What's My Line? June 1, 1958: Best Contestant Ever

[@scottlomagistro69]

This is my Grandfather, Master Sgt Peter Lomagistro. He was an amazing man, who lived a long life, yet towards the end was only able to remember the horrific aspects of war, when he was able to remember anything at all. I love to watch this video, and remember the happy, funny man, he once was able to be. Toughest man I have ever met...ever....

[@pattrotta]

+Scott Lomagistro -- I was fascinated by the beautiful name when he wrote it. When I was a kid in the '50s in Ohio, the skirt blowing machine would entertain people for hours. Good clean fun.

[@DeanOfDVD]

Your grandfather was cool...you're so lucky to have this big of history to watch.

[@tomhasting1826]

I wish I had a video of my long lost father. At the age of 7 my father was lost in a fatal auto accident. Your grandfather shown here is the exact twin of his. My god I'll show my mother tonight. I'm now 57 years old a wish nothing but happiness.

[@scottlomagistro69]

+jceepf my grandfather fought the Germans and Italians in Africa, and Europe.

[@scottlomagistro69]

+KDramaIsLife Yeahbaby Inwood is south shore. Just north of Long Beach.

[@deborahburrows842]

So impressed with the good manners: asking contestant if they can call him by his given name, men standing to shake hands, all very well-spoken.

[@leannsherman6723]

Yes!

[@BillyAlabama]

Who returns every now and then because this guy is so wonderful? I always laugh! Thanks Peter.

[@ruthiemay423]

I concur ❤❤❤

[@leannsherman6723]

Me!

[@eileenwhynot4723]

This contestant was a gem. Loved his way of responding, "I do." "Definitely!"

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

The brilliant Bennett Cerf came within an ace of it at the end, "blowing the wind in the tunnel of love" in the blizzard of flying theories as the time wound up.

[@TacomaPaul]

Scott... your grandfather is priceless ! Laughing and crying here with tears of joy. And the way he answers... yup. Best ever.

[@gheffz]

Amen!

[@519djw6]

I think the reason that this man was such an amusing contestant was that he was so enthusiastic in his answers: "I do!" "I do not!", etc. He must have really enjoyed his job!

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Can you blame him? :)

[@Amolibros]

I remember the Fun House at Rye Playland, and how hilarious it was...my Dad never laughed so much. ...a simpler time. ;o)

[@williamrichardson9475]

I applied for his job when he retired,the interviewer to me I would have to go to Lands End I said "Is that where the interviews are being held ?" he said " No that's the end of the Queue".

[@icturner23]

I think it’s also the fact that he answered in a variety of ways (“That’s right”, “Correct”, “They do” &c.) with that intonation you mention. I don’t think it’s so much that he really enjoyed his job in particular, which likely became rather mundane in itself, but that he enjoyed life in general and really fed off the audience’s, host’s and panel’s responses.

[@luigivincenz3843]

There are people who just love their jobs that no amount of $$ can replace. I had an old neighbor back in HS who passed away in his sleep and all he did for 40 years was turn on the roller coaster at the nearby carnival. Told us many times he won't want to do anything else, and will do it until he dies. Indeed, he did.

[@clairespottedhorse1972]

So fun when the guest is clearly having a good time! His delivery is part of it; the mischievous smile and twinkling eyes were most entertaining. Wish we had shows like this today!

[@wlodell]

I love the art of communication so expertly and accurately expressed by our older generations.

[@Plethorality]

This is in part because they were allowed to learn English grammar correctly.

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace Dorothy Mae Kilgallen 🙏 3 July 1913 ~ 8 November 1965⚘

[@MrRaulstrnad]

they say that she was murdered by the cia because she was getting too close to unravelling the jfk assassination

[@joserobertomm7871]

She was a really elegant and nice lady.

[@TryTheBLT]

If you look into why she did it's quite shocking. She had gotten an exclusive interview with Jack Ruby in prison, and told everyone that she had gotten an amazing story and was going to break open the truth about the Kennedy assassination to the whole world. She ended up dead, and all of her notes taken and never found again.

[@johnsewell6593]

​@@TryTheBLTHave you read "The Reporter Who Knew Too Much "....by Mark Shaw....Its about EXACTLY what you just refered to in detail......JRS

[@TryTheBLT]

@@johnsewell6593 Yes, I have. I've been a dedicated student of the assassination since I was a teenager, almost obsessed by it.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Arlene was always full of grace & beauty

[@jguenther3049]

She seems a lot younger, now.

[@maudeboggins9834]

I adored Arlene she was such fun. Dorothy's life was cut short by her dogged pursuit of justice. RIP those two ladies

[@dwightropp3014]

She was the best! She had just what you said, to be sure!

[@loraabrown208]

Yes, she was so gracious

[@gheffz]

Yes and she was very healthy, too outlived them all... Miss Francis made it to 2001!

[@lobstertexas]

"I would say this: That there is an element of application here in the performance of the service insofar as is necessary for Peter to have contact with the inanimate something which moves that he touches." .... Nobody crafts a sentence like John Daly ;)

[@brontewcat]

Ahhh. You have not watched “Yes Minister”/“Yes Prime Minister” and the creative ways Sir Humphrey could speak English. If you want a laugh look up some clips on KZbin.

[@jimbobeire]

@@brontewcat Yeah, but John Daly was doing it on the fly, not with a pre-written script like Sir Humphrey!

[@brontewcat]

jimbobeire. That’s true. Maybe John Daly was the inspiration.

[@patshhi4620]

I just watched an episode of To Tell The Truth and Tom Poston gave a long, drawn out sentence. Then said something like John Daly isn’t the only one who can do it.

[@Lazarus7000]

Had he not found infinitely more beneficial to society employment in the entertainment field, he could have been quite a lawyer!

[@kele5181]

I love how people seemed (or at least sounded) so much more intelligent and thoughtful back then. It is very enlightening to watch and listen to

[@biketech60]

Education now is a faint glimmer of what it once was . They were more truly capable of the proper use of language .

[@VinVonVoom]

​@@biketech60While it's true that yes formality was much more valued than it is now it's also that back then you had to be pretty pristine to get on a show like this. These days quiz show guests are desired to be quirky and relatable rather than highly presentable.

[@44032]

Some day, when I'm before the gates of Heaven and St. Peter has all those questions for me, I hope John Daly is there to explain my answers.

[@francanino7087]

Wow...Nice~

[@nowvoyagerNE]

personally i'd rather speak for myself as i'd get through the gate quicker!

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

Steven Chappell (1) ur assuming there is a "Heaven" & (2) if it exists ur assuming it wont be the other gate manned by Lucifer's 2nd in command......

[@44032]

orgonko the wildly untamed I'd still like John Daly to explain my answers.

[@Jantv81]

+orgonko the wildly untamed 1. Yes Heaven is a real place. So is Hell. 2. I too hope John Daly went to Heaven as well as the rest of the panel.

[@ramlathers8182]

I love how Mr Lomagistro barks out his answers at the panel! On one side you have the witty urbanity and polished manners of the panel and on the other the blunt, never mind the baloney abruptness of a hardened military veteran. In a sense it's like mixing oil and water but in this case everything blends beautifully and very entertainingly. I also love how non PC the whole thing is to the delicate sensibilities of much of our modern society. They knew how to let their hair down in those days and have fun without all the tight lipped pseudo political nonsense. RIP Peter Lomagistro and thank you for your service.

[@brucemcgee2281]

Innocent questions, and fun answers. Dorothy Kilgallen was my favorite panelist.

[@jeffreyamster6020]

The clarification by Dorothy about what part of New York City was she referring to is the long continuing problem that even NYC dwellers have in describing what is the City of New York. Since 1898, the City of NY has consisted of the 5 Boroughs or Counties comprising the unified City of NY-New York County ( Borough of Manhattan), Kings County( Borough of Brooklyn), Queens County and Borough, Bronx County and Borough, and Richmond County ( Borough of Staten Island).

[@markw-s5734]

She was great. Did you know she quite publicly doubted the conclusions of Warren Report on President JFK’s assassination and was shortly found dead by what was reported as an accidental overdose combination of alcohol and barbiturates.

[@justincraig398]

Dorothy is the best panelist period. She’s sharp as a tac

[@rsprockets7846]

@@justincraig398 they kiled her in 1965 cuz she was going to do expose on JFK and UFOs

[@kristapitchford6718]

She deserved better than what happened to her. Her murder wasn't even investigated and all her work was confiscated by the government.

[@janevasilo7578]

Thank you for this clip. I laughed so hard my family asked what was so funny. I worked in Playland from 1974 - 1976 summers as the Cotton Candy Girl, and the Waffles and Ice Cream Girl (seriously). Mr. Lomagistro was no longer there by then but I would give anything to have met him. Scott, you were very blessed to have him in your life.

[@Terminator2310]

Sigh, why don't they have more programmes on TV like this, good honest entertainment.

[@marylawson6060]

Imagine this would be boring to people of today because of all the technology. I was there and a great time we had.

[@lllowkee6533]

You couldn’t find this quality of a panel now in 2022..

[@grahamparks1645]

Because contestants and panels aren’t nearly as well spoken and well read and imaginative now

[@HariSeldon913]

@@grahamparks1645 And hosts. Nobody today would come close to John Charles Daly.

[@yvetteking7749]

Cuz the people today ain't got no class!

[@scottstevenson3829]

The part I love is that you can tell this guy is having a ball

[@judysanders4365]

What impresses me most is how smart the panelists are. His job description is obscure, but they came very close to guessing it.

[@windstorm1000]

+Judy Sanders agreed--it would be impossible to find their caliber now a days.

[@alvallac2171]

@@windstorm1000 *nowadays

[@alvallac2171]

I don't know if it was true for What's My Line, but in a media studies class a few years ago, I remember we watched a documentary that said (among other things) the problem with old, single sponsor game shows was that many of them were actually fake/scripted. Contestants were told the answers ahead of time and it was decided who would "win" and who would "lose." Again, I'm NOT saying definitely that it was the case for this particular game show, but if it was true for other shows, it's possible it could be true for this one as well. If you do a Google search for: "single sponsor" "game show" scandal (with quotes), you'll probably find what I'm talking about.

[@justinokraski3796]

@@alvallac2171 even if it was scripted it's still a better script than what we've got in modern times

[@RLucas3000]

alvallac21 As a kid in the 70s, I read the what’s my line book (wish I had it now, it’s super expensive used on amazon) by the producer. Once in a blue moon, in the early days, they would give Steve Allen on the panel a ‘lead’, a hint that if he went in a certain direction he would get laughs. It was not in any way to help him or anyone else solve it, quite the contrary. I think of the one where they had a young lady on who worked on zippers, and Steve’s question, “Well would every young woman who works in an office know how to work one of these?” sent the audience into howls of laughter. I don’t know if that’s one where they gave him a direction to head in for laughs, but they never gave any panelist the answer. And he said in the book after the quiz show scandal of the late 50s broke, they even stopped doing that. So the three regulars (Dorothy, Arlene and Bennett) really were that clever. Bennett was very good at nailing voices of mystery guests, and with sports guests. Dorothy could follow trails like the investigative reporter she was. And Arlene was super intuitive. They really were a deadly combination and it’s why they were so rarely stumped. It’s too bad they never really found a great fourth panelist after Steve Allan left for his own show and Fred Allen passed away. Tony Randal was probably my favorite of the subs, and Arlene’s husband guesting was always fun.

[@karlhungus5554]

This was a delight to watch. Mr. Lomagistro was great fun.

[@inkyguy]

Dorothy Kilgallen was the most insightful and best panel member. Time and again she would either find the answer - almost eerily - or as she did here, ask questions which led to it. I am really in awe of her. I know that Frank Sinatra famously had a long-running feud with her and mocked her in his acts. It is really a black mark on Sinatra's character and legacy that he was so easily upset by this brilliant woman.

[@RLucas3000]

inkyguy It's very similar to Trump and Hillary. Despite their great success in their field, some men seem threatened by accomplished women for some reason. I think it will sadly be a good while yet before we have a female president.

[@williejohnson3866]

It’s because of her ties to the newspaper... she was always on the up and up

[@saskoilersfan]

@@williejohnson3866 media lie... Dorothy kilgallen lie was part of the death of Kennedy by Oz... A medias lie..

[@brch2]

I don't know, Bennett Cerf figured it out fairly often (even if one question too late). Dorothy's questions may have frequently got them (or her) on the right track, but also frequently tended to get way too complex and make it harder to figure out.She overthought things way too much. Also, even Arlene figured out Dorothy's dad in one episode just before Dorothy did.

[@saskoilersfan]

@@brch2 in a media's created society of lies.. With media's technology... The end of the Kennedy Oz enigma begins with Dorothy death and the monkey virus.. The media's mandella effect is A Oz enigma to Os enigma... The original Kennedy story was an Oz enigma.. Due to Mandela lies.. Kennedy Os enigma.. Mandela effect stands for media's altering Perceptions of the past... The Kennedy Oz homage to three dead Disney associates and Dorothy and monkey virus... Media's rule earth in lies and Illusions.. Humans first lie they learn is media's santa clause.. Using parents to lie to THIER offspring..

[@chesslerbooks]

I was 14 when this aired and may have seen it back then, my parents let me stay up late! It was on at 10:30 PM Sunday night in NYC. It was a fun and lighthearted way to be amused by famous, and not so famous, people. I am so glad these old TV shows are available on You Tube. I have watched this one two or three times. Your grandfather was a nice man.

[@MrWindermere123]

Bennet Cerf is sneaky and clever: when he asks 'athletics or entertainment?', he knows that a contestant will fall into the trap of saying which it is. Also, he reads the audience's laughter when he uses the word 'titillating' - they were clearly titillated in a way that was surely risque in 1958. A great show with a very simple format that allowed people to think and talk in a witty, suspenseful way.

[@GermanShepherd1983]

You ever know a Jew that wasn't clever?

[@srothbardt]

You bet!

[@RonGerstein]

Bennett Cerf is dumb because he speaks words that have to be translated,;he speaks these words so terrible.

[@stevew1107]

And they STILL kept everything classy. I can't even imagine any class from today's celebrities for something like this.

[@clifftonicstudios7469]

Me and my wife still live that way even tv, This laptop is hidden

[@benlujan288]

Today's "celebs" are pigs compared to the greats of yesteryears!

[@clifftonicstudios7469]

@@benlujan288 Well said

[@Blueguitar007]

These comments are getting old

[@AldousHuxleysCat]

Look at what they've done to family feud, you can't watch it with your children

[@billiebuffalo]

"These services you perform, would I enjoy them?" "Definitely."

[@kr1886]

Dorothy and Arlene were beautiful and glamorous and what good fun from such a simple idea!

[@kelqueen9998]

And very, very smart. This was one of the few times I've seen them be stumped. Arlene was close at the end though.

[@tzankoff]

Just out of curiosity, I did a Google search on this guest. He passed away in 2007. He was awarded a Bronze Star during World War II. Sad. He lived a nice long life though (b. 1919) and made for a perfect guest on "What's My Line?".

[@scottlomagistro69]

He was the toughest man I've ever known.

[@38ddkelly]

I'm sure he was tough, but here he seems like such a sweetheart.

[@sadierose7929]

B

[@Formedras]

Can't he be both? Does a man really have to appear tough to be tough? (Not to seem insulting; sorry if I do appear that way. Just that I really hate macho stereotypes.)

[@barbarapalmer8224]

@@scottlomagistro69 l bet you are so proud of your Grandfather.you can tell he is a lovely man.handsome too. Thanks for sharing scott.

[@canyoubelievethis220]

The best and most amusing guest ever on WML. I love how John, the emcee, looked after Peter's first answer and other answers, of course. He lived to be 87 years old and actually served in the Army during WWII, earning a Bronze Star. And his grandson below (Scott Lomagistro) speaks of his sad memory, only remembering the horrific aspects of war. I wondered what he meant and received an answer after reading his obituary, stating that any contributions be made The Alzheimer's Association. So sad, so ad.

[@jameswilliams663]

i must admit that i had a big smile on my face the entire appearance. hands down the most amusing guest and i have seem almost all. i was impressed by him and even more now, now that it appears he is a war veteran. love this guy. simply wonderful

[@aileen694]

Peter Lomagistro was very attractive! Great energy, humour and such a nice face! So great to enjoy him on this show!

[@gioPHL]

I love the manners, grammar, and diction. Lost arts today.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Political Correctness erased education standards down to the level of IDIOCRACY now.

[@melodied4314]

The late great Steve Allen called it the "Dumbing Down of America."

[@stumccabe]

I absolutely agree. They are refined, articulate, and charming. It's horrifying how far standards have dropped.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

@@kathyflorcruz552 Isn't that the truth! Culture and Class have gone out the window!

[@chris24hdez]

Yes. People who speak formally with eloquence nowadays are seen as eccentric.

[@windstorm1000]

Dorothy's serious questions are sometimes unintentionally funny and perfect set up for comedic laughs.

[@cadrolls]

Humiliating? He put one son through medical school doing what he did. He also earned a Bronze star in WWII. I think he did rather well. :)

[@cultureshock72]

And it sure seems that he had a lot of fun doing it!

[@babboon5764]

For sure - Top bloke.

[@victormarrotti2575]

And he was Italian !

[@babboon5764]

@@victormarrotti2575 So's a Spinone.

[@DrCruel]

People in this country were so much more decent a century ago.

[@JohnSmith-SdTkt]

I'm so sorry that he suffered at the end of his life. He seems to have been a wonderful gentlemen

[@alvallac2171]

*gentleman (singular, not plural)

[@cksu1186]

Who suffered?

[@user-gq1sh4kf4w]

The man who shot animals for fun?

[@JohnSmith-SdTkt]

No not that guy. I don’t know anything about him

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

@@user-gq1sh4kf4w Are you talking about Donny Trump Jr.?

[@garrison6863]

He really was the best contestant I ever saw. Really funny the way he answered the questions so straightforward, sort of like deadpan humor.

[@avilonwalston4930]

So cool that is your granddaddy! I love the way he answered the questions in a very diverse way , not just yes or no like most people did!

[@bernardwilson2202]

Hello beautiful how are you doing today??

[@ruthiemay423]

My absolute favorite contestant! ❤❤❤

[@im1who84u]

They are all good as well as Mr. Lomigistro. Two that come to mind for mare Ms. Toni West and she can be seen under this title: _Toni West (Marilyn look-alike Judo Instructor) on What's My Line?_ And the other is: _Game Show Deja Vu! ("Name's The Same" Recycles "What's My Line?" Gag Questions)_

[@theresaobrien3582]

The people on the show had real class.

[@micahphilson]

6:42 These long-winded over-specific clarifications are probably my favorite part of the show!

[@CellGames2006]

That was verbal poetry in action.

[@ericdavion9693]

I found a few of John's responses with special guest Eleanore Roosevelt particularly elegant and amusing.

[@johngrout6039]

His wrangling with Bennett was my favorite part of the show. Once, one of them spoke a line from a classical Greek play... in the original... and the other one understood.

[@RyanAustinDean]

These shows make me nostalgic for a time decades before my birth, and I know many of you feel the same. Probably why we keep coming back. Everyone in this clip is so likable and well-spoken.

[@davidburkholder7360]

You come back because you were in that time too. I mean after all, where do you think you were before "birth?"

[@mariannaryan456]

This episode was made exactly 2 weeks before I was born.

[@bubblinbrownsugar616]

Andrews: These services you perform....would I enjoy them? Peter: DEFINITELY! Andrews: And could you do those services for either of the two young ladies in the panel Peter: I MOST CERTAINLY COULD! LMFAO!!

[@dwightstewart7181]

Sadly, these skirt puffing machines have all but disappeared from amusement parks, likely as a result of fewer women wearing skirts and objections from feminist snowflakes. I operated one in 1969 (17, just before the Army) and none on the receiving end ever complained. The few objections always came from uninvolved third-parties.

[@fastertove]

Well...Today, more women are going commando ;-)

[@philjones45]

Why do people quote the show? What's the bloody point?

[@davepollison4333]

@@philjones45 I think we must accept that the question here requires a degree of dexterity above and beyond the norm.

[@Catquick1957]

While morons like you thirive

[@kacym.118]

I have watched almost all of the, "What's My Line", shows, and enjoy them so much. This man was so sweet and funny! Bless him...

[@paulinehicks7932]

Love this! Your grandfather was an awesome man.

[@nthomas87]

At the very end, jokingly and sarcastically, “No, he’s the guy that blows the wind on people!” Oh, how right he _actually_ was lol.

[@Eddie_Schantz]

My favorite part of this game is at 8:35 when he tricks Dorothy into asking a question that required a "no" answer. Great timing. Mr. Lomagistro was a great guest.

[@ginaloverofangels]

This was hysterical, I was laughing out loud. Plus this man spoke so clearly and loud..loved it. This episode was the loudest of all the others. Usually I have to turn my volume on loud this time I didn't. Thank you for this wonderful upload. :)

[@btrelles404]

As a not native English speaker, I find this show very educational. It's very impressive to witness the correct, respectful and proper manner these people *had* of the langage, which unfortunately has gone forever...

[@Sinskita]

You're witnessing actors who were required to train in the trans-Atlantic accent. Nobody in real life spoke with this accent at home. It was completely fabricated for radio and television. That accounts for the enunciation as well. As for the "manner," well, I think you'll find that there were plenty of examples of bad manners in that day, but they were pretty strict about how people could and couldn't behave on television. It's easy to look at the past through rose-colored glasses, but let's not forget that, while this was being filmed, black people were still fighting for the right to drink out of the same water fountains and attend the same schools as white people.

[@dhanigeorge8203]

What a great guy, nice you can look at this and see him. I wish I had films of my grandfather. You're grandfather sounds like an amazing man.

[@Brandon-rq3ys]

A skirt blowing machine? Wow, cant get more 1950's than that!

[@bmw19877]

Did the girls have the option of wearing underwear?

[@beemer57]

Loved this episode. Growing up in the Rockaways, I enjoyed going to Playland, especially on Wednesday nights, during the summer, to see the fireworks.

[@PapaBushka]

This version of the show requires so much more intelligence than the version on television today. Today's version has the panel behaving so much more juvinile, which is pervasive throughout our current culture.

[@davidb2206]

It's been an anti-intellectual society ever since. Back then it was space race and no social promotions in school. You earned it and the best and brightest were highly desired, not diversity for the sake of diversity.

[@tiawilliams5690]

With the exception of Dorothy, these people wouldn't get past the first round of Jeopardy. You're confusing intelligence with social niceties. As evidenced by David's assumption that diversity has no benefit in itself, when everything from food to housing is a product of it.

[@TR-sg7xf]

@@davidb2206 Poor you being terrified of smart minorities.

[@patriotgirl1american854]

Exactly!!!! It’s like reading letters, etc. from the 1700’s...even children spoke eloquently, almost as adults. Penmanship was amazing..

[@jamesconner3437]

@@tiawilliams5690 I voted up David, and after your comment I voted for you also. You both have valid points, and David was so into smarts ( that's necessary !) that he kinda got carried away. And I might remind you that different to be different is not correct either. Different to contribute something different is what you had in mind perhaps.

[@claymor8241]

I wonder how those involved would have reacted back then if you told them ‘ over 60 years from now people (lots of people) will be interested enough to sit and watch this segment right through and find it entertaining on its own terms’.

[@elyandbryannesinang8656]

I bet they would have been delighted to know that, probably with a hint of doubt but delighted nonetheless. I myself just happened to come across this old show this year during lockdown. :) I love it!

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

They would respond "Isn't that whats so? Folks sitting at home and in these stands behind watching this performance of wit and comedy, purely for pleasure and close interactive enjoyment".

[@ronaldganze8965]

When did we go from having intelligent people like this in the public sphere to the vacuous celebrities of today?

[@rainexpert1]

They were pretty sharp, weren't they.

[@scarecrow2885]

November 22, 1963.

[@FallingGalaxy]

Oh really? So sexual harassment masked as entertainment is 'intelligent'? I think not. We know better now than we did then. Less ignorance in some respects. Unfortunately there are plenty of people who happily wallow in ignorance, and others who can't afford the time to educate themselves, but we still are better off all around, regardless. (We only need get rid of those who happily spew ignorance, like our leaders for the moment, for instance.)

[@Tanerion]

It requires a certain level of intelligence to take a joke. If they can live through and laugh at the concept of some skirts being lifted then it's fine. Offense is only taken and never given. We could really do with some politically incorrect and light-hearted comedy like in the old days.

[@SilentCheechGaming1991]

Sexual Harassment? Give me a break.

[@valk7229]

Great show. Beautiful smart ladies Dorothy and Arlene. Articulate and informative and fun.

[@SylveonSimp]

The way of articulating, the grace, the gestures and mimics, the charm, the clothes, that time was something else.

[@BillGreenAZ]

It's rather sad to see society degrade from that wonderful time into what it has become today.

[@freeguy77]

@@BillGreenAZ Something happened to the people of this once great land. Maybe it was far too much government encroaching on personal and economic freedoms, and the hard money of silver coinage/dollar-gold link that existed then.

[@peterdevita6308]

Absolute entertainment at it's best; Peter is by far, the most charming, enthusiastic guest I have seen of these What's My Line episodes on You Tube. He;s so direct in his answers in a truly lovable way! Love it! What a great show to have been able to see live in those long ago days compared to the overblown junk of my day, 2021.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I've seen better, he was alright.

[@lemorab1]

Thank you for posting this. 1958 was the year you first saw women's hairstyles that had been set in rollers. Arlene is sporting this brand new look, a "bubble" hairdo. Sandra Dee made it famous in "A Summer Place," released in 1959. Dorothy's hair is still being set and styled in a more "fifties" look.

[@TomBarrister]

Kilgallen was a master of leading questions that were vague enough that she wouldn't receive a "no" answer but would gain information by John's explanation. Daly and the other contestants tolerated it, because nothing was at stake (each contestant got a fixed fee for appearing, regardless of the score), and because Kilgallen was popular with viewers.

[@justafanintexas7913]

And in the end, it turned out the show was rigged. Funny how the panel on this guest was so far afield of what he did they looked hopeless, until Kilgallen pulled the amusement park out of her ass and Cerf goes right for the wind machine when they were still miles away? This show and I've Got A Secret got in hot water when it was discovered the panels were given "hints" ahead of time.

[@paulcarpool2288]

Tom Barrister ... Kilgallen was murdered a year or two after this video. She was also a respected columnist,...and she was working/investigating on the JFK murder.

[@MICHGO1]

RIGGED? FOR 50 BUCKS?

[@justafanintexas7913]

Paul Carpool - You mean the evidence that was never found? And, it turns out, probably didn't exist?

[@justafanintexas7913]

MICHO1 - Rigged.

[@jamesregan2181]

I lived in Rockaway from 63-77 and visited Playland frequently. How interesting to find this video about an employee’s game show appearance.

[@scottmiller6495]

An absolutely wonderful contestant with wit and wisdom and incredible humor!!!!!

[@issadad]

Marvelous all around. And yet another reminder that John Daly was the perfect game show host.

[@heatherhall3452]

I don’t ever remember seeing a show like this in Australia 🇦🇺 but I think they should bring back this show, much better than these reality (non-reality) rubbish shows they have these days - an innocent genuine laugh 😁😂🤣 ❤️

[@andrewnielsen3178]

They would have trouble finding a panel of intelligent celebrities.

[@moonpie3063]

Thank you Master Sgt. Lomagistro for your service to our Country. God bless.

[@Celisar1]

Dee Moon Dear god, that was 2-3 generations ago and this man is long dead. Would you like to thank someone for having fought in the Civil War, too?

[@cjb8010]

Yes, we certainly should be thankful to all who fought.

[@Celisar1]

Go Navy It seems you didn’t get my point- at all.

[@Zekais]

@@Celisar1 You have no point worth getting.

[@Celisar1]

Zekais In order to claim that I didn’t have a point you should be able to explain then what I said in my comment: go ahead. Waiting... 😄

[@ricardo53100]

This gentleman is a real New Yorker of the best type: he is straightforward, funny and engaging. In short, the gentleman is a character. Now we know, thanks to his grandson, that he was a war hero. It is true that his generation was America's greatest.

[@SaxonC]

Extremely intelligent speaking people while on a game show! How far, society has declined . Look how regal everyone on the show, dressed each week; tuxedos and formal dresses

[@justingantt9896]

normal for Television

[@junemacauley7239]

What a nice norm! With manners and speech to go with it. ... not anymore, over 60 years hence. For some reason, when humanity hits a peak, it declines, instead of maintaining a beneficial high standard.

[@paschallehany369]

John Daly wanted it that way and so that's the way it was. It's not an indictment on modern times that the host of a show from the 50s had a particular idea of how he wanted the show to me and got his way. There may be more vulgarity on television these days, but that's just one aspect of society. Personally, I think it's better to live at a time when women aren't so subservient to their husbands, when mental ill-health is something people aren't afraid to acknowledge, etc.

[@Alltimeboxing]

I think this show was sponsored by Kelloggs. But I'm not totally sure.

[@mandolinic]

Of course. It's a serial.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

@@mandolinic Cereal...

[@lloydthomas2896]

Different sponsors over time, but this episode clearly shows Kellogg’s in front of the panel.

[@windyfields]

‘Kellogg’s of Battle Creek’

[@toddmollerup9210]

The sponsors used to run the content and the network was more like KZbin where they network didn't procure and choose the content, but just deliver it. This changed when the FCC chairman told the networks that *they* need to run the network. This is according to an Andy Griffith interview. After that statement, the networks became leaders of setting content, rather than servants to the sponsors. The networks didn't know they had the power to lead, since the airwaves we're seen as their property. They they began to capitalize their business like the motion picture industry and try new shows from writers and producers. With that, the industry changed and content improved and evolved (and the sponsors loved it). The network would go forward and look mostly at viewership rather than ask sponsors to fund a show and make decision regarding content (remember announcers would say long ago "brought to you by...").

[@Widda68]

I love your grandfather. I bet your grandpa was having a great time during his appearance on WML. John Daly seem to have a hard time keeping from laughing at several points during the questioning by the panel. Your grandpa was a natural entertainer. I bet he was quite a comic in his family. I remember going with a friend when I was about 8 years old-- along with our two mothers. Our mothers went through that very same attraction where your grandfather worked. They may have even met him. I may have met him from a distance. It truly seemed to be a fun experience for all as I recall.

[@r.a.contrerasma8578]

Always admire the way men stood up to greet the guests.

[@pong9000]

I was raised by boomers so had to learn such manners on my own. They don't even notice what my son and I are doing.

[@r.a.contrerasma8578]

@pong9000 Yes but Gen x (me, us) will be the last people to live largely by such norms. Respect, sir!

[@r.a.contrerasma8578]

And they still had beautiful penmanship. I found docs online of my grandfather's. He, too, had a beautiful signature.

[@kangaroojackson98]

He was a handsome man and looked so happy. :)

[@icepickmeetstemple]

Days of charm, when people were well-spoken, polite and good humored.

[@pianoman551000]

I LOVE this contestant!!! He cute, amusing, and very humorous!!!

[@kitcat9447]

I'm laughing so hard. He was so hilarious. Perfect guest!

[@bobdole4916]

The great part about this show is they got really smart people for it. And the entertainment was just as much getting to see them be funny, but also watching them be clever and deductive. It was a good show.

[@remcat3572]

Arlene Francis was so beautiful! I remember these, barely from early childhood - probably in re-runs. Thanks!

[@pianoman551000]

I love this guest!!! He's a natural for early television! Go peter!!

[@paelie]

they're all so lovely, but props to arlene and bennett for addressing him by his surname consistently and so well!

[@dansanger5340]

Back when broadcasters and actors were still expected to have a mid-Atlantic accent.

[@JenetLevyNYC_AZ]

Thank you for this commemt because now I just googled "Mid-Atlantic accent"and learned so much.

[@nursen2106]

@Ru22eLL ok. and his accent?

[@ZarkowsWorld]

You mean, 'speak properly'

[@MrVvulf]

I've met very few people under the age of 40 who even know what a Mid-Atlantic accent is. And fewer still who know what Upper Received Pronunciation accent is.

[@notsure6187]

Don't you mean Trans-Atlantic accent?

[@IMAWriterRobJ]

Wonderful to watch this show again...I was a kid, and enjoyed the use of language even then. He was a wonderful guest. Remember when comedy WAS comedy??

[@kathyh4804]

Dorothy Kilgallan was such an intelligent woman! Her questions and guesses astound me

[@jamesbickle4912]

Yes. And she was so smart, she figured out who killed Kennedy.

[@tomhammer1784]

We could use reporters/columnist like her today.

[@morussell4033]

I never laughed so much and Mr Peter is so funny and is an amazing person as well 💯...

[@ichabodon]

It’s 2020 and years since I last saw this programme. Still funny even now. It should be brought back for the more knowledgeable among us.

[@photo161]

This iconic game show (and it was so much more,) simply got everything right. It remains a joy to watch now, as I suspect it always will.

[@shelzbelz2341]

Just adorable. I still watch these shows on Buzzr and enjoy this particular game show so much. They don't put enough episodes on per day, IMO. Also, a beautiful last name!

[@MK007-YT]

Agreed ! Glad "Buzzer" is currently Airing them.

[@Fatima502]

Thanks you @UC4V4cnD1nZ-zN9puHl_DbiQ for posting this gem, the comedy has aged wonderfully.

[@titanramfan]

This makes me wish I’d been born about 25 years before I was. I did grow up during the 1970’s run of this show, but this is classic! I’m jealous of our octogenarians!

[@jason60chev]

And he was able to support himself with such a job!!!!

[@gaguy1967]

thats what i kept thinking. It must have cost 25 cents to get your skirt blown

[@freeguy77]

@@gaguy1967 If you live in Chicago, you can have your skirt blown most days of the year, no charge! ;)

[@jameswest4692]

I'd have done it for free

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@freeguy77 ah, the wind city. Well as it were, I hardly believe women wear skirts, they need to feel akin to a man and never want to feel attractive to fit into current societies ideals. I find more poor people with dresses than rich...as though this is some lost symbol of merit. And not a comfort in the winter, and an extra breeze in the summer since skirts were flowing and let air circulate throughout giving the wearer a pleasure of staying cool and formal.

[@Celisar1]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar Such nonsense. Men and women are equal and really no one wears trousers for any other reasons than it being very practical and comfortable.

[@dearmakeupdiary]

John Daly's reactions. His faces cracked me up all the time !

[@scottadler]

Four well-dressed people with well above average intelligence and astonishing charm and wit... It will never happen again. Thank you, hippies.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

This is one of the best. Had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.

[@thomaslombardo3401]

Really enjoyed this video. Very funny. One of my all-time favorite contestants on the show

[@wholeNwon]

It was a great show but only worked because of erudite and articulate people like Daly, Cerf, et. al. It would be very difficult to assemble a comparable cast from our population these days.

[@teenagerinsac]

+wholeNwon not to mention, where could you get anyone under 30 who didn't listen to rap and noise instead of music??

[@windstorm1000]

+wholeNwon agreed--networks would not be able to find one literate classy person in the entertainment industry if the show was resurrected (maybe Meryl Streep).

[@fig4159]

There must be some! There are always young musicians coming up in ALL genres. Hip hop may have replaced rock & roll in some populations, but far from all, and unfortunately, it's too stuck in its gangsta roots to reach its potential as an agent of change in the foreseeable future. There are plenty of movie stars with brains and a keen awareness of today's world issues. George Clooney and Leo DiCaprio come immediately to mind. I haven't heard Meryl Streep discuss world affairs, but she's a GREAT actress. I don't watch much TV, though.

[@robb7398]

Cerf was a publisher and humorist, Kilgallen was a newspaper columnist, Francis was an actress and radio/TV personality. They were New Yorkers. Most TV doesn't originate in New York, now. It's from LA, and it's dumbed down. There are still intelligent, witty people around, but nobody's going to put them on network TV today.

[@timowthie]

There are plenty of articulate people nowadays.

[@janwilliams1270]

This show had intelligent erudite panels. Educated and sophisticated. The opposite of any panel's you see on the boob tube now. Wish they would show reruns

[@eminusipi]

You have that right!

[@NichaelCramer]

I’ll give it to you for American quiz shows. But try watching some British game/quiz shows. Like “Eggheads”, or “Mastermind”, or “Countdown” (the real one, not “8 out of 10 Cats”). Or, above all, “University Challenge”.

[@jflow5601]

Yes much more intelligent than your run of the mill Trump supporter.

[@segaudette525]

@@jflow5601 u sound butthurt

[@segaudette525]

America had dumbed down alot since then

[@cardinalsfan8182]

Peter was the best guest ever!!!

[@jacomans9078]

When I read the title…I knew it was going to be this gentleman. The way he commented was great! Glad he had a long life….it’s sad to watch these sometimes and know most are not here with us.

[@josemoreno3334]

I used to watch this show on GSN. This is the funniest one of them all. Thank you Mr. Lomagistro for your service.

[@aaronanderson1118]

Arlene just might be the perfect woman. What do you guys think? Attractive and so much natural charm, one of my all time favorites.

[@Fandango541]

Definitely! Very beautiful and talented.

[@pianoman551000]

Arlene was the best panelist on WMY.....by far!!

[@dabneyoffermein595]

i would definitely not put her in the attractive category

[@patshhi4620]

I just love this era. It seems people were more respectful of each other then; they didn’t take things as seriously as they do today. People seemed to have more individual jobs, which today don’t exist. My own parents, and the way they interacted with their friends, etc. were just classier. TV shows and movies were better. It’s hard to pinpoint what I’m trying to say.

[@GeneRogers-di6cl]

This guy really cracks me up!!!😂😂 😂

[@Piginhatwoodcrafts]

5 years before I was born and I really enjoy watching shows like this....to be the world was a better place then. A great contestant was Peter 👍

[@nancyayers6355]

master ikt I think is was. Just think. No cell phones or computers. People cared about others and rudeness was unacceptable.

[@Piginhatwoodcrafts]

@@nancyayers6355 alas those days have gone 😥

[@billharris1847]

Thank you for finding and posting these