10 surprising facts behind What’s my line? One of the longest running game-shows of all time;
The following written content from Grace Eire
Gathering around the television with the family and watching an innocent game show used to be a beloved family ritual.
Back when there were only a few channels to choose from, and Netflix wasn’t around with tons of titles to watch at the touch of a button, primetime TV was the way to go. And game shows were an easy way for a family to unwind together at the end of a long day.
What’s My Line? is one of the longest-running game shows of all time, beginning in 1950 on network television, and reaching all the way to 1975 in syndication.
So many celebrity guests graced the show, leaving viewers and the cast alike in stitches. Groucho Marx was one of the silliest, along with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
These 10 facts about the show and how it was made might even surprise the very biggest What’s My Line? fan out there.
Do you remember your favorite episode of the show from when you were younger? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with friends on Facebook to see if they know more than you!
1. It Wasn’t Always Called ‘What’s My Line?’
The original title of the show was Occupation Unknown until producers decided to change it.
2. The First 4 Episodes Were Filmed In Grand Central Station
Before moving to a Wednesday time slot, the show was filmed at a converted loft at the former CBS Studio 41 at Grand Central Station in New York City.
3. Moderator John Daly Was A Trickster
He was known for explanations of questions that were much more complicated than they needed to be. Despite the formality of the show, the host was a pretty big goof, even more so offscreen.
4. Mystery Guests Were Always Paid, Win Or Lose
Celebrity mystery guests were paid $500 for their appearance on the show in addition to whatever money they might win. They often donated their winnings to charity.
5. The Show Wasn’t Just For TV
It was broadcast on the radio for a short time from 1952 to 1953 with the same cast as the television version. However, the radio version was able to get Marlon Brando as a mystery guest when the TV counterpart could not.
6. Arlene Frances Was In It For The Long Haul
Frances was a part of the panel from the original primetime version all the way through the syndicated episodes, which ended in 1975.
7. Regular Panelists Made A Ton Of Cash
Regular panelist Bennett Cerf once said in an interview that he and his fellow stars were paid in scandalous amounts.
8. Cast Members Dressed Down After Deaths Of Cast Members
Usually, the original broadcast show was known for its formality, with the men in bow ties and sometimes tuxedoes, and the women in gowns and gloves. They did dress down, however, after the deaths of Fred Allen and Dorothy Kilgallen.
9. The Show Raised Confusion About Cerf’s Death
After Bennett Cerf passed away, the syndicated version of the show continued to air episodes with Cerf on the panel. Viewers wrote in either confused or angry, claiming it was in poor taste.
10. There Is Now A Live Stage Version
The live show began in 2004 at the ACME Comedy Theatre. It later made its New York premiere at the Barrow Street Theatre on March 24, 2008. Source: Little things
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