What's My Line? - The Harlem Globetrotters; Bert Lahr; Stubby Kaye [panel] (Dec 30, 1956)

MYSTERY GUEST: The Harlem Globetrotters; Bert Lahr [theater/film/TV comedian, later turned dramatic actor]
PANEL: Dorothy Kilgallen, Stubby Kaye, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf

[@gdeec]

These are so addictive, love everything about this show.

[@deejay8403]

Agreed! I've been binge-watching!

[@rambleonfromhere8780]

Me also!!!

[@jodyreeves4869]

They don’t make shows like this anymore

[@michellephillips2713]

I love how John would make every guest feel important. Announcing each every group person as they are individuals.

[@donhailer4994]

So much cultural history in this episode. The Harlem Globetrotters in the beginnings of their world-famous act, Bert Lahr discussing his teenage son John in the audience (who would become the famous writer/playwright) and also discussing the "new" play "Waiting for Godot" which is now a classic of modern theater. WML is an incredible time capsule of the mid 20th century.

[@michaelsimpson8010]

"The Harlem Globetrotters in the beginnings of their world-famous act"....far from it, sir. The Trotters got their start in the late '20s. Primarily a barnstorming team in the 30s and most of the 40s. The Trotters began to hit their stride as entertainers in the 40s with the likes of Goose Tatum & Marques Haynes. In fact, it was Goose Tatum that created many of the famous on-court, and now long-lived Trotter bits.

[@alexandraasbury9974]

@@michaelsimpson8010 I didn't know that. Please try to understand that some of us had no idea about the 20s, the 30s, and the 40s. Some of us weren't born yet so how could we? But we love/loved them!!!

[@laurahoward5426]

@@alexandraasbury9974 I was not born in 1789, yet I know all about the French Revolution

[@rowbygoren1830]

May sound weird, but seeing the original Globetrotters brought a tear to my eyes. Such a great group of guys -- very much underpaid but brought so much wonderfulness to our world and country. ...Rowby.

[@susanwenner8738]

Absolutely! Meadowlark Lemon. A name from the past.

[@ladyyuna2000]

I totally agree and it brought tears to my eyes too.

[@alexandraasbury9974]

@@susanwenner8738 A name never forgotten!! I grew up dying to see them!!! They were all the rage when I was a young teenager. My husband (before I knew him) saw them while he was in HS, 50 mi. from my HS.

[@donaldleroy6502]

So true, and whatever hardships and discrimination they endured I'm sure they NEVER woulda spat on the country and what it stands for

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Tonight Dorothy is a blonde. Looks good.

[@donnacook8994]

I saw the Harlem Globetrotters when I was a teen. They were amazingly talented and also so entertaining. I absolutely LOVED them all!!! 🥰 I can still hear the music as if I'm watching them. Beloved team!!!!!

[@mshockey73]

Bert Lahr was perfect for the part of the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz. I can see here that he was very well liked & respected by his peers....

[@preppysocks209]

there are very few actors could be so well known for playing so well such different roles as the Cowardly Lion and Estragon

[@lorraineb.4698]

I loved the Cowardly Lion. He was so funny!!

[@vtm57]

Meadowlark Lemon, 4th on the left. He brought such joy in his entire career. RIP.

[@ludenasan1]

+vtm57 He was a minister after his basketball career, he appeared on two Gaither Homecoming programs too.

[@inkyguy]

Probably the the most famous of the Globetrotters, followed by Curly. I remember when they had a Saturday morning cartoon show.

[@lilybean835]

@@inkyguy OMG that's right. How could I forget. Ha. I saw them when I was a little kid, and loved them. I don't know a thing about basketball but they were so fun to watch!

[@themonkeyhand]

He caught my eye but didn't know who he was. When the panel started catching on he had the grin of an 8 year old boy!!! So funny.

[@angelajoseph6709]

Wilt Chamberlain said Meadowlark was best basketball player ever. He went on to day that he was phenomenal even though while saying this Michael Jordan was the rage @ the time.

[@ToddSF]

Bert Lahr is, for me, immortal when it comes to stardom for that one role we all know he played, the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz". His performance was completely unforgettable as was that 1939 film. Who hasn't seen it? I've seen it several times and it just never gets old, I find.

[@Ray3645]

Amen, Todd!

[@fpinzow]

One of the best things about the Wizard of Oz, IMO.

[@robertdiotalevi2882]

"Put 'em up, put 'em up!"

[@EricWilke1141987]

How long can you stay fresh in that can? Ha ha ha!!

[@Camop-iz9kt]

He should have gotten an Oscar nomination for Oz.

[@2gebster]

I remember watching most of these episodes as a teenager on one of the few sets around at that time coming from a farm we all gather around on Sunday nights to watch WML and it is a thrill to see some of them again Thank you hope they stay on for some time to come yet???

[@jettcarlburg356]

Several references to Burt's son. Many years later, his father's Cowardly Lion costume was found and in need of restoration. Burt's son was an eerie double for his dad and he stood in for him as the model for the costume and mask restorations.

[@usermikes]

The Harlem Globetrotters..Best

[@loissimmons6558]

I can't help but smile when I see Bert Lahr, and I basically remember him only for Oz and potato chip commercials. He was my favorite in Oz.

[@robertfiller8634]

It was amazing how much his face resembled a lion's face - as we can see on this episode!

[@sarahleeenteman3248]

Able to that in business suits...awesome !!! Love the Globetrotters !!! an ICONIC part of Sports history

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Sadly, George "Meadowlark" Lemon III, passed away on the 27th of December 2015.

[@qkhost]

It’s shortly after New Year’s 2022, and so it’s fitting to leave this message on a New Year show. I cannot thank you enough for making WML available to all of us! This pandemic wears a person down, and gently gliding through the years of this exceptional show continually lifts my spirits! I started at the beginning and plan to continue to the last available episode. I dearly love Arlene, Dorothy, Bennett, and the incomparable John Charles Daly. I mourned when Fred Allen died, and I know I’ll shed tears when we get to the other terrible loss the panel suffered. Right now, I’m grateful that there are still many years to go before we get there! Happy 1957 to all, and to all a better 2022!

[@jacquelinebell6201]

I feel the same. It's like we've found family. I'm going through in order to the end.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Love the natural smiles and reactions of the other guys in the HG team as the panel get closer to guessing.

[@chrisallen7911]

Happy 1957 ! He wasn't kidding. The greatest American Cars ever were made, Families loved and respected one another and Ate Together without texting, TV Shows like Lucy and Ozzie and Harriet should a strong family bond and taught their children morals and respect, and Men were Men and Women dressed with gloves and Hats and Furs when they went out instead of stretch pants, sprayed on jeans, etc. This was a Wonderful, Happy Time!

[@QuadMochaMatti]

Wow, that's spreading a thin coat of whitewash over the contrarian life that was lived by many at the time, with a broad brush.

[@TomBarrister]

The man dribbling the ball was Leon Hillard, who played for the Globetrotters from 1951 to 1972, mainly on their second traveling team.

[@michaelsimpson8010]

And the balding gentleman standing at Meadowlark Lemons' right side was Pop Gates. Joined the Globetrotters as a player before becoming a coach of the team.

[@BakingNana]

What a treat to see the beloved Bert Lahr!

[@sandrageorge3488]

Loved him as the cowardly lion and in Some like it Hot.

[@mikejschin]

Like several others who have commented here, I had the thrill of seeing the Globetrotters play in person when I was a teenager in the 1960s. They put on a great show. A few months after this episode, the team signed a young man who would go on to fame in a different athletic endeavor. Bob Gibson played with them for a year beginning in mid-1957 before deciding to devote himself to baseball. As any fan knows, he became one of the greatest and most feared pitchers of all time in his 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Gibson passed away on October 2, 2020 at age 84. RIP, Gibby.

[@neilmidkiff]

I was expecting Bennett to ask Bert Lahr "Did you ever sing a song about being King of the Forest?" I adore the entire film of The Wizard of Oz, but that number is such a great example of what stage stardom was all about. In fact, a drama teacher could compare and contrast stage and film acting, or "presentational" vs. "representational" performance styles, just using that number alongside "Over the Rainbow."

[@pattygonzales9605]

Kathryn Ann Mautz is still among us at 90. :-)

[@kitcoffey7194]

They really weren't too nice to her (namely, Bennett).

[@GuinevereKnight]

@@kitcoffey7194 Agreed, he thought himself so charming and sophisticated but could be such a ...bleep... How he had the nerve to judge (!) Hal Block is beyond me. So arrogant. (I like him usually, but he goes low sometimes sadly.)

[@fateugly]

I wish the globetrotters had all taken a turn answering their questions. Such a wonderful childhood memory.

[@Sylvander1911]

Judge Mautz was a month shy of her 27th birthday when this aired

[@Sylvander1911]

@captain hook apparently yes, and still a practicing lawyer

[@wfh1908]

The show keeps me awake. And I learn quite a lot from the guests' occupations.I even recommend it to friends to watch it.

[@rackinfrackin]

I love Bert Lahr. His Lays Potato Chips commercials are still classic.

[@carmelstainsby57]

Love this show love these shows that's what TV is about pure simple and clean watching. I got rid of my TV. And I watch pure stuff like this not a bad word I'm going to stick to this such lovely people godbless

[@juanettebutts9782]

Bennett Cerf, "Happy 1957." SIXTY THREE YEARS later, "Happy almost-2020!"

[@su8483]

Sigh. 2020 will not be forgotten.

[@michaelnivens6267]

I was blessed to see the Globetrotters In the 70s and they were magnificent and a lot of fun- Meadowlark , Curly Neal,Ausbie,Tatum, etc...

[@donaldleroy6502]

The man that signed for the Harlem Globetrotters has outstanding penmanship

[@laurahoward5426]

The signatures alone are worth watching

[@MrJoeybabe25]

My Dad would be added as a referee when the Globetrotters came to Norfolk, Virginia in the 50's and 60's. The team carried one regular referee with them and would often pick up another in the different towns and cities they visited. Also, I don't know if many people know, many years ago the globetrotters would often play serious games against NBA and other professional teams. Indeed, they would on occasion lose some of those games.

[@su8483]

Very interesting. Thanks!

[@watchman1178]

Dorothy and Arlene were so good at this game. Both were very bright. Arlene was my favorite, though.

[@MarkGunter]

Very intelligent ladies, and Arlene had such charm. Dorothy was a force of nature, and as a celebrated journalist, continually honed her interviewer and detective skills. In many ways, she was the "odd man out" in this group. I'd imagine it would be difficult to remain ever friendly with a person when you never knew if one of your casual comments might end up in a gossip column.

[@inkyguy]

My vote is always with Dorothy. Just a brilliant woman.

[@mrksbrn]

Uhyaswwssssdre

[@mrksbrn]

Tr

[@mrksbrn]

@@MarkGunter ikk

[@rivaridge7211]

This is great to see! Bert Lahr was a brilliant stage actor who for the most part left Hollywood for Broadway after his most famous role; "The Wizard of OZ." When asked why, he simply said that he had been "typecast" and there were "no more lion parts for him to play." "Waiting for Godot" was probably his biggest stage success and when asked by a reporter to "explain" what exactly the play (and his character, Estragon) meant, Mr. Lahr said he could not - as he did here with Bennett Cerf. Mr. Lahr reminded the reporter that he was an "actor" and as such it was his duty to put across a believable performance. And Bert Lahr certainly did just this in whatever he did.

[@hanoc101]

Everybody loves that Meadowlark

[@sandrageorge3488]

And Curly

[@academyofshem]

Oh great. Now you got that damn song from the cartoon stuck in my head. Now I gotta look it up.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJXIcpeeqal1hLs&ab_channel=littlemaths

[@Px828]

Dorothy Kilgallen as a blond! she looks good.

[@stevekru6518]

Her eyes look good when wearing the blindfold. On KZbin in addition to watching WML, I watch music and math videos. Of course the music video women look orders of magnitude better than Dorothy, but the mathematics professor also look better.

[@jacquelinebell6201]

They mentioned once that she was a redhead just after she changed. Would have lived to see it in colour.

[@juliansinger]

The short guy on the left, who Daly mistakes for Paul Hardy, is Abe Saperstein, owner and occasional coach of the team. The Globetrotters were originally from Chicago, and, not so incidentally, really really /really/ good. Also, whoever signed in for the team had nice handwriting. Mrs. Mautz was apparently a finalist for Miss Spokane at one point. She got elected in 1954, as a Justice of the Peace, which means she was already an attorney at age 24; she seems to have become one, in fact, in 1952. Don't know when she transitioned to being a District Court judge, but she did, and lasted quite a long time. Retired in 1982, in part because her rather terrifying robbery soured her on some parts of the process. She's still alive, and donating money to her alma mater and other causes. Mr. Grancher was, at the time, head of the Defense Surplus Sales Office. Officialese, come to me!

[@fpinzow]

They were really excellent! Dad was a little disgruntled, because it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that they would--and did--win! They literally took the ball and ran with it from the beginning of the game. This was at Madison Square Garden, probably in the 1960s.

[@brianelliott3817]

Stubby Kaye was quite the talent. Loved him as Nicely-Nicely in "Guys and Dolls" and his rendition of "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat". One of his last performances was in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" as Marvin Acme. Also great with Nat King Cole as the Balladeers in "Cat Ballou"

[@inkyguy]

brian elliott, that's an immortal performance and I believe he was either the only, or at least one of the very few, of the Broadway cast who cast in the film.

[@zapkvr]

GET OUT. I did not know that. I loved Marvin.

[@debbiecarroll5672]

He also hosted a TV game show..Video Village

[@fpinzow]

What a great episode! Dad and I once got to see them play in Madison Square Garden. He thought it was a foregone conclusion that they would win, and they did! They have some extremely talented people on their team now, and way back! I remember Bert Lahr from the Wizard of Oz. The nonceleb guests were also interesting. I wonder who would have been a customer for a used warship.

[@loissimmons6558]

+Fran Pinzow Sometimes other countries bought them for their navies. Sometimes they were bought for scrap. The US Navy didn't sell all their obsolete ships. Some were used for target practice. When I was a child, I remember that the Navy also had a reserve fleet in the Hudson River just south of the Bear Mountain Bridge. It was known locally as "The Moth Ball Fleet". It was comprised of ships not needed during peace time but that were considered battle worthy in the event of war. It was in existence from 1946 to 1971. The largest number of ships in the fleet was 189 and the number varied based on the situation in the world and the condition of the vessels until the ships were disposed of in various ways and the last two ships were towed away to be sold as scrap to Spain.

[@loissimmons6558]

+Fran Pinzow I particularly recognized the names of two Globetrotters. One was Meadowlark Lemon who was one of the primary faces of the team for ~25 years and one of 7 Globetrotters to have his number retired. Wilt Chamberlain once called Lemon the best basketball player of all time. The other was Woody Sauldsberry who only played for the Globetrotters for a few years before he was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors and played in the NBA between 1957 and 1966. He was the lowest draft pick (8th round) to win Rookie of the Year honors (1957-58 season). A poor shooter, he was known more for defense and rebounding from the power forward position.

[@jacquelinebell6201]

Loved seeing the original Globetrotters. Brilliant.

[@tomitstube]

just in case you were wondering, the color barrier for professional basketball had been broken just 6 years prior.

[@davidsanderson5918]

tomitstube I don't understand that. That suggests 1950? And yet, I was reading how the HG were "perennial participants in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning it in 1940". Also, later in 1948 in "a heavily attended matchup a few years later, the 1948 Globetrotters-Lakers game, the Globetrotters made headlines when they beat one of the best white basketball teams in the country, the Minneapolis Lakers." Ah well, whatever. As a UK person brought up on football (soccer) and cricket, the HG are the ONLY basketball team I can name whether black OR white!! So they beat the rest for fame ultimately anyway.

[@tomitstube]

@@davidsanderson5918 well, you're right, players of color were playing white players before the professional leagues integrated. i don't think the teams themselves were integrated, this some how fell under the jim crow nonsense of "separate but equal"... oddly enough some colleges were integrated but professional basketball was not, the tournament you mention wasn't professional (1939-1948) i can't find any financial prizes for winning. but it was considered an open invitational that did allow 3 black teams to compete, including the harlem globtrotters. and professional teams were also allowed to compete, in chicago a pre-integration compromise that i don't think most people are aware of.

[@michaelsimpson8010]

@@davidsanderson5918 - with regard to tomitstube's comment, he is correct. The predecessors of the modern-day NBA (the National Basketball League and Basketball Association of America, were not integrated leagues. The Globetrotters, though possessing professional caliber ballplayers, were considered more fringe than mainstream - largely due to the racial factors of the time. Globetrotter matches between the Minneapolis Lakers and other pro teams were typically arranged affairs - sometimes done by Abe Saperstein, sometimes by others with affiliations to the pro leagues. The Globetrotters were never part of one of the professional leagues that existed in America during the 30s' and 40s'. Nevertheless, their basketball playing talents were recognized. As such, the Trotters were often invited to participate in the pro tournaments of the day.

[@jadeshannon5583]

Very good to see The Harlem Globetrotters on the show and I think Mr Daly is very -lucky to be in the position he is and he does a very good job at it!The other part of the show was very good to see a judge on.In my country they are the highest paid profession and she was very young too.I'm not aware of who the mystery guest is so I can't comment.Thank you to What's my line for the many hours of entertainment I've had.

[@baskervillebee6097]

Jade Shannon Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz. Also Stubby Kaye was Marrin' Sam in Li'l Abner.

[@scottm8579]

I saw Meadowlark Lemon play in the late 70's when I was 9 or 10.

[@joiefulton4015]

Meadowlark Lemon of the HGT looks so young

[@su8483]

They all look so young.

[@BTlover3]

It is interesting to note Bennett's question to Bert Lahr regarding Waiting for Godot is one of curiosity regarding a production that bombed both critically and financially, one that failed to connect to anyone at the time (that is, people who were part of the What's My Line generation). Lahr was given an unfair standing for the play's debut due to a director obsessed with messing with the script and not understanding the play's purpose either, but he did eventually get his full chance to show off his acting chops in a short-run of the show on Broadway and was much better received due to the allowed freedom of the acting. It is also rather humorous that there are many college academics still trying to figure out the meaning and themes within the play. Like other elements that foreshadowed the future (one that certainly didn't appear to connect with any of the panel nor Mr. Daly, such as The Beatles), this is a small mention in time that would grow even larger than anybody believed.

[@Bigwave2003]

Would have liked to hear more from Bert and Bennett about "Waiting for Godot" and less about their children.

[@photo161]

In John Lahr's superb biography of his father, The Cowardly Lion, he talks about how profound an experience it was for his father to have appeared in the premiere production of the iconic play of the age, Waiting for Godot...

[@suible]

A piece by John Lahr about life with his father - thelifeandtimesofhollywood.com/the-depressed-lion-bert-lahr-his-son-writer-john-lahr-we-loved-dad-we-just-couldnt-reach-him/ At home, he was not a fun guy.

[@photo161]

@@suible Thanks for that...invaluable...!

[@Draugluin999]

as a young man in my 20's it's cool to see things like this.

[@sharleenomdal5816]

Jmart25

[@ginniekinz5401]

same only I'm female. I'm so fascinated by old footage, and this game is awesome. They should remake it on tv again for modern celebrities.

[@jadeshannon5583]

GinnieKinz;Yes I love this show and I think I'm addicted to it.I also agree with you that it would b a good idea to remake the show for our time

[@chasethrockmorton2736]

TheMadProphet. Right?!

[@willdaviesable]

TheMadProphet Me too!

[@robertdiotalevi2882]

"Put 'em up, put 'em up!"

[@michaelnivens6267]

I'll whoop ya from top to bottomaus

[@robertdiotalevi2882]

@@michaelnivens6267 Riot!

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

🥊🤣🥊

[@rudolphbradshaw6124]

My heroes, I grew up 5 doors away from Meadowlark on Bladen St in Wilmington, N C

[@johannarhymer1093]

That’s awesome God bless you

[@davidsanderson5918]

I love the way Stubby is there for laughs but he's not indulgent or longwinded or forced....unlike some of the 'wacky' comics that have been on of late. The quality comedians are always the former in my book.

[@laurahoward5426]

He seems genuinely interested and happy

[@rmelin13231]

I completely agree. He is humorous, jolly, yet unobtrusive. A great guest panelist.

[@sylviastreet6785]

The lady’s dresses are always beautiful!

[@loissimmons6558]

My English class in HS was assigned to read Godot. We discussed it a lot and maybe we came to some conclusions. But if we did, I don't remember them.

[@merricat3025]

I had to read it in college. All I remember about it was it was weird. They just waited.

[@spongevee1]

Stubby Kate is so huggable! He was in an episode of Doctor Who!

[@dlou3264]

I saw the Harlem Globetrotters play! They were GREAT!

[@Beson-SE]

The play "Waiting for Godot" was written by Samuel Beckett and had its premiere in 1953. Beckett was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Literature. From wikipedia: "The first production of the "Waiting for Godot" in the United States was at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Coconut Grove, Florida on 3 January 1956. It starred Tom Ewell as Vladimir and Bert Lahr as Estragon. It bombed, but a Broadway version with Lahr, a new director (Herbert Berghof), and E. G. Marshall as Vladimir met with much more favour. The production and its problems are described in John Lahr's book about his father, 'Notes on a Cowardly Lion'." 18:55

[@ToddSF]

I seem to recall that "Wait for Godot" was originally written in French as "En attendant Godot", which has always struck me as a bit strange since Samuel Beckett was Irish. I suspect that the premiere American production in Florida bombed because the audience wasn't up for something like "Godot", but you can't find a better theatre audience than in New York City. New Yorkers at the theatre are just so sophisticated, and I think a lot of New Yorkers go to Broadway plays looking for things that are different. In 1960, "theatre of the absurd" was defined as a genre, and it's generally agreed that Samuel Beckett began the genre with "Godot", which he wrote in 1948 and 1949. It took nearly four years before it premiered in Paris in 1953. I note that its first English-language premiere was in London in 1955, where it was highly praised by the critics. I note that Bennett stated he didn't understand the play -- I'm sure that in 1956, existentialism wasn't well understood and absurdist theatre was an expression of existentialism and the notion that life has no intrinsic meaning.

[@Beson-SE]

There's something about Irish authors and France... Oscar Wilde wrote his play "Salome" in French too...

[@fewerbeansplease]

I thought that Beckett wrote both versions at once...might be wrong.

[@preppysocks209]

@@fewerbeansplease no, the French version was first. Beckett often wrote in French first and then translated his own work into English. The gap for Godot was 5 years.

[@Rosarium2007]

John to Bennett at 14:31 = oh snap

[@johnphillips5081]

Can't believe that I was still in my Mother's Womb, and came to being just 2 and a half months later. I am surprised that the Wizard of Oz wasn't mentioned for Bert was more famous for his role in that film 😳.

[@billolsen4360]

15:21 The Cowardly Lion!!!! The best.

[@MrJking065]

It is amazing how many people view this show on Utube.

[@loissimmons6558]

When John Daly answered for the second challenger, one might say that she was Spokane for.

[@inkyguy]

Lois Simmons, or one MIGHT not. 😣

[@markschildberg1667]

Thank you, Bennett.

[@robertfiller8634]

I had a similar thought. We Hungarians think alike!

[@michaelnivens6267]

Bennett would be proud

[@donaldleroy6502]

Parhramp psssh

[@joieutube]

I want to change my name to Miss Mautz. Love how that sounds.

[@TheAuntieBa]

I had the great good fortune to see the Harlem Globetrotters when I was a teen, and will never forget how spectacular they were. Not only talented, but a riot! Bert Lahr is dear and beloved, and I include myself with everyone else!

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

I used to sell computers and peripherals to SSA...DOD...Civilian Agencies as well... Hooked all of their Judge Advocate Generals with spiffy technology... 🤣🤣🤣

[@JakobSeidl]

Just read that Leon Hilliard at 8:42 was shot and killed during an argument with his wife in 1977

[@Lilbit09]

"Deliberately?" 22:43, Oh, Dorothy what a great look!

[@rickwilliams4573]

Leon Hillard who was dribbling the ball, would get murdered by his wife about 20 years later, following an argument.

[@fanboy2015]

A young Meadowlark Lemon.

[@jvcomedy]

Yes, Meadowlark is only 24 years old in this show.

[@neilmidkiff]

More evidence that even by the end of 1956, television distribution wasn't yet broadcast live in every location coast-to-coast; John twice mentions that some viewers will see his New Year greetings after the start of the year. He doesn't mention anything about the process, but at this time kinescope was the only practical way to record a broadcast for later use elsewhere.

[@vipergtsmre]

the sponsors are awesome! cigs to shampoo,... good memories of a better time. I was born far after this, but these are great to watch

[@theamishumpire1301]

Another great show.

[@gugurupurasudaikirai7620]

They had Ray Bolger on previously. So I looked up if they ever had on Jack Haley as a mystery guest to complete the trio, it appears he never did. I highly doubt the Washington Generals ever made an appearance but that would have been a good one to really stump the panel

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

10:03 That sounded like my cockatiel. I taught him how to do that wolf whistle. TRIVIA: Bert Lahr was paid $2,500 per week for "The Wizard of Oz." Judy Garland was paid $500 per week.

[@RikardPeterson]

"What do you judge - a beauty contest?" Though I like Bennett a lot, I am glad that times have changed enough so that no intelligent person would consider that a good (or appropriate) joke today (I hope). We look back at these shows and see things that were better in the old days, but there has been a lot of good change in the half a century that's past since this show too.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Well said, Rikard. I appreciate it when people can reference the fact that standards have changed, without resorting to hyperbole about how utterly *shocking* the differences were!

[@tomitstube]

+Rikard Peterson - good point, not to mention cerf's crack about "matzah balls" with the same guest. one thing to consider is wml was a product of it's time just like everyone else is, but aside from that, wml was on the whole very progressive for that era.

[@lysol5555]

+Rikard Peterson maybe it is bennett's weird way of saying how pretty she looks?

[@RikardPeterson]

lysol5555 That's certainly his intent, yes.

[@richardvilseck]

Boy! I thought the same thing. You can also hear the reaction of some of the audience, when they show them her line, as much as to say,"A woman judge? What'll they think of next?"

[@mikemcclary3531]

I couldn't agree more! Michael McClary, Professor of Music Trumpet, ret.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Bert Lahr's face is simply and inextricably a lion's. :)

[@robertfiller8634]

Agreed - see my Comment!

[@Sylvander1911]

Dorothy wanted Bennett to pass so she could get the Globetrotters

[@roberttelarket4934]

Very clever of Cerf opening: John Daly leading the panelists and misleading them!!!!!

[@mrmjb1960]

Don't forget,He was also a Spokeperson for Lay's Potato Chips!

[@abradley2198]

The more I watch these the harder it is not to hate Cerf

[@grguy793]

When Hollywood had some brains. What a difference.

[@granthoops]

I can't recall an episode you could so clearly see John Daly's discomfort with the final guest; worrying the panel would guess his occupation too quickly and leave them with too much air-time to fill chit-chatting. When Dorothy ascertained it was ever in the water John looked especially worried. You could see the uncomfortable tip-toeing act the panelists did. They were stalling but also struggling to do so without the audience easily seeing through it. When you know it's a dangerous vehicle that's on the water it wasn't as hard to ask some obvious questions as the panel made it seem. What's funny is if they actually tried their best to guess his exact occupation they probably would have been hard pressed to find the exact specification of his job; selling used warships.

[@mickybearden9641]

My Sister was 13 days old in Washington State

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Hooray, John introduced Meadowbank first! 🇺🇸

[@Retroscoop]

22:50: hahaha Dorothy's half sceptical, half amused look is really wonderful :) And well.... hold on, small conference: a false note of Bennett Cerf towards the judge in the end... "Beauty contests".... Tsss tsss tsss.... So he IS human after all ?

[@robertfiller8634]

A condescending remark from Bennett - he and Dorothy could be snobbish on occasion, but I loved them nevertheless.

[@johndodge8999]

@@robertfiller8634 the judge actually was a beauty contestant.

[@canamus1768]

mr lahr's son, john, referred to by the panel and apparently in the studio audience, went on to become a highly accomplished and regarded theater critic (with the village voice and the new yorker) and author of books, including a biography of his father, "notes on a cowardly lion." mr lahr also participated in a 1956 audio recording of "waiting for godot," featuring other members of the broadway premiere cast, which can be found elsewhere on youtube.

[@johnfd0210]

The biography on his father is excellent.

[@allys744]

“Did you know what that was about?” “Did you?” “No, Sir.” “Then we’re even.” 🤣

[@maxemomaxemo6250]

I do believe in ghost....I do believe in ghost....i do i do i do......

[@acousticshadow4032]

Meadowlark Lemon & the Cowardly Lion - Two American Treasures!

[@Nooki23]

I find it interesting that Lahr said he had only 2 children (mentioning John)...when indeed he had 3. It seems that his first son Herbert, born in 1929 with his 1st wife Mercedes, he completely disregarded and didn't count. I wonder why...

[@darkandswarthy86]

I just watched this episode and went to google his son and saw he had 3 kids and came to read the comments to find out why he would say he only had 2. I guess they must have had a falling out? He was born in 1929 so would have been 27 at the time .

[@CarolineinCanada]

He was always my favorite in The Wizard of Oz❤

[@tsangarisjohn]

Great to see the Harlem Globetrotters.

[@dianagager2308]

Great team!

[@henkehaandersson]

the vaudeville act of basketball..

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Aw, my Grandmas name was Catherine Anne... R.I.P. Pama, I miss you dearly and our four leaf clover hunts... teehee...teehee... God Bless you and hug all our ancestors from all of us... 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@lukebourke8656]

I think the Globetrotters played the Washington Generals that night. 🏀⛹

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Luke Bourke 😂 good guess!

[@cogidubnus1953]

Oh that a TV show could be so wholesome and gentlemanly today...

[@inkyguy]

cogidubnus1953, well, even this was relegated to late Sunday nights.

[@Beson-SE]

The Harlem Globetrotters in action. 8:35

[@henrygrove100]

Awesome!

[@henrygrove100]

Dorothy is stunning

[@henrygrove100]

Bert Lahr is a distant cousin of my grandad.

[@jamesrawlins735]

Funny they mentioned Waiting for Godot. The first time Lahr performed in it (as Estragon) in Miami (the US debut), the director tried to frame it as a straight comedy and it was a disaster (both critically and box office because almost no one understood it.) Not long after this show Lahr again performed it (this time on Broadway with E.G. Marshall) under a new director (who actually discussed the play with Beckett). A lot more intellectuals came to the run (ads were taken out encouraging them) and the more sophisticated critics and audience appreciated it, making it a success.

[@packjim56]

I played the same part Bert played in "Waiting for Godot", Estragon. And after the debut I was asked the same question he was asked backstage. "What is this play about?", and he answered it the same exact way.

[@jimmygoodrich9590]

It's about 2 hours long

[@merricat3025]

It's nice to see women in the 50s in positions of power and authority. These women really paved the way for women of the future