What's My Line? - Tennessee Ernie Ford; Gig Young [panel] (May 4, 1958)

[@jacquelinebell6201]

I loved the interaction between the tree surgeon and Arlene! She could get along with anyone. I loved the man's response, "...it's natural".

[@1aikane]

Love watching these. A wonderful glimpse of the America that once was.

[@thesweeples3266]

A better America

[@peternagy-im4be]

And will sadly never be again

[@dancelli714]

WHATS MY LINE is like a drug, it makes me feel good. P.S. And no bad side effects, but definitely a wonderful afterglow. As a teenager I had to watch this late show Sunday night even though I'd be a bit sleepy the next day in class.

[@larrygrebler5054]

@M M Just don't mention rock and roll to these snoots. They hated and didn't think it is/was real music.

[@larrydewein401]

@@larrygrebler5054 This 80 year old says You got that right! It NEVER was real music!

[@larrygrebler5054]

@@larrydewein401 This 59 year old says it's the best music ever. By the way I hate rap, and don't understand it. But I know it's the music of younger folk.

[@sophiemorrison9820]

Watching this on Sunday nights was my gift to myself because the next day was school and I just wanted the weekend to go on forever. I loved the panelist's introductions, the women's elegant dresses and the way they said goodnight to one another. I love it to this day same as ever. They've brought back some game shows but I can't see WML having the same elegance and class as they did back then. I could go on but I'll save it for another time.

[@meekthegreek1623]

Yes, nice show after all the mayhem, PC culture crap thrown at us. This is when people had manners still, witt and class. Love it too.

[@danahsutton101]

Mr Ford came to our neighborhood and filmed a documentary on how treat people with handicaps. A great man.

[@chriswaters3442]

Stumped by a tree surgeon: poetic justice.

[@timd4524]

He was a very funny man. Sharp on the comebacks. Probably heard it all by then.

[@caroler01]

And who would have thought that the hair style would be so popular today.

[@BillyAlabama]

Hysterical! I laughed out loud!

[@davidrobinson7422]

Sharon here: I have come to adore John Daly. I was in elementary school during the fifties, so wouldn't have been allowed to be up late enough to see WML. Love these old telecasts, and the wit and intelligence of both Daly and the panelists.

[@broughtbackin]

I have been watching these from the beginning and I'm still going. I have found that I am hopelessly in love with John Daly. Lol I was born in the late 60s and am thoroughly enjoying watching every single episode.

[@earlenepeterson8065]

Beautiful manners and lovely clothes. So much fun.

[@519djw6]

*Arthur "Slim" Vaughn was the honorary mayor of my hometown, Tujunga, California--and also of Tujunga's "sister city" Sunland. I saw him once when I was about seven years old, and was so fascinated that I later published a poem called "Jesus in the Supermarket"!*

[@satori03]

Thank you for telling us..very cool

[@aeichler]

The first contestant, lady sword swallower Estelline Ball, aka Pike, was actually extremely well known in her field and for many years was a regular at the Ringing Brothers circus each spring when they had their sideshow at Madison Square Garden. She also played at the old Hubert's Museum on 42nd St.

[@raysmusic49]

Its fun to watch these old shows….. we didnt have a tv in 1958….the house didn’t even have indoor plumbing

[@robertjean5782]

We had plumbing in a cold water flat, gas for lights, no hot water, nor heat, rats running at night between the walls😮

[@rtususian]

Mr. Vaughan the tree surgeon with the long hair and beard was 10 years ahead of his time. Virtually no man looked like him in 1958.

[@dinahbrown902]

Ernest Hemingway and hundreds more

[@mehboobkm3728]

not ten, 70 may be. Now a lot of men look like him!!

[@poetcomic1]

At this time his long hair and beard were evocatinve of early America and pioneers and Wild Bill Hickcok etc.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

Ernie was so handsome and he had quite a God-given voice.😊😊

[@poetcomic1]

Tennessee 'Ernie' got his big start on TV on I Love Lucy as 'Cousin Ernie'. Desi Arnaz, a savvy producer, knew he was pure gold from the 'get-go' and did several more shows with him.

[@dancepiglover]

I’ve seen him on “I Love Lucy” but I haven’t seen his show. This is my first time hearing his real voice.

[@poetcomic1]

@@dancepiglover Free Tennessee Ernie show episodes are floating around on KZbin and worth a look.

[@mr.scottpowell]

Did not know that. I assumed he was already well known when he was on I Love Lucy. Come to think of it Sixteen Tons probably came after that

[@jimthorp234]

Mr. Vaughan comes from my hometown of Sunland-Tujunga, California. It's located about 15 miles from The Rose Bowl. He died in 1971 or '72.

[@jayonnaj18]

I just adore the way the women used to dress, very lovely and feminine! I would like to see it in color! My father never missed WML which was on Sunday nights at 10:30 PM where we lived when I was a little girl!

[@carlmack2188]

Arlene Francis is one of those rare women that can hang out with a group of men in any setting, and be the ring leader of the laughs, marinate in the attractions that different sexes have for each other, joke about, flirt about, while everyone knows it’s all in fun, and the boundaries are respected or you wouldn’t be in the gang. She’d so cool. She’s so cool and sexy.

[@mehboobkm3728]

We all miss a person like her around us, don't we!?

[@briansanford1721]

Touche' Mr. mack, although it does help to have an 'allowing' rich husband. 🤫

[@pauladouglas9891]

I always loved her sunny smile, so sad when I read that her beautiful diamond heart necklace she always wore was stolen in a robbery.

[@robertjean5782]

Totally agree absolutely 😊

[@robertjean5782]

​@@pauladouglas9891Insurance covered the loss, Martin gave her another one 😊

[@Ashoodle]

I just love Arlene's whole look in this episode!!

[@anntaylor2039]

she was a beautiful lady! Her Smile and attitude made her glow!

[@davidrobinson7422]

I agree. Always a classy, beautiful lady.

[@robertjean5782]

Every episode 😊

[@robertbeacham4314]

One of the best base singers I’ve ever heard.

[@Baskerville22]

I think you mean "bass"

[@sbalman]

The tree guy is one of my very favorite guests.

[@dinahbrown902]

A real person

[@mehboobkm3728]

It would have been a real fun to drink a beer with him!!

[@1013pka]

Such pretty dresses Arlene and Dorothy have on in this episode.

[@kulturekritik9665]

OK, when Dorothy asked if the handsome young sword swallower would have people standing and watching him, and Arlene chimed in "I would!" (as usual), did you notice how the camera zoomed in on his face? Cute.

[@thesweeples3266]

There would be “me too” Karens coming out if the woodwork had this same situation occurred with a woman.

[@poetcomic1]

Arlene also flirts with Gig Young making her heat beat fast. - Martin must have been at home fuming.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

Yes, he certainly was! Arlene is such a cougar.

[@preppysocks209]

Gig Young's voice but not face is in "Rear Window." He is heard over the phone as Jimmy Stewart's editor.

[@Swampzoid]

"it isn't done - it's natural" very funny comeback.

[@terrycarlson5679]

Fax.

[@mehboobkm3728]

The interaction between Mr Vaughn and panel members was one of the funniest and beautiful segments on WML.

[@meekthegreek1623]

Love the unique careers..and the many questions for the tree surgeon..

[@TheCalico72]

12:23 Arlene meets her match. 🤣 And I love her "hair comb" as John called it.

[@davidfritz1331]

When Arlene said to Gig Young at the end of the show, "Say hello to your lovely wife, Elizabeth," she was talking about Elizabeth Montgomery--yes, the one who went on to star in "Bewitched" (which didn't begin until 1964). They were married from 1956 to 1963 and she left him because of his drinking. And it's a good thing she did: three weeks after his fifth marriage (it was his third and Liz's second), in 1978, he blew himself and his wife away. Murder-suicide.

[@ellenmurray9196]

David Fritz Wow, didn't know that.

[@oswaldomilano3848]

stunning!

[@michaelbarnhart2593]

Gig Young when drunk also physically abused Elizabeth Montgomery, which disturbs me every time I look at his face.

[@davidfritz1331]

@@michaelbarnhart2593 Me, too.

[@jrlomy2k]

Sad. He was born in my hometown in MN

[@waldolydecker8118]

5:56 John Daly's comment to Gig Young "nicely spoken, Mr Young" is so on point. Bravo.

[@sherry-lynnbeardslee4288]

I really love this program.

[@Wizardofgosz]

Arlene is very flirty. I like that.

[@williamlinington9166]

A very classy lady.

[@ilzamaria6424]

@M M I agree

[@robertjean5782]

In a respectful manner😊

[@dancelli714]

His show was in San Francisco. I saw him outside the studio once . I only know 16 TONS, but, it was a good one.

[@dinahbrown902]

Only sung it, Harland Howard wrote it

[@kumppi]

Father of all hippies. The legendary "Slim" Vaughan.

[@gailsirois7175]

??

[@dinahbrown902]

Cause of long hair a label?

[@briansanford1721]

Touche' Mr. Vaughan......Naturally!

[@BrittMichaelGordon]

But Arlene Francis is charmed. And I am thoroughly charmed by her. :)

[@oswaldomilano3848]

i woulda married her

[@sugarlandtexas4717]

Re-runs of this show should be brought back so new generations of people can enjoy.

[@satori03]

AGREE

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

WHY? They can watch them all right here on youtube.

[@robertjean5782]

​@@ChrisHansonCanadaExactly 😊

[@thetiler]

Really enjoyed. I've recorded 16 tons and wrote a song called "Who Killed Dorothy Kilgallen? I really enjoyed this whole video! And love going through a bunch of them. Very entertaining for me anyway! Thanks SO much for providing these precious videos. And wish TV and shows like this ! I really do!

[@libertyann439]

thetiler So where can i hear this song?

[@robertjean5782]

www.utube.com the suspicious death of Dorothy kilgallen documentary 😢

[@roberttelarket4934]

Tennessee was on 3 episodes of I Love Lucy. The 3rd one is when the Ricardo’s and Mertzes are on their way to Hollywood and stop and visit him in his home town Bent Fork. It is really great especially at the end where they all dance including those chubby twins!!!

[@pauladouglas9891]

I loved the twins in their tight jeans and high heels.

[@roberttelarket4934]

@@pauladouglas9891: Same here I loved them too. In fact one lived in California(the other died) and I was going to try and find her to meet her but by then she also passed away.

[@marycleary7810]

Arlene just has three best sense of humor with the hair issue

[@lucyflorey9152]

The tree surgeon actually looks like an old west character

[@gailsirois7175]

Buffalo Bill

[@robertbeacham4314]

Reminded me of Gabby Hayes. Yurr durn tootin

[@davidduxbury7530]

Mr.Daly has the clearest voice I've ever heard,wonderful depth to his voice!!

[@dancelli714]

Verdugo was a well known Spanish family in California. Actress, Elaina Verdugo is part of that family.

[@waldolydecker8118]

Bob Hope once pondered on stage at an Academy Awards ceremony what he needed to do to win an Oscar. A leading actor replied "I told you to cut back on the frivolous comedies and try to find a dramatic script written by someone like Tennessee Williams." Hope replied, "Tennessee Williams? I thought you said Tennessee Ernie!"

[@roberttelarket4934]

Estelle’s written ”E” is beautiful!

[@Eddie_Schantz]

Dorothy looks fabulous in this stage of her life.

[@igkoigko9950]

Puffy rounded face with no chin isn’t fabulous and she looks unhealthy. Did you mean Arlene?

[@charlesnye1736]

Dorothy liked a cocktail or two

[@Eddie_Schantz]

@@igkoigko9950 You must be near sighted or something. She is far from unhealthy. No, I did not mean Arlene.

[@loisjackson3846]

A gracious man,

[@jamesjoyce9207]

I love how the audience groans when Mystery Guest Ernie Ford uses a less than disguised voice (they do the same thing when Charlton Heston appeared and talked in his natural voice)

[@danielfronc4304]

james joyce Actually, his voice was heavily disguised as about 4 octaves from his natural baritone speaking/bass singing natural voice. I was really surprised at just how high he got his voice. Listen to him singing "16 Tons" and you'll better understand.

[@robertjean5782]

​@@danielfronc4304Exactly 😊

[@allnitenurse]

I remember him most from I Love Lucy

[@Starrman69]

"It isn't done, it's natural" Wow! a long hair, bearded man way back in '58 and he's a Tree Surgeon....

[@dinahbrown902]

He wasn’t alone. It’s only conformist who all look alike

[@roberttelarket4934]

Damn I wish I had been 6 years older in the late 1950's and been in the audience to see Dorothy and Bennett in person!!!

[@robertjean5782]

I did attend numerous times, it was free and very enjoyable 😊

[@timothywills7709]

Mr. Vaughan. Comment of the show!

[@briansanford1721]

Wondering why WML never had a third chair handy for guests........?

[@loissimmons6558]

Perhaps they were waiting for the appearance of Groucho Marx so they could sing "Three chairs for Captain Spaulding ..."

[@nadiazahroon6573]

brian sanford I think it's the screen size

[@oswaldomilano3848]

how come?

[@robertjean5782]

​@@nadiazahroon6573Exactly

[@jeffersonsmith1877]

This was time when people were respectful.

[@TheCometHunter]

It's so interesting to see that, back then, networks (like CBS for an example) didn't get upset if the NBC call letters occasionally got mentioned.

[@bluefeatherlf7992]

2021 Aug. thanks

[@sandygort]

I couldn't figure out at first why I heard laughter when the second guest signed in but then I remembered this was back in the pre ZZ Top days.

[@zarabada6125]

It might not have anything to do with his appearance. At just about the point where the murmuring starts, you hear Mr Daly guide him to the chalk board. The laughter may be due to him appearing a little clueless (off camera).

[@Farrah300]

Good point.

[@steelcantuna]

Not in anyone's wildest dreams did they think the "Tree Surgeon" look was to start coming into it’s own by 1967. That’s less than 10 years later. Freaky… even to me now!!!

[@batman63batman]

Since this is before the Beatles era I think it was very uncommon (or even outrageous) to see people with long hair and beard like Mr. Vaughan (the tree surgeon)....

[@poetcomic1]

+Ernie Galvan The beard and long hair of this type at this time would be associated with an early pioneer look.

[@williamlinington9166]

poetcomic1 In the late 50's there was a select few men that had long hair and some with beards, they were referred to as "Beatnecks".

[@baskervillebee6097]

William Linington Beatniks. Like Maynard G Krebs on the Dobie Gillis Show.

[@TheCometHunter]

It's a good thing for you there isn't anyone remaining from the "Old West". Haircuts weren't nearly as popular back then as they are now!

[@robertfiller8634]

Coulda been related to Buffalo Bill Cody!

[@richardbruder7050]

all those years they never bring out another chair for these occasions

[@peternagy-im4be]

Lack of money brudda

[@robertjean5782]

Their were rare times for another chair😮

[@jeffersonsmith1877]

A lost time when people were civil

[@robertjean5782]

Exactly 😊

[@Aannan]

You would never believe it to look at him, but Gig Young murdered his wife and then turned the gun on himself, according to a police report, just a few weeks after their marriage. His screen persona was so happy-go-lucky it's almost inconceivable.

[@friendofdorothy9376]

He also, according to his 3rd wife Elizabeth Montgomery and his 4th wife, was mentally and physically abusive. Alcoholism seemed to be a contributor to all that. Even though he’s a handsome man I can’t look at him anymore.

[@Walterwhiterocks]

@@friendofdorothy9376 So as soon as you saw him you stopped watching this episode ?

[@aileen694]

@@Walterwhiterocks I think Friend of Dorothy meant she stopped watching him here (and in films) as soon as she read the comments. Same for me.

[@Walterwhiterocks]

@@aileen694 Hmmm. Possibly, but that' not how I first interpreted it.

[@rmelin13231]

The panelists are begging to hear more about the first guests! I don't see that very often.

[@TomBarrister]

This aired on May 4th, 1958. Young was sober for a change. It would have been funnier if the third contestant (Vaughan) had been a barber.

[@theamishumpire1301]

Didn't Mr. Ford have a Show all his own at one time Mr. What's My Line?

[@markhorton3994]

He got on What's My Line because he had a show of his own.

[@dancelli714]

Every time I here THIS theme, I want some Jazz musician to record this tune.

[@spongevee1]

Hello! Its on a jazz album by Melba Liston released in 1958.

[@dancelli714]

@@spongevee1 Oh, I hope it's on KZbin.

[@dancelli714]

@@spongevee1 Thanks I heard it. That makes sense 'cause the theme sounds great. I'll look for the composer next.

[@sjinzaar]

Dorothy looks a vision!

[@XY_Dude]

Ford looks like he’d be an excellent bro to James Garner.

[@1928gerry]

I wish Bennett Cerf hadn't spoiled the mystery guest portion, which he did often. He must have read every section of the newspapers to see who was in town so he could guess immediately.

[@prairieflower427]

Too much time on his hands.

[@donaldmanthei1224]

He and Dorothy knew who was on town. It was part of her job.

[@robertjean5782]

Exactly 😊

[@robertjean5782]

​@@prairieflower427Send a email complaint 😊

[@robertjean5782]

What's wrong about that 😊

[@gbrumburgh]

My in-depth article (24 pages) on Gig Young was published in the summer 2020 issue of FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE. Gig was a handsome, complicated, troubled, highly talented actor. He was nominated for three Oscars (Come Fill the Cup, Teacher's Pet, They Shoot Horses, Dont't They?) and won for the last-mentioned film. The article focuses much more on his contributions on stage, film and TV than his violent demise.

[@tessiemae4038]

Gig Young's name was taken from his character (in the Gay Sisters film) as Gig's real name was already registered in the Actor's guild. His real name was Byron Barr. I thought I was hallucinating! So the credits read: Gig Young as Gig Young!

[@winterlandboy]

Tessie Mae Really?? Now that i never knew I'll look it up later,but thats interesting.

[@janetwilliams7665]

"Byron Barr" was already taken? Gosh, even back then that name wouldn't have been that popular...kind of surprising it was already taken ;)

[@maremacd]

6:10 So chivalrous!

[@thamnosma]

Slim had a wry sense of humor...

[@williamlinington9166]

Wilf Carter was known as "Montana Slim" in the USA.

[@teresalundy532]

I only started to watch 'what's my line 'lately it's really good ?wonder if something like it could be brought back just an idea ?

[@robertjean5782]

Not happening, can't be duplicated 😢

[@Farrah300]

Gig Young was married to Elizabeth Montgomery at this time. They divorced a year before her starring role on "Bewitched"

[@MrJoeybabe25]

As for famous people with names of states; there must be lots of Virginia's!

[@loissimmons6558]

+Joe Postove But even though the second challenger included the nickname of "slim", he wasn't Virginia Slim. Of course, with that line of reasoning, there would also be quite a few Georgia's. And there's also Florida Friebus.

[@michaelmacbatz6501]

Minnesota Fats

[@michaelmacbatz6501]

Washington Irving

[@michaelmacbatz6501]

Indiana Jones ...OK that's anachronistic and fictional....but nonetheless...

[@jackkomisar458]

Joe Montana. He was not quite 2 years old when this episode aired.

[@Edward-bm7vw]

"Slim" looks like Gandalf.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

I have a similar name as Gandalf in my family, or my son’s I should say. His grandfather on his dad’s side is named Gandolfo. I had never heard that name before meeting my son’s dad.

[@princeharming8963]

Ernie should have kept his answers to simple 'yup's and 'nope's.

[@keithnaylor1981]

Arlene suddenly looks 10 years younger!

[@dougw.4788]

gig young killed his wife then himself? this is chilling if true.

[@amybrown7723]

Doug w. It's true

[@thegreaterbilby2171]

They'd only been married for 22 days. Kim Schmidt was only 31 years old. So tragic. Kim was an Australian citizen and was raised at Eildon weir in Victoria where her family lived and was born and was known back then as Ruth. She is buried in the Eildon cemetery alongside her parents with the headstone reading Ruth Schmidt Young.

[@carol-q9q5g]

Oh, no!

[@caroler01]

Gig Young was a brilliant, I think under rated actor. Too bad he was personally flawed.

[@sandrageorge3488]

😳

[@maynardsmoreland]

Gig Young was married to Elizabeth Montgomery at this time.

[@soulierinvestments]

Fortunately, she escaped.

[@maynardsmoreland]

Yes. She wisely divorced him.

[@michaelangood]

amazing how he had everything, women , money and fame. yet he preferred the bottle.i'm 81 and drink every day but beer never ruined my great life

[@jonnyy4088]

Mr Vaughan was the image of Sir Ian McKellen or actually vice versa.

[@libertyann439]

Estellene Ball was on by herself on another show

[@libertyann439]

Bennett wishes he had all that hair!

[@robertjean5782]

And Daly😊

[@jessiejames7492]

T Ernie ford gave his voice away...!

[@robertjean5782]

Cerf knew he was in town by reading the society column😊

[@paulajacobsen14]

Why couldn't they add more chairs for multiple people???.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Person with a state name...Virginia Mayo.

[@dcasper8514]

Virginia Dare. Look it up, Joe.

[@rucksackzen]

Trees don’t have to do with “land”???

[@MrJoeybabe25]

This is first time I ever noticed a spotlight on the guest as he existed, shaking the panel's hands.

[@davepollison4333]

Panelist Gig Young starred in The Twilight Zone episode "Walking Distance". Later, in real life he killed his wife and then himself. He was a drunken prick. A little late for him. Yes, very late.

[@thankusa9795]

Arthur kinda looks like Usyless S Grant

[@winterlandboy]

That tree surgeon looks like John Hurt as he looked in a particular film..but the name escapes me.

[@ct6410]

I suspect you’re thinking of James Gammon in Wild Bill, which John was also in-but he didn’t wear a beard.

[@jimchabai3163]

I didn't know a man could have long hair like this in 1958

[@robertjean5782]

Plenty of men had beards😊

[@kennethbutler1343]

Gig Young was going to be the Waco Kid in Blazing Saddles, but on the first day of filming he had a stroke (or some such physical affliction) and shortly thereafter died. Gene Wilder got the call over a weekend end, flew to Hollywood and Mon morning was upside down in a cot musing, "Are we....black?" BTW, Gig Young with the mask on looks a lot like Adam West....!

[@robbob1234]

He was also originally cast as Charlie in Charlie's Angels. In both cases it was his alcoholism that caused him to lose those parts. He killed his wife and himself 4 years after Blazing Saddles. I can't imagine anyone but Wilder in that role.

[@gbrumburgh]

I wrote an in-depth article on Gig that is in the Summer issue of FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE. Gig, a chronic alcoholic, experienced the DTs on his first day of shooting BLAZING SADDLES (1974) and was fired. He died several years later in 1978.

[@kd6836]

Early TV appearance by Gandolf rhe Gray.

[@THREESISTERS15]

Now the have so much junk on media.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Wall to wall complete and utter garbage. I avoid it completely.

[@robertjean5782]

​@@peternagy-im4beexactly 😊

[@Lee90000]

the tree guy was funny

[@cia7746]

Was this show rigged? How do they guess the celebrities so fast? I watched this as a child. Fun to see the shows again.

[@jacksontuttle8229]

I guess they were very involved in the all the entertainment industries

[@pauladouglas9891]

They usually had celebrities who were in New York for some show.

[@danielfronc4304]

Jeez, the second appearance of circus sword shallowers but they couldn't get a single circus geek? Disappointing.

[@marycleary7810]

They wouldn’t have had a Geek on the show it was too tawdry

[@DanieltheTruebadour]

The fish from the stream was emergin' It's prospects of food was encouragin' Then a log that had fallen In its path it was callin' And thus he became a tree sturgeon

[@robertjean5782]

😂

[@daler.steffy1047]

I always find it amusing when two guests come on at one time and they have to share the same chair next to the moderator. Talk about a low-budget television program, and yet one of the best! How ironic!

[@robertjean5782]

It was done for the cameraman 😊