What's My Line? - Bette Davis (Oct 5, 1952) [W/ COMMERCIALS]

[@prezzzrock]

My Grandfather was in this episode. Carl Mills, the Warden who signed in at the 10:00 mark. Only known video we have of him. It is so great to hear his voice after all these years!! Thank you for posting!!

[@jvcomedy]

+prezzzrock That's really cool! Did he ever speak of being on this show and if so, what did he relate about his experience? Glad you now have this video of him.

[@roberts.3098]

It would be highly unlikely that people have videos of their relatives from the early 1950s.

[@kacym.118]

Robert S. Although it might be unlikely to have more videos of him at that time, I doubt that he died after walking off of the set. Meaning that in another couple of decades they were making videos all of the time. This person means that is the only video they know of.

[@maureen5540]

prezzzrock what a nice looking man

[@jess4metoo]

maureen rosenberg Think Dorothy was flirting with him too. Held his hands then later comments how good looking he is.

[@vcoaster]

Bette Davis was a very tough old bird, even when she wasn't old. You can tell that she didn't suffer fools lightly. She did her job and got out of there as quickly as possible. No idle chit chat.

[@PamelaMortensen]

Bette Davis

[@stevenwebb7936]

I love this show. I have to watch it every night via my phone on youtube before I go to sleep.

[@WhatsMyLine]

+Steven Webb It's a great show to watch before bedtime. I'm glad you've been enjoying it!

[@bleepiestofbloops]

That's what I've just started doing.

[@ReynaHerichan7769]

Steven Webb I thought i'm the only one.

[@gailwood4214]

Steven Webb So lucky to have you tube to see these!!!

[@bethe192]

me also! takes you back to better times, and eases you into a sleep of comfort, doesnt it? thank you for these. What days.....

[@jmbwithcats]

Something about seeing Bette Davis out of character with honest, emotional responses just being herself, there's something quite magical about it, because I've seen her acting for so many years and been amazed by her extraordinary acting.

[@jeffcraven7376]

My favorite Bette Davis movies are "Of Human Bondage" and "All About Baby Jane"; both parts very unlikable characters, but off camera on the movie set I understand she was a nice person. What a great actress she was! I've passed so-called current celebrities on the street and I wouldn't recognize them unless they slapped me in the face and blurted out their name, then I wouldn't have any idea & I'd say: "Who? Please say your name again". Bette was one of the ultimate actresses of all time.

[@jeffcraven7376]

My comment above: Now I remember, the name of the movie above was "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane". Now if I have another bright idea, it's probably gas.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

@@jeffcraven7376 Thanks for the chuckle!!!

[@BellaFirenze]

@@jeffcraven7376 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and All About Eve.

[@scotnick59]

@@jeffcraven7376 "All About Baby Jane"/ = Hahaha

[@jpp144]

I'd watch modern tv if it was as entertaining as this.

[@eviesmail5447]

Donaldducker and how !!!

[@davidsanderson5918]

Me too. Oddly enough, I cancelled my TV licence this week having dismantled my aerial and chucked away my set-top box the week before. I'm done with modern TV, news in particular and have been for a long while.

[@katlynlykstad5810]

Right! Same!!❤️

100% agree

[@filipkogut8533]

I'm 22 from Poland and I enjoy this show more than anything we have in TV nowadays.

[@tonichappell7596]

Dorothy Killgallen is a beast at this game she gets them right the most on the panel.

[@toshiamiyumi2604]

She is a journalist and a socialite and writes about theater and the stars so she is in the know!

[@blacknight7643]

Arlene and Bennett were really smart.

[@waynebrasler]

No matter how big a star Bette became, and she became the biggest, she remained a lady from New England with all the intelligence, class and sense of self that implies. I know people who worked with her who said she had incredible energy and incredible powers of analyzing any character she was portraying. Yes, she coul be difficult, they said, but she was also great fun.

[@robb7398]

Charles Laughton was a man, he was a perfectionist, he was also often described as difficult.

[@scrapplepig]

hichik Why?

[@11redlions]

Sh would take any part, she din't worry about a glamorous image. A true actress.

[@robmartin2138]

Wayne, Ms Davis was everything a lady and politely polished too! Very gracious to her fans, she was truly a remarkable lady! Just dont mention Joan Crawford!!!!

[@emmabradford1740]

Wayne Brasler -- prideful and stuck-up, like the rest of the New England folk

[@davidthomas8258]

Mis Dorothy Kilgallen was quite the smart lady. If there was anyone that ferret out information, Miss Kilgallen could. Quite smart and intelligent.

[@johngalt7382]

Very sad, a real life Lois Lane, she has been gone almost as long as I have been alive. Have you googled her?

[@davidthomas8258]

@@johngalt7382 Yes I have. That's why I made this reply to the video. Miss Kilgallen was a trailblazer.

[@johngalt7382]

Yes, and here we are nearly 60 years later, finally seeing what Dorothy, Eisenhower, JFK, Marilyn, and a likely slew of others we never heard of may have known way back then.

[@chairlesnicol672]

Wonder if betty Davis n Joan Crawford were close neighbors in NYC?

[@mrcoiganable2988]

@@johngalt7382 Everyone hated lois lane, so I see your point.

[@joewells1492]

Hey WML, after reading your description of the time you invest making these shows available, I wanted to extend my thanks, and convey my best wishes! I really love watching these shows, it's a great way to finish my evenings! I really had no idea how much goes into getting these shows ready to show (and honestly I still don't) but again thank you for putting in the time. These really are a treasure! Best regards- Joe Wells-

[@satori03]

ditto

[@gorgeouss79]

Bette Davis, WE LOVE YOU

[@shirleyrombough8173]

- Despite how I hate the "perp walk" and the free guesses I love this program. Especially since Dorothy was still among us.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

The hairdos worn by Dorothy and Arlene seemed so typical of that decade, the 1950s.

[@satori03]

Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck= The BEST!

[@erika8627]

The guy goes in for a lip kiss and she totally disses him! You go, Bette!

[@jerrylee8261]

He grabbed her head and tried to force her to kiss him. How crude and tasteless.

[@dinahbrown902]

Hal was a sad fool

[@mollyjane98]

And then he looks at the audience bewildered, like he didn’t do anything wrong and she was the one at fault. I’ve known his kind. Pathetic.

[@robertholman8730]

Hal was and adult with a teenager mindset😮

[@anneroy4560]

@@jerrylee8261 He was not fit for the show and was soon gone.

[@thetiler]

I wish TV now was as entertaining as so many of these What's My Line videos are! I go through channel after channel and have to get on the net and watch programs that are oldies to get some great entertainment! When I get my popcorn I should make it to watch shows like this one! WaY tO Go !

[@WhatsMyLine]

I'm glad you're enjoying it so much. It's a hugely addictive show.

[@Bigwave2003]

I look forward to trying Finesse Flowing Cream Shampoo.

[@bethe192]

LOL that got a big laugh outta me in a quiet midnight home, hahaa.

[@anselmgolden8286]

It's still being made! 😊

[@ginnylorenz5265]

@@bethe192And a year later.............that is funny!!!!!

[@BG-ph8hp]

😂

[@davidleigh443]

Bette Davis co-founded the Hollywood Canteen during WWII, a USO style place, were servicemen could enjoy sandwiches, coffee, desserts served by Hollywood stars and could dance with young actresses and models. I believe over 2 million servicemen and some women entered their doors. I don't know if she was ever awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, if not she should have been.

[@jackkomisar458]

In 1980, she was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, the United States Department of Defense's highest civilian award, for her work with the Hollywood Canteen.

[@StASiA70]

My husband and I just love this show! Thanks so much for making these available for us!!

[@WhatsMyLine]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@davidjames2723]

Great to see Bette Davis on this show, my mother used to imitate her when I was a kid back in the early 60's and my brother and l would laugh

[@LaurelDenver]

Now THAT is a star.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Oh yes, that Hal Block was one hell of a star. None bigger. ;)

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

I'm not a huge movie buff, other than WESTERNS, but her performance in WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE was incredible.

[@4Astaroth]

I am watching so many of these lately and it is never boring. This was a good show from other times. Thank you for uploading such a great show for us. I love the line "Would you wear something else at work?" "No, nothing other than street clothes." and I thought "Yes there was a time in history when everyone was dressed like he owned a bank or has a high representing job."

[@ingridmaier5864]

They just don't make such great shows like this anymore today. Thank you so much for uploading.... ☼♥☼

[@BobPetrone]

The contestants and celebrities had so much class. Where has it all gone? Please upload as many of these episodes as you can. I was born in 1951 so it's really great watching these shows.

[@rebeccagable9629]

I was 4 when this episode aired but watched this show when I got older...

[@robertholman8730]

@BobPetrone class was gone when the younger parents in the 60s eliminated it!😢

[@deborahwood9304]

I almost hate to admit this but I used to (and still do) LOVE this show. Davis was 44 here - and already had her bad girl rep ... but she was one helluva an actress .... I don't know HOW they got Bette Davis out of those questions LOL -- Thanks so much for posting.

[@Rushmore222]

Bette Davis was a giant Hollywood star. I'd go so far as to say she helped build the industry.

[@rainysunday6186]

rushmore IV Don’t think so. The industry would have progressed as it did without her. No one even remembers her anymore.

[@DavidBrown-jk2pm]

--> Rainy Sunday. Comments like that one... The woman was and remains a LEGEND! Plenty of people are alive today who know Bette Davis. Where have you been?

[@SymphonyBrahms]

@@rainysunday6186 Most people remember her. She did help build the industry. She was a major star. She is a legend. And what have you done that has left an impression of any kind, other than put a dent in your chair and the potato chip crumbs on the floor.

[@dariapoklemba2150]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm a 2nd generation Bette Davis fan. So, with the comment of no one remembers her anymore, I count, whether you allow for it or not, the last time I checked. That's like stating no one remembers Norman Rockwell or raggedy Ann!

[@helendarvall8059]

@@rainysunday6186 And you speak on what knowledge or authority? It was Bette Davis who had the courage to challenge the studio system's exclusive 7-year contracts; she sued Warner Brothers for better scripts and fairer conditions, which led to Olivia de Havilland, her great friend, finally succeeding with a later suit. The entire industry held her in high regard. She became the first female President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in 1941; co-founder (with John Garfield) and President of the Hollywood Canteen, ensuring there were always stars on hand to dance with the soldiers; she talked about how she and Marlene Dietrich scrubbed the floors there late at night. In 1977, Miss Davis became the first woman to receive the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. Two Academy Awards, ten nominations. Yes, Miss Davis was demanding: dress, speak, behave correctly. And always, always do your best work. It was all about the work.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Mayor Butler lived til 2010. Survived by wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

[@jvcomedy]

+raleighman3000 Yes, he was 94 years old when he passed away. He was the youngest mayor in San Diego history and held a law degree from Stanford. Obviously a real achiever.

[@MadStacks007]

Can you imagine the autograph book of all of the celebrities that were on that show. What a absolute treasure.

[@brittlizzzzzz]

Bette Davis' voice for this is perfection!!

[@scotnick59]

In reality, she had laryngitis: even Bette wasn't THAT versatile!

[@Rickswars]

I can't believe I'm watching this in 2019, and recently moved back to my old community, the world is round they say!

[@lisahinton9682]

Hey there, What's My Line - thanks for this upload, complete with commercials. It sure is nice when one of these episodes is discovered, complete with a peek into the past advertisement practices of the day. Thanks again!

[@poetcomic1]

Bette got out of there like a house on fire.

[@AllenMQuinn]

+poetcomic1 It's interesting. I just finished watching Dick Cavett's interview with her, and she admitted how she doesn't like people she doesn't know kissing her when being introduced, and then I saw how she reacts and flinches when she's kissed on the cheek.

[@poetcomic1]

***** Hal Block was a repulsive jerk.

[@lucindasommer720]

+poetcomic1 I liked him.

[@lucindasommer720]

+Lucinda Sommer I felt sorry for him. He seemed to be at a loss as to how to behave around women. I'm 64 years old, & have softened in my views toward others, thinking more on what might motivate them to behave badly. I see Hal as a sad clown.

[@MichaelSmith-ui5zs]

Who are you referring to please?

[@pronkerpronker6708]

I love how the guests wear their best bib and tucker for the shows - mink stoles, fancy hats, etc. It's charming and how they sort of stare when they first come out, and then John places them on their X spot for the cameras. It's difficult to imagine our selfy-taking era folks being so tongue-tied and camera shy.

[@domainofthesun4400]

it's stage fright! (even for some of the celebs)

[@evelyncagle9595]

Watching What,s My Line is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

[@mikehudson8884]

How wonderful to see the whole show complete with sponsor ads.

[@WhatsMyLine]

Glad you appreciate it-- thanks for the comment! :)

[@VERYTRUEFACTS]

here's another Classic , love these old shows but this one is a real CLASSIC !

[@jamesm.3967]

So happy that this channel exists. Thank you.

[@Appleholic1]

Dorothy Kilgallen was brilliant

[@Bluejeans0701]

What's My Line? Thanks a lot for your prompt response to my comment. I think Bette wanted to hit the ceiling; she had her self-control to appear calm. Anyway, she is one of my favorite actresses regardless of criticisms against her. Thanks to you from Japan.

[@WhatsMyLine]

My pleasure!

[@deliusamat7705]

Hearing the panelists say "out of doors" rather than "outdoors" is such an interesting thing for someone who was born in the 90's

[@petemarshall8094]

Even better is to hear somebody with proper diction say “going to” rather than “gunna”.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Wonderfully entertaining episode ! THANKS for uploading ! What a treat to see those original commercials ! Though I have NO idea who Hal Block was. Had never heard of him before watching this vintage episode. Very rude of him to force a kiss onto mystery guest Bette Davis. He came across as a rather obnoxious character... :-(

[@scotnick59]

Repulsive to Bette!

[@lllowkee6533]

I agree, Block is always obnoxious. You can be funny w/o that, like Bennett. He’s usually charming tho at times comments on a guests weight.! 🤷‍♀️

[@MrsWilberforce2]

I love, love, love Bette Davis!! She's my most favorite actress by far!

[@cynthialyman2636]

I for one love the retro commercials. Although I wasn't born until 1960, I almost feel like I'm back in my earliest television viewing days.

[@jfree336]

Cynthia Lyman I feel the same and was also born in 1960

[@DLAN-jb3hb]

So was I.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Very reminiscent for me. Born in 1942.

[@craigsmith157]

@@ginnylorenz5265 Same here. Born in 1970 and LOVE this show. It's addictive.

[@brosans1868]

A perfect example of Hal groping the contestants! And Ms. Davis no less!!

[@jmccracken1963]

He did NOT grope Miss Davis. He kissed her on the cheek!

[@brosans1868]

Only because Miss Davis was quick enough to turn her head to avoid the head-on facial which the gropingly gross Hal WOULD have planted on her smacker; AND then after the show head over to Toots bar and brag about it till they toss him out of the joint! Go SEAHAWKS!!

[@gaelengesser9484]

jmccracken1963 grope? He grabbed her head and tried to force a kiss on her mouth! He's luck the desk was in the way.

[@brosans1868]

ya sheer

[@cassiemoira]

Bette sure didn't seem to feel comfortable on TV did she? Took her awhile to crack a smile. Thanks for uploading!

[@bleepiestofbloops]

She had laryngitis (as she did when she appeared a decade later).

[@burrator8291]

I think she enjoyed doing the voice. I think she was enjoying herself but was taking it kinda seriously.

[@JD-jc8gp]

She was just embodying the Bette Davis vibe.

[@juniavent]

I love that voice, when I was a kid I had a voice that high, and my teacher made me sit with the girls. when I grew old enough to enjoy it, my voice changed.

[@joanbennettnyc]

And Bette Davis just gets up and leaves... Love it...

[@chriswesterfield2042]

Yep, in keeping with her personality. She's the boss and does things how she wants.

[@coolfinetime]

I guess she had a bad day. She looked tired and unhappy.

[@ja1756]

Such beautiful handwriting

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Jules Montenier sold his brands to Helene Curtis in 1956 and Stopette passed into history. Finesse on the other hand was developed by Helene Curtis into a complete range of hair-care products and the line is still around today.

[@robertholman8730]

I use it since it's inception 😊

[@victoriataylor5457]

Thanks so much for these great old episodes of What's My Line, I enjoy them very much. Remember watching these with my parents and grandparents some ,great memories.

[@tomtriffid]

The most interesting thing about having the commercials in this episode is how few of them there are compared with what we have to deal with today.

[@El_Ophelia]

I noticed that as well. Today we have more minutes of commercials than we do of actual TV.

[@jerrylee8261]

I have a remote and can skip thru commercials but there are so many and they take up so much time they still annoy me. I couldn't watch regular tv if I had to sit thru those irritating minutes. It seems tv is saturated with commercials. They have them every 5 or 6 minutes and sometimes less.

[@robertholman8730]

First commercial on TV. None existed till this show 😊

[@Tahgtahv]

Since the show was sponsored by a single company, at least in the early years, there was not really any need to spend a lot of time advertising. It's much rarer now, but you still see it sometimes on networks such as PBS.

[@Marie-p9m]

Love this show I was very young when it came on don't remember it at all but watching it now those were the days when TV shows were on

[@robertholman8730]

Only 3 channels and for several hours.😊

[@omarosemoon1005]

2 of my fave bette davis movies, watcher in the woods and a pocketful of miracles

[@pinedelgado4743]

I was born and have lived in and around San Diego all of my life!!! I was born here in "America's Finest City" in 1967 and I've NEVER heard of this particular Mayor of San Diego!!! Thanks for the download!! BTW. I NEVER would have guessed a Mayor of San Diego, California being on WHAT'S MY LINE!! But, I guess ANYTHING can happen!!!! :) :) :) :)

[@evelyncagle9595]

Bette Davis is my favorite actress. I miss her so much. Thank goodness for celluloid.

[@boognish999]

Say what you will about Hal Block but his line of questioning often got good results. Don't forget that this was 70 years ago.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

he was a rube

[@loniedavis1167]

REALLY ENJOY THIS SHOW ! THANKS FOR THE FULL COMMERCIALS !

[@WhatsMyLine]

My pleasure-- glad you enjoy the shows!

[@spiritualcoachastrologer-cyndi]

The past two weeks I have been watching so many episodes of "What's My Line?" and this one has the commercials as well. I noticed how proud they are of plastic bottles. Now 70 years later we see the folly of such an invention.

[@starababa1985]

Shampoo was the first product offered in bottles, as I recall. Having glass bottles near the tub was a source of anxiety back then, because of bare feet.

[@feralfarrell1336]

Thank you for sharing and saving these. Nothing like it!!!!❤😂😊

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Bette's resting b---- face was menacing but whenever she smiled, and her eyebrows lifted, she was such a cutie. Her beauty was underrated. "Classic beauty" is in the eye of the beholder.

[@joycejean-baptiste4355]

The Stopette commercial by Ms. Joyce brings back memories. My mother used to subscribe to Glamour magazine. I loved reading it.

[@timothyernest6429]

The greatest actress of all time.

[@TheChefLady4JC]

🎼She's Got Bette Davis Eyes...🎶🎵

[@hiyapal7719]

TheChefLady4JC And yet, no one sung about her adorable smile, lol.

[@robertfiller8634]

No denying that! And, she's ferocious!

[@janinefarris2748]

This Woman Betty Davis has that star quality with her substantive demeanor I truly enjoyed her acting ability kinetic unique authentic

[@lettiegrant9447]

There are none like her today that's for sure.

[@starababa1985]

Bette Davis did sing and dance in those Hollywood canteen movies during WWII. She performed a memorable jitterbug with a highly energetic G.I.

[@jadeshannon5583]

What's My Line?Thanx so much for this entertaining show!

[@WhatsMyLine]

Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@robertkahan3826]

Miss Davis has said a few times on TV interviews that she was brought up as a Yankee girl and never cared for “all that kissing” on TV talk shows. She has said she never used first names right away until she got to know someone better. This episode here was an illustration of what Miss Davis did not care for! Just shake hands Mr. Block!

[@ejej6934]

Block was fired from the show after ignoring repeated warnings to cut out his suggestive remarks to or about women. His behavior was, at a minimum, inappropriate. Cerf indicated that Block would ask female contestants for their phone numbers and said, " He even got up once and chased a pretty girl across the stage like Harpo Marx used to do. He thought this was funny." He simply didn't fit in.

[@noras.5355]

Loved me some Bette Davis!!

[@edisone1]

It is still rather annoying to see the Mystery Guest rush off camera, instead of allowing a few minutes for the audience (us now, or those so long ago) to enjoy a bit of chit-chat and pleasantry.

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

Love these shows thanks for posting very great entertainment 😀

[@keymaninmusic]

Seeing these celebrities that I only knew vaguely (but certainly once of) it's very sentimental. What a channel this is!

[@Barnabas45]

Always loved Bette Davis, She never let the fame go to her head!

[@emmabradford1740]

she certainly did

[@domainofthesun4400]

@@emmabradford1740 She was all business, tough as nails - she had to be. I don't know if I'd call that "going to her head"

[@emmabradford1740]

@@domainofthesun4400 then I guess you don't need to know

[@dinahbrown902]

You heard different gossip than I did. Who knows?

[@helendarvall8059]

@@dinahbrown902 I do. I worked for Miss Davis in her latter years. Fame was never her thing. It was all about the work, even as she battled back from a mastectomy, a broken hip and a severe stroke. She was strong, but not tough as nails. B.D.'s book nearly killed her; she never got over it.

[@ginaloverofangels]

I get a kick out of these short commercials. Compared to now a days when were bombarded by 15 commercials at a time.

[@francine8806]

I would love to have those products in squeeze containers like that. Too bad they're no longer available.

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

Arlene Dorothy and Bennett the three greatest players ever

[@blakemrolfsensanchez547]

And Dorothy Kilgallen

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

@@blakemrolfsensanchez547 haha yes I said Arlene. Dorothy , and Bennett

[@blakemrolfsensanchez547]

@@lawrencecunningham7321 Oopps read wrong here hehe. I am so sorry

[@waltermirren7957]

I am old and I LOVE these videos. Thank you!

[@waltermirren7957]

Seriously, I am old.

[@waltermirren7957]

Walter Mirren Bette Effing Davis. Thank you for that.

[@SuperWinterborn]

Walter Mirren I think the major part of the viewers here are in the ages from their 40s to their 70s. ;)

[@JohnMiller-uc6oc]

I'm 53 and enjoy these shows. I wasn't even born then and think these women are beautiful.

[@jadeshannon5583]

I've only seen Bette Davis in one movie but I think she's a superb actress.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

VERY entertaining ... quick & witty ... enjoyed watching, thanks!

[@keithnaylor1981]

Old disjointed tape in a very poor state but still PRICELESS. Wonderful performances and a joy to watch, and at last a mystery guest I've heard of! KAN 9.19 UK

[@addagwenlyn9662]

Geez, it's weird seeing Bette smile.

[@KckStartMyHeart]

John: "We just had a committee meeting. It's [the answer] no!" Bahahaha....That cracked me up for some reason!

[@esmeephillips5888]

Hal Block had been a top radio scriptwriter for comedians such as Bob Hope. He was the first funnyman to be a regular on WML, and at first reviewers found him a breath of fresh air, but it went fetid when audiences complained that he was becoming obnoxious and smutty. His TV career never recovered from being quietly cut loose for Steve Allen, and he seems to have vanished from the biz by the Sixties- an early example of the tube making 'em and breaking 'em.

[@larrydickman4507]

Very interesting. He kind of rubbed me the wrong way, then I read this, and it makes sense. His Wikipedia article has more detail.

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

The way he kissed Betty Davis.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@lawrencecunningham7321 Bette was becoming regarded in the same light as Lynne Fontanne or Ethel Barrymore: a grande dame in Hollywood as they were on Broadway. So it was not tactful of Block to treat her the way Harpo Marx, in character, would have behaved with a chorus girl.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Looks like Hal Block's last namecheck in Variety was in November 1960. He is listed among guests at a Guild of Variety Artists open audition for membership applicants, and is pointedly labeled as 'ex-TV panelist'. He sent the paper occasional jokes in the late 1950s and had a humorous column in the Satevepost, but his only television gig noted from the late Fifties was guesting on a Joe Franklin nostalgia show. Variety carried obituary notices for everyone from performing fleas upward, but I cannot find one for Hal. Total eclipse.

[@domenicv7962]

Hal Block was so much more interesting than the super boring Bennett Cerf

[@paperbackonly8438]

Watching this again I’m really impressed with Dorothy’s forensic approach and genius instinct. “I don’t know how we get into anybody using anything” when she took over the question, and bam! “You work for a city government” by the time she finished it.

[@esmeephillips5888]

That was Arlene, not Dorothy.

[@paperbackonly8438]

@@esmeephillips5888 6:35 ”I don’t even know how we got into anybody using anything.” - 7:20 “Is it local?” Trust me, that’s Dorothy.

[@soulierinvestments]

The commercial is fascinating. A Star is Born. Early Finesse.

[@savethetpc6406]

soulierinvestments And the Stopette commercial too -- fantastic! It actually made me wish I could buy the product! :D

[@robertholman8730]

I still use finesse to this day😊

[@Johnnyboytoy12]

That was a lot of fun to watch!

[@RobJazzful]

WITH commercials! Doesn’t that give us a wonderful peek into the past?

[@mthivier]

It looks strange to see Arlene Francis so young, without her trademark silver/blonde hair.

[@walkergillette3918]

flip top bottle back in 1952? wow!

[@austinbleedinghearts]

Thank you so much for sharing these shows. (This particular show was broadcast on my 2nd birthday.)

[@nunosoares2329]

Bette. Stunning lady. RIP. Overdue condolences to the family. 😔💐

[@jadezee6316]

Bette Davis...the Greatest actor ever to appear in motion pictures....

[@jerrylee8261]

Hear! Hear! She was expecialy good in dramas and was good in The Man Who Came to Dinner altho she deliberately appeared as somewhat old maidish. I guess she didn't want to try to compete with the beautiful Ann Sheridan who made the movie with an outstanding performance. I have never seem Ann looking more beautiful and couldn't take my eyes off of her.

[@craigsmith157]

My Lord, Dorothy was so smart.

[@Qboro66]

Though the resolution of the kinescope of this episode is low, Arlene Francis was looking quite yummy. Btw this show is a fine display of the lost art of perfect speech. Bette Davis was very cute and charming on her segment and my take away is she had a dry and witty sense of humor.

[@kevinashwood2146]

Me, too! Especially Bette Davis. She is one of a kind!

[@alarahillton1343]

Bette liked fashion, too, from early days till end, she often wore leopard ❤️fashions. Those sleeves are to die for. And she always wore hats. ❤️

[@allenjones3130]

Ms. Davis's falsetto voice was ribtickling!

[@bikerguy5944]

Although I love the show, they knew what actors and actresses were in town that week and were schooled on that. Therefore, it wasn't very difficult for them to know who it was.

[@MissCaitlin93]

The women on the panel are so sharp. They hone right in.

[@kathrynoneill5862]

Even Bette handwriting was unique.

[@lindaeasley4336]

The 1950s thru 1970s were the golden age of television 📺

[@timgordon3458]

Excellent show

[@mikeilamenk]

That’s a voice I’d recognize no matter how disguised, lol. Her 1962 guesting was more fun, she stayed for a little chat. Oh I love you Bette Davis ❤️ Also I would like to try that Finesse flowing creme shampoo in a squeeze bottle!

[@robertholman8730]

You can buy it in plastic bottle today😊

[@huykute06]

she was like "why am i even here?" lol