.

[@doctorjames7454]

Buddy got it!

[@jubalcalif9100]

He sure did ! Another wonderful episode !!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

A four dollar top for a Broadway show! Geeeziz. Even in those days that had to be cheap. I wonder if they were down on the price for "Hughie" because the show's future, even then, seemed tenuous? It closed at the end of January after 51 performances. What did a Broadway show cost for good tix back then? BTW Jack Dodson of Andy Griffith fame was his co-star. In fact, in 1966, Andy Griffith hired Dodson for the Howard Sprague role, having previously seen him in Broadway's Hughie.

[@lucindariva08]

In 1963, top dollar for a Broadway evening performance was $13.75! I can't believe it myself, but I lived it. My Dad was an esteemed Broadway character actor throughout the '40s, '50s and '60s.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Lucinda Riva Cool Lucinda. May we have his name and papers. Just kidding, I wanted to look him up on Wikipedia if you don't mind. :)

[@lucindariva08]

Doubt my Dad (DORT CLARK) is in Wikipeida, but he is in IMDB - a long resume. Here's a pic with me & my sisters on the film set of "Bells Are Ringing" He reprised hid Broadway turn in the film because Judy Holliday wouldn't sign unless he was cast in the role he originated! He also did Luther Billis for years on BWAY and in stock, and City Center (NYC).

[@WhatsMyLine]

Lucinda Riva Great photo.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Lucinda Riva Lucinda, I remember (and every film buff from the 50's should) your dad. He is the face you never forget, but the name the always escapes you. He was a fine, and very reliable character actor! A very watchable guy!

[@michaelnivens6267]

At times , the panel seems to forget John Is the moderator

[@VahanNisanian]

If anyone here wants a simple, but complete production guide (not airing guide) to all 45 episodes of "What's My Line" of 1965 from when Dorothy was still alive, here you go. VTR = Video Tape Recorder. January 03, 1965 (Live) January 10, 1965 (Live) January 17, 1965 (Live) January 24, 1965 (Live) January 31, 1965 (Live) February 07, 1965 (Live) February 14, 1965 (Live; first episode with final opening, final theme, and final logo) February 21, 1965 (Live; Dorothy absent) August 01, 1965 (VTR: February 28, 1965) February 28, 1965 (Live) March 07, 1965 (Live) March 14, 1965 (Live) August 08, 1965 (VTR: March 21, 1965; Dorothy absent) March 21, 1965 (Live; Dorothy absent) March 28, 1965 (Live) April 04, 1965 (Live; Dorothy absent) August 15, 1965 (VTR: April 11, 1965; Dorothy absent) April 11, 1965 (Live; Dorothy absent) April 18, 1965 (Live; Dorothy absent) April 25, 1965 (Live) September 05, 1965 (VTR: May 02, 1965) May 02, 1965 (Live) May 09, 1965 (Live) May 16, 1965 (Live) August 22, 1965 (VTR: May 23, 1965) May 23, 1965 (Live) May 30, 1965 (Live) June 06, 1965 (Live) August 29, 1965 (VTR: June 13, 1965) June 13, 1965 (Live) June 20, 1965 (Live) July 04, 1965 (VTR: June 27, 1965) June 27, 1965 (Live) July 11, 1965 (Live) July 18, 1965 (Live) July 25, 1965 (Live) ***Summer Break for the next six weeks from August 01 to September 05*** September 12, 1965 (Live) September 19, 1965 (Live) September 26, 1965 (Live) October 03, 1965 (Live) October 10, 1965 (Live) October 17, 1965 (Live) October 24, 1965 (Live) October 31, 1965 (Live) November 07, 1965 (Live; Dorothy’s last episode)

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I don't think that's very smart taping an 8/1 air show in Feb. I mean they had lots of taping sessions to go yet, why do that?

[@VahanNisanian]

Joe Postove And did you notice this? After February 21, they went into this pattern. 1 taped episode, followed by 3 live episodes. The only exception was the taping of the July 4 show, because the cast and crew had the night off on July 4, celebrating this great country's Independence Day.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I wonder what the crew who was tied to this show (like the writers) did the whole week. Pinochle can get boring after a while.

[@savethetpc6406]

***** Thank you. Do Dorothy's multiple absences indicate another difficult period for her?

[@VahanNisanian]

SaveThe TPC First, she was absent for what host John Daly described as "executive flu". This was on February 21. Then, she was absent on March 21 for what seemed like no particular reason. When she showed up a week later, it turned out to be a broken shoulder joint, as she was seen on March 28 with a long piece of fabric over her shoulder. And then, when she was absent for the last time in her life from April 4-18, she was hospitalized due to the lingering effects of her broken shoulder, which was more serious than thought to be. This, and her drinking problems, may have sped-up her death clock. To say the least, the whole Dorothy situation was getting more and more scary as 1965 went further along. There was even one episode (the 9/5/65 show that was taped in May) where she said "Uh, it isn't like a suicide pill or anything like that, okay?" Was this a cry for help from Dorothy?

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I think at about 15:35 Martin mentions that he is not aware of adults wearing diapers. I don't think he said anything about diaper pins. Were there not adult diapers in 1965? Could someone get June Allyson on the phone?

[@loissimmons6558]

The answer to your questions "depends" upon when the concept of adult diapers was invented, and whether they were ever secured by diaper pins.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

I love Jason Robards. He seemed always so debonair.

[@jubalcalif9100]

He was no Percy Helton; but I must admit, Mr Robards was both talented and charming !

[@miketheyunggod2534]

Nice jab by Martin. I wonder if he slept on the couch that night. 14:00.

[@lynnturman8157]

Jason Robards doing his best Sandy Meisner...

[@TheBraveIntrovert]

Wonder what Arlene got that was $3000. Maybe a new car or furniture or something.

[@WhatsMyLine]

I can never remember which episode this classic exchange took place in, so thanks for mentioning it-- I have to make a note of it now so I don't forget again!

[@TheBraveIntrovert]

What's My Line? If you have it on your computer or hard drive you can make a note in the comment section when you go to properties.

[@neilmidkiff]

I was assuming something like mink.

[@loissimmons6558]

+Neil Midkiff Agreed. Based on the context of the line of questioning at the time, Martin was implying that all of Arlene's clothes were quite expensive. And why not? I'd assume that she earned every penny of whatever she spent.

[@debbigray1752]

She was on the board of Bonwit-Teller so she probably got a good discount too.

[@Baskerville22]

Martin Gabel looks rather frail here...but Google says he lasted a further 21 years.

[@broughtbackin]

He lost a TON of weight rehearsing for his upcoming play.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I assume he lost the weight for a stage role.

[@randylovering24]

Announced by Johnny Olsen just didn't catch on

[@jubalcalif9100]

I guess the public just wasn't ready for it. Oh well, that's how the Mercedes Benz.

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

IT WAS 1965 CANDY WAS 10¢

[@BiffJackson-o4i]

Sadly, they let that buffoon Hacket onto the panel. Never could figure out how he made it in show business.

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

You are a certified BRAINLESS idiot, so shut the hell up.

[@loissimmons6558]

Arlene is at her most petulant in this episode. Perhaps being demoted from Broadway to Paramus (NJ) and having it proclaimed to a national audience didn't help her mood? And yet, all she has to do is smile her charming smile a few seconds later and all is forgiven. When Dorothy complained about John's rulings, she was labeled a shrew and a villain. I understand the importance of style when one is presenting to the public. I dislike style being more important than substance. It's not especially important on a television show like WML which is purely for entertainment. It becomes important and counterproductive if and when society begins to value style over substance, whether it be in its political leaders or the members of the news media.

[@cathykinn4516]

Wow, where is Dorothy Mae going with those rocks around her neck & ear lobes! Roberts was one of those actors who were always interesting to watch & made his lines memorable - not swamped by Fonda in 'Julia', you look at him & not Redford in 'President's'. TALENT. Cerf would have liked to meet Miss Huxley - soon to be relinquishing her famous Surname, wasn't Huxley Cary Grant's character name in 'Bringing Up Baby'?

[@mylifeisaparty]

22:22 WTF jdjdjd I love Arlene

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Martin took off too much weight. He's almost skeletal. In the future does he gain some weight back?

[@WhatsMyLine]

I don't think so, at least not during the WML years.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Hi, Gary...This is Joe in the future!

[@gailsirois7175]

Don't believe he ever did

[@kentetalman9008]

I think he looks great!

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

He lived for 21 more years

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I wonder what the audience was laughing at when the diaper pin man came in?

[@TheGadgetPanda]

I assumed Buddy Hackett was doing some clowning about, but there's no way to really know for sure. Maybe they accidentally showed the sign with the guest's occupation too early? Or maybe they were laughing at the ostentatious loops of his hand writing!

[@TheGadgetPanda]

David Von Pein I had to turn the volume up to hear it, but there it was. I think you must be right.

[@loissimmons6558]

Someone's comment apparently disappeared with his account. My comment, which might be similar, was that there was a wolf whistle when Pierre Hill came out, followed by laughter in response to a man receiving what was usually reserved for attractive women.

[@TheBlackhawkbrat]

I think the audience was anticipating how difficult this occupation would be to solve.

[@paulmorin6569]

​@@TheGadgetPandathat's what I thought it was. The loop thang

[@kasperjoonatan6014]

A very stupid moment for Arlene and Dorothy on the diaper thing :)

[@hcombs0104]

But Dorothy was heading in the right direction.

[@nancybrewster9137]

Wish that the television station that has game shows would have a return of What's My Line.

[@amberola1b]

Boy after that Crack by Martin at Arlene, I'll bet he had to buy her some REALLY expensive jewelry to have her forgive him for embarrassing her on TV.

[@VahanNisanian]

A beautiful British Bird (the British slang for "girl") the first contestant is.

[@daler.steffy1047]

I have been enjoying Arlene Francis quick wit, her wonderful sense of humor, but in some of these 1964-65 episodes of "What's My Line," I've been getting a bit annoyed with her shouting out at random times over "feeling betrayed" by some bit of information--or lack of it--that (mostly) Mr. Daly had held back unintentionally; or this intense need to hear herself speak above everybody else when she felt compelled to do so. Meanwhile, the viewers are trying to get some information about the guest. For example, for the guest contestant, Miss Huxley, I would have enjoyed hearing more about her educational pursuits and what led her into doing the present work that she was there to showcase on this program. But when Mr. Daly was trying to give the audience some information about her, Arlene had to jump up and start babbling over something that she was having issues with, and her behavior then was becoming rude and just getting plain annoying. Maybe she had been "at it too long" and needed to have been replaced on the panel by then.

[@carmenilardi2929]

I didn't think Buddy Hackett was that smart (to guess Jason Robards).

[@barrykendrick3146]

+Carmen Ilardi As I mentioned in a reply above, Joey Bishop proved how Buddy Hackett would cheat on the MG segments.

[@marycleary7810]

The sure was Lauren Becall

[@PaulRietvoorn]

He looks different without a beard and a hat.

[@elisabethanderson8654]

Are you kidding! He used his normal voice!

[@poetcomic1]

Top ticket price $4.00 to see JASON ROBARDS in a first run play. Somebody get me a time machine. My 'Woke' Brother paid $500 a ticket to see that snore-fest Hamilton.

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

In 1965 $4 was normal and HAMILTON is still the most demanded show on Broadway so $500 is normal.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes, prices were lower then. But so were wages. Minimum wage was $1.25.

[@DavidA.-bv8xy]

So... Elves don't make diaper pins?!...Humans?!

[@m.e.d.7997]

The world did come to adult diapers

[@michaelralston7096]

Is Buddy peeking under his mask?

[@gailsirois7175]

Welp .....Cerf did...many times

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Could one also call a diaper pin a "baby pin"? I seem to recall that.

[@savethetpc6406]

Safety pin?

[@MrJoeybabe25]

That too!

[@barrykendrick3146]

+Joe Postove Safety Pins were also employed for hidden & effective major clothes repair. A couple of years ago I purchased some made by Singer: they proved totally worthless. No longer made using steel but a cheap alloy, with a tug on the material, the pin would bend & release!

[@armyvet4081]

francis could not shut her mouth

[@jackanthony976]

DOROTHY KILLGALLIN WAS MURDERED!!!

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

So?

[@jubalcalif9100]

And you have proof of the co-called homicide? Even so, what's it go to do with this long running TV game show?

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@RonGerstein-tf5tp Indeed! I too was wondering what her passing had to do with this episode of "WML". And there's never been concrete proof put forward that she was murdered.

[@TheMaryaBell]

Goodness. Is this on record as the worst episode of WML ever?

[@m.e.d.7997]

I liked this epi

[@RonGerstein-tf5tp]

This was awarded a prize for being one of the top episodes ever on WML

[@drumbum3.142]

Beautiful Looking Sue Looks (Slightly) Like Madam Sallly Anne Howes.. 🎨🫶🎨