What's My Line? - Danny Kaye; Tony Randall [panel] (Oct 16, 1960)

MYSTERY GUEST: Danny Kaye
PANEL: Arlene Francis, Tony Randall, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf

[@stephenvincent4989]

There wasn’t and there will never be someone with the sophisticated talent of Danny Kaye, he excelled in every area of show biz. A true embodiment of an all round entertainer.

[@skullbleu8166]

Perfect comment!

[@Noone58319]

I adore Danny Kaye.

[@JustAFlyover]

@@Noone58319 Me too!

[@jcspider7259]

Danny Kaye was an extraordinarily fascinating man, and also a deeply good soul. I just spent time reading his wiki page. What a great human being. Born to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants Jacob and Clara (née Nemerovsky) Kaminsky, he was the youngest of three sons. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Kaye

[@SandySaunders9142]

Danny Kaye was a very kind man. One of the good guys.

[@OperaJH]

Way before Robin Williams, there was Danny Kaye.

[@JustAFlyover]

Exactly.

[@JulieStJohn-jb4cy]

So true! If you haven’t already seen it, find the ones where Danny Kay is on the panel, it’s one of the hardest laughs I ever had in my life!

[@raylenenielsen5943]

Yes, true, but Danny Kaye was a clean comedian (at least on screen).

[@OperaJH]

@@raylenenielsen5943 hi - not sure what you mean. I was just talking about the styles. Robert Williams was also the ratatat fast delivery. I’m just saying that Danny Kaye could run rings around him. That was all I was talking about. Otherwise they were as different as night and day…

[@safiremorningstar]

You’re both right and yes Danny Kaye was amazing and if you really want to see one of his best ones I forgot the name of it but there’s a segment where he is trying to explain where the poison is and it’s a medieval looking one. Don’t remember the name, it’s one of the best not the best but one of the best and there’s also Mary Andrews, which is also very good. That should be MERRY Andrew

[@davidsanderson5918]

I've just been reading about Dorothy Kilgallen, in 1936, being the only woman to take part in a 'race around the world' using only public transport. She not only completed it but finished second. She wrote a book about it and they even made it into a movie!!

[@jmason2838]

..Could that film be 'The Great Race' .🚂💨🏎️💨 with Natalie Wood 💓, Tony Curtis🤺 Jack Lemmon 〰️🎩 , Peter Falk😎 and Ross Martin 🖤.?.. This is a really funny film.. Natalie 's👸 best comedy. A film to treasure..All actors were superb.May they Rest In Peace.. 💘🕯️🙏🌹💐😔.. just my humble opinion..🎆 🏆

[@sallyniemzyk6964]

Danny Kaye was absolutely wonderful in "White Christmas!" Not only a classic, but would have never been the same without him!

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

Do you know why I watch this old old show. Simple. The manners the civility and the laughs. Find me a modern equivalent. IF YOU CAN !!! 🕥😎

[@Stefano4692]

Hey Michael,. I agree with the remarks you shared + I would cover the globe to find truly where there is a place that speaks of or shows that kindness, respect, and love we all miss!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not the complete bossing, disrespectfulness, ECT ECT!!!!!!! You Take Care, Steve 😎

[@davidsanderson5918]

Michael Naisbitt There are a number of things produced here in the UK that match it for civility and articulate communication but those would be on Radio 4 rather than TV. In the 1970s we had two panel shows on TV that were incredibly civil (and certain panellists wore bow ties!).....Call My Bluff and Face The Music....but not now. To be fair, panel shows later became all about ramping up the adrenalin and big money prizes so naturally that rewrote the script for these things.

[@gladysrodriguez2797]

Danny Keyes was and still is the best , that's my opnion

[@sixpakshaker88]

The closest there is Jeopardy. Another 3 weeks of new episodes left.

[@Pashasmom1]

My grandmother loved Danny Kaye, didn't miss a single one of his shows on TV. She came to America when she was 18 years old, and she also loved Red Skelton. We would watch TV together, and I loved to watch her laugh. She was widowed very young, and these 2 men bought some joy into her life.

[@jonahcat5549]

My Granny took me to New York when I was 12..in 1967 to see Danny Kaye in Two by Two. I saw the movie “White Christmas” this year and was mesmerized. So I’m really enjoying seeing everything I can about him. What a special man.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Danny has caused CHAOS without saying a thing. Wow!!

[@elisabethlinz4256]

Exactly, that was a great achievement!!

[@golo5000]

The kindness and respect of asking and responding in this game, by the panel and contestant is incredible.

[@johncox8938]

Danny Kaye seemed to be a gentleman. I like him and would like to have met him and shook his hand. Real talent!!!

[@SnowWalker1]

When we were kids my sister and I stayed up to watch the late movie one Sat night and our parents were in bed. My mother was still awake reading. My sister and I were watching Danny Kaye in the Court Jester. When it came time for Danny in that formation march scene, omg we laughed, and laughed. I never, still to this day, laughed as hard as that night. We couldn't stop laughing through the whole thing and my mother finally yells at us from her bedroom....."You guys have to be laughing at Danny Kaye." That made us laugh even more. We had the TV down pretty low so how she guessed it right on the nose was just amazing, and so hilarious XD

[@domainofthesun4400]

Best comment ever. I saw The Court Jester about 40 years ago and just the title of the movie still makes me bubble up with laughter

[@beckygrajeda2402]

I'm 37 years old, and when I was 13 years old on I used to watch old movies on AMC until late in the night. I remember staying up until 2am watching the Danny Kaye marathon. I could watch his movies all day. I thank the heavens I live on this earth where such wonderful beings like Mr. Kaye exist.

[@edwardare1]

Yes - still laugh - timing was perfect - hysterical. That was Danny Kaye!!!

[@daphnewilson7966]

OK. Let me see if I can still get it. "The vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison. The flagon with the dragon has the brew that is true." Yay! Do I get a prize?

[@gretchendietz1599]

@@daphnewilson7966 He could do tongue twisters like nobody else

[@erichanson426]

These shows, for me, are the perfect relaxation.

[@SanFernandoValleyRose]

Glad I had a chance to meet Danny Kaye in 1965. Such a great talented man. 😃😍🤩❣❤💘💘

[@jbcsmithsmith1100]

Danny is just so darn cute and mischievous.

[@aaronromo1590]

My mother was older when she had me so I grew up with the American Movie Classics practically on all the time. Thank goodness because, otherwise, I would never have been introduced to such magic on the screen. Danny Kaye is still, by far, my favorite. He could sing, he could dance, he was hilarious and also quite sincere and touching. No one can do all those things as well as he could.

[@gretchendietz1599]

We grew up listening to Danny Kaye records - he was an immense talent!

[@McMillanScottish]

I binge watch these shows just to reminisce about a time when people behaved a whole lot better than they do now.

[@helenamcginty4920]

And had very little entertainment cos this is soooooo slow. Too much waffle.

[@drumbum3.142]

@@helenamcginty4920 then if its "soooooooooooooooooo slow", Why (are you) watchin' it ,? ?.???.?.. 😐😐😐😐🤔😐😐😐😐😐😐😐 (I Subjectively Suppose You) Would You Rather Watch "Hugging" and "Kissing" Instead ,? 😬😬🥴

[@nilsalmgren4492]

Exactly what my wife and I were saying tonight.

[@FriendofRamblinJack]

Danny was one of those rare exceptionally multi-talented versatile persons. Knighted by Queen of Denmark because of his outstanding portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen (a fav childhood movie of mine), and he and Audrey Hepburn were monumentally responsible for the overwhelming selfless success and devotion to UNICEF. If you want to see his superb acting range (like Sinatra in "The Joker Is Wild), ck out Danny in 'THE RED NICHOLS STORY"

[@jmccracken1963]

The film about Red Nichols starring Danny Kaye that you alluded to is titled THE FIVE PENNIES.

[@JAPelicano1]

+FriendofRamblinJack The Five Pennies is superb! He learned to play the cornet for that film

[@carolv8450]

Someone said he was not nice to people who worked for him.

[@janeiwasduncan8463]

@@carolv8450 another "someone"said. That's how lives get ruined.

[@jif8802]

Nance Schmance I agree 1000% Although I was very young when I only saw second hand or reruns of his movies, I enjoyed him immensely! HCA brings back memory’s of one truly gentle soul, D.K.

[@marywestlund1774]

Danny Kaye totally changed my life as a child! I loved him so much!!!

[@jess4metoo]

I don't think I've ever heard Tony Randal actually laugh. I just love these shows.

[@jess4metoo]

Aritosthenes Bennett is implying he might be one of the Marx Brothers I believe, but not sure. And yes! Lots of love for Tony, watched him on The Odd Couple as a boy, great memories.

[@ruthiem.2963]

I always thought that it was just a comedy thing. I guess Tony Randall really laughed like that!

[@altonpitts6550]

I do believe that you are correct, Jess. Mr. Randall normally carried himself with composure. It was delightful to him and Ms. Kilgallen break into hysterical laughter.

[@shubeedoo]

@@ruthiem.2963 I agree. I heard him laugh on the Odd Couple with Jack Klugman (another wonderful actor). I always thought is was an act as well, but obviously its not! So cool !

[@bluecamus5162]

I'm dying to know what the uproar was between Dorothy and Tony. I don't think I've heard such unrestrained hilarity to this degree on this show before. They usual giggle or laugh and then quickly compose themselves, but not this time.

[@sueoorbeck4887]

I used to love watching this show when I was a kid. Danny Kaye was one of my favorite entertainers. A great combination.🤩

[@dyafnradio]

My favorite Danny Kaye movie is called "A Song Is Born" from 1948! If you haven't seen it, you are missing a great gem!!!

[@sophiaraniuk2665]

Danny Kaye is my favorite performer .....he always makes me laugh and thank God we had him to entertain us .....he is the best ....

[@GuyMannDudeTheOnly]

When stars were stars....

[@Pashasmom1]

When they actually had talent.

[@guymann9567]

Bunni Armani Exactly ...!

[@robertbeacham4314]

@@Pashasmom1 Todays so called stars wouldn’t know talent if it bit them in the butt! There are very few exceptions.

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

Exactly. Nowadays, I see some modern day performers being referred to as "iconic" and they are anything but iconic.

[@karenleemallonee684]

Danny Kaye & Tony Randall on the same show, laughter till your crying!!! Comic genius's!!! 😆

[@rmelin13231]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@senoramariposa]

Danny Kaye was a lot like Sammy Davis, Jr. A triple threat entertainer, he could sing, dance and act, and all beautifully. If you haven't seen it, look him up here on KZbin where he sings When the Saints Go Marching In, with Louie Armstrong. Amazing stuff!

[@Baskerville22]

"A triple threat entertainer" ??? Perhaps you mean "triple treat".

[@robertrothberg8678]

Ruth voboril,no one ever can be compared to the great Sammy Davis Jr.

[@jamessancimino]

@@robertrothberg8678 Sammy was a modest man and I am sure he would not have minded.

[@danlee2475]

@@Baskerville22 It's from sports, like where a quarterback can run, pass, or kick a field goal.

[@terryblack2844]

Danny is funny, kind, singer and fabulous entertainer. A majority of his career he represented UNICEF and other children’s charities

[@danielfronc4304]

Growing up I wished that I could be like Danny Kaye. He was a hero of mine.

[@gemmab8626]

Oh goodie! It’s my favorite funny man from yesteryear 😆. What panache and magnificent talent and all around magic he had. 🥰

[@evviemoore5166]

I have watched some of Danny Kaye's outtakes on KZbin where he was absolutely brilliant! Worth watching!

[@heathersmith2201]

Danny was before my time. But I love him! We need more like him, and more shows like his and this one!

[@JohnWilson-zh3il]

He died 2 years before I was born, but he was always a favorite of mine. If you haven't seen it, I recommend An Evening with Danny Kaye in 1981, his last live TV performance conducting the New York Philharmonic orchestra. It's Fantastic.

[@brandonriggs1788]

Mrs. Chong's voice is so soft, soothing, and calming that I nodded off. Not because it is boring! Far from it! It just makes me that comfortable and feeling that safe. Her segment was great!

[@rmelin13231]

And she had the nicest smile I think I've ever seen.

[@sandydog291]

This world could use a lot more people like Danny Kaye.

[@melimoo6656]

Probably one of the best episodes!!

[@EllenbergW]

"We do have pilots in the Navy and we have to save them _somehow_ " I almost spilled my coffee on that one :)

[@shari31373]

i think i've found my new favorite show! what fun, and what awesome guests!!

[@ruffluff565]

I had been hoping a mystery guest would lie to the panel and got my wish in Danny Kaye. Very enjoyable guest and I love Tony Randall too - he and DK seem to get along well when he's on the panel and that lovely girl needed a friend there.

[@anneroy4560]

She was not a girl ... she was a grown woman with a husband and children ... she did need a friend to assist her with addressing her problems.

[@neilmidkiff]

Anne Roy Please be a little patient with those of us who grew up when "girl" was not always an insult or a put down. I remember 1960. Women of Dorothy's age and status called each other girls. Remember "The Golden Girls" on TV, much later than that? My mother shopped for shoes for her long narrow feet at "The Tall Girls' Shop." I don't mind it when you remind us that many younger women today don't like the term, but it would be kind of you not to assume the worst motives on our part if we fall into old habits now and then.

[@domainofthesun4400]

@@neilmidkiff I'm over 60 and I've not answered to "girl" for about 35 years. I hate it.

[@chmtnwmn58]

Danny Kaye was wonderful in every sense of the word. Such a great entertainer. Oh I miss shows like this! So happy I found this channel!!!

[@rosannacellini2158]

Love Danny Kaye and Tony Randall. So cute and were good guys. Danny Kaye loved children, God rest him and all the others.

[@vivianwing2341]

I have always loved Danny Kaye's version of I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts.

[@erichanson426]

Next to the Groucho Marx episode, this was one of the funniest mystery guest segments.😃😃😃

[@pal035s]

Delightful pandemonium thanks to Danny Kaye and a most entertaining panel.

[@Steff2929again]

Danny Kaye was eventually knighted, by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, but that didn't happen until 1983.

[@WhatsMyLine]

That's a very funny coincidence, Steff2929again! I didn't know about this until your comment (which I've verified to be true). I was expecting more comments from folks about Kaye's appearance here, since it may be the only time that a guest was allowed to outright *lie* when answering the questions. But then again, maybe he wasn't lying about being a knight, just prescient!

[@lucillebadger6554]

@Mary C He couldn't have been; that's a Catholic organization and he was Jewish.

[@kevinp2722]

Tony Randall’s honking laugh at 16:50 is hysterical

[@janeripple6165]

I loved all his movies esp the five Pennie’s and of course White Christmas❤️

[@PrenticeBoy1688]

Danny Kaye would be knighted twice: Knight First Class of Order of the Dannebrog in 1983 (Denmark), and Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1986 (France).

[@lucyflorey9152]

I always loved Danny Kaye ❤

[@paulwallcubs]

this has to be one of the rare episodes of whats my line that the panel gets stumped for the entire show

[@LazyIRanch]

The show seemed a little off at the beginning, I don't think John Daly was happy about the shorter time, he looked annoyed at first.

[@thirdeyeflow]

Danny kaye is a legend man!!! enough said!

[@lucyflorey9152]

Dorothy looks stunning in this episode...Arlene always so.💗

[@TheChristafershawn]

There is something very therapeutic but also a bit melancholy watching these old episodes. This was before my time but it's sad how the world and it's people have changed, not that those times didn't have there negatives because they surely did but it seems like we have really let things get away from us in these "modern" times..........You don't have to agree by the way it just how i feel..

[@jewell92]

When this aired I was about 12. It definitely IS therapeutic for me to see this.

[@cathycole9577]

Danny Kaye actually became a knight in 1983 for portraying Hans Christian Anderson

[@daemonicstar]

Love this show and Danny Kaye! Good times!

[@chandlerhembree9607]

It's sad that we don't have good tv shows like this anymore..... Just good tv

[@battlegirldeb]

Got to say this is one of the better episodes I've ever watch.

[@finishercar]

I think Danny Kaye is the funniest mystery guest they ever had! He was hilarious here

[@bbgeer]

❤️ Danny Kaye. Legend!

[@johnferguson4089]

Danny Kaye, one of the finest people of all time and I love his personality and his work. Thank you Danny, I hope that you're still making people laugh somewhere. RIP

[@marknesselhaus4376]

I was four years old when that aired and even then I watched the show. Might not have understood much of it but I did watch it ;-)

[@Pashasmom1]

I was 6 years old. Used to watch with my parents. I remember liking Bennett Cerf's smile.

[@jaxbus3000]

Back in the age of innocence, at least up front. Compare TV back then to now, and just see how far down we have gone.

[@Slurpical]

Could not agree more.

[@scottmiller6495]

@Jim Stark That's a lot of crap,people were much better than now Period and that's a proven fact!!!!!

[@buckjohnson1119]

Jim Stark Maybe you were perhaps one of the few antagonists, in the 60's? You seem more of the snowflake era, though. Sour.

[@guerreirodedeus5200]

@Jim Stark you are being very rude! it's just his opinion ... which I agree with! in fact, the style of the program itself, people wearing blindfolds, trying to guess which celebrity is speaking, or finding out what profession, through certain clues, these days, it sounds very innocent! It was a much healthier time ... in every way. The more we lose innocence, the more the world turns to darkness

[@igkoigko9950]

Respectfully disagree. I enjoy WML but never watch it without doing something else - reading these comments, eating, babysitting dogs or grandchildren - while watching. OTOH some modern shows capture my total interest: Sopranos, Homeland, The Americans, Billions, are orders of magnitude more interesting

[@rayizard5687]

This must be the episode Dorothy references when she is the Mystery Guest and says, "He'll let Danny Kaye, but not me..."

[@ReynaHerichan7769]

You have no idea how much i amused by all the WML episodes. Been reading about these people's biographies. For years i can only see them in the old pictures. First saw WML five years ago and it became my favourite ever since. Thank you for posting this.

[@sophiaraniuk2665]

I agree ....the diction and use of the English language has fallen in our society quite a bit ......just LOVE DANNY KAYE ......ADORE HIM ALWAYS .....he is surely missed

[@Tedybear315]

Watching these clips, it's always amazing the look of almost 'wonderment' that Bennett Cerf always seems to have once the 'line' is revealed.

[@galileocan]

Does anyone agree that it appears that Danny may have walked into the wall of the stage when exiting, by the thump and laughter that occurred off camera?

[@neilmidkiff]

Galileocan g Yes, that's the way it seems to me as well.

[@preppysocks209]

yes but that may have been deliberate for a laugh

[@richardeast3328]

@@preppysocks209 I sure bet it was.

[@gemmab8626]

Omg I love Tony Randall too 😆 how much fun!! Thanks for posting this.

[@Notrocketscience101]

If these were live, so much pressure to make sure each show ends on time but gracefully.

[@cassiedsouza9090]

danny kaye looks so innocent

[@beckygrajeda2402]

Didn't he always? 😉

[@rmelin13231]

Danny Kaye on another episode gave the very best performance by a panelist in the history of WML with his "impersonation" of John Daly. Priceless!

[@davidsanderson5918]

Interesting that Randall talks of getting mistaken for Lemmon. It was still another seven years till Lemmon would play Felix Unger in The Odd Couple movie and maybe double that until Randall played the same role in the TV version.

[@scottmiller6495]

Hillarious and Brilliant !!!!!

[@kiltmanm60]

I love Danny Kaye!!!

[@normadearmas2406]

I love Danny K magnifico

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

Danny Kaye - LOVE HIM 👏🏻🌟😂🤣👍🏻🥰‼️

[@juliansinger]

'Are you a lying knight?' Snerk. Thank you, Arlene.

[@joshuacookingham2171]

Danny Kaye: The Ultimate and Classiest Troll

[@laurencesellyn1204]

My childhood fave was Danny Kaye doing the story of Tubby the Tuba

[@thomaskallmyr]

Danny Kaye was my Favourite he did Hans Christian Andersen movie

[@karenmallonee3867]

Love Danny Kaye! I'm still smiling!!! ❤️

[@Dolphin-cb9sq]

Danny Kaye; the best!

[@juliansinger]

Mrs. Chong, who, when referred to by more than her score in a newspaper was often referred to as 'diminuative', shows up in newspapers starting in about 1960. through about 1969. (I expect she was in newspapers before that, I just don't know her maiden name.) She set occasional minor records, and traveled all across the continental US (plus Alaska!) demonstrating for AMF. Dunno who her husband was, but she had 3 daughters.

[@loissimmons6558]

I guess that rules out her being the mother of Tommy Chong.

[@geraldineelizabethdunphy2457]

Love him xxx

[@narrowgate528]

The host’s laugh cracks me up! Danny was adorable.

[@fizzishen5389]

Tests parachutes by jumping? Oh my gravy! I guess it should have occurred to me he'd have a safety chute, but truly, how brave some people are!

[@donnalee3081]

I had a crush on Danny Kaye when I was younger...lol.. Made me laugh at his work .. Talented guy... He is missed here...❤🐻

[@Sylvander1911]

I was just a few hours old when this aired

[@joyunicycle]

Love you, Danny Kaye!!

[@kristic4472]

I would LOVE to know what the audience whooped about when Danny was leaving and off screen!!

[@einzigerthethief5613]

Navy parachutist Elmer Rice was gorgeous. It's fascinating (and a little sad) to watch young men and women on this show in their full bloom of life and then to quickly realize that they are probably dead and gone by 2022. Time (and life) goes by so fast...

[@markanthony1920]

Everyone loved Danny!

[@allanshulstad1783]

Bowling is right up my alley.

[@juliansinger]

Elmer Rice the playwright was most famous for a couple of plays written in the 1920s, The Adding Machine and Street Scene. Elmer Rice the Navy gent eventually made it to PR 2nd Class. (Also did air shows in the early 60s, with a team of jumpers, under the name of The Chuting Stars.) Dunno what he did after the Navy, but he got married in 1946. Doesn't seem to have had kids; died in 2007.

[@neilmidkiff]

juliansinger Married in 1964, surely? Or did you mean 1966? 1946 has to be a typo; he was probably in kindergarten about then.

[@TheProfessorpat]

One of the brightest lights in the entertainment firmament.

[@toinimoore3463]

I remember your record Danny and you in small town of Astoria,Oregon 1965

[@donnacook8994]

Absolutely loved Danny Kaye! He's absolutely wonderful!!! Hilarious man, and so good looking!

[@krabenaldt7605]

Aired on my 5th birthday. Love this show.

[@jenniferdent4479]

Mine Also.

[@jeffreycrippen]

Thanks for another fun episode!

[@WhatsMyLine]

My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@shadowgirl8038]

Danny Kay was multi talented. But his biggest accomplishment in life was the Charity. Which I'm sure saved alot of lives. God Bless him.

[@carloslozada470]

Tony Randal Danny Kaye fabulous

[@lilabalz]

Danny Kaye my mum loved you and so do I xxx

[@janeiwasduncan8463]

I loved Danny in White Christmas. He wasn't their first choice for that role. They wanted Fred Astaire. When that didn't work they tried to get Donald O'Connor. Finally , thankfully Danny took the role. Can't imagine any other in that role. Inald

[@toinimoore3463]

I wish would take the interest to try performing as Danny Kaye It would be sheer delight to see someone able and willing to learn his work as well you can see no movies have been about him reason no talent like him or even close or try to 😢He Was Extremely well versed much more than anyone realizes!