Wally Bruner

WHAT’S MY LINE? Stats-Week of September 9, 1968 (Premiere Week)

PANEL SCORE CARD:

  • Soupy Sales :1
  • Meredith MacRae: 2 (2 Mystery Guests)
  • Gene Rayburn: 3 (2 Mystery Guests)
  • Arlene Francis: 5 (1 Mystery Guest)
  • TOTAL: 11-4 (5-0 Mystery Guests)

CONTESTANTS:

  • Record: 4-6
  • $50: 4
  • $45: 1
  • $35: 2
  • $25: 1
  • $5: 2*

*-Contestant given full $50

TOTAL WINNINGS: $395 ($350 not counting Little Egypt)

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-Aired September 13, 1968

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson
Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Meredith MacRae
  • Gene Rayburn
  • Arlene Francis

Ah, but Arlene all of those things I have done, none of them compares with working with you on What’s My Line? and the rest of our very charming panel.

What things?? We don’t know, Buzzr clipped the intro again.

FIRST GUEST: Rufus Harley (Philadelphia, PA)

He’s self-employed and deals with a service.

Soupy: With what you’re wearing, would that have to do with what you do? (Afro-centric outfit)
It IS what he wears, but it’s not necessary $5
Meredith: Do you work for a profit-making organization?
Forgot the self-employed bit, she gets a pass.
Can your services be provided for both men and women?
Yes
Do you entertain people in any way?
Yes
Indoors more than outdoors?
Both, though mostly indoors. Not important, though.
Do people watch you?
Yes
You don’t touch people in any way?
No means Yes
Do you hold anything in your hand?
Yes
Can you perform on a nightclub stage?
Yes
When you have this thing in your hand, can you also move it away?
Yes
Are you a juggler?
No $10
Gene: Does who he do involve music?
Yes
Is his instrument in the string family?
No $15
Arlene: Is it a pipe?
Hmmmm, yes
Do you hold it in your mouth?
Yes
Something other than the flute?
Yes
Would knowing the instrument be essential?
Yes
“An instrument that we are not so accustomed to seeing in our orchestra?”
Yes
In the Kazoo Family?
No $20
Soupy, going through all of what Arlene has found out: Are you a clarinet player?
No $25
Meredith: The instrument longer than a whistle?
Yes
Do you play a recorder and cobras come up?
No $30
Gene: An instrument that the Western World is familiar with?
Yes 30 second warning
Is it a recorder?
No $35
Arlene with a final question: Does your costume bely the quality of the instrument, by that I mean is it anything like a bagpipe…

ARLENE DOES IT AGAIN! Yes, Rufus PLAYS BAGPIPES, Jazz bagpipe. He’s part of a four-piece combo and the American Federation of Musicians. Plus, he’s the only Left-Handed Bagpiper And of course, we have a performance.

SECOND GUEST: Bob Krugman (Chicago, IL)

He’s self-employed and deals with a product.

Arlene: Would I be interested in your product?
Possibly
Be interested for a man?
No $5
Soupy: Would it be good for an animal?
No $10
Meredith: Does your product come in contact with the body?
Yes
Is it other than clothing?
Absolutely not (No Means NO this time) $15
Gene: Is it an expensive product?

Does it change the appearance of the individual involved?
Hopefully
In the cosmetic field?
No $20
Arlene: Is it anything in the massage field?
No $25
Soupy: Benefit from the body up?
Sometimes “I’m beginning to understand you”
Soupy Passes
Meredith: When someone wears this product, can you see it?
Yes it’s not undergarments
Is it an accessory rather than a whole thing?
No $30
Gene: Is it made of animal substances?
Sometimes
Can also be made out of plastics?
In the broad sense
A harness?
No $35
Arlene: Would I be interested in buying for an animal?
No $40
Soupy: Would a woman wear this more than a man?
Definitely, Passes Again
Meredith (who was thinking Strait Jacket at one point): is it a bikini bathing suit?
No $45
Gene: Is it decorative?
Yes
Do you design the ones you make?
Yes
Is it made of fabrics?
Yes
Are they NOT utilitarian?
Yes means NO! Game over

Arlene would’ve gotten it: Bob makes MATERNITY CLOTHES, owner and designer of Plus One. Or Plus One Etc. depending on how many children a mother has. Before this, he was a stage actor and rock singer.

MYSTERY GUEST

Wally figures it’s okay to cut the panel 30 seconds, since this one is so well known. (2 1/2 Minutes Total)

Meredith: Are you in the entertainment business? “You might say that” (Sounds like Paul Lynde)
Gene: Are you primarily an actor? No
Arlene: Are you in the theater? No
Soupy: Are you known mostly for television? “Sort of”
Meredith: Have you ever had your own television series? Yes
Gene: Do you sing? “Sort of” (Deep-voiced)
Arlene: Are you singing someplace around New York at the present time? Yes (About to burst)
Soupy: Would this be in a nightclub? Yes and No
Meredith: Are you also known for your recordings? Yes
Gene guesses Mel Torme…RIGHT!

Mel was nervous after he did an interview with Patrick O’Neal. When O’Neal asked about lunch, Mel let him know off the record. Pat joked that he was on the panel. Soupy talks about a special Mel did with the Marty Page Group. Gene was amazed Mel could disguise his voice.

Closing: Looking back on the past week, Wally points out some great highlights. Soupy learning Yoga, Meredith’s father as a mystery guest and Arlene’s amazing skills. She doesn’t take all the credit for the work.

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-September 12, 1968

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson
Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Meredith MacRae
  • Gene Rayburn
  • Arlene Francis

FIRST GUEST: Debbie Kath (Roseville, MN)

She deals with a service and is self-employed.

Soupy: Is it a service I might come to you for?
Yes
A service in some way or manner touch me?
She says yes but after a conference No! $5

Meredith: In your service, do you instruct people?
No $10

Gene: Is this a practical service?
Yes
Is it in the cultural field?
No $15

Arlene: Is your service for human beings?
Yes
Could they ever come to you more than one at a time?
Yes
Do you work indoors?
No $20

Soupy: Do you instruct in any way?
Been there, done that!
Do it have to do with sports?
Yes
Is it unusual for you compared to a man?
Yes
Is this a national sport, or seasonal like football or baseball?
No $25

Meredith: Is it a team sport?
No $30

Gene: “Do you put the shot?”
No $35

Arlene: When you’re involved, are balls involved in some way?
No $40

Soupy: Is this a sport where animals would be involved?
No (Last Chance)

Meredith: Do you hold something or move something with your hands?
Yes
Are you involved with chess or bridge?
Game Over

Debbie Kath is the youngest female hot air BALLOONIST in the world. And she does instruct, but it’s not her basic job. Ballooning is more about advertising and putting on a show. She can stay up around an hour “while my gas holds up.” (No Fart Jokes, please) All this started after writing a paper for 8th grade about “Stratospheric Research”. Busy for a 19 y.o., Debbie is also her hometown “Miss Roseville.” As for airplane, coming here was her first flight.

NEXT GUEST: Eddie Pulaski (“Fun City”, NY)

He’s self-employed and deals with a product.

Arlene: Is it a useful product?
Yes
A product one would find in a home?
No

Soupy: A man would use rather than a woman?
Yes
If I wore it, would I look different?
Yes
Something that would approve my appearance from the waist up?
Yes
Do you have anything to do with beards?
Yes
Do you sell fake beards?
YES (AND MUSTACHES)

Soupy’s FINALLY GOT ONE THIS WEEK! Mr. Pulaski been at this for a year. He gets many young men who can’t grow their own facial hair. Other clients work in banks or other places that don’t allow it. Eddie’s new career followed 30 years being a barber. Indeed, Gene was a customer and would’ve disqualified himself.

Onto the demonstration, Eddie puts a businessman type on Wally. “It’s a bit difficult to breathe.” Before going to Soupy and Gene, Eddie reveals his fake hair…including his head. He makes hairpieces, too! Soupy (Diabolical, Mitch Miller) and Gene (“Gilded The Lily”)

MYSTERY GUEST

Gene: Are you wearing a beard? Yes (still can’t tell man or woman)
Arlene: Is it your own beard? Yes
Soupy: Do you have a television show? No
Meredith: Are you known primarily for motion pictures? No
Gene: Are you an author? Yes, among other fields.
Arlene: Are you also a musician? Not particularly
Soupy: Are you also an actor? Yes
Meredith: Have you ever appeared on Broadway? No
Gene (who thought he had it): Are you inscrutable? Yes (both in bad Chinese impressions)
Arlene: Have you done any records? Yes
Soupy: Do you currently have a record that’s a best-seller? No
Meredith: Did you ever have a partner? No, under a minute
Gene: Do you have a mustache? Yes
Arlene: The last time I saw you, were you not smooth-shaven? Yes
Did you write “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” Yes
IT’S ALLEN SHERMAN

Wally declares it’s time to take the fake mustaches off. Allen’s is real! A staff member tried to pull it off backstage. Among other things (writer for “I’ve Got a Secret”) he’s casting a comedy musical for Broadway. His last record “Togetherness” was released about a year prior. Wally recounts a story about Allen and his maid in California. He’d just been fired from “The Steve Allen Show” They were trying to decide who should file for unemployment pay. The other would’ve had to clean the house.

Closing: Big news, Arlene has been elected to the United States Hall of Fame in Washington. To add to that, her son Peter is in Phi Beta Kappa in college.

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-September 11, 1968

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson
Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Meredith MacRae
  • Gene Rayburn
  • Arlene Francis

FIRST GUEST: Miss X

She’s self-employed and deals in a service. (Wally forgets to show the audience the answer

1 Gene: Is it a physical activity?
Yes
Do you wear a certain costume when you perform?
Yes
Is it in the general field of entertainment?
Yes
Is it something that might go on in New York?
Yes
Could I do it with you?
Yes
“Would you like to meet me after the show?”
Yes (OH-OH!)
Would it be a pleasurable experience?
Yes “You do your show and I’ll do mine!”
Would it be remunerative to you?
Yes (There’s some compensation for her)
Would it change my physical appearance?
“It Could” but for the most part, No $5

2 Arlene: Is it a good idea to have music playing?
Yes
Does dancing come into it in anyway?
Yes
Are you a go-go dancer or belly dancer?
THE SECOND ONE

And Miss X’s real name is…LITTLE EGYPT! The Little Egypt, great granddaughter of the original who performed at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. This Little Egypt has been performing since five, but in nightclubs for about 6 1/2 years. And it pays extremely well…SHOCKER! Wally decides to pay her well by awarding the entire $50.

She went out the wrong way. Should I go get her?

Gene

SECOND GUEST: The Rev. Dale Lend (former assistant pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church)

While attending school for his Masters at New York Theological Seminary, he’s in an occupation. It’s salaried and deals with a service.

1 Arlene: Have anyone ever called you a “swinging minister”?
Yes
Are you interested in new music?
Yes, but it might lead you on the wrong path. Wally lets it go. Since it ruined her plan, Arlene will pass. NOW it’s a No $5

2 Soupy: “You’re the guys who originated turtlenecks”
Something concerned with entertainment?
No $10

3 Meredith: Does it involve teaching?
No $15

4 Gene: Is it a full-time job?
Yes
Are people’s lives benefited in any way?
Perhaps (Let the laughter begin)
Sex involved?
Yes
Families?
Mmmm….No $20

5 Arlene: Do you move around from place to place?
No $25

6 Soupy: Something that I might come to you?
Yes
If I had this problem, would I have a problem?
Perhaps
If I came to you over a period of time, would it change my outlook?
The Rev. thinks so
When a person finishes coming to you, are they liable not to bother with a particular vice? Gambling, drinking, wild wild women?
Yes
Do you deal with alcoholics?
Sometimes, Soupy Passes

7 Meredith: Are you involved with gambling or card playing?
No $30

8 Gene: Do you work with young people or teenagers? (Arlene: “Alcoholic teenagers”)
No $35

9 Arlene: Does psychology have anything to do with you job?
Psychology made fit in to any job, but overall in this case, No! $40

10 Soupy: Anything to do with Alcoholics Anonymous?
No $45

11: Meredith: Do you come in contact physically?
Game Over $50

The Rev. must confess: He’s a BARTENDER. He works at Mr. Lacy’s in NYC for the last seven months and graduated from the International Bartending School. No, Arlene it’s not a milk bar. And at the job, Dale’s Reverend Uniform stays at home. On Sunday, he preaches at various congregations as a fill-in. It’s a way to relate to people he wouldn’t meet at work.

MYSTERY GUEST

1 Meredith: Are you in the entertainment business?
Yes (sounds like Donald Duck)
2 Gene: Are you an actor?
Yes
3 Arlene: Are you also a singer?
Yes
4 Soupy: Are you currently starring on your own television show?
No
5 Meredith: Are you my father?
YES, Gordon MacRae

Gordon’s been doing that “Donald” voice since Meredith’s been a baby. Now he’s doing it with her 2-month-old daughter, Amanda. He was hoping Meredith would catch on, since only Rich Little can do it better. (What about Clarence Nash?) The proud father dotes on his other daughter, Heather. She’s appearing in a movie and previous in a show called “Here’s Where I Belong” Truthfully, Gordon and the missus never gave advice about going into show business. He didn’t even know when Meredith got her first TV role in “My Three Sons”. The girls discovered it for themselves. Meredith said they’d preferred she’d become an English teacher.

Closing: Gene is a Yachtsman. Living in Long Island Sound, he was surrounded by boat races, but only got into it 3-4 years. Moving to Cape Cod, Gene bought a 13 ft. Fiberglas Catamaran and discovered the thrill of sailing against the elements.

He was in a yacht just the other day. He chased his girl around the deck for three hours.

Soupy

Gene gets more time with boats that he did with flying a plane.

The stalling ends so we could get to the real show: Little Egypt showing her stuff!

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-2nd Taped Episode (Aired Sep. 10 1968)

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson

Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Meredith MacRae
  • Gene Rayburn
  • Arlene Francis

And I tell you, Arlene, it’s much better being here than Saigon.

Wally’s intro, with no context (Why’d you delete the panelists intros, Buzzr??!)

FIRST GUEST: Esteene Del Rio (Chicago, IL)

Some strong whistling as Esteene signed in. She’s self-employed and deals with a product.

Gene: Does what you do bely your physical appearance?
Yes
Would I come to you?
Yes
Would it make me happy?
Yes
Would it cost me a great deal of money?
No $5

Arlene: Is the product edible or coatable?
Neither $10

Soupy: Would it help my home?
We don’t know what kind of problems Soupy has in his home, but generally No $15

Meredith: Does it come in contact with the body?
Yes
Is it other than clothing?
Yes means No $20

Gene: Are there animals other than humans that use the product?
Yes “I concluded that”
Household pets
Yes
Canine family?
Yes
Is it edible?
No $25

Arlene: Would the canine wear it?
Yes
Wear it on the head or neck?
Sometimes
Does it cover a certain area?
Yes
Do you make raincoats, fur coats or dresses?
ALL OF IT

She designs fashions for dogs, including mini skirts. Selling to department stores, grooming shops out of cloth and paper and. Prices go up to $500, the lowest Wally said was 298. ($298 or $2.98?) Time for a fashion show!

Shelly and Gigi are wearing psychedelic Lame line, changing full-length gown and a mini. Gene decides to help the human model transform. In her hand is Celito, both wearing paper embossed fabric. It’s totally disposable! (The other was cleanable.)

After the break, Wally offers Arlene a fitting for that special outfit; Arlene was more into the dog’s hair

SECOND GUEST: Bernice Gera (Indiana, PA)

She’s self-employed and deals with a service.

Soupy: Is it a service I might come to you for?
Perhaps
A service I’d come to you rather than you come to me?
A reluctant Yes
A service that would help physically?
It might
Would it make my house a better house?
Definitely No $5

Meredith: Do you wear a uniform?
Yes
Is what you do instructive?
To a degree, Yes
Do you work indoors more than outdoors?
Outdoors, So No $10

Gene: He gathers it’s more utilitarian than aesthetic?
Yes
Anything to do with food?
No $15

Arlene: Can we rule out sports?
No $20

Soupy: So it can be sports?
Yes
Is it a sport?
Yes
Is it a sports with both men and women?
Wally’s explanation flew over my head like it did Soupy’s
Bottom Line: No $25

Meredith with another wild guess: Are you a girl’s gymnastics instructor?
Not this time $30

Gene: The people that come to you benefit physically?
Debatable, but Wally makes it No $35

Arlene: Is it a team sport?
Yes
A sport indulged by men a great deal?
Yes
Even more than women?
Yes
Usually a man’s job?
Yes
If you’re not a instructor, are you a lady umpire?
YES

Mrs. Gera work for semi-pro with police departments. She next wants to get into real minor league baseball. And she used to play, hitting 350 footers! You could see her in live demonstrations around NYC with real Major Players such as Roger Maris. Problems in regular stadiums include lack of a dressing room. Soupy says she’d be a good cook because she can dust off the plates! Anyway, Bernice is mostly a base umpire so she doesn’t wear the chest protector. A new one is being designed for her. Mrs. Gera leaves us with her “YOU’RE OUT!”

MYSTERY GUEST

Arlene: Does one find you in the entertainment pages
A Deep Yes
Soupy: Associated with Television rather than Broadway?
High Yes
Meredith: Are you a comedienne?
yes
Gene: Are you appearing on Broadway?
No
Arlene: Do you appear on your own show?
Teary No
Soupy; Is there just one of you?
Now Yes
Meredith: Have you been associated with another person?
No
Gene: Are you Joan Rivers?
YES

And she was afraid they’d never figure her out. Gene has worked with her so often, he’s recognized her voice, despite all her attempts. Exclusively here on What’s My Line?, Joan announces her upcoming talk show. She promises it won’t compete with this show. Tapings start in two weeks. Being on the Tonight Show has been her big career boost. From seven bucks a week working office temp, her salary has skyrocketed…up to $12 a week. Joan also mentions the “Upstairs at the Downstairs” club where she works with her husband. They also have a seven-month-old to watch. Wally gets Joan to talk about writing her material. Soupy mentions how few women are out there in comedy. “Don’t get me started” “Show them your Mickey Mouse (watch) ” “I’ve gotta give it more cheese”.

Joan: Show them your Mickey Mouse (watch)
Soupy: I’ve Gotta give it more cheese

Closing: Soupy’s history with throwing pies. It started in Cleveland in 1950, and in those days, he’d whip up eggs or cream. One director gained lots of weight from eating offset. Many stars have gotten “creamed” by Soupy including Frank Sintara, Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Shirley Maclaine and Jimmy Durante. There’s also a plug for his 25th High School reunion at West Virginia.

What’s my Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-Taped February 4, 1969

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson
Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Shari Lewis (Lamb Chop) “She’ll be working all our heads” as Soupy
  • Bert Convy (Shoot Anything With Hair That Moves)
  • Arlene Francis, who wishes Wally a Happy New Year!

FIRST GUEST, but first the blindfolds.
Mr. X X

I’ll just say Mr. X X came through the audience and went past the panel coming to the set. Wally says he’s in the entertainment business.

Bert: We’d recognize you on sight, wouldn’t we?

Have you been in the news recently?
Perhaps, but also at any time.
Is what you do significant to us?
We’ll say it’s to find out who you are AND what you do
Do you do this in front of large audiences?
Yes
In Television?
Again, COULD BE
In the broadest sense, is this a physical act?
Yes
Do you wear a costume?
Yes, and you recognize him pretty quickly.
Does it have to do with the circus?
Not directly, but still Yes
Would you be a clown?
Absolutely Not $5

Arlene: Is what you’re wearing like an animal skin?
Yessss!
Are you inside of something in the shape of an animal?
Yes
Do I need to find out what kind of animal?
More of a general area what he does (“What is he, like Jonah?”)
Do you clean up (RE-DO) or destroy anything?
You’re close, but Wally’s ending this game already.

Mr. X X is Stunt Man Janos Prohaska, a CREATOR OF MOVIE MONSTERS, and who came in dressed as an extra from “Planet of the Apes”. Prohaska just happened to be Soupy’s double for a movie. He’s the chief monster man in Hollywood for a long time making chimpanzees. Oh, and here’s another of Janos’s creations…a ROCK MONSTER. “Thank you, Johnny Olson”. Other costumes are brought out, all made by Janos. They decide to made a bird out of Bert, putting a Coo-Coo Bird costume on his head.

SECOND GUEST: Stella Owen (Swansee, Wales)

Stella is the official national hostess of Wales and is playing a role when Charles is made Prince of Wales. What we’re talking about is a day job, salaried and dealing with a service.

Soupy: Do you do it outside? (The job)
Sometimes
I mean, an outside object, but you can do it inside?
Yes
Done on certain farms?
No $5

Shari: Would I come to you?
Yes
Would you touch me in any way?
Yes, but not necessarily.
Would it enhance me physically?
Eventually
In a form of something you’d say to me?
It would, but it’s not a basic part, so No $10

Bert: Would anything be exchanged?
No $15

Arlene: Anything to do with physical exercise?
Yes
Do you instruct?
Yes, and Arlene figures out the rest. Stella TEACHES PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It’s at a Junior/Senior High School and also teaches dancing and skin diving. Currently touring the U.S., she’s inviting guests for the future king’s investiture. Arlene is expecting Mr. Burton to be there (Actor Richard Burton, I presume). Besides her beauty, Stella’s position as Hostess come from her knowledge of Welsh accents and affairs. Not to mention being educated and speaking abilities. She has a doll dressed as Charles will be for the big event; robe, crown, silver sword and all. Also shown is a replica of the crown shown identical size. I’m not going to try to spell out her translation of “What’s My Line” in Welsh.

MYSTERY GUEST

Arlene: Known primarily for work in motion pictures?
No (Sounds weak)
Soupy: Primarily for Television?
No
Shari: Are you a boy or a girl? (Doesn’t count)
Are you currently appearing in this here town?
Yes
Bert: Are you in theater?
Yes
Arlene: Play in Broadway?
Yes
Soupy: Is it a musical?
No
Shari: Is it a play that originated in another country?
No
Bert: Is it a comedy?
No
Arlene: Is it a play that received enormous acclaim and was tried out in another state?
Pause, “Did someone leave the stage” Not in another state
Soupy (with 30 seconds): Is it Donald Pleasance?
NO!
Shari: Do you have laryngitis?
No, but you will in two minutes.
Are you in a play with a small cast?
No
Bert: It has to be James Earl Jones?
YES!

Arlene calls out his answer that the play “The Great White Hope” DID open first in Washington. D.C. But D.C. is not a stage. With that out of the way, she remembers to praise Jones for his work. He recounts how the play was supposed to just be at the Arena Theatre and never expected to come to New York. Especially hard with such an enormous cast as they were talking about.

HONEST ANSWERS

For Bert: “Where do you buy those beautiful clothes?”
Answer: He makes them himself! No wait…he had a tailor make the suit he’s wearing. The shirt was bought here in New York, imported from England. It’s bright yellow to match the tie. (Close Up) Not too expensive actually.

For Soupy: “How did you get to be coach of the Harlem Globetrotters?”
Answer: They needed help. Wally says it was between him and Vince Lombardi, but Soupy says it was Guy Lombardi. The team is a bunch of great clowns, from one to another.

And as the credits roll, Janos and Johnny O. invade the panel in full costume.

What’s my Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-Taped January 21, 1969

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson
Celebrity Panel:

  • Nipsey Russell
  • Joanna Barnes
  • Bert Convy
  • Arlene Francis

FIRST GUEST: Nancy Moritz (Yonkers, NY)

She’s salaried and deals with a service.

Bert: Could I avail myself in this service?
Yes
How about Arlene?
Yes
Do the people come to you?
Yes
Do you wear something else?
Yes, most of the time
Is it a uniform?
Yes
Is it an essential service?
Yes
Is it in the health field?
No $5

Arlene: Yonkers had Arlene thinking the Chamber of Commerce, is it a non-profit?
Yes
Branch of the government?
No $10

Nipsey: It has nothing to do with health?
Yes, it doesn’t
Anything to do with children?
Yes
An institution with the education of children?
In a sense
Do you deal with children and parents?
Yes
Do it have to do with orphans?
Sometimes, but No $15

Joanna: Anything to do with bringing kids and adults together?
Yes
Anything to do with foster homes and adoptions?
Yes, but it’s one of the extra services.
Do you work indoors?
Yes
Anything to do with the law?
No $20 (30 seconds left)

Bert after shifting through all the possibilities he was wrong about PASSES.

Arlene: Anything to do with the Lord?
Yes
Are you a minister of some kind?
Yes, but it’s not enough (Wally reminds the panel she wears a uniform)
Is she a nun or sister?
No Game Over

Our guest is Capt. Nancy Moritz of THE SALVATION ARMY. And guess What? Arlene is an honorary Colonel, of the “best army in the world”. At the time, there were over 300,000 people in America and 2 million around the world! Let’s not forget the Salvation Army Christmas Band! Nancy says it’s not a requirement, but it’s about the joy of singing for the Lord. She plays coronet and tambourine. Sometimes piano, too, rough playing in December. Back to tambourine, we see sheet music written for the instrument. It’s in shapes looking straight out of geometry. All instructions for timing and choreography. It’s too confusing, we need a demonstration. Three tambourine dancers from the Salvation Army School of Officer Training in the Bronx.

  • Cadet Eileen Smith
  • Cadet Betty Jones
  • Cadet Joan Burke

After performing The March Parade by the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army, it’s the panel’s turn. Three symbols are shown with numbers indicting the rhythm. Easy to explain, hard to show here, but the panel gets it.

SECOND GUEST: Sheldon Goldstein (Norwich, NY)

He’s self-employed and deals with a product.

Nipsey: Would the product be contrary to something that your appearance indicates?
Wally gets it, Sheldon’s appearance is not a giveaway to his product.
You don’t sell razor blades, do you?
Since Nipsey agrees he meant it, No $5

Joanna: Does it have any electricity?
No $10

Bert: Would we find it in our home?
Yes
Would it be mainly found in one room in the house?
Yes
Usually on the ground floor?
Yes
A room with an oven?
Yes
Could you hold it in your hand?
Yes (Wally makes a fish face)
If you held it in your hand, would it be functional? (The audience can’t hold back snickers)
Yes
Anything to do with the preparing of food?
Yes
Is it an implement?
Oh a utensil, No $15

Arlene: Something put in the mouth?
Yes
Is it a “Food substance” itself?
Yes
Is it something you’d have for lunch?
Yes
Is it an accessory to the meal, instead of the main course?
Yes
Does it grow in the ground?
Yes
Does it have a distinctive odor?
Yes (There goes the audience)
In the vegetable family?
Yes (15 second)
Garlic, Onion or Pickle?
No, No, No $20

Nipsey: Is it a seasoning or garnishment?
No, expect in one case. And in this case, GAME OVER

It’s not radishes or ketchup, either. It’s SAUERKRAUT! Sheldon has his own company, “Ready Pac Foods” in Norwich. At the time, they were making 40 million pounds a year!

MYSTERY GUEST

Joanna: Are you a motion picture performer, predominately?
No
Bert almost wants to make a guess “It couldn’t be!”: You’re on the stage primarily?
Yes
Bert’s guess: Eileen Heckhart
WRONG
Arlene think she knows it, too: Are you currently appearing in a Broadway play with a small cast and is a big hit?
Yes
Arlene’s guess: Maureen…Wally finishes it, STAPLETON

And she was so afraid she wouldn’t be recognized, she would’ve signed in as Marlene Dietrich! Arlene says Maureen didn’t disguise her voice, but she says otherwise. Anyway, our guest is appearing in the play “Plaza Suite”, really three one act plays. Joanna mentions Maureen would soon appear in a movie, but she hates flying. She’s booked a train instead, too bad the 20th Century to Chicago was closed by this time. Wally suggest a freight instead! The film was “Airport” adapted from the book which she didn’t read. Maureen is playing Van Heflin’s wife. Afterwards, you would expect to see her return for the theatre version. The irony is not lost on Arlene.

HONEST ANSWERS

For Bert (From Helen O’Donnell, NYC): Do you have any children?
Answer: Yes, Three Children. Ages 30, 24 and one’s about to graduate from college.

Arlene butted in. It’s 8 years, 3 years and 14 months.
For Arlene (Mrs. T.H. Moore, Gainesville, FL): Which do you prefer: Television or legitimate stage and why?
Answer: Devoted to television, it’s been very, very, good to her. Any actress prefers the stage for the excitement of playing to an audience. Overall, she likes them both.

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE?-Date Unknown

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson

Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Anita Gillette
  • Bert Convy
  • Arlene Francis

FIRST GUEST: Francis Kelly (Bronx, NY)

He’s self-employed, concerned with a product

Arlene: Might I possibly have this product?
You Could
Used by both sexes?
Yes
Does it come in contact with the person?
No $5

Soupy: Found in the home?
Yes
Found in one room more than another?
Probably, but Wally calls it a No $10

Anita: Could I hold it in my hand?
Yes
Comes in contact with other places beside the hand?
No $15

Bert: Is this product functional?
“It Lives” Bert heard it, but Francis and Wally deny it.

Go on, you big stoop!

Does it do something?
Yes
Does it perform a task for the home?
Not necessarily $20

Arlene: Is this product is or has every been alive?
Yes
In the animal family?
Yes
Is it a pet?
“It Can Be”
Is it a Bird?
Yes
Is it a Canary or Parakeet? (There’s a difference)
Canary
Does it talk?
No $25

Soupy: “He gains 300 pounds and hollers CHEEP?”
Not a question
Do you train canaries?
Yes

“They kamikaze canaries. They throw themselves in cat’s mouths?”

Train them to sing?
YES

Our bird expert has brought a quartet of his class of 60! Yes! 60! Johnny O. brings them out, after they’ve been flying around the dressing room. Wally says a cat stood by in case they got rowdy. Francis has no problem living with ’em all By listening to what the mic was picking up, they are have bass voices. Wally needs to bring them closer. All you can do is give them time to work out their stage fright. In a contest, birds get up to a half a hour to perform!

Our birds have gotten a little better. In other knowledge, Francis uses a graduate canary to train students. But with only a little taste, another group of birds serenade us. (The Panel)

SECOND GUEST: Dianna Engel (New York City)

She’s salaried and deals with a service.

Soupy: Would I come to you?
Yes (Bert: Can I come with you?)

Are you wearing something other than what you’re wearing?
(Dianna has a typical 60s floral dress) No $5

Anita: Would I use it too?
Yes
Would I enjoy it as much as Soupy?
Aside from some side benefits, Yes
Do you touch people?
No $10

I’m so sorry to hear that?

Bert

Would you say this service would make me feel better?
No therapeutic benefit but Yes
Would I need an appointment?
No $15

Arlene: Are you employed with others in the same line?
Yes

A place where one might wants some relaxation?
Dianna says Yes but Wally doesn’t think so. Arlene’s getting miffed, so it’s a Yes
Do they serve anything to eat or drink?
A definite No $20

Soupy: Is there an office?
Yes
Do you do any paperwork?
Yes
Do people come that have a particular problem involving paperwork?
Dianna was unsure, but time’s up anyway

Arlene guesses it’s a cashier. Soupy guesses a hostess on a patrol wagon. Both wrong! She’s a STOCKBROKER. Her company is Kern Securities. How did a nice girl like you get in a business like this? She just started investing, got good and decided to spread the knowledge. And the men don’t see to mind if you earn their respect. Soupy and Bert are in for sure.

MYSTERY GUEST

The guest welcomes us in a voice sounding like Julia Child.

“It’s one of my mother’s favorite shows and one of the birds is loose backstage.

Bert: Are you primarily known for television?
Yes, giggling with excitement
Arlene: Do you have your own series?
Yes
Soupy: A nighttime show?
No
Anita: Afternoon talk show?
No
Bert: Game Show?
Yes
Arlene: Are you the moderator?
“Yes, and I’m so beautiful”

Soupy: GENE RAYBURN, everyone knew it.

Gene says he’s done plenty of voices with his wife…

IT WASN’T A JOKE, A BIRD IS LOOSE!

Anyway, Mrs. Rayburn says Gene has a certain tone in his voice. The only option was Falsetto. The entire panel has been on “The Match Game”. Along with all those game shows and #1 DJ in New York, what’s left? Two Things: Create a starring role in Broadway and movie. After that, he’ll quit! ANYTHING BUT THAT! Reminisicing about past What’s My Line appearances, there was the time Gene milked a cow with the boy from Illinois. One of the most popular things fans talk about. Soupy says the cow should’ve gotten kid gloves, Gene’s got the coldest hands in the business. Cold Hands, Warm Personality!

Honest Answers:

Marsha Robbins (New Rochelle) for Soupy:
“Do you really wear a Mickey Mouse watch?”
Answer: Yes, and we get the closeup to prove it. When it slows down, he feeds it cheese

For Bert: “What was your occupation before you became an actor?”
Answer: Played in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system

Arlene: Do you have any dogs?
Answer: Not currently, but there used to be Otto Von Bismarck (Dacushand), Sheep dog, Scottie, Russian Wolfhound.

Wait, what about the canary! He flew to the top of the lights and finally began to sing. Don’t call the Humane Society, the bird’s back in safe hands.

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle.

WHAT’S MY LINE-Taped November 19, 1968

Host: Wally Bruner:
Announcer: Johnny Olson:

Celebrity Panel:

We start with the blindfolds on.

FIRST GUEST: Gary Brower (New York City)

He deals with a product and is salaried.

Arlene: Is it a product those on the panel might use?
Yes
Used in the home?
No $5

Soupy: Are we blindfolded because we’d recognize your face?
No $10

Phyllis: Would I use it in contact or inside my body?
In Contact
Would it better or enhance me?
Not necessarily, but close enough.
If it did want it’s supposed to do, would I be better?
Nothing could improve her, but it’s a Yes?
Something you rub on your skin?
A Clear No $15

Gawn: If I didn’t have the blindfold, would I guess what it was?
Doesn’t help, doesn’t hinder, can’t take it off
Would it come in contact with the skin above my neck?
Yes
Anything to do with makeup?
No $20

Arlene: Something that is worn from the neck up?
Yes
Something worn on the face?
Yes
Worn in the area of the eyes?
Yes
(After a whisper from Gawn) Do you make blindfolds?
Yes, the very ones the panel is wearing right now.

Gary’s company, Eve’s Costume Company, has been making blindfolds for “What’s my Line?” for many years.  These blindfolds are custom, made not to mess up the panelists’ hair and eyes.  There’s a special wide plastic and velvet lining and pearls for the ladies.  The price Gary is keeping for a secret.  When not making blindfolds, he’s making hats for movies and Broadway, occasionally other costumers, too.  Most of the business is in the theatre, but it keeps him busy.  Gary started in fashion design in Europe, but hats were the easiest.

Now a question for Gawn, what do you call blindfolds in England?  “Eye-peeper stoppers” Yeah, he’s serious, and there are also “you-peeper stoppers.”

You would have an you-peeper stopper and I would have a I-peeper stopper.  But it you put it on me, it would be a I-peeper stopper and if I put it on you, it would be a you-peeper stopper on top of an I-peeper stopper.

Easy to follow

SECOND GUEST: Mr. X (New York City)

He’s self-employed and dealing with a service. There’s another hint, Mr. X deals with fire.

Soupy ponders it might be roasting marshmallows.
Is it connected with show business?
In the broadest sense, maybe, but let’s not lead Soupy down the “Primrose Path” as Wally says.
Do you give any demonstrations with fire?
Many
Do you got to schools or public functions talking about this?
No $5

Phyllis: Can I rule out eating or spiting fire?
Yes
You clearly don’t start fires or work for the fire dept.?
Indeed
Anything to do with cooking?
No $10

Gawn: People come to see you, do you instruct?
No $15

Arlene: Do people come to see you entertain?
No $20

Soupy (who can’t hold back laughter):
If you had signed your name, would we know you?
Yes
Is there a product related to this service?
No, which has already been established. Soupy’s safe, but Wally is really to flip
Is it Performed outside?
No $25

Mr. X, I come to where you are for some reason I can’t imagine to see you do something with or about fire?

Phyllis, getting down to basics

Despite her objection, No $30

Gawn: You don’t do anything with it, but you talk to me about it?
No

By this point, Wally recognizes the panel is completely lost.  GAME OVER! Arlene guesses he rubs two boy scouts together to make fire.

Mr. X is Paul Molay, a proprietor of a well-known NYC barbershop who STYLES MEN’S HAIR WITH FIRE.  He uses fire to “groove it, to fit it out, to blend hair”.  As weird as this sound, this practice dates back to Ancient Egypt.  Wally volunteers Gawn, the “Pride of Piccadilly” to demonstrate.  Johnny Olson brings out the chair.  Soupy acts like a manicurist “Have you been in town long?” Paul is using a long white pole and singeing just the end. 

“A Singe in time saves Nine” After a few seconds, Gawn gets to like it.

MYSTERY GUEST

More “Eye-Peeper Stopper Fun”. Our guest gets a good long applause.

Phyllis: Is there more than one of you?
No (just someone who needs a lozenge)

Gawn: Primarily known as a singer?
Yes (almost old lady like now)

Arlene: Singer in Television?
Yes, well-known for television among other fields

Soupy: Biggest fame from records?
It’s an element of fame, that or many records produced for the public.

Phyllis: In the New York Theater?
No

Gawn: Do you have a record on the Hit Parade now?
Yes

Arlene: Are you a man performing in nightclubs?
Yes

Soupy: Are you in New York at the current time?
No

Phyllis: Does your new record include the song “Those were the Days”?
No (30 seconds)

Gawn: Is it single, not an LP, in the Hit Parade?
Needed a bit of silent thought and clarification.
Wally decides that our mystery guest has both right now.

Arlene: Are you known as a soul singer?
YES, right in the description

Soupy: JAMES BROWN!
OH, YES!

Great voice acting to hide his identity. Brown gives an “I Tried” that scratches the microphone.  Going back to his time as a D.C. newsman, Wally shares the story of how James Brown ended a “Crisis” down there to a “happy conclusion”.  Arlene mentions his time in Boston doing the same thing. 

Honest Answers:

For Phyllis: Alice Graven of Atlanta, GA
“Aren’t you married to a songwriter and what did he write?”

Answer: Yes, her husband Adolph Green, along with Betty Comdon, Julia Stile and Leonard Bernstein.  “Bells are Ringing”, “The Party’s Over” “Just in Time” “Make Someone Happy” and “Hallelujah, Baby”

For Arlene: Barbara Middleman of Boston, MA
“Where did you meat your husband Morton Gable and was it love at first sight?”

Answer: Definitely not, they met while he was the lead on a radio program.  She used to be scared to death of him, now it’s vice versa.

What’s My Line? is owned by Fremantle

WHAT’S MY LINE?-First Taped Episode (TAPE: 7/9/68, Aired 9/9)

Host: Wally Bruner
Announcer: Johnny Olson

Celebrity Panel:

  • Soupy Sales
  • Meredith MacRae (Petticoat Junction)
  • Gene Rayburn (Match Game)
  • Arlene Francis

FIRST GUEST: Perle Epstein (New York City)

She’s salaried, dealing in service

Arlene: Work for a profit-making organization?
Yes
Work indoors?
Usually
Do people come to you for your service?
They can
Available to both men and women?
Yes
Regular hours, 9 to 5?
It could be, but not too important
Do you move around in your job?
Yes
Are you in a form of vehicle?
No $5

Soupy: Do you wear a uniform, other than street clothes?
Yes
Is it for decoration or keeping from getting messed up?
Ah, not a yes or no question. “I just like to get a right answer”
Is there a product involved?
No $10

Meredith: Would I come out with a degree, are you instructing me?
One question at a time: The Instructing one
Yes
What about that degree, like judo for example?
No $15

Gene: Is the uniform all white?
No $20

Arlene: This instruction useful?
Yes
Is it athletic?
In a broad sense, Yes
Do you touch a person in any way?
In this case, No $25

Soupy: You would never come to my house for this service?
Perle doesn’t know, but more likely for a handsome gentleman like you
Would it make me physically better?
Yes
A type of exercise?
Could be
Would it help me from the waist up?
Yes, the whole body (“I don’t know what it is, but I need it”)
Would I use it to lose weight?
It might, Pass

Meredith: Would it take place in a gymnasium?
It could
Teach/instruct a personal fitness class?
No $30

Gene: Could the panel come as a group and work all at once?
Yes
Do you ever wear a tutu?
No $35 (You’ve never seen Gene in a tutu and you never will)

Arlene (who’s got a gleam in her eye): Do you ever work on or near water?
No $40 (Down to 30 seconds)

Soupy: Do you come in contact with the body?
Yes
Are you a masseuse?
No, Wally gives it up here

Meredith guesses wrong with fencing instructor. Perle is a YOGA INSTRUCTOR. (She did a demonstration, but it was clipped off by Buzzr)

SECOND GUEST: Henry Parcell (Manawon, NJ, near the shore in Central NJ)

He’s salaried and deals in a product

Soupy: Would I come to you?
Possibly
As opposed to coming to my house?
Yes, way to sneak two questions in and stay in control.
Would I feel better?
No $5

Meredith: Used by both men and women?
Yes
Does it come in contact with the body?
Yes
Above the waist?
No $10

Gene: Would it increase my physical well-being in any way? (uproar of laughter)
No $15

Arlene: Product for anything other than the human race?
No $20

Soupy: Stuck on not helping Gene, something I would use in the house?
Yes
In one particular room or floor?
No $25

Meredith: Is one is able to wear this product?
Yes
Is it an undergarment?
Yes, generally
Is it a girdle?
No $30

Gene: Must be something women wear more than men?
NO $35

Arlene: Breaking down who and what can wear it. Do we rule out the Animal Kingdom?
Yes
Also from the waist up?
Still No $40

Soupy: Something to help me walk or dance better?
No $45

Meredith: Worn more by children?
Yes, wants to pass to Arlene, but Gene’s in the way
He blurts out “It’s Diapers” And Henry SELLS THEM.

Mr. Parcell works for the National Account Executive for Chicopee Mills Incorporated, a division of Johnson & Johnson.. All kinds of diapers, as long as they’re white. Soupy has a new slogan “We never mangle your baby’s triangles”

MYSTERY GUEST:

Meredith: Are you in the entertainment field? Yes (sounds of country bumpkin with a hiccup)
Gene: Are you currently in New York? Yes
Arlene: Are you playing in a Broadway play? Yes
Soupy: Is there just one of you? Yes
Meredith: Are you known for comedy as opposed to drama? No
Gene: In your current appearance, do you sing? Yes
Arlene: Is your wife in the show with you? No
Soupy: Is there another male as your co-star? No
Meredith with a guess: Joel Grey…RIGHT!

From one hit play to another “Cabaret” to George M”, it’s been a good year. Grey’s been in the business for 25 years, since age 11.

Closing: A chat with Meredith after figuring out who the mystery guest was. This was her first time on a game show panel. Meredith has also recorded her first record with her “Petticoat Junction” sisters along with solo records and live performances. It all started with “My Three Sons”, then a soap opera before “Petticoat” now in her third year. And it’s only her fifth year in show business.

What’s my Line? is owned by Fremantle.