What's My Line? - Rosalind Russell (Jan 4, 1953)

MYSTERY GUEST: Rosalind Russell
PANEL: Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis, Steve Allen
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[@lennmathis8694]

Rosalind Russell was the funniest mystery guest ever on What's My Line. I have watched that segment many times and she never fails to break me up. She was marvelous, and i miss her style today.

[@hcombs0104]

I have to agree. I have seen this segment any number of times, and it doesn't get stale. Roz Russell, I hate to say, seems like the kind of person that no longer exists.

[@drumbum3.142]

😂😂😂😂 The Password is.. ... "SUBJECTIVE ..".. !...😂😂😂🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣🤣If Not - from the standpoint of whimsy and (overall) flabbergast and flummox -- downright incorrect(!) 😐😂😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️😂 I'm Sorry. Kinda. And No Disrespect to Madam Russell here but this Mystery Guest bit here doesn't TOUCH Cesar "Navy Seal" Romer🤣 😂😂😂

[@janiceyoung8359]

Ppp

[@kenlieberman4215]

Debbie Reynolds gets my pick.

[@itsallinthehead]

Without a doubt! She was a natural! 😂

[@cjones32853]

Rosalind Russell was perhaps the most entertaining guest ever on this program in beauty and personality.

[@brookdale2740]

Rosalind Russell was wonderful. I wish she had won a much deserved Oscar for her career.

[@loup4343]

She definitely should have been recognized by the Academy.

[@hcombs0104]

She did win the Jean Hersholt award for her humanitarian work in 1973. It's not an Oscar for any performance of hers but at least she was recognized by the Academy.

[@user-vc1oz9rv6v]

Never heard of her before today.

[@karenmallonee3867]

Rosalind Russell was a hoot! It feels wonderful to laugh that hard!!! 🤣

[@davidleigh443]

RR had one of the most recognizable voices in film history. Had she not disguised it, she would not have lasted 5 seconds.

[@mon_avis2978]

I love the way she mouths "Thank you" to John for answering a flatteringly worded question about her looks. Those were the days when it was considered very bad manners to brag about yourself and be immodest. Even Ava Gardner let John answer for her!

[@Ashoodle]

I can watch Rosalind's part in this episode a million times and still laugh hard as if it's my first time viewing this.

[@gretagarbeige]

It's my first time and I'm crying with laughter hahaha

[@kennethlatham3133]

She was a riot! One-of-a-kind, though much in the same vibe as Katharine Hepburn.

[@moyarguelles4230]

Me too. She's great in this.

[@sdgakatbk]

This was a classic!! Maybe the funniest special guest I've seen on these shows along with Ed Sullivan which was also hilarious.

[@kylenriley2520]

i guess im randomly asking but does any of you know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@Imapeach1]

I love how much fun John Daly has in the midst of all the madness,,,,,sometimes he jumps up and down an absolute glee!! It's downright infectious,lol.

[@jdano9029]

+Imapeach1 I totally agree! So much fun to watch.

[@davidleigh443]

John Daly had a great time and was a great moderator.

[@dejpsyd0421]

The BEST show I've ever seen in all my years even though I wasn't even born while this was on! I've got to rank it up with Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, MASH... What's My Line is at the TOP!

[@KayBarsotti]

She was an enjoyable actress to watch most of a g

[@KayBarsotti]

Most all a totd

[@iamintheburg]

One of THE BEST Mystery Guest episodes ever !!!!!!!

[@GinaGreenlee]

iamintheburg This one, (Russell) Salvador Dali and Nanette Fabray top my list. Ms. Russell and Ms. Fabray were having great fun playing the game. Dali was simply being...Dali. And that's always fun. Love him.

[@iamintheburg]

Gina Greenlee Next, I'm going to the Nanette Fabray one - she was always a sweetie. Thanks, Gina

[@GinaGreenlee]

Even the panel was charmed. Enjoy!

[@orgonkothewildlyuntamed6301]

Gina Greenlee if you haven't seen the Esther Williams' 4 appearances check them out the 1955 is my personal fav

[@GinaGreenlee]

Thank you. I'll do that right now. I loved Esther Williams movies as a kid. I'll start with the 1955 segment.

[@carlchase4195]

she is so funny.....now that is how you disguise your voice!!!!!

[@iamjustjudy]

Rosalind was 47 years old doing this episode so her outrage at being 48 is a riot. She has a great sense of humor

[@lisahayes8834]

According to Wiki, she was born June 4, 1907, making her 45.

[@gmawneydawgness]

Lisa Hayes yes 45 turning 46 that year

[@screenactorsguilable]

@@gmawneydawgness at 21:37 how can Bennit ask so many queries. i thought each panelist could ask one wh-question ??

[@gmawneydawgness]

Quan Dang I don't know why you're asking me

[@screenactorsguilable]

@@lisahayes8834 do you know why dear

[@michaeldishler9673]

Rosalind Russell so funny one of the best episodes

[@loissimmons6558]

Rosalind Russell was so beautiful and glamorous with her entrance in her exquisite gown. And then to hear her disguised voice ... well, let's just say that I was glad I wasn't drinking my juice when I heard it. Orange juice coming through one's nostrils is not a very pleasant experience!

[@rebl1128]

Imagine how much fun it would have been to have a girls' night out with Arlene and Ros Russell!

[@nunosoares2329]

I agree. By the way. Mmmmm OJ

[@scottevans748]

By this stage in her career Rosalind Russell had accomplished so much, and to think some of her best work, Picnic and Auntie Mame, were yet to come. If all she had ever done was His Girl Friday, it would've been enough. Super woman.

[@JanaeLynn]

I Loved Her So Much. Auntie Mame. still quoted here.

[@brendanmahony9831]

Ken burns

[@randysills4418]

And her famous stage work was coming...

[@kennethlatham3133]

"His Girl Friday" should be required viewing for anyone with a stick up their *ss. Instant relief.

[@robertfiller8634]

@@kennethlatham3133 What a fantastic movie that was! Apparently, Cary Grant and she were allowed to ad-lib some of the dialogue (at one point, Grant mentions Archie Leach (his real name!) . This MG appearance of hers is the beat one in the entire 17 years of WML . She is not only funny and charming, but very beautiful, at 45 years of age.

[@willec7105]

To think that I can be sitting here laughing so hard watching something that happened 69 years ago, thanks to the miracle of photography and moving pictures/video, it still exists to be viewed and enjoyed. This is definitely one of if not the funniest and most entertaining "Mystery Guest" segments in all of "What's My Line's" run.

[@smrt1111111111111]

This was aired Jan 4th 1953, now it Jan 4th 2020. This show is so funny like it was made today and not 67 years ago.

[@randallriley]

Rosalind Russell was fantastic on this, I laughed out loud a lot during this one!

[@APrintmaker]

I've watched nearly all of these, and this episode is one of my favorites. The lady locomotive mechanic was fantastic... there was simply no way the panel was ever going to guess that. And Ms. Russell was a treat!

[@call2872]

When I need something to make me smile, I come back to watch this video. The sense of humour projected by the late Rosalind just is pure entertainment. 😄🤣 I also love John's reaction. Rarely he was shown to lose his composure and go along with the fun.

[@BillyAlabama]

I can watch RR over and over laughing about Dorothy thinking she was a man! 😂😂😂

[@sydhawdon9095]

Rosalind was a delight, love her 💖

[@preppysocks209]

@z You just pointed out that she was dead. Come on.

[@SaxonC]

I love this episode. Rosalind Russell was hilarious!

[@originalmatchgame]

Why can't Hollywood produce glamour girls like Ros Russell , anymore ?

[@WitoldBanasik]

'Cause they are busy producing kinda Weinstein gorillas now...

[@gdmoore]

Now we got the hoedashians

[@patshhi4620]

Also with a great funny personality.

[@chuckendweiss4849]

Barry G You need to start with Class. Hollywood does not have class

[@glamdolly30]

Because intelligence and wit like RR's is no longer valued. Dumbing down has made the media generally very boring!

[@djmore2620]

Rosalind Russell has always been on my top 10 best actress list. I certainly agree, this was truly the funniest WML ever.

[@lucindasommer720]

The episodes w/Groucho Marx make me scream, they are soooo funny. I have to stop the video when he's on, & I never particularly liked him.

[@bwayland1290]

This is one of the top 10. It's still #1 w/ me. If laughter is medicine just take a big dose by watching this w/ the great Rosalind Russell.

[@anselmgolden8286]

Rosalind Russell is pure joy! 😊 😊 😊 😊

[@kylearcher1451]

CLASS AND HUMOR!!!!! It’s very hard to find these two characteristics combined on the same show anymore. I watch these clips all the time!!!!

[@zzzut]

Rosalind Russell was a delightful lady and a great actress as well.

[@TheClassics4me]

Lord this makes me love Rosalind Russell even more.

[@TheClassics4me]

@z Hahaha hahaha!

[@preppysocks209]

@z Regrettably, so many of your comments detract rather than add. Please be more thoughtful in making them.

[@drgaryb13]

I'm crazy about Rosalind Russell!!!!

[@dietpepsivanilla3095]

Rosalind Russell was the greatest.

[@steveember8972]

What consummate style and class these folks had!

[@sothathappened]

I just adore Rosalind Russell

[@margaritaperla]

Finest actress of Hollywood's Golden Era in my opinion

[@glamdolly30]

No question - RR was a superb actress and that rare thing, a STAR - on and off screen! Charisma and star quality simply radiate from her.

[@laurenceesposito3393]

Just great! She had them for quite a long time. I always loved Rosalind Russell.

[@johnrsanchez3890]

the best mystery guest ever funny beyond belief great Actress

[@scotnick59]

Nobody played sophisticated comedy better: her delivery was impeccable (Roz Russell)

[@preppysocks209]

Well Myrna Loy was none too shabby. Carole Lombard as well.

[@scotnick59]

TRUE!@@preppysocks209

[@danieldekok6949]

Her facial expressions are just the best--and that gravelly voice LMAO!!!

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

See Auntie Mame. 1956 One the greatest movies all time. You will never forget it.

[@piustwelfth]

Indeed it's a great film, but it was released in '58.

[@muttley5958]

Thanks I will look look it up because she was brilliant in ( His Girl Friday ) one my all-time favourites.

[@loutimmons3099]

It's almost funny to see Roz's reaction to the question "Are you over 48?" - she was in fact closing in on 46....

[@CandiceJoergan]

I've watched the Rosalind Russell part of this video many many times over the years. It's one of the funniest moments in T.V. history.

[@davidleigh443]

Miss Russell was very classy, especially when John said she was attractive-she silently nodded in appreciation. I am amazed by all the biggest names in entertainment who appeared as mystery guests on the black and white WML.

[@brunoantony3218]

Correct but the biggest of the biggest never appeared, Greta Garbo, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Cary Grant.

[@jerrylee8261]

@@brunoantony3218 If Marilyn had appeared, what a treasure that would have been seeing her being Marilyn and not in a movie. I think her business partner discouraged her from doing tv. He was so short sighted and Marilyn may have had fun.

[@MrUhwoody]

Rosalind Russell was great in "Gypsy."

[@gbrumburgh]

As for the monocle manufacturer contestant, Daly casually gave the panel a huge hint when he responds to Dorothy and tells her "any man who couldn't (notice them on her) would need glasses, Dorothy."

[@GinaGreenlee]

Am I the only one enjoying the diversity of the masks? Arlene wore one with eyelashes glued on.

[@savethetpc6406]

Gina Greenlee They used a variety of different masks over the years, some much more interesting than others. This one of Arlene's is certainly among the most interesting. :)

[@robertmelson2130]

It's odd to me to see them in their masks in a couple of color still photographs that are extant. It's ever a surprise to see how brightly colored the ladies' masks are.

[@carlchase4195]

no you not!!! i was hoping someone would have open eyes on the mask....

[@cara9592]

Steve Allen glasses

[@kennethlatham3133]

@@carlchase4195 Betty Furness wire a mask with one eye open & one eye shut. I was bizarre-looking, especially in 1950's surroundings.

[@louettahuddleson7194]

I adore Rosalind Russell. Such a great actress.

[@monicablom4231]

This was a real funny episode. Ros was so funny.

[@mmjhcb]

Another great -- gone. A great actress and a very classy lady.

[@yukimi009]

I've seen this many, many times for this past week but I still laugh as much as I did the first time and sometimes I laugh harder🤣🤣Rosalind Russell is such a gem💎♥

[@scorpius6667]

I have been watching alot of WML during the covid pandemic and I have to say that this was on of the funniest Celebrity guest segments I have watched! And the loudest audience reactions too, it was hilarious! RR had Dorothy fooled completely and Dorothy was a "pretty smart cookie", as the saying used to go! Fun to watch! 🦂💖🥂

[@jmccracken1963]

Great episode!!!! I love the buzz in the audience as they're anticipating just HOW hard the panel is going to have to work to figure out Mrs. Ruth Mouzakas' "line." And, indeed, Mrs. Mouzakas DID stump them - and seemed to have a good time doing so. I think that Sylvan Edison's early mannerisms are more the result of nervousness (and the peculiar acoustics of this TV studio) than anything else - but he, too, seems to settle in and have a good time. (This is also one of those rare segments of the CBS WHAT'S MY LINE? in which a contestant brings a sample of his/her product for each panelist. I know that the show staff discouraged contestants from doing so (and later forbade them from doing so, if I remember correctly). And it's great to see Rosalind Russell at a time at which she was in rehearsals for WONDERFUL TOWN on Broadway, too. This is one of the best-ever Mystery Guest segments, with Rosalind Russell having a great time stumping the panel - and keeping them stumped for quite a while. A charming, gracious, and impeccably professional lady - and a very talented actress, too. And it's also great to see this segment in a CLEAN copy, too. Thank you very much for sharing these gems with us!!!!!!

[@geniusmchaggis]

i love that blank look that steve allen gets when the audience laughs at one of his questions...he does it all the time.

[@pedmst]

Adore that great look too!

[@Dayna-Punky]

I love Rosalind Russell!!

[@donpkra]

she was hilarious - what a great talent she was

[@MarthaReynolds]

Oh, Rosalind Russell - how fabulous!

[@patriciamartinez5836]

I adore her. She had so many great roles. I loved her in Auntie Mame. I own it. She gave us great movies to watch over and over

[@jl3322]

How great was Rosalind Russell!

[@gregmoorhead7203]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Rosalind Russell!!!

[@user-jo9uc6gi5f]

I watched this when I was a child and it is special to watch it now!!

[@happyguy7005]

I adore her! This was hysterical

[@troybailey6904]

Love Rosalind Russell.

[@melianna999]

By all means she was not typical in Hollywood. Decent lady - family woman.

[@mrtraveler17]

She is ...FABULOUS & MORE!!!!!!

[@ReynaHerichan7769]

Bennett Cerf always nailed it. I like him the most.

[@joelwatson7133]

Honestly my favorite mystery guest segment!

[@rosebud3971]

The panel was almost impossible to stump. And the first contestant did it!

[@kali3665]

Oh spirits, Rosalind Russell is having SO much fun here! I love it!

[@Skye_Writer]

OMG, Rosalind is PERFECT!!! I have always loved her. One of the funniest true dames of Old Hollywood. ♥

[@quizmaster85]

(18:16) DOROTHY: Have you ever played the leading man? ROSALIND: (after much laughter) Yes! Classic! (18:46) Not to mention that YEESSS!! to Dorothy's "Under 48" question!!

[@scottstacey7447]

In her autobiography "Life Is A Banquet", there is a picture of Rosalind in a man's costume in the Garick Gaities in the early 30's, so she was telling the truth when Dorothy asked that question.

[@ladya1953]

Apropos of nothing, the day after this aired, on the I Love Lucy show, Bennett's book "Try and Stop Me" was used as a prop in the Ricardos bedroom during the hilarious and stomach-twisting sardines and hot fudge over pistachio ice cream scene.

[@lauracollins4195]

Faith Adams - Fun fact, thank you! :)

[@lorihansen8674]

I love how Steve Allen keeps digging his embarrassing hole deeper and deeper.

[@billiebuffalo]

So hilarious. You can see how much fun she is having. Some mystery guests are so reserved...having fun, but still reserved.

[@gabrieru1983]

She was pure gold!

[@grieg2245]

Rosalind Russell wore the same necklace in Never Wave at a WAC (1953)!

[@community1949]

Rosalind Russell was a gem and so damned funny.

[@garylaird2879]

She is pure class

[@johngiovine8792]

I love this, back when true talent and decency prevailed.

[@sergiolobato1798]

Rosalind Russell was a great combination of glamour refinement and pitch perfect comedic timing. Todays, Pheobe Waller Bridge also has those qualities

[@glamdolly30]

OMG RR is hilarious - what a great gal, I ADORE her!

[@winkieblink7625]

LOVE Roz Russell. 👏👏👏. A CLASSY Lady.

[@StephenDoty84]

In case you don't recognize Rosalind Russell here, she was Cary Grant's sweetheart in "His Girl Friday." Every time she was nominated for a Golden Globe, she won. 5-0. Getting nominated next to her was the dead zone.

[@hcombs0104]

Rosalind Russell was in quite a few classics. The Women, My Sister Eileen, Sister Kenny, Gypsy. When her film career slowed down, she returned to the stage. One of those efforts was Auntie Mame; the film version wound up being the box office champ of 1958. She was one of the few who avoided the horror films of the 1960s.

[@jerrylee8261]

@@hcombs0104 She was great in The Women. She and Paulette Goddard had a fight which was hilarious.

[@elspethcoogan1499]

I think Steve Allen was competing for laughs with Rosalind during the panel's questions when he put on his glasses over the blindfold.

[@wodgerdog646]

Rosalind Russell was a very classy and beautiful lady.

[@bwayland1290]

Dorothy K. was pretty funny too. The dialogue between she & Roz is so hilarious it seems almost scripted. Then when Bennett questions the sex of the guest u hear Dorothy somewhat under her breath telling him to ,"Go on Bennett this could be Anything.!? "

[@bwayland1290]

HA. HA HA HA...............

[@mckavitt]

B Wayland Between her & Roz... Why do Americans & now even the Brits destroy the language?

[@styremcstyre]

I ROFL'd when I heard that comment too 😂

[@kristic4472]

LOL, Dorothy's look of relief after getting the "yes" answer to "is it Supposed to show"

[@stealth48nurse]

that was funny. loved it.

[@kirchoff4733]

The monocle maker gave each of them a mocole. That's so sweet of him!

[@windstorm1000]

My favorite celebrity guest

[@art.demirjian9721]

Rosalind Russell - what a remarkable woman she is! 😊

[@Smuley_ROA]

adorable Ros Russell :) so mesmerizing. of course, the best panel ever of the show in my opinion :) this group meshed so well. :) what a great show. i'll always have a soft heart for WML :) thank you for all these +What's My Line? or Gary :)

[@ROXKSTARPRO]

Nice, Ros Russell

[@christinalw19]

I love how Steve Allen kept saying, “I SEE” with monocle man. 😂👍🏼👍🏼

[@Haddasa]

I loved her in “His Girl Friday “

[@asteverino8569]

Rozz, you're great!

[@brkitdwn]

One of the best mystery guests the show ever had!! I love the panelists too. However, I found it odd that Dorothy would ask whether the guest was under 48. RR was 45 at the time of this episode.

[@anthonyhebisen]

Just the beautiful handwriting! I appreciate the art of script

[@catsarereallycool]

Rosalind Russell, what a gorgeous woman and very talented artist.

[@YManCyberDude]

I've watched quite a few of these over the past couple of years & I think this one made me laugh harder than any. Rosalind was such a talent . . .

[@chucknyc123]

This lovely lady, truly among Hollywood royalty, was my great aunt. I sadly never met her but heard many funny stories about her over the years. She is probably the funniest Mystery Guest ever on WML.

[@Beadbud5000]

Russell was excellent! Love that talented actress! One of the best, entertaining mystery guest ever!

[@mariehowlett25]

It's very cool to find out that Rosalind Russell is from Connecticut she is a beautiful woman of all times. She was one of my favorite guest celebrity on this show she did a wonderful job in all her movies she made you feel special when she was on the show making you laugh she had a heart of gold she was a wonderful woman in her movies and in this show