What’s My Line: A Little Boy’s Memory
I don’t remember the first show in 1950. I was around then, but probably wouldn’t have been aware of it. I was also around in 1967 when its run ended but, being busy with college I missed those latter years.
No, my memory of What’s My Line? mainly exists during a short period in the 50′s. The picture in my mind takes place in our living room with the family gathered to watch the show–as well as others–on a huge RCA Victor console TV with a small black and white screen. The show came on at 9:30pm on Sunday nights.
After spending the early evening at church being good Baptists I remember on more than one occasion having a late Sunday supper in front of the TV watching John Charles Daly, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf and the guest panelist of the week trying to determine the occupation of each contestant.
I came to understand in later years that Fred Allen had been a regular panelist who, upon his death, was never replaced permanently. I must have seen him on some of these shows since he was alive at that time. However, my most persistent memories are of guest panelists such as Steve Allen, Martin Gabel, and the like.
The memory of munching hamburgers my parents bought 5 for $1.00 while seated on the floor in front of the TV remains vivid in my mind. I sat on the floor not only because I was a kid but because the huge TV with the small screen would fit in our living room only in such a spot that it couldn’t be viewed well from our sofa or other chairs. Adults would usually pull a chair around to have some place to sit.
At a young age I was captured by television and this elegant show. Gentlemen and Ladies, dressed in tuxedos and gowns, playing a game so pleasantly, and the opportunity to see celebrities I had seen in the movies and on other TV shows. I was in love!
