To Tell The Truth

TO TELL THE TRUTH-January 8, 1957 (4th episode)

Host: Bud Collyer
Announcer: Bern Bennett
Celebrity Panel:

  • Polly Bergen
  • Hume Cronyn
  • Hildy Parks
  • Dick Van Dyke

FIRST GUEST: Ricky Starr, #1 and #3 are male, #2 is female.

I, Ricky Starr am a professional wrestler with a current string of 136 consecutive wins.  As a professional ballet dancer, I once appeared as a soloist with the St. Louis Municipal Opera and I have also danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.  My hobby is cooking, and I have a library of more than 500 books on the subject.  I swear that the above statement is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth

Signed, Ricky Starr

POLLY:
#1: What kind of a theatre is the St. Louis Municipal Opera?
In a deep voice, I heard “The Midwestern Opera Company”.  It’s a regular theater
#2 agrees.
#3 says is the one of the largest outdoor theaters in the world.

HUME
#3: “What is an entashaw?”
French for weave.
#3: “What is a pas de deux”
A dance for two
#3: What is Lichine’s first name?
David
What is Eglevsky’s first name?
André and Hume’s run out

HILDY:
#2: “When you were with the Ballet and warming up, how long a barre did you do every day?”
At least 20 minutes, generally starting with basic five positions and adaptions into other steps.
“What do you have to do to win a wrestling match?”
Accomplish two out of three Falls

DICK:
#1: What is an arabesque?
To raise your leg
“What did you do at St. Louis Mun. Opera?”
Danced as a Ballet Dancer. He got to Monte Carlo through an audition for a tour.

BACK TO POLLY:
#1: “Is the wrestling champion of the world amateur or professional?”
All three say professional!
#1: Is the hammerlock legal?
All say yes.

HUME:
#3: “Who is Mrs. Beeton”
Don’t know, #2 says wife of Cecil Beeton, while #1 says the wife of Arthur Beeton
#3: “Who is Peggy Harvey?”
#3 and #2 both stumped

HILBY:
Herself: “Who is Mrs. Beeton?”
#1: “Who wrote the Joy of Cooking”
He and #2 are stumped.
#3: “What is the meaning of Saute”
He says a small jump, Hilby meant cooking.  It’ll have to be left in the kitchen.

DICK:
#1: “What is Saute?”
“Something you do in the skillet”
“Were you ever a singer”
Only in the bathtub
“Who’s recognized as the greatest male ballet dancer?”
Nijinsky

POLLY:
#2 “Saute”
To fry in butter
“How long have you been a professional wrestler”
About four years
“What made you go into it?”
After her dancing, she became very friendly with a wrestler who showed me a few holds.
Hey, this is 1957, no room for that kind of smut

HUME:
#2: Name of couple of your cookbooks. 
There’s the Fannie Farmer series and Meta Given’s Encyclopedia of Cooking, and one by Escoffier.

VOTING TIME:

Polly: #3 (“I don’t know”)
Hume: #3
Hilby: #3
Dick: #2

THE REAL RICKY STARR IS…
#3 ($250, Dick shot himself in the foot)

#1: Nicola Mocorner, boss of the Metropolitan Opera

#2: Barbara Terry, Avon Sales Lady from NYC

Dick gets Nicola to sing for real and Polly wants to see Ricky do a dance.  In a small stage, he manages a great series.  Also his trademark in the ring.  Hume’ll send copies of Mrs. Beeton and Peggy Harvey to him.  Polly’s disappointed she didn’t get to wrestle Barbara.

SECOND GUEST: Patricia Saddleman

I, Patricia Saddleman, am the receptionist in Jackie Gleason’s office.  I am also secretary to all of Jackie’s fan clubs and as such read and answer all of his fan mail.  I was a beauty contest winner.  At one time in my career, I was a professional dancer and I have appeared in three motion pictures.  I am an ardent New York Yankee fan.  Incidentally, I have an identical twin sister.  I swear the above statement is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Signed, Patricia Saddleman

DICK:
#1: “What is your name?”
Let’s try again
“What is your sister’s name”
Jean
#2: “You are Jean Saddleman, What is you sister’s name” Ann
#1 “Where were you born?”
Syracuse, New York

POLLY:
#3 “Do you also have an identical twin?”
Easy yes
“Who is the Producer of the Jackie Gleason Show”?
Jack Hurdle, the others agree
#1: “Who is Jackie Gleason’s personal manager?”
Louis Durcum
#2: “Who is Jackie Gleason’s director?”
Frank Satenstein

HUME:
#3: “Where did you make your pictures?”
In New York at Paramount Studios
“Who was your cameraman”
She can’t remember, she was only five.
#3: “Have you got an agent?”
No, and Hume’s stumped

HILBY:
#3: “Where was this beauty contest?”
New York City also when she was five.  The movies came right behind it.
#1: “Where was your beauty contest?”
McConnellsville, New York. Sister Jean was there, too.
“How come they picked you?”

DICK
#2: “Who directed Jackie Gleason’s show last Saturday?”
Frank Satenstein again, #3 doesn’t know and #1 agrees with 2.
#2: “Where were you born?”
Bayside, Long Island 
“Where was Ann born?”
I don’t know (That was Number 2, Dick)

POLLY:
#2: “Where is Ann?”
Can’t tell you, her Dad doesn’t know either.
#1: After correcting whose sister is whose “Who is Jackie Gleason’s agent?”
Neither #1 or #3 seem to know.

HUME:
#3: “What agency represents him?”
Music Corporation of America (MCA), Jerry Katz
“Where is Mr. Gleason’s office?”
The Park Sheraton Hotel, and she works there.
“What are your office hours?” (Polly chimes in, “And What are you doing Later?”) 
9:30 to 5:30, there is a coffee break

HILBY:
#3: “Who sponsors the Jackie Gleason show?”
Bulova and Old Gold
“What is the name of the poodle of Jackie Gleason’s secretary?”
Muffet or Moffit
“How many floors in your office?”
Two
#2: “Where were the motion pictures were made that you appeared?”
In Hollywood TIMES UP!

VOTING TIME

  • Polly #3 (First time I’m positive, so I’m wrong)
  • Hume: #3
  • Hildy: #3
  • Dick: #3

THE REAL PATRICIA SADDLEMAN IS…
#3

Her real twin sister, Janet, is in Ohio.

#1: Ann Harden, a housewife from McConnellsville, as she said.

#2: Jean Creelamn, housewife from Bayside, Long Island

Frankly, the whole panel thinks they’re all triplets.  Polly confirms that Patricia’s sister really wasn’t in the same beauty contest.  The movies Patricia starred in were like the Little Rascals.

Oh wait, no score!  That’s okay, they’ll each get $50 for their work.

Good night from:

  • Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
  • Jessica Tandy
  • Anastasia
  • Mickey McGuire

To Tell the Truth is owned by Fremantle.

TO TELL THE TRUTH-January 1, 1957 (3rd episode)

Host: Bud Collyer
Announcer: Bern Bennett
Celebrity Panel:

  • Polly Bergen
  • John Cameron Swayze
  • Hildy Parks
  • Dick Van Dyke

FIRST GUEST: Myna Shelton

I, Myna Shelton, am a criminal investigator in the office of the county prosecutor.  I deal in murder, arson and other felonies. I am an ex-postmaster and was once a secretary to the governor of my state.  For seven years, I was active in show business as a singer and dancer in vaudeville and nightclubs.  Despite the fact that I am a grandmother, I am proficient in the art of Judo.  I swear that the above statement is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 

Signed, Myna Shelton

HILDY:
#1: Difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? 
The misdemeanor is not as great an offense as a felony.  A felony would leads to imprisonment in state prison.
#3: What county are you in the office of prosecutor? 
Nassau County in Long Island

DICK: “From tan to anemic”
#3: What do you have to do to own a revolver or automatic pistol in this state?
This is a stumper
#2: Same question
You have to have a gun permit…that’s all the time for now

POLLY:
#1: How do you address a governor?
Mr. Governor or Your Excellency
#2: Same Question
H.G., which means Big Governor?

JOHN:
#1: The difference between judo and jujitsu?
Judo could kill a man by hitting a certain nerve
#3: Which is the most deadly?
John moves on to #2, who says Judo
#2: What state are you secretary to the Governor?
New Jersey, name of Robert Minor. #1 can’t answer in time.

HILBY:
#1: Where’s the Statehouse?
Trenton, New Jersey, under Gov. Hoffman several years ago.
#1: What did you do in show business?
Sing, but not well enough, so she had to take up judo.

DICK:
#1: If I was a fourth offender and I was picked up for robbery what would that be? 
“You’d have to rob the warden boy, you’d be out of this world forever”
#2: Would registration of a revolver in the state be legal?
Not sure about the laws in New York

POLLY:
#3: How do YOU address the Governor?
“Your Excellency”
#3: Who is the second-in-command to a governor?
Blank
#1: Same question
A Lieutenant Governor
#1: Have you ever had any personal contact with a governor?
“I Sure have, wanna hear about it?”

JOHN:
#1: Where were you a Postmaster?
Rockville, Maryland
How large is Rockville?
She’s not sure, but she does know it’s the county seat of Montgomery County
How many postal carriers?
Not sure about the question
HILBY:
#2: How many grandchildren do you have?
“Oh, I have one!” sounds confused. #3 also says one, but #1 says three.  Just ran out of time for their ages.

VOTING TIME:

Polly: #1 (“The one I Think it is or the one I’m sure it isn’t”)
John: #1
Hilby: #3
Dick: #1

THE REAL MYRNA SHELTON IS:
#2 ($1,000)

And Polly felt the sweep coming. Hilby questions her about how she didn’t know about Lieutenant Governor.  She was thinking of his name before the bell rang.  And what about H.G.? Harold G Hoffman.  Tomorrow, Myrna’s starting civil service, starting as a secretary in and for the County Prosecutor’s Office.

#1: Gussie Mitchell, bridal consultant in China and Silver with Charles Schwartz and Sons in D.C. and Silver Springs

#3: Dorothy Munster, works as an exclusive dress shop in NYC (not sure of the name)

SECOND GUEST: Tom Joseph

I, Tom Joseph, was born and raised in Texas.  I am now a member of the Texas State Legislature.  After my discharge from the service, I attended college under the G.I. bill and graduated with a degree in agriculture.  I started with $350 and before I was 30 years I controlled more than $1 Million worth of real estate, had an interest in several oil wells, was Chairman of the board of Three Banks and Director of two others.  At one time, I received over six hundred proposals of marriage which in no way accounts for the face that I got married three days ago and now in New York on my Honeymoon.  I swear that the above statement is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 

Signed, Tom Joseph

POLLY:
#1: Does the government have any sort of tax benefit for oil investments?
A 27.5% depletion income tax
#2: Any other benefits?
“Everything the government does for us depletes the resources”

JOHN:
#3: What about these marriage proposals? 
“After we brought in Charlie Three from Lubbock, he threw a party with an emcee from Hollywood.  It aired on TV where Tom was asked if he’d like a gorgeous wife with all those millions?  Proposals came in in just a week”

HILBY:
#1: Who takes care of your money?
The IRS handles the most of it.
#2: How did Texas vote in the last election?
Democratic

DICK:
#1: What is the chief byproduct of oil?
Petrochemicals, which includes gasoline of course.
#2: What is the largest byproduct? 
“Money brother, is there any other” Number #3 agrees.

POLLY:
#3: What’s the best investment you ever made?
“My Wife” AAAAWWWWW!
#2: What is your capacity in the State Legislature?
“Senator” and Polly doesn’t know much about Senators

JOHN:
#3: “What is the capital of Texas?”
Austin, but he was born in Brownwood
#3: “Where’s the Panhandle”
In the North, and Amarillo is there.
#1: Where were you born?
Not just Texas, Houston
What’s the Largest Town in Texas now?
Houston
#2: Same question: “Being Born in Dallas, I hate to say it out loud”
“What do you think of Fort Worth?”
It’s the Jumping-off place to West Texas.  He was born in Dallas

HILBY:
#3: “What is Rotation Planning?”
A system where you don’t deplete the land by using too much of the minerals by rotating crops.  And if you’re lucky you’ll get oil out of the hole.
#2: “Who is the head of the legislature”
Too much of a challenge to answer right away.

DICK:
#1: “Did you marry one of the 600 proposals?”
Oh sure, and she wasn’t a Texas girl.  She’s from Mississippi.

VOTING TIME

Polly: #3 (Going the other way this timE)
John: #3
Hilby: #3
Dick: #3

THE REAL TOM JOSEPH IS…
#1 (Polly’s hunch)

#2: W.G. Foster, Minister in Florence, SC

#3: Red Evans, songwriter and news publisher and he loves the new accent.  In fact, Polly recently recorded one of his songs.  He just missed the session.

And here comes the bride.  He did the proposing.

Time to say good night from:

  • Wrongway Coragan
  • Spike Jones
  • Mud
  • Eloise

To Tell the Truth is owned by Fremantle.

TO TELL THE TRUTH-Christmas Day 1956 (2nd Episode)

Host: Bud Collyer
Announcer: Bern Bennett

Celebrity Panel:

FIRST GUEST: Mitchell Parrish

As usual, there are three men that say “My Name is Mitchell Parish”. Only one is the real deal and it’s up to the panel to find out. First, Bud reads the affidavit:

I, Mitchell Parrish, live in the suburbs of New York City.  In my youth as an amateur, I boxed with Barney Ross and Tony Canzoneri.  I have also worked as a clerk in New York City Court.  In 1950, I graduated from College—Suma Cum Laude.  I am a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  By professions, I am a songwriter.  I wrote the lyrics to many songs including “Deep Purple”, “Stars Fell on Alabama” and “Stardust”.  I swear that the above information is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Signed, Mitchell Parrish

In this early version, the panel have multiple turns to question our contestants. Thirty seconds each, up to five minutes.

HILDY:
#2: When you write the lyrics to songs, do you write them in New York City?
Not necessarily.
Where did you write Stardust?:
In New York
Did you collaborate with someone?
Oakie Carmichael wrote the lyrics
Did he come to New York?
He was already there
Hildy just started with #3 before her time was up

DICK:
#3: What have you written lately?
Sleigh Ride and Clare de Lune (struggled with the answer)
Who was the first to record Deep Purple?
Benny Goodman

POLLY:
#1: The Definition of a bridge in music:
The release in the chorus
#2: Same question
Same answer but adds, “It only comes out after the third 8 Bar”
#3: How many bars in Stardust?
16
#1: Same question, 32
#2: Same question, 35

MIKE:
#1: The lyrics to Deep Purple:
“When the Deep Purple Falls Over Sleepy Garden Walls”
#2: Continue:  Time’s up

BACK TO HILDY:
#3: You were a clerk in a court in New York City, what methods did you use to record what was going on”  He says he was a clerk for a municipal court, only making appointments not recording, in the capacity of…Time runs out

DICK:
#3: Finish the lyric: All I Want for Christmas is a Girl Millionaire.  He thought it was “Billy Nair”
“A girl would come from Texas with a rose in her hair
#2: Same line “With a Million of her own and another million to Spare”  (Round of Applause)
#1: Saved by the Bell

POLLY:
#1: Finish Dick’s Challenge:  “A girl would come from Texas with an oil well in her Hair”
Who has the big record on Clair de Lune?
Perry Como
When did you write the adaptation of Clair de Lune?
No Time

MIKE:
#3: What school did you graduate from?  Colombia
What subject?:  Psychology
#1: Same questions, New York University in English and Modern European History
#1: What year did you box with Bonnie Ross?
In the 30s
Who was heavyweight champ in 1930?
All he knows is that he didn’t spar with him.

HILDY:
#3: When you set out to write the lyrics of Clair de Lune did you have to get permission?
No, it was public domain.
#1: Said he did have to get permission from the French Estate of Debussy.
Who hits harder, Bobby Ross or Tony Canzoneri?
Tony TIME’S UP!

VOTING TIME:

The group of three will get $250 for each incorrect vote.

Polly: #1
Mike: #3
Hildy: #1
Dick: #3

THE REAL MR. MITCHELL PARRISH is:
#1 ($500)

#2: Carl Panke, investment banker in New York

#3: Ted Nelson, public relations counsel

Mitchell reveals he wrote Stardust in ’31 and how he used to work out with Bobby Ross in the gym.  Polly asks Ted how he knows so many musical terms.  He got it from musician clients, but Polly figured it out getting Stardust wrong.  Mike found it hard to believe how Mitchell forgot his own lyrics. Carl studied music, and that’s how he followed up on the Stardust question.

SECOND GUEST: Hermoine Zanacki

Affidavait:  “I, Hermoine Zanacki, am a Licensed barber in a men’s barber shop.  I am secretary-treasurer of my local barbers’ union and the first woman Vice-President of the State Barbers’ Association.  In High School, I played on the Girls’ Basketball Team.  I have also worked as a movie usher.  Among my souvenirs is a picture of myself and Dagmar.  Once, I had dinner aboard the atomic submarine, Nautilus.  I Swear that the above information is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

Signed, Hermoine Zanacki

POLLY:
#1: When did you have your picture taken with Dagmar?:
1953 aboard the Queen Elizabeth
Why?  She was sailing home to England signing autographs at the time.
#2: Where are you from?
Norwich, CT

MIKE:
#3: Where do you barber?
Manhattan, NY
#1: Same question, same answer
#1: What is the price for a men’s haircut?:
$1.25
#3: Same question, same answer
#3: The price for a Manicure?
$1
#1 says they don’t give them.
#2: How much do you charge to Shave?
$1
The name of your shop steward?
#2 blanks and the rest say there are the shop stewards.

HILDY:
#3: Where did you go to high school?
Manhattan. 
#2: Norwich, CT
#1: Norwich, England
#2: How long did you have to study to become a barber?
Six Months
After High School? No
So, you’re the only woman in the state of Connecticut who (DING)

DICK:
#2: If your razor slips and you cut someone, what’s the first thing you do?
I apologize.
#3: How much do you charge to trim a beard?
50-75 cents, depending on size. Van Dyke would be charged the 75.

BACK TO POLLY:
#3: What position did you play on the Basketball team?
Guard
#2: Same question, same answer
#1: Ditto
#1 Again: Where were you a movie usher?
In England, but #2 says Connecticut, again and #3 says the Bronx.

MIKE:
#1: How many men are on a basketball team?
Five, #3 agrees but #2 doesn’t know
#3 Under what circumstances did you have dinner aboard the Nautilus?
Her brother was the Chief Torpedo Man.
Who was the commanding officer?
It wasn’t necessary for dinner?
Did you eat in the war room?
“It might’ve been”

HILDY:
#1: When did you have dinner aboard the Nautilus?
About a year ago.
Before or After the Shakedown?
A silent smile
#3: Do you know how many men are in the Crew Aboard the Nautilus?
No.
#1: “When you were an usher, when you set people did they tip you?”
No, and she doesn’t know about the rest of Europe.

DICK:
#1: Where is the barbershop?
50th Street Close to 10th Avenue
Were you a barber before you came to this country?
No
Did you find it was hard to pass the state examinations?
I enjoyed it
What did you have to do?
After 30 days, you suddenly have to make your first haircut.

POLLY: First trying to figure out what a shakedown is
#1: How much does a barber’s license cost?
$5, Total time is up before asking the others

VOTING TIME:

Polly: #3
Mike: #3
Hilby: #3
Dick: #3, Wait he meant #2

THE REAL MS. ZANACKI IS…
#2 ($750)

WHEW! Almost a shutout

#1: Lorna Kersey, elevator operator

#3: Ethel Agby, head of a draft board

A few questions about not knowing questions.  A girls’ basketball team has six players, they thought, and the Shop Steward is known as a business manager.  Hilby asks about the Nautilus. Hermoine’s boyfriend (said girlfriend) is stationed aboard.

Time for our panel to say good night:

  • Mrs. Calabash, wherever I am (Polly)
  • Scrooge
  • Jubilation T. Cornpone
  • Doodles Lieber

To Tell The Truth is owned by Fremantle.