What's My Line? - The Supremes; PANEL: Mel Ferrer, Suzy Knickerbocker, Tony Randall (May 21, 1967)

[@Erikalynn1977]

The supremes were such classy beautiful ladies Their music is timeless ♥️

[@Starrman69]

Ahhh, The Supremes!! Love their music! Such beautiful, talented Ladies!! I was Blessed to have been born and raised in Michigan! When Motown started releasing music. I was just a young farmboy and only had my AM radio to listen to during the evenings and weekends. The Supremes were Magnificent!! I wish that I had held onto all those albums...**sigh**...NEVER thought that vinyl would make such a strong comeback!! Now I'll go back to listening to all the Great Motown Music on KZbin!!! We are soooo blessed to have all of these Great Videos!!

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

I have almost every one of their vinyl LPs in mint condition! I spent months at flea markets and oldies record shops to find them.

[@cogidubnus1953]

The Supremes...idols of my teen years...oh my god they were as beautiful as I imagined them...

[@bubgum00]

I wish they would bring this show back and keep it just as clean and decent.

[@Absurdist1968]

At this point it doesn't seem that CBS is willing to take the risk of a prime time game show (as distinct from competitive reality) as ABC and NBC are -- specifically with ABC's block of retro game shows. CBS seems more attached to the high drama of _Survivor_ and _Big Brother_ that are more appealing to younger viewers, in contrast to the rest of their programs, which have historically skewed towards an older demographic. If WML came back as a syndicated show like it was after CBS dropped it, there's a chance it might fare well, but it probably wouldn't be on in prime time. Then again, who knows? Turner seems to be having some success with Snoop Dogg's basic cable revival of _The Joker's Wild,_ but that's within the television market that's far more fragmented than it's ever been to at any point during _What's My Line's_ various incarnations. Speaking entirely for myself, I'm a little blanked on whether advertisers would support a revival without some major re-tooling aimed at attracting millennials. The mystery guest element would probably have to be done away with unless it were taken down to the level of second/third-tier internet personalities, because these days, it'd be difficult to mask voices from the panel, given the level of multi-platform exposure celebrities receive nowadays. Perhaps the producers could go the route of Steven Hawking-like speech generation? Speaking to your other point, this particular episode was headed toward _Match Game_ levels of innuendo with the blackjack dealer. The panel was skillfully sidestepping the issue of prostitution. 😉

[@geraldkatz7986]

If they did bring it back it wouldn't be clean and decent.

[@CherrySlush1]

That'd be nice but it's an impossibility in this day and age.

[@joyceadair3003]

I agree. I don’t think it could ever be the same in today’s world. I think they would bring a lot of inappropriate language and questions.

[@williamwashington1986]

Florence and Mary look incredibly beautiful!! Love Diane's young voice! That short hair on Mary looks phenomenal!! They were beautifully dressed!! Did anyone notice how Mary so elegantly sashaded over to the panel? Love them!! The super duper Supremes!!💖🥰🙏

[@jackjules7552]

Florence would be gone in just a couple of weeks ...fired during the Flamingo Engagement in Las Vegas.

[@NMarsden]

@@jackjules7552 No, she died when The Supremes did their final tour!

[@trumpiekeith8531]

​@@NMarsden Flo was removed from the Supremes in 1967. She passed in early 1976.

[@blowtheobstaclesawaykeepwa2355]

Very cleverly done with three celebrities. A Big Fan of The Supremes. The guest on the panel was such a gentleman to give a respected kiss on their hands.

[@danielfronc4304]

PopItToday LastingMusic *Respectful, as in showing respect.

[@over50andfantabulous59]

Love looking at how the style of dress for the ladies changed over the years.

[@johnsampson1096]

Flo's beauty was radiant at this point! RIP to both her and Mary.......................

[@jackjules7552]

Yes, she was radiant at this appearance. However, she would be pushed out of the group in just a few weeks during the Flamingo engagement in Las Vegas.

[@MrWosclifton]

Miss Francis comment at 18:10 : I like the one with the short hair, GO FLO!!!!!

[@reealitychick]

JOHN WOS Good hearing-- and great catch -- she did say that ,, THe one with the really short hair FLO... what a nice compliment -- and YES Flo was really liked..

[@jadeshannon5583]

The Supremes were a great band and my parents had their record when I was a child and I loved it!

[@robertromero8692]

They weren't a band. They played no instruments.

[@wyliehudson8396]

wow just seeing this!. so exciting to see them! from my day as I'm 66 at this writing.

[@shaunbarr1856]

Good to see a nd here a fellow Australian 👍

[@nunosoares2329]

RIP Florence Ballard. Overdue condolences to the family :-(

[@Marcel_Audubon]

your pretending to send condolences to the family of someone you never met over 40 years after she died using a youtube gameshow clip comments section they may never read? 🤪

[@Avatar610]

One of Florence Ballard's last TV appearances as a Supreme- in fact it all ended at the end of the tour Diana was talking about that summer in Las Vegas.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

What happened to Florence. I don't know anything about this group. I did hear people say that Ross was a bitch to work with, is that why?

[@antonybrown432]

@@Theyralltakenfu I am aging myself with Diana Ross was a snob her and Berry Gordy forced her out of the group in 1967 and always told jokes about her weight

[@jobucats2166]

@@Theyralltakenfu You're going to get so many answers to your query. In a nutshell, Diana was indeed a very driven and hardworking individual and was indeed receiving a lot of attention from Berry Gordy, president of Motown. They had a relationship. Some enemies of Diana claim that her relationship with Berry was the only reason she was pushed out front in the Supremes (although they were already successful when she and he started their relationship). Florence, sadly, had traumas in her life which, accompanied by the stress of being in the world's most successful female group, triggered her to exhibit some irrational behaviors such as not showing up for some performances and rehearsals, showing up drunk, yelling out insults to Diana and Berry in front of industry people, getting on stage drunk and poking out her stomach during a performance, etc. Her psychological issues were not helped upon realizing that Diana was indeed getting a lot of attention. Basically, Berry quickly found Cindy Birdsong who secretly rehearsed with the group in the event Florence was not going to get her life together. Florence continued with her disruptive stunts, and she was dismissed from the Supremes. Sad...but what does business such as the Supremes do when a member is acting in an erratic fashion? Diana probably to some people was a "bitch" but in my opinion, it was that she was so driven and she wanted things to be done right. Demanding, yes...she'll even admit to that.

[@joejones9520]

@@jobucats2166 in retrospect every band that kicked a founding member out shouldve just put up with the problem person, it always leaves a mark on the band that nothing can make go away especially because in most instances the booted member dies soon after and becomes such a legend that the idea of someone not being able to put up with them is absurd.

[@Jasper7182009]

@@jobucats2166….. well you set out the company line, everything that Gordo and DR put out for the last 55 years. When you see this appearance by Florence Ballard, do you believe that she was overweight? Do you believe that she was fat as Gordo bullied her in telling her over and over? And did you know that Florence had just gotten over walking pneumonia? Gordo was going to replace Florence for the Copa appearance. But when the Copa owner asked where is Florence? Gordo said Florence is not going to be there. The Copa owner said no Florence? No appearance by The Supremes! Gordo had to wait on his plan to kick out Florence. Gordo already had Cindy Birdsong practicing to replace Florence a good year before Birdsong joined the group. Mary Wilson was helping Birdsong during that year to replace Florence. Gordo and DR were having an affair as early as late 1963. I don’t believe for one minute that they started their affair only after the Supremes attained success. In the early 60s, Mary Wilson said that DR had her eyes set on Gordo. DR went through all the men who could do something for her at Motown. And Gordo being the top man at Motown certainly didn’t stop DR from going after him. Stop repeating the lies that Gordo and DR put out all these years. Florence said it herself in the early 1970 interviews: Gordo could not control her, she was independent and she had rejected Gordo’s advances. If Gordo could not control Florence, he would get rid of her, and he did with the able and immoral assistance of DR.

[@slaytonp]

The first contestant, Janette Campbell, had the ultimate hairstyle for those times-- not overdone or exaggerated, but simply as attractive as a hairstyle could be for her face.

[@Slaychelle]

YAY yes finally! The Supremes episode in HQ

[@stickstr8up1]

Wow! At the height of racial tensions in the US, Mel Ferrer kindly kissed the hands of three black women. That was a brave move on his part. I'm surprised the network allowed it.

[@WhatsMyLine]

stickstr8up1 Live show!

[@tomitstube]

stickstr8up1 wml was ahead of it's time in regards to civil rights.

[@nelsonricardo3729]

+stickstr8up1 And New York is north of the Mason-Dixon line.

[@2dasimmons]

+stickstr8up1 It just shows that Mel Ferrer was a GENTLEMAN. Yay!

[@brucec6095]

+stickstr8up1 In the summer of "65 (either June or July) MG Phyllis Diller appears to kiss Sammy Davis Jr. on the cheek as she leaves.

[@kenyongray2615]

One of the greatest singing groups of all time. Diana Ross either by herself or with the Supremes is an amazing performer.

[@lewiscarey6984]

💅💅💅🇨🇦

[@mcbrion1951]

They still hold the record for #1 singles by a female group. And they did it faster than ANYONE else, including the Beatles. They had 12 #1 records by their 28th song. Elvis did it by 43 songs, and then the Beatles, with 45 songs.

[@kenyongray2615]

@@mcbrion1951 You don't find superb talent like the Supremes and Diano Ross anymore.

[@robertromero8692]

It kind of bugs me that Diana Ross was made the focus, leaving Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard in the shadows. Ballard's story in particular is tragic. It helped Ross's career a lot that she was sleeping with the head of Motown Records.

[@zapdunga12]

Rating the best in music is subjective. But here is my opinion. In the golden Era, no one was better than The Mills Brothers and The Andrew Sisters for 3 part harmony. The 50's and early 60's brought a lot of doo wop groups but they were more than 3 part harmony. The 4 Seasons have to be put very high on the list as do The Belmonts. Peter, Paul and Mary and The McGuire Sisters had great 3 part harmony. Now I'm mainly talking harmonies, I mean The Temptations were fantastic but they were 5 voices not 3. The 4 Tops, 4 voices. The Mamas and Papas harmonies were incredible but again 4 singers not 3. Crosby, Stills and Nash have to be rated very high for 3 part harmony. The Beach Boys harmonies were unrivaled but again more than 3 singers. The BEST vocal group for more than 3 singers hands down were The Eagles. I mean no group comes close. But they had 5 singers. The Beatles had great 3 part harmony and have to be ranked very high. But the greatest vocal group of just 3 singers only and who wrote their own songs as well have to be The BEE GEES. I mean they were Brothers and singing since they were born. With Barry on the bottom, Robin in the middle and Maurice on top you are talking perfection. The Supremes were a great act and sold a lot of records. But they were not really a 3 part harmony group. They sang songs written for them and the group was basically Diana Ross, with Flo and Mary singing background stuff and looking good. But it was Diana Ross's show. The others were background singers.

[@elizabethramirezsierra3700]

R.I.P. Miss Suzy Knickerbocker 1918-2016

[@maynardsmoreland]

Billboard Magazine review of Tony Randall's album from its March 4, 1967 issue..."The dulcet tones of Randall are given a workout in this exciting debut LP. The well balanced program of old and new numbers (all made to sound old) are a delight in his compelling interpretations. Randall's whistling in the second chorus of "Winchester Cathedral" is classic, and with the right exposure, it could be a big one."

[@savethetpc6406]

maynardsmoreland That review sounds rather hyperbolic to me, especially considering your other comment about the album not even reaching the Billboard charts. I *do* think it's a fun listen, though, but judge for yourself: blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2007/10/365-days-280---.html.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

He was quite good. But everyone wants to be Rudy Valle! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnSgZR4l65joMU

[@kentetalman9008]

I still have an LP of that album. Love it.

[@alskndlaskndal]

Wonderful to see the Supremes again. Classy, talented, and lovely ladies. I'm probably fooling myself but I'd like to believe I would have recognized them from Diane's single "yes".

[@dianadeane9233]

DianA

[@scottmiller6495]

Sensational Entertainers and Extremely Beautiful as well PERIOD!

[@jasonayres]

The kangaroo keeper was a funny, but anxious man. We didn't have this show in Australia, so that would have added to the stress. Oh, and being surrounded by all those international celebrities wouldn't have made it easy, either, in front of an audience, in front of the cameras. 😄Poor fella. Tough gig.

[@atlantic1021]

It does bring a smile to my face 😊

[@willisknapick4405]

They were huge stars in the 60s. Hit after hit. Super talented ladies.

[@shelleyannette]

I can't believe Diana pointed to the other Supremes when they were to speak. YIKES!!

[@hopelewis5650]

Gave the girls the spot light.

[@DiegoPerez-ce6yq]

I adored Diana Ross since I was a teenager... She is one if the biggest singer around the world.

[@VahanNisanian]

They also taped the August 13, 1967 show that night.

[@mikejschin]

The MLB Montreal Expos were formed in 1969 and were named for the Montreal Exposition of 1967 that the kangaroo keeper worked at. The Expos played in Montreal through the 2004 season, after which they moved to Washington, DC and became the Washington Nationals.

[@ceeceetracey9839]

damn Flo looks amazing

[@ceeceetracey9839]

@Robert A. Lofgren Jr. 😯 oh nooo

[@maynardsmoreland]

Tony Randall's album failed to reach the Billboard charts, but it did reach Number 99 for one week on the 3/25/67 Cash Box album chart.

[@soulierinvestments]

This means that 1 in 250 people who saw WML in the past four weeks bought the album.

[@alskndlaskndal]

So when the other panelists called it a "hit" record that may have been a little fib?

[@soulierinvestments]

Well, if you define overusing a word for the sake of publicity or PR hype as "a little fib," then so be it.

[@dizzyology7514]

soulierinvestments Let's call it a hit the way "Fluffy" was a hit. And about as frequently mentioned.

[@soulierinvestments]

Touche, Dizzy. And accurate.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Wow, Cindy Birdsong had already taken over from Florence Ballard in performances, so this must have been one of "Flo's" last appearances with the group.

[@jackjules7552]

It was one of Flo's last TV appearances with the group if not her last.

[@JordanMB94]

One of the few panels who all were alive in the 2000's Arlene died in 2001 Mel died in 2008 Suzy died in 2016 Tony died in 2004

[@roberta.lofgrenjr.9182]

Did anybody notice at the end Suzy Knickerbocker did not put her hand out to shake Flo's hand. How rude!!

[@serenaistheb.o.a.t]

Just noticed that. I wonder why.

[@AndrewMacLaine]

To me it looked more like Florence accidentally passed Kickerbocker over. They were all standing except for Suzy and Arlene, so it is possible her focus just went from Tony Randall to Mel Ferrer because they were at the same eye level. Hand shaking protocol (was and still is) you make eye contact first, then extend your hand, so I think that's why Knickerbocker didn't put her hand out.

[@jackanthony976]

And Flo shaded her as well.

[@edwardcochran5060]

Does it matter at this very late date?🤗

[@jobucats2166]

No, I didn't notice it when I first watched it. I don't feel a need to look at it again for that minor infraction.

[@tomitstube]

love john repeating the variety line about the supreme's being the biggest industry (motown) to detroit since henry ford and the model t.

[@16Lizards]

JC Daly got Diana's name right this time! On the Supremes earlier appearance, he referred to Ross as "Diane Ross". I get the impression Julie "Never-Tell" was a surprise to Daly whereas she didn't tell (no pun intended of course) Daly ahead of time she would refuse to give her name on air. She certainly was eye candy and I especially liked the way she played the game giving her answers with an element of immaturity so carefully crafted.

[@G-Q67]

16Lizards Diana was actually called "Diane" at least until mid-1965. While they were recording their stage act at The Copacabana for the "The Supremes Live At The Copa" LP, she introduces herself as "Diane Ross."

[@16Lizards]

Aha! Thanx for that info. JCD is forgiven!!

[@anthonycaldwell1308]

I like that wig on Diana Ross but people need to know Florence and Mary NEVER wore wigs they had hair babe. Florence hair was cut here I SAW HER WITH MY OWN EYES in Central Park singing and at a taping of The Sound of Motown. She rocked it at the Hollywood Palace she grew it back in that stlye throughout 1966 she rocked it longer.

[@trumpiekeith8531]

Ms. Wilson talks about wearing wigs in her best selling bio. They all wore wigs regularly.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I'm in LOVE with Julie!!!! Sorry, never been a Supremes fan but it was nice to see Flo Ballard. This came exactly at the time of her quitting and then coming back and being fired and Berry Gordy's obvious Diana preference. Very sad

[@funzo1159]

Sorry, Julie Nevertell just struck me as some kind of oddball. Go on a program knowing you are asked your name and on live t.v. say "I never tell". Seemed kind of uppity.

[@jackanthony976]

One of the complaints about Flo from both Gordy and Ross at this time was that Flo was fat. Now tell me, does Flo look fat to you? She looks absolutely scrumptious. And even if she was fat, I doubt the fans would care.

[@glenslater8813]

@@jackanthony976 Scrumptious? What are you, a cannibal?

[@LazyIRanch]

@@funzo1159 She had a reason, and Julie might not have even been her first name. My ex's sister was a bunny at the Playboy Club in Dallas in the 70s, and she had so many creeps hitting on her and trying to find out where she lived that she went by a different name and had an unlisted number

[@Jasper7182009]

@@jackanthony976…. You are right. Florence was not fat. She was a gorgeous woman. We can see today that Berry Gordy and Diana Ross bullied her and created what we today would call a hostile work environment for Florence.

[@erniechacon5114]

Before KZbin and social media, we had to rely on reports and magazine articles, now we can see how difficult it must have been to be in the group.

[@DarrenLandrum]

Miss Julie Nevertell could be a band name.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Darren Landrum That's why I only like about three bands these days. I have no idea what most of them are on about, mumbling into the mike, playing those little tiny keyboards, pushing buttons and stuff.

[@d0n0mar55]

There were so adorable, beauty, class and a lots of karisma !

[@soulierinvestments]

G-T really should have sprung for a half dozen color videotapes in the 1967 archive. Here for example. All those pretty gowns and dresses -- boa notwithstanding to the contrary -- and the 1967 edition of "The Supremes." Oh vo de oh do do!

[@savethetpc6406]

I would love to see what Arlene's gown looked like in color.

[@TheJonaco]

Re: The kangaroo man...I believe he was referring to Aussie Rules football, not soccer. Melburnians are footy-mad and Sydneysiders love rugby. Yes, there is a footy team called the Kangaroos!

[@Visiontech]

Great TV series and I love it!!!

[@atis9061]

Love you Diana❤Pure glamour!

[@StaciArdmore]

Tony Randall was a smart and observant character. His catching the perfume scent, and realizing there was more than one voice... glad he wasn't the lead detective on MY case~!

[@beadyeyedbrat]

Would have liked to have the hairspray concession for this episode. 😂

[@Largo3point0]

Dang...Flo is rocking that short wig!

[@jackanthony976]

Flo looks like she is having a good time...ironic that she would be pushed out of the group by Gordy in just a few weeks from this show's taping.

[@Absurdist1968]

@@jackanthony976 At least she doesn't appear drunk or depressed here, and she was _there,_ as this would have been during the period where she was missing performances and using alcohol to cope with the turnout in the group. Though John referred to them as "The Supremes" here, Gordy was already pushing Diana out front. By this time, Marlene Barrow and Cindy Birdsong had been appearing in Flo's place during stage shows, and Ballard had also been missing recording sessions as her alcohol abuse escalated.

[@jackanthony976]

According to Mary, Flo never drank before a performance or engagement until the Vegas engagement a few weeks later when she saw a fourth rack of Supremes gowns parked in front of her dressing room. She knew then that Gordy was going to get rid of her for good somehow...and he did.

[@quality333]

@@jackanthony976 Flo was influenced by Jim Morrison of the doors showing up drunk and exposing himself i think thats why she showed her stomach at a live show drunk

[@jackanthony976]

The difference was that nobody was going to fire Jim Morrison.

[@VahanNisanian]

No Twiggy, but there will be the closest in Jean Shrimpton, two episodes from now.

[@luvhangova]

It was 1967 so probably one of the last appearances of Flo

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

Yep, this was in March, Flo was put on "probation" by Motown in May, and officially fired in July.

[@VahanNisanian]

Bennett Cerf returns on May 28.

[@Beson-SE]

Good, I have missed his humour and his puns!

[@alskndlaskndal]

"Vo-vo-dee-o-do" is officially the new Fluffy.

[@shmuli9]

+R.D. Dragon Laverne DeFazio was always saying "Vo Dee Oh Oh Doh" for "sex"... We used to say it in primary school, too, on the Monday after a L&S program was on....

[@MScott-fc9wf]

This was days before Florence(supremes) got kicked from the Group because she said they were about to go to the flamingo.

[@jackanthony976]

You're right. Florence was dismissed from the Supremes in the middle of an engagement at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. She fought to stay in the group as she had gotten her act together, not missing any performances or rehearsals, but Gordy wanted her out. I read that Gordy and Florence argued on the phone for hours about her being dismissed but Gordy ultimately held all the cards. Gordy told Florence that if she tried to walk on stage he would have security escort her out. Florence should have gone to the Las Vegas newspapers and told them what was going on but she ceded whatever power she had left.

[@jobucats2166]

To add to what Jack Anthony said (and to shed light that Florence was not the victim here), Florence was dismissed for her frequent acts of not showing up for rehearsals, loud angry outbursts about how she was being treated in the presence of other people who were not in the Supreme's inner circle (that's not really professional, is it?), showing up for performances intoxicated to the point it was noticeable, deliberately poking out her stomach during a performance, etc. Her behavior could be said to be very erratic. Remember the Supremes was also a business, and she was toying, through her antics, with the financial stability of the Supremes and Motown. What should have been done during this trying time? Should the Supremes have taken a hiatus during this time? Yes and No. They were already booked several months in advance. It's a tragic story, but for some people to put the blame solely on Berry Gordy (or even Diana Ross) is so unfounded. Florence indeed did seem to have some personal issues which surfaced and interfered with her status as a Supreme.

[@jackjules7552]

What about the fans? Did they want Flo out? Personal issues is just that..personal issues and that should not be a criteria for removing an original group member.@@jobucats2166

[@wmg93]

It is amazing how much Ms. Campbell (the blackjack dealer) looks like a young Judy Dench, who would star in the West End production of Cabaret just one year after this episode aired sporting a similar hair style and a white boa! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4balWylnbZgftU Also, Miss Julie, the limo driver, is a dear ringer for Valerie Perrine.

[@johnmonkus4600]

Mel Ferrer, WML rookie, gets one with 3 questions.

[@jmccracken1963]

Mel Ferrer, 2nd-time WML panelist, actually. (He had been a panelist on 22 May 1959.)

[@Beson-SE]

John: Julie... and your last name is...? Julie: I never tell. 20:00

[@jacquesfantastique]

Johan Bengtsson Queen

[@yedon68]

Looks like the same outfit diana was wearing at bristol farmers market last month-- Delightful here!

[@sagittarius9538]

. FLORENCE BALLARD . 💗💗💗 .

[@jaajaarogers9101]

Sagit Tarius she looks a lot like Faith Evans very pretty , can’t believe she had bad luck Diana took all the credit what a shame 🌟🌟

[@michaelchristopherson123]

@@jaajaarogers9101 🙏😥

[@preppysocks209]

Flo, she don't know, that the boy she loves is a Romeo

[@donnalynch6845]

Short and sweet!

[@johnloudaros800]

Unfortunately, if it was brought back, it wouldn't be clean and decent. Those days are gone

[@michaelnivens6267]

Flo Is the best looking one

[@soulierinvestments]

The second contestant got a bunch of time to plug Expo 67 -- which I am old enough to remember -- and Australia. So he did his job well.

[@savethetpc6406]

soulierinvestments Are you suggesting that he made it easy for the panel to guess his line on purpose, so that he'd have more time to promote his Expo 67 Australia Pavilion? (Incidentally, my family traveled to Montreal on vacation in the summer of 1967 so that we could attend Expo67. :) )

[@soulierinvestments]

Well, it did cross my mind. It was a good interview, too.

[@ghshinn]

As it happened I was in Canada during part of 1967 and had a chance to go to the Expo. I didn't go, which I regret, as it was supposedly a great, and very successful world's fair.

[@savethetpc6406]

ghshinn I was only 5 1/2 years old when we went, and I don't really remember any details about the Expo at all, but I do remember that we all had a wonderful time, and I kind of remember some of the souvenirs we got there. I may even still have some of those souvenirs somewhere, or other family members do. Interestingly, I remember much more about the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. Perhaps because I live in NY and some of the structures are still here, perhaps because we went at least twice, and perhaps because we had a children's book about the World's Fair that I continued to look at and read for years afterward -- most likely it's some combination of all three reasons.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

SaveThe TPC Do you remember any of the 1967 futuristic technology we would have in the year 2000? Flying cars, automats, self cleaning ovens....

[@WitoldBanasik]

Diana Ross was a driving force of them... witty, pretty, gifted and immensely ambitious lady. The group produced some dozens of smashing hits in 1960's and than Diana made a splash... the rest is history. R.I.P. beautiful Florence Ballard.

[@rosemma34]

Diana Ross was the driving force all right -- didn't like where she was driving and with whom. RIP Flo -- you were the best

[@ethana.6045]

It’s so sad how berry Gordy pitted Diana against Florence and subsequently kicked her out of the group. The Supremes probably would have had more number one singles had Florence stayed in the group.

[@dianaross3537]

Oh no Sweetie, it wasn't just Berry, I wanted her out too. And since I was sleeping with him I always got my way

[@jobucats2166]

And it's sad how Florence, who did have some unfortunate emotional and psychological baggage, would often show up to performances and rehearsals late (if she did show up at all). It's sad she would get on stage drunk and poke out her bloated stomach. It's is sad she would have these shouting matches with Diana/Berry in front of other industry people. The Supremes were a business; they could not go on with Florence's unpredictable behavior. Berry Gordy did not pit Diana against Florence. What would you have done if a member of the successful group in which you are managing or are a member exhibits the same stunts Florence did. You can't just put the group on hiatus while Florence gets her act together...too many people's livelihood would be threatened. I hated it when Florence left; however, I don't see what other option there was.

[@ethana.6045]

Jobu Cats a lot of florences problems could have be resolved if she were able to talk to people about what happened to her as a high schooler. A lot of the problems were exacerbated by pampering Diana just because the two of them were in a relationship- this affected the rest of Motown and other groups too, as they were pushed to the side.

[@jobucats2166]

@@ethana.6045 Mental and emotional health issues/treatments back in the sixties are nowhere close to where they are today. That much I can agree on. And it is indeed likely that Diana did get a lot of attention back in the day. Love her or hate her, it's hard to deny that she has possessed and demonstrated that IT factor and confidence from the beginning. Motown was still a relatively new company and was lacking resources it didn't realize it would need in handling the growing success and stumbling blocks that were building among the many acts. Can you imagine for example, all of the constant recording that went on at the studio and producers trying to get in a time slot to work with the musicians and the artists? The Supremes were already established as a hit group before the relationship between Berry and Diana started. Getting back to Florence, yes, she needed help; however, the Supreme machine could not be halted or even slowed down to compensate for her issues or even wait for her to get said help/treatment. While the Supremes were most likely the favorites, I don't subscribe to the premise that the other groups were pushed to the side. There are too many examples of success that one can find in (to name a few) Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson whose names still are recognizable today. My response is not an EXCUSE for what did or did not go on; however a possible EXPLANATION.

[@zingsings158]

Hahahahaha if I was there and the supremes went up. When one of them as needed id know exactly who they were!

[@VahanNisanian]

Oh, and speaking of Phyllis Newman, she will be attending a tribute to Polly Bergen. www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/a-tribute-to-polly-bergen-concert_71989.html

[@zapdunga12]

Very sad to see what happened to this group.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Suzy was tight there with the 21 dealer when she said "you lose some, you win some". I expected more yucks from the audience, huh?

[@HelloooThere]

She had it backwards too, btw

[@soulierinvestments]

If in 1966, WML had booked Phyllis, Tony and Suzy primarily -- they might have gotten somewhere in the ratings problem.

[@savethetpc6406]

soulierinvestments I love Tony Randall on the panel, but I don't agree about Phyllis and Suzy. I'm glad they mixed things up with such talented female panelists as Betty White, Jayne Meadows, Sue Oakland, Michele Lee and others. And as much as I love Tony, I'm glad they continued to make room for Martin Gabel, Steve Allen, Allen Ludden, and other less frequent male panelists. Mel Ferrer certainly proved his worth in this episode!

[@soulierinvestments]

Yes. Hard though to build up a rating-following if the star shows up on an irregular beat.

[@WhatsMyLine]

soulierinvestments I think it was a mistake to leave Dorothy's chair open as a second guest spot. I don't know the exigencies they faced when trying to nail down a permanent replacement, because Fates was maddeningly vague about it in his book, but they had a number of very strong candidates for permanent replacement and for whatever reason, none of them stuck. It's possible some of the women like Suzy, Phyllis, Sue were offered full time spots but turned it down, and if that's the case, I can't blame the producers. But otherwise, I think WML really needed to find a permanent replacement so that the panel could develop a new kind of chemistry to fill the void left by Dorothy.

[@WhatsMyLine]

SaveThe TPC Remember, though, that there was always room for guest panelists when the regulars were away from the show for whatever reason. So even with Tony Randall as a new regular, e.g., Martin et al could still have made their appearances. Even making someone a semi-regular would have helped, I think. E.g., a new pattern where a panelist would appear on 3 out of every 4 shows would have left a lot of room for guests, but still provided the continuity that the years after Dorothy lack.

[@dizzyology7514]

What's My Line? One could hypothesize that G-T were moving toward Tony R as the elusive Fred Allen replacement, with the rotating chair now being a woman in the ex-Dorothy spot. It might have worked -- Tony was an excellent panelist, though not terribly good at guessing occupations. But of course, any plans for the future would have been moot by this point, since they knew the axe was about to fall.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Mel Ferrer was married to Audrey Hepburn from 1954 to 1968. He is not related to Jose Ferrer.

[@martyrobinson4474]

Joe Postove - actually, Mel had a brother named Jose, but not the actor. The brother was a doctor.

[@shanshan8687]

The one with the short wig behind John is beautiful. Her haircut is so pretty

[@medpub]

Awkward - "are you a beautiful woman?" "Yes" Which one are we talking about? Get the lady a chair. Hmmm

[@shmuli9]

I hope I'm the astute when I'm 60... Is it... the Supremes? :-)

[@ChattieCathie]

They should have just kept the 2 other Supreme members talk. As soon as Diana Ross answered, they gave it away

[@robertromero8692]

Mel's marriage to Audrey was on the rocks.

[@gloriawilliams6471]

7

[@VahanNisanian]

Oh, wow. The last contestant works for the "Bunny Limousine Service" and dresses up as a bunny for work. Suddenly, "What's My Line?" got a whole lot more awesome. It is still nothing than when a woman with ONLY a bikini signed in as contestant on the new series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGjZYYGjosiJrLM (9:31)

[@savethetpc6406]

***** Sort of ironic that Mel Ferrer incorrectly guessed "bunny" about the first contestant, and then the last contestant turns out to actually be one!

[@melissawright1979]

I like the way Diana prompts both Flo and Mary when to speak. And I'm surprised she didn't write "Diana and The Supremes" on the fucking board. . . I'll get off my high horse now lol x

[@jackanthony976]

I would another month before the group moniker would change to Diana Ross and the Supremes from just The Supremes. It is strange that Diana states here that they were never going home again, since just one month after this show Florence was sent packing back to her home in Detroit.

[@mcbrion1951]

Yes, that's an astute observation.

[@dinahbrown902]

Yep

[@soulierinvestments]

The first contestant should have replied to Ferrer when he asked, "Are you a bunny?" "No sir, I am a Gemini." badda bing. And the fourth contestant DID wear a bunny outfit. Deja vu all over again.

[@mdit21]

This is sad (to me at least) now knowing that the tour mentioned by Diana Ross would be the one that would have Florence Ballard expelled from the group on the Las Vegas leg at the Flamingo (July 1967). [This is the 60th Anniversary year of the Supremes (January 2021)!❤😊🎈🎉🎈 Diana Ross❤-Supreme and Solo Mega-Super Star, keep making that music!🎶😊 Remembering Mary Wilson (March 6, 1944-February 8, 2021)❤😥, Supreme Lady, I wish you could still be here! In memory of (and always in my heart) Florence Ballard (June 30, 1943-February 22, 1976)❤😪, you're always my favorite "banished" vocalist (gone too soon and miss you so much)!]

[@felixdk8727]

"Dr. Livingstone I presume?" "Diana Ross I supreme?"

[@MrWindermere123]

Two things were notable in this episode: the kangaroo keeper said too much (he added that he worked at Expo 67) and the chauffeur said too little (she wouldn't give a surname). The keeper began by saying he was from Australia, added the bit about Expo 67 and made it pretty obvious that he must be presenting a well-known feature of his country - kangaroos - or he wouldn't be part of the exhibition. Julie the chauffeur is the only non-famous challenger who didn't give a surname, though there were several who signed in as Mr X when their surname would have been a clue. eg. the champagne maker called Heidsieck and the gin maker called Gilbey. I would guess she kept her name hidden from male clients in order to block them from 'hitting on her' for dates or from tracking down her phone number.

[@zapdunga12]

Rating the best in music is subjective. But here is my opinion. In the golden Era, no one was better than The Mills Brothers and The Andrew Sisters for 3 part harmony. The 50's and early 60's brought a lot of doo wop groups but they were more than 3 part harmony. The 4 Seasons have to be put very high on the list as do The Belmonts. Peter, Paul and Mary and The McGuire Sisters had great 3 part harmony. Now I'm mainly talking harmonies, I mean The Temptations were fantastic but they were 5 voices not 3. The 4 Tops, 4 voices. The Mamas and Papas harmonies were incredible but again 4 singers not 3. Crosby, Stills and Nash have to be rated very high for 3 part harmony. The Beach Boys harmonies were unrivaled but again more than 3 singers. The BEST vocal group for more than 3 singers hands down were The Eagles. I mean no group comes close. But they had 5 singers. The Beatles had great 3 part harmony and have to be ranked very high. But the greatest vocal group of just 3 singers only and who wrote their own songs as well have to be The BEE GEES. I mean they were Brothers and singing since they were born. With Barry on the bottom, Robin in the middle and Maurice on top you are talking perfection. The Supremes were a great act and sold a lot of records. But they were not really a 3 part harmony group. They sang songs written for them and the group was basically Diana Ross, with Flo and Mary singing background stuff and looking good. But it was Diana Ross's show. The others were background singers.

[@bogieviews]

It's really about what you like. After all these years, I still like Dylan 60's. He was able to put into words and music wisdom beyond his age. So who can be the arbiter of the "best"?

[@MrJoeybabe25]

How many times were the Supremes on WML. I think they were on Ed Sullivan more than any other pop act.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Twice.

[@jim02026]

What's My Line? Including this broadcast, twice. Suzy Knickerbocker was a panelist both times The Supremes were mystery guests. Knickerbocker guessed The Supremes in their first appearance.

[@brkitdwn]

Bennett Cerf was always traveling.

[@VahanNisanian]

Look at the first contestant's fur!

[@ToddSF]

That was a feather boa, actually. Possibly marabou feathers. Definitely feathers of some kind rather than fur, though.

[@Merrida100]

Did Suzy actually NOT even shake hands?

[@soulierinvestments]

This Ferrer is not the one who play Cyrano de Bergerac or in "Newhart" in Vermont. This is the Ferrer that married Audrey Hepburn. Smart fellow. As his playing and solving the second game tends to suggest.

[@jmccracken1963]

He had also been a panelist at least once before: on 22 March 1959.

[@Cerph]

Mel had a great personality- he's the only contestant to make warm eye contact with the camera- (the home viewing audience).

[@peternagy-im4be]

The show is visibly creaking here even Daly who unfortunately is looking tired and old.

[@Zacharia503]

That's some comb-over!!!

[@paullad3919]

Fellaomes on WML and proceeds to tell everyone where he works. ----- Flo don't know, but the boy she loves is a Romeo.

[@mehboobkm3728]

Wow Janette!!

[@timfly767]

La Ross looks stunning.

[@johncasciello4123]

I think that the OTHER FERRER was of PUERTO RICAN DESENT and that is JOSE FERRER!! MEL FERRER a commenter said his MOM was IRISH and his FATHER was CUBAN of SPANISH DESENT!! Those 2 actors always get a mixup*JOSE was a guest star on COLOMBO TV series* Special note: SUPREMES TOP POP SONG: the """HAPPENING""" just reached its HIGHEST TOP 100 CHART POSITION: #3 MAY 5,1967* (from the motion picture: the HAPPENING with ANTHONY QUINN!!!) TOP SONGS of MAY 5,1967 were: GIRL YOU,LL BE A WOMAN SOON...NEIL DIAMOND/FOR WHAT IT,S WORTH...BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD/A LITTLE BIT ME,YOU...MONKEES/SWEET SOUL MUSIC...ARTHUR CONLEY/I THINK WE,RE ALONE NOW...TOMMY JAMES & SHONDELLS/WESTERN UNION...5 AMERICANS/ON A CAROUSEL...HOLLIES/DON,T YOU CARE...BUCKINGHAMS*****

[@VahanNisanian]

Whoa. They nailed the second contestant just like that!

[@savethetpc6406]

***** I've never seen anyone do that before. Didn't he understand the concept of the game?

[@savethetpc6406]

***** I hope he was divine enough to forgive himself! ;) Fortunately, John flipped all the cards anyway, so he didn't have to kick himself for not winning more money, and John also kept him talking for a while, so he didn't have to feel that he missed out on having enough on-screen time. So, chances are he forgave himself pretty easily. :)

[@faintsignal]

@@savethetpc6406 By this far in the show's run I think every contestant was awarded the $50 regardless of whether they made it to ten "No"s.

[@TheBraveIntrovert]

Julie Nevertell.....

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Where's Bennett. It seems like years since we've had him!

[@cynthianobara4153]

Sorry i missed you. I hope next time

[@steveh4564]

How the men all stand when a lady leaves the room. When manners mattered.

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Misogyny, manners, six of one . . .

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Did they have a delay (7 seconds or so) back in those days? Or was live LIVE?

[@WhatsMyLine]

I doubt anyone working on WML back then would have even conceived of such a thing being necessary. The very few incidents over the years that occurred on WML, like the intruders who came onstage, would not have been helped by having a 7 second tape delay. That's only good for bleeping out profanity, which I hardly think anyone was concerned about.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

What's My Line? Can you recall profanity ever blurted out?

[@WhatsMyLine]

Joe Postove Groucho sang a song in the 1959 show "Jersey, Jersey, I wonder who the hell invented Jersey". . . I vaguely recall someone said damn once, but I can't remember who it was. That's about all. Nothing that the FCC was going to get up in arms about.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

What's My Line? Jack Paar would occasionally use "damn". And then there is the famous use of "Goddamn" in 1968 by William F. Buckley in a convention debate with Gore Vidal on ABC.

[@neilmidkiff]

+What's My Line? Bennett described Carol Channing's sailor suit as "the damndest costume you ever saw" -- Feb. 21, 1965.

[@My2CentsYall]

This show was ground breaking prior to 1967 blacks legally were not permitted to be in print, radio or on television because of jim crow laws. This was easy it would be hard to not know they were coming there.

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

Baloney. The Supremes were on the Ed Sullivan Show and many other programs in 1964-65.

[@My2CentsYall]

@@malcolmmarshall5946 My point it was not the norm they could be chased out of there at any time. since it was making them money it was permitted. A lot of jazz musician faced this as well where they had to go to white people to produce their music. Entertainment did not take off until after the civil rights movement. When you get 100 no's and 1 yes...theirs not a problem right!

[@malcolmmarshall5946]

@@My2CentsYall I see your point and it's a valid one. No worries friend