What's My Line? - Jayne Meadows (Aug 1, 1954)

MYSTERY GUEST: Jayne Meadows
PANEL: Dorothy Kilgallen, Steve Allen, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf
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[@censusgary]

As you can tell from the dialogue, this episode was made the day after Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows got married. Each had been married once before. Allen and Meadows were married, apparently happily, for over 46 years, until Steve's death. They would work together on a number of projects, including the very good PBS series "Meeting of Minds."

[@timd4524]

Thank you Captain Obvious.

[@johnwhite4810]

Arlene Francis had one of the most beautiful smiles!!!!!!

[@lavernestub6270]

P⁰p7m

[@philippapay4352]

This guessing of Jayne Meadows' identity may be some of the more adorable questioning ever. She and Steve Allen were such treasures and warm people. Love these episodes.

[@lauracollins4195]

Ed Miller - What have you got against Jayne Meadows... did she kick your dogs and send them to the last guest, the dog psychologist?

[@stanmaxkolbe]

@@lauracollins4195 Yeah he seems to hate her for some reason?

[@geraldkatz7986]

In the 70s Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows would appear all over television always together. Game shows, talk shows, variety shows, specials. To have one on the show meant having the other. It is rare to have a successful Hollywood marriage.

[@moonlightray8493]

The panel's closing remarks (rebarks?) were absolutely golden, haha!

[@randallerickson175]

They all respected each other. Surely they dont all agree on everything in life, but there was a class about them that stopped them from being rude, vulgar and self absorbed.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Polly Anna?

[@judylutz1702]

Have you read what Bennett said about Dorothy after her death?

[@timd4524]

Well part of the people we're not trying to overthrow the government then.

[@coolfinetime]

​@@judylutz1702what did he say?

[@judylutz1702]

@@coolfinetime Early on everything they would talk about (the WML panel) would show up in Dorothy’s column, so they had to watch what they said in front of her. I didn’t reread the article, but it was obvious they didn’t think very highly of her. Look it up. It’s easy to find. 😄

[@bradmiller9121]

Jayne and Steve were one of Hollywood's truly great couples.

[@slaytonp]

They appeared to actually like and respect each other. Steve wrote a couple of mystery stories in which they were co-sleuths. They were good fun, as mystery stories go, as I recall, and perhaps worth looking up to read if you have not already done so.

[@franklesser5655]

Agreed, but still I found her annoying.

[@timcunningham722]

@@franklesser5655 Does your wife find you the evil of the two lesser?

[@franklesser5655]

@@timcunningham722 I hope she does not. She has shown such appreciation for me and my attempts to care for her following her unfortunate accident, not that I think I can't do better for her.

[@mikeykm1993]

I wasn’t around back then, but the TV shows seem to have had such class

[@babysosa4830]

They did. I know because I was there. Thanks for sharing.

[@stanmaxkolbe]

I wasn't born yet but some years later I remember as a kid watching TV Steve seem so proud being married to Jayne Meadows.

[@sdkelmaruecan2907]

That episode is certainly one of the most emblematic of what can be considered WML Golden Age, it's fair to say that the show had already peaked by 1954 but here you have the 3 usual panelists and Steve Allen (certainly the best) and the ending with these dog sounds is one of my favorite moments from the show, you could tell the chemistry was all in place and they let themselves be goofy a little to show how much fun they have together... it was hilarious in a cute, sweet and very endearing way.

[@terrycassidy8388]

I'm glad they did away with the contestant walk by and the free guesses

[@brookehanley3659]

+Terry Cassidy It was stupid and useless. Agree.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Terry Cassidy I loved it

[@519djw6]

It seems that this was the very *first* time that they eliminated both the "walk" and the free guesses. I think these practices were both boring and a wast of time. (Oops, they started it again with the second contestant. Damnation!)

[@stanmaxkolbe]

HOOAH!

[@JamesPatrickKelleher]

They early ones were especially cringy

[@MrVidaeverdade]

Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows were married the day before this broadcast.

[@earlhoppe4191]

And they remained married until Steve passed away in 2000.

[@kristabrewer9363]

@Ed Miller You honestly think people thought you were funny don't you?

[@kristabrewer9363]

@Jeff, the God of Biscuits so you're saying they DIDN'T remain married until 2000?

[@bluebear1985]

Jayne actually made reference to this show when her and Steve appeared together on "Tattletales" in 1982. It was on a question about honeymoons I believe.

[@keithnaylor1981]

MrVidaeverdade - seems strange that they were not away on Honeymoon.

[@deboraholsen2504]

How could this be 68 years ago?!?! It’s mind-boggling!!! I do enjoy this show so much and I wish it were on today, although… I must admit if it were on today, it would be tainted with today’s ways and today’s trash! Well, I’ve no choice but to pretend every time I watch and enjoy it, just for 25 minutes, that I’m transported back to the decency of this time. Yes, I really do understand that the world was far from perfect back then, but the evidence I’ve seen from many media and historical sources strongly shows me that the world, at least in the Western nations, was far better then, than it is today. We have fallen as a society so much!! On another note, when it was said that Steve Allen was the choice of many a woman, if she could have that choice, was not an understatement! There is just something so soul-comforting about him - such a confident yet humble person at the same time. So relaxed and calmly unassuming, so accepting of everyone, and such a witty person, all rolled into one fabulous person! He’s also intelligent and creative, to boot! He might be the kind of guy of whom every other guy wished he had a best buddy just like him. …and for the women, it doesn’t hurt a bit that he’s very handsome, too! 😊 Of course his wife is very beautiful and intelligent and talented, but way to go, Jayne!!!

[@loissimmons6558]

According to an article in Time Magazine shortly after C. Ellis Harbison died on 10/1/60, Harbison was a long-time kennel owner and writer on the topic of dogs. In 1949 at a Buffalo dog show, he set himself up as a dog psychologist as a gag. In response, dog owners of misbehaving dogs were lined up to consult him. Sensing that he hit paydirt, he continued to hold himself out in this profession for the rest of his life. Sometimes you just step in something and your life takes a fortuitous turn.

[@philippapay4352]

@Lois Simmons - Often enjoy what you share: here the "step in something." LOL.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Jayne was born and spent most of her childhood in Wuhan, China...and her first language was Mandarin Chinese. Her sister, Audrey, was born in NYC.

[@quizmaster85]

19:14 - That smile on Arlene's face (when she probably realised how she worded that question)...!

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Did Jayne Meadows ever get credit for being a real beauty? She's a real looker!

[@dawnjohnson3263]

I agree. Beautiful charming and just nice

[@jonbaker1697]

As was Dorothy

[@Borastheantichrist]

They missed a chance at around 19:12 to put the camera on Steve Allen. I would have loved to see his expression when he realized who it was. Arlene's smile as the crowd reaction told her she was right was good but I have to wonder if Steve had a "I'm screwed" look for a second or two there.

[@clffliese26]

When he made the comment about Minnie Mouse, he was lucky he wasn't within arm's reach. My first thought was, he's a dead man.

[@SunnnyDay]

Jayne & her sister Audrey were stunningly beautiful !

[@paulbradley5842]

I can’t get enough.

[@nunosoares2329]

Jayne Meadows. Stunning :-)

[@dawnjohnson3263]

Agree

[@novic63]

At 4:37 Daly and first guest made very alike faces not knowing it.

[@SG-ug9xj]

Frasier Crane: "I don't suppose my father told you but my brother and i are also psychologists" Dog Psychiatrist: "Oh good it's always nice to be in the company of colleagues" Niles Crane: I'm sorry, did you say colleagues or collies ?"

[@trueknowledgeispower]

Arlene knew that Steve and Jayne were married the day before,.........that's where she got Jayne. (gotta love that mischevious grin of hers)

[@kartikrajsingh1895]

Fun fact: Jayne Meadows was born in 1919 in Wuhan, China

[@rah62]

Jayne Meadows Allen was one of a tiny select group of women who the female panelists stood up to shake hands with on the way out... I recall Eleanor Roosevelt being another.

[@kateluxor2986]

As I am watching this all I can think of is The Thin Man: "How was Grant's tomb?" "It was lovely. I'm having a copy made for you." LMAO! I love that movie!

[@djdon60]

I love all, of them, Kate; great fun!

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

???? This is Jayne Meadows. She was never in the Thin Man movies. You're thinking of Myrna Loy.

[@mehboobkm2018]

It reminds me of Groucho's show and his 100 dollar question.

[@moonlightray8493]

Asta is a good boy who doesn't need to go the dog psychologist!

[@andysiegel6131]

They all stood up for Jayne

[@belindaalbright8798]

The Panel Barking, Priceless! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ them all!

[@tumarbongrox6074]

I live about 30 miles from Spartanburg South Carolina....

[@djdon60]

SA: "Sounds, like Minnie Mouse, up to now." A happy honeymoon, to you, both! ;) I don't believe Mr. Allen knew. Now, off, to watch the 1958 appearance and, her sister's.

[@glennklipp6398]

I was a week old when this was originally on. Boy do I feel old!,

[@thomtlc2]

I wonder if this is the first episode where Bennett used a pun containing some pretty unusual words to introduce John.

[@dutchtea8354]

20:16 The 8th time all the panelists stood to greet a guest was for Jayne Meadows.

[@richardr8753]

You mean that the women stood. The men always stood.

[@petemarshall8094]

The women stood, not for hand-shaking, but to exchange kisses. They wouldn’t do that for a skirt-blowing operator.

[@dutchtea8354]

@@richardr8753 Watch the early years. The men did not stand. I believe it was Hal who was the first. The other men finally caught on.

[@dutchtea8354]

@@petemarshall8094 In this case, yes. Manners of the day were that women only stood to greet distinguished people.

[@dalej42]

Interesting that no one asked Mr Burnside if he was related to General Burnside of the Union Army in the Civil War. That sounds like a Bennett question. If they had, maybe the panel would have gotten onto the Civil War and guessed correctly.

[@bobhayett2376]

What a fun episode. Really enjoyed that one.

[@AllenMQuinn]

This is the silliest I've ever seen John Daly haha. He's such a goof in this episode.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Probably was "talking" to Toots Shor before the broadcast.

[@Schquirl]

The fact when the man answered yes about helping women get married I believe that is so true for back in that day.

[@MsMsmak]

The age of innocence on broadcast tv.

[@loissimmons6558]

I was able to pronounce Ronkonkoma at a young age. One of my uncles owned a business in Ronkonkoma and lived in Lake Ronkonkoma.

[@carolv8450]

Why do people have trouble- said like it looks.

[@waldolydecker8118]

13:15 The contestant runs Beauty Pagents and Arlene asks "do you go to the woman's house ever?" When the guy answers "yes," the look on John Daly's face is priceless, lol

[@randylovering24]

ten flips and our panel flopped

[@loissimmons6558]

I think Jayne was shapelier than Audrey. Plus as Jayne's career continued she increasingly went for a more glam look while Audrey stayed with a fresher look. Plus the image of Audrey as a plain, working class housewife was so entrenched in the public's mind that as time went on, the sisters looked less and less alike. But comparing them in their WML appearances three weeks apart, the family resemblance is still fairly strong.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Yeah, Audrey got the role of a lifetime, which she goes down in history, even though four others played the part throughout the years. I would think it would be worth the typecasting to be known as Mrs. Ralph Kramden.

[@tigergreg8]

I've seen a couple of your comments and I have to say, they are well written. It seems as though you could write for a magazine or a newspaper.

[@loissimmons6558]

@@tigergreg8 I am open to employment offers!

[@tomitstube]

apparently dog whisperer wasn't considered a real thing back in the day.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Today's KZbin Rerun: The Mar 21, 1954 show featured Dorothy's children as contestants, but I believe this is the first show where the producers sprang one of the panelist's spouses as a mystery guest. This appearance must have been a REAL surprise, as Steve and Jayne had only wed the day before! ------------------------------- Please click here to subscribe to the WML channel if you haven't already-- you'll find the complete CBS series already posted, and you'll be able to follow along the discussions on the weekday "rerun" videos: kzbin.info/door/hPE75Fvvl1HmdAsO7Nzb8w Join our Facebook group for WML-- great discussions, photos, etc, and great people! facebook.com/groups/728471287199862/

[@loissimmons6558]

It may also be the first time that someone on the panel mentioned the name of the mystery guest during an earlier portion of the program (Dorothy at 0:45-0:55).

[@stanmaxkolbe]

In Seventh Grade the last question on a math test was. “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?” All the so-called smart kids got it wrong. Us regular kids got it right-can’t make this stuff up.

[@igkoigko9950]

And yet people wonder why all first world and some third world countries are ahead of the US in math education,

[@WhatsMyLine]

Comments left on prior version of this video: Johan Bengtsson 10 months ago (edited) When I went to New York, one of my many "must-see" was to visit Grant's Tomb and see who was buried in it. :) 3:40 What's My Line? 10 months ago Groucho Marx, of course. Johan Bengtsson 10 months ago +What's My Line? Yes who else!? ;) LOA1955 6 months ago Actually the correct answer is "no one," since Grant and his wife are entombed in sarcophagi above ground in an atrium rather than being buried in the ground. But Groucho always accepted "Grant". ;-) dylan plantenga 4 months ago Nothin against Jimmy Fallon but I highly doubt he will have a tribute done for Jayne He should. Her husband was the original host of the tonight show that Fallon hosts as of 2015. IronClad292 4 months ago (edited) Jayne passed away today at the age of 95. Rest in peace Jayne. We know you're with Steve now having a good laugh. Patrick Heath 4 months ago +IronClad292 Just saw the news and came here to say the same. MattTheSaiyan 4 months ago Shame they no longer make Stopette, now we cannot turn our armpits into charmpits (a reference to something Hal Block once said). rocky marino 4 months ago So when Arlene asked if Jayne Meadows was known for something she performed the day before...was she implying she was a bride just the day before??? She and Steve did marry in 1954. Robert Melson 4 months ago +rocky marino Yes. She and Steve Allen were married in Waterford Connecticut on Saturday, July 31, 1954. Robert Melson 4 months ago +rocky marino And from this picture, www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/BE061306/steve-allen-and-jayne-meadows-cut-wedding, it looks to be in the afternoon from the light and the costumes. John Fuentes 1 year ago I prefer when each panel member gets one question at a time. What's My Line? 1 year ago +John Fuentes Already replied to your other comment about this on the Pearl Bailey episode, but just to make sure you see it, the rules were changed to one question at a time per panelist during the mystery guest rounds on 4/17/55. Randy Sherry 4 months ago RIP Etnalleb 4 months ago Oh Jayne , you were such a sweetheart, God Rest you in Peace. DisVids 4 months ago RIP Terry Westbrook-Lienert Shared on Google+ · 4 months ago Jayne was a good comedienne and actress winterlandboy 5 months ago Both Steve and Jayne radiated a niceness, warmth and a very genuine quality. Brendan Richards 5 months ago 19:16 - The look on Arlene's face that screams, "Yep, that HAS to be the one!" corner moose 9 months ago I was a HUGE Steve Allen fan when I was in high school (60s) and I basically knew Jayne as Mrs. Steve Allen. I don't know much about her without him. Johan Bengtsson 10 months ago After the dog psychologist the panel instead of saying goodnight bark like dogs. They are quite good, except Bennett... :) 25:12 PepsiMama2 1 year ago Wow the entire panel stood up for Jayne Meadows.... that's quite a few now I've seen where Arlene and Dorothy stood up for... Eleanor Roosevelt, Ethel Barrymore, Jimmy Durante, Sophie Tucker, Anna Magnani, Frank Lloyd Wright, James Kilgallen... who else?? Pygiana 11 months ago Gertrude Berg iamintheburg 10 months ago Mine is a guess, but I think a good guess : maybe the ladies stood for Helen Hayes ?? Johan Bengtsson 10 months ago (edited) A man who runs Beauty Contests, too bad Hal Block wasn't on the show! :-) 11:40 joed596 10 months ago thanks so much :-) David Kelley 1 year ago We'll have to depend on medical science, blind luck, and determination to extend our lives in the other direction. David Kelley 1 year ago For the young people watching this, these old shows are a way of extending your lives back into the past, before you were born. History books and documentaries work also. David Kelley 1 year ago When I was a kid, we practically planned our lives around this show. fishhead06 1 year ago And they DID have a long and happy marriage! :) Observer Guy 1 year ago Right, they were married for 45 years when Steve died in 1999. Blain Johnson 1 year ago +Observer Guy Steve died in 2000, not 1999. Yes, a very long an happy 46 year marriage! dtw1958 1 year ago Jayne is about 92 now isn't she/ Jeff Vaughn 1 year ago Jayne is 94 this year. (Born in 1920) Larry Ressler 1 year ago I did a Bing Search, and it states that Jayne Meadows is 94 years old. She celebrates her 95th birthday in late-September. zardon4 1 year ago Jayne Meadows was a babe well into her 50s! She was even better-looking than her late sister Audrey. Michael De Sapio 1 year ago in reply to What's My Line? Audrey and Jayne did very similar voices in their WML appearances. What's My Line? 1 year ago in reply to Marcus Larinen I loved their occasional guest shots on the old series "St. Elsewhere". They played the loopy biological parents of Erlich (Ed Begley, Jr.), who had faked their own deaths and remained absent from their son's life since childhood, because they were. . . spies. Just delightful. They had a beautiful, easy chemistry together, it's a shame they didn't do more character acting as a team. What's My Line? 1 year ago in reply to zardon4 They were both absolutely stunning, and what amazes me is how alike they look. If they ever tried to dress alike and wear the same hairstyle, I think I'd have trouble telling them apart. That said, Jayne aged beautifully; Audrey, not so much. And what happened to her voice-- my goodness, Lucille Ball syndrome right there. :) Marcus Larinen 1 year ago A long and happy marriage indeed, 46 years, til death did them part.

[@fonso1030]

16:50 is the notorious laugher of the series. He’s hilarious! 🤣😂😅

[@sdkelmaruecan2907]

Lol, I hate that laugh 'sounds like an intrusion in a child's nightmare...

[@preppysocks209]

There are occasions on various shows when Arlene's voice and manner of speaking is very similar to Jayne Meadows'. I am not saying they were otherwise similar.

[@27chambo]

I could hear quite a bit of conversation among the panelists during the beauty pageant man's segment. That isn't always the case and it was interesting to hear some murmurs about dancing school as a possibility

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

Jayne is doing the same fake voice her beautiful sister did on another episode

[@fonso1030]

Ed Miller I take it you don’t like Jayne very much?

[@downtonabbeyfreak]

16:23 Jayne has almost the same hand writing that her sister Audrey does in her guest appearance

[@maryzorn3365]

Probably taught by heir mother (that is, they had the same teacher) My brother and I had very similar handwriting because we were taught by the same method.)

[@emilyhayek1132]

Very eell said agree completely

[@SS-rw2pc]

I live right near lake ronkonkoma 😂😂 it's funny when people that don't live on Long Island try to pronounce it

[@clffliese26]

It seems to me, it sounds like it's spelled and I lived the first 67 years of my life in California, having moved to Montana last June.

[@richardpoplis6777]

What a team... steve and jane

[@loissimmons6558]

An interesting coincidence with the first challenger, George Burnside. Ambrose Burnside was a Union general who briefly served directly under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. Gen. Burnside is better known for his distinctive mutton chop facial hair which have since generally become known as sideburns.

[@henjutsu1]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@SD-yc1zr]

henjutsu1 as was I. I suspect he may have been a descendant and sought this job due to his affinity with the Union, but that's just hopeful thinking.

[@MarthaReynolds]

Lois Simmons There’s a statue of Gen. Burnside in downtown Providence!

[@mikejschin]

Burnside actually was the commander of the Army of the Potomac while Grant was still stationed in the West. Besides being known for his whiskers, Burnside is remembered for two spectacular failures as a general: his inability to get his troops across a bridge in the face of a relatively small number of sharpshooters at Antietam, and the horrendous number of casualties resulting from his repeated assaults on a strongly fortified Confederate army at Fredericksburg.

[@patbest7057]

Love WML So many great ppl Tried to think who was NOT on it All 4 actresses from Little Women were Don't remember Mary Astor Marilyn Monroe James Dean Shirley Temple Bogie etc Could have run so many more years with celebs they did not have on Sandra Dee Bobby Darin Elvis Presley Better stop now Great show

[@nickey66]

I know most peeps are talking about Jane Meadows and Grant's Tomb. Did anyone notice Bennet Cerf - he is wearing a white or maybe off white suit. You never see men on TV wear white ever, but it takes 20 years off of him. He should have worn white every episode. The dark suits aged him.

[@earlenepeterson8065]

Raises my endorphins every time. :😂

[@bubgum0079]

It’s so sad to think they are all dead.

[@robertholman8730]

Including the audience and producers directors 😢

[@timd4524]

Funny no one asked who was buried in Grant's tomb. Interestingly enough, I live next to the monument for William Blackstone. His body has been moved so many times, they lost it, and it's still lost.

[@loissimmons6558]

With Steve Allen's departure imminent coupled with the closing sequence of this episode, one could make a good argument that WML was "going to the dogs".

[@juanettebutts9782]

Lois Simmons -- not sure what kind of dog sound Bennett was trying to make. Lol 🐶

[@44032]

3 minutes to guess a dog psychologist?

[@carolv8450]

Daly's faces often would help the panel.

[@dawnjohnson3263]

What a charming wife

[@joet840]

Manager of a tomb, hard work.

[@rmelin13231]

Happens to be one of the most popular visitor and tourist sites in NY. I'm sure he had a substantial staff working for him.

[@katieg2161]

Grant’s Tomb is quite a large monument in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Aside from the building, it has landscaped grounds and a staging area for large groups.

[@augerontgen8240]

Hilarious!

[@rolo4733]

Woof woof

[@stevenpatrickstone766]

By 1954 she had only been in 7 films, 15 total in her lifetime. None in which she had star billing. So I'm wondering what she meant by saying yes to being a "leading lady"? Anyone know?

[@stevenpatrickstone766]

***** Never heard of a play she had a leading role in either, but I may be wrong

[@stevenpatrickstone766]

daniel stanwyck Bette Davis, Shirley MacLaine, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep,Lana Turner or if you want to talk theater Ethel Merman, Helen Hayes...those were and are stars. I would say Jayne was more of a simple television personality than a "star" or leading lady

[@mazoboom]

She seemed unsure of how to answer it herself, and only said yes after looking to Daly. It seems he thought the answer should be yes.

[@anthonylatino1408]

+mazoboom John often answered for the female mystery guests when a question "are you a beautiful movie star" or "are you a leading lady", etc. so they wouldn't have to answer a question that might make them look conceited, or bragging.

[@gradypahl5564]

Steven Patrick Stone jú

[@juliansinger]

I really enjoyed Daly & Burnside's collaborative rejection at about 9:15. They were having fun. (And made me vaguely wonder if they might know each other in other walks of life, but probably not.)

[@poetcomic1]

Steve Allen knew it was here in about five seconds. He was playing along.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I thought he was completely fooled but then not at all surprised after Jayne had been revealed.

[@drumbum3.142]

SweetHeart Sounds Like Another SweetHeart.!.At Times,!!!: Nannette Fabray ! 😂😂😍😍😍😍☺️

[@donnawoodford6641]

Entertainment world? Pictures? Theater? Television? Leading woman? Broadway? Singing? Dancing? Motion picture? Blonde? Same questions to the celebrity.

[@jackkomisar458]

Yes, they asked the usual questions. One difference this time, though: Steve Allen didn't ask if she was a blonde "at the moment". Somehow, slight variations on that question got laughs on show after show.

[@angellee1640]

maybe mustve been really famous back then

[@ericgoldfarb4870]

Sounds like Audrey

[@barbaratran3146]

I don't why I find 23:22 so fun to listen to haha

[@Retroscoop]

Steve Allen was rather frivolous that night.... So, he was wondering who Jayne was leading, hm.... ? Give it a few more months, Steve, you'll find out exactly that !

[@peternagy-im4be]

Begin the GENERAL questioning with.... Big clue for the first contestant?

[@sdacj]

John always referred to it as the general questioning so the panel wouldn't have picked up on the word.

[@DavidSmith-fr1uz]

The decline of class from that day correlates with the decline of our culture.

[@rambleonfromhere8780]

I'm glad they got rid of the people walking over to the panel. That was annoying to me.!

[@keithnaylor1981]

rambleon fromhere - more importantly it created a little more time for the last guests who nearly always ran out of time. Should have done away with the walk by, and the free guesses for that reason.

[@spudwas]

I wonder what the 'Yesterday' thing was that Jayne Meadows did?

[@YY4Me133]

She married Steve Allen. "Allen's second wife was actress Jayne Meadows. They had one son, Bill Allen, named for Steve's father. They were married in Waterford, Connecticut, on July 31, 1954, and remained married until his death in 2000." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Allen#Personal_life

[@freddyfurrah3789]

I was three days old, when this aired.

[@dirtcop11]

I was hoping Steve would flirt a bit with his new wife and then have some "splainin" to do when she was recognized.

[@MyOzempicJourney]

Why do the female panelists stay seated?

[@retrobilly1986]

Because a man always stood up for a woman. Even in 2020 I will stand up for a man or woman while I greet them. I will even open a door for both sexes.

[@keithnaylor1981]

William Kelly - that doesn't answer the question! You are saying why a man stands up!

[@accomplice55]

@@keithnaylor1981 They simply didn't. Men did. That was the convention.

[@keithnaylor1981]

accomplice55 - yes it's lovely to see the manners in this great series. Only on very rare occasions do you see the ladies stand for anyone, and therefore it comes across as an very exceptional act of respect and admiration.

[@gnirolnamlerf593]

You might as well ask why the men are wearing dinner jackets and the women cocktail dresses to play a parlor game. Because that's what rich people did on Sunday nights. It was considered chivalrous for a man of good manners to make an extra effort at politeness when meeting a woman, while a woman, in that 100% heterosexual world, would not need to show the same "put her on a pedestal" chivalry to another woman or a man. The women did stand for celebrities that were considered to be towering in significance or gravitas over mere actors, as they did for Eleanor Roosevelt. You would have a good point if you asked why Bennett, and occasionally other male panelists, ogled, leered and made suggestive remarks at pretty young contestants, and then pretended to be chivalrous by standing during the handshaking.

[@randylovering24]

three dogs and a mutt

[@fonso1030]

I would have given anything to spend an afternoon with Jayne. But I would have given anything not to spend any time with Steve.

[@fonso1030]

Who is buried in Grant’s tomb? Groucho Marx is right. Thanks and good luck from the Desoto Plymouth dealers.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Who is on first base?

[@1928gerry]

Not meaning to be nasty but Jayne Meadows was a leading woman in her own mind, and I suppose John was obligated to nod yes to her. I remember when she & Audrey first appeared in movie magazines, they were hard sells from what I saw, and never noticed a family resemblance except in their eagerness to get into the entertainment business with no noticeable talent.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Definitely a supporting player in movies. Maybe on stage she played leads.

[@gnirolnamlerf593]

Well, you know, Steve called her either the most talented or one of the most talented actresses he had ever met, and Jayne showered him with compliments throughout their marriage. A more solid mutual admiration society there never was. Steve is often denigrated as having written a thousand songs, only one of them any good. However, that's one more than almost all the human beings in history can claim. In addition, he was innovative and came up with funny ideas with the best of them. He introduced new performers on his show, and did zany physical stunts, just like Carson did later on, only Carson got much more credit. As for Jayne's acting talent, _Meeting of the Minds_ was a wonderful concept, but Jayne usually played the same character, whether it was Catherine the Great or Cleopatra. They might as well have been the same person, Jayne Meadows. Like Kitty and Arlene, Jayne was basically a TV personality. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not equivalent to being a leading woman. Beyond that TV role, Kitty and Arlene branched out into other endeavors, while Jayne mostly stuck to game shows and being part of Steve's act. Audrey was brilliant as Alice, and did a decent job in other roles, but she was the perfect Alice Kramden. I have a feeling Pert Kelton would have been a bit too harsh in the role and it would have been hard to believe she would forgive Ralph over and over again. Unfortunately, Kelton was dropped because she was blacklisted, but due to that, Gleason was able to get it right with Meadows. Oddly enough, Joyce Randolph has outlived Gleason, Carney, Meadows, McRae, Kean, every other actor associated with The Honeymooners, even Ralph Robertson, who played little Tommy Manicotti in the wonderful episode where Ralph confronts bank robbers with Tommy's water pistol. She is still around, in her 90's. I too never noticed a close family resemblance between the Meadows sisters, until I saw them standing next to one another during the closing number of the 1986 Emmys (available on KZbin). My jaw dropped. "They were obviously sisters!" I thought.

[@TheBatugan77]

Look for the episode where Jack Benny kisses Jayne, with Steve sitting next to her. Hilarious.