My family met Duke Ellington backstage in Montclair, NJ on April 5, 1967. The “Concert of Sacred Music” was sponsored by the Union Baptist Church. My father printed the posters.
Love Duke's music! He happens to be interred at Woodlawn Cemetary in The Bronx, just a few gravestones away from my grandparents! I've actually seen his gravestone many times, and was intrigued by it being so close to my loved ones!
After doing a quick search on her, after serving as a US government attorney Leila Bulgrin was later made a state court judge for California in 1960, serving until the early 80s (she also in her spare time took up target shooting as a "hobby"). One accomplished woman for that era!
I love this show, probably because it reminds me of a simpler time, at least for me. I miss the hats, the trains, the huge department stores, and all the heroes we used to look up to.
I'm going chronologically through the series, and this is so far one of the very best. Thank you for your service both to cultural preservation and to good clean fun.
Duke was headed into low water in 1953. Before rock 'n roll hit in '55, big bands were already struggling after bebop and small groups invaded jazz. Ellington's lowest ebb is often cited as his appearances with the Ice Capades in the mid-Fifties, when he had no record deal; but in 1956 came his fabled comeback at the Newport Jazz Festival and 20 years of increasing recognition. IMHO he was second only to Gershwin among American composers, and the nation's greatest black artist in any field. The charm and geniality which earned Edward Kennedy Ellington his nickname as a small boy are on view here.
I still think he is boring (and wastes time) during the gambits, but I otherwise like his quick wit, and spontaneous responses. I was impressed with him in game 4 because he actually asked a series of questions without pause after John said they didn’t have much time. I much prefer him to Fred Allen!
Dorothy Kilgallen got a little impatient with Duke when he couldn’t hear what she said. I really didn’t like when they rushed the last contestant. That was rude and unfair to the contestants.
@@leesher1845 They almost ALWAYS have to rush the final contestant for the purpose of the program not eating into the next, and I'm sure the contestants are all well aware of this possibility beforehand. Nothing rude about it; that's just how a television station has to operate. That said, at least the contestant is given the full prize money by default when this happens.
I love how all the 'stars' just get up and shake the panel's hands and leave...no fawning, chit chat, asking for autographs...real ordinary and respectful...no self obsessed meglomaniacs as either fans or artists no matter how successful or famous...
The content is of incredible quality too: polite, witty, smart people with an MG who was a genius as a bonus. WML had more to offer. The interactions of the emcee, regulars and guest panelists added a layer of dramatic interest which grew as viewers became familiar with them. The contrived stridencies of big-money giveaway games were a comedown, whether or not they were fixed. Yet at the time this peak of paneldom was regarded merely as an after-supper divertissement for TV's growing nationwide audience. Only later did they realize how lucky they had been. Moreover, with the passing of time WML has become an almanac of America- its changing manners and values- as well as a gallery of famous personalities. It is a living museum, more entertaining than most of the ones in buildings. Goodson and Todman did the country a great service.
@@esmeephillips5888 do you think the contestants were in on it in some way ? like maybe some of the shows were "fixed" or planned like some modern shows are , i wonder how difficult it was to find a mystery celebrity guest like duke or walt disney and keep them a secret until the airing of the show, perhaps they kept it all under wraps and nothing was staged....but you never know its still entertaining nonethless
I watched these as a kid..... all these people have assumed a larger than life persona to me because of their taste, class and ability to communicate. I've always thought the most humorous excitement and mental stimulation was when Steve Allen was on the panel. Many, like me have performed jazz for decades but can only now, barely grasp the brilliance of Duke Ellington. It's not just the songs we all know and love and/or his composing skills..... it's the arranging and that BAND...they seldom, if ever, lost a ''Battle of the Bands " contest and it's because of the depth of his individual players. What a joyous show.
What can you say about the great Duke Ellington... His influence on American music is second to none. And a man of great personal charm as well, as seen here. I only wish he had been on later in the series when they tended to chat more with the guest after the game.
I couldn't be a bigger fan of Duke Ellington, glad to read this comment. There are some appearances by other jazz greats, too. Recently posted was an episode with Ella Fitzgerald, and there's an old one with Benny Goodman (and another coming up).
Wonderful to see the magnificent Duke Ellington on What's My Line. Mr Ellington seemed to be having fun with the panel but they seemed annoyed at times and even disrespectful. Too bad. He's a genius and one of the great composers of American music.
Angela Joseph I think Bonnie was referring to the mood rather than politeness. But certainly yes on your point, politeness is not so abundant on TV these days!
They usually were. Back then TV was still influenced by the fact that only richer folks could afford a set. Bill Paley at CBS and Pat Weaver were trying to keep the tone and brow level reasonably high, but the medium became the victim of its own success as a potent instrument of mass-market persuasion. WML was a strong enough format to survive this trend, and the early episodes in particular have matured like old brandy to give a splendid picture of America in more buttoned-up but more 'aspirational' days.
Wow! The first contestant did not strike me as a Federal attorney at all. She was so "girlish" and flirtatious in her manner and voice! As for John, if I were Mrs. Daley, I'd be suspicious!
When I was a child living in the Richmond Hill section of Queens, the closest train to my house was the A train. Whether we were going to Rockaway Beach, or my dad's job or my grandmother's apartment, we'd always start out on the A train (and to the beach, the entire trip was on the A once the Rockaway portion of the line was completed in June 1956). When we moved to the suburbs, the commuter bus would take us to the uptown terminal, first outdoors near Columbia Presybyterian Hospital and then over the approach to the George Washington Bridge. Either way, the train we'd take 99 times out of 100 was the A. When we'd go to a Rangers game, we'd take the A train (plus one local stop until the newest Madison Square Garden was built over Penn Station (a shame since the magnificent architecture of the upper level of Penn Station was lost forever as a result). When I worked at Federal Plaza, I took the bus to the downtown terminal and then took the A train. When I took the commuter train into Hoboken and then PATH into the World Trade Center station, my next train was often the A train. When I could go directly into Penn Station on the commuter train, often I would then go to the A train to get where I wanted to go. Yes, I have ridden just about every line in NYC, including some that no longer exist (like the Third Avenue el in the Bronx). But even living in the suburbs most of my life, my travel in NYC is so often connected to the A train and my love of the NYC subways certainly is. At one time, I could give you every stop in order from Lefferts Boulevard in Queens to 207th Street in Washington Heights. I'm a bit rusty on the stations in the Rockaways now, and in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, not having ridden that section in quite some time. The A train, also known in Manhattan as the 8th Avenue subway, was the signature first line of the new city-owned Independent (IND) subway that started operation in 1932. When Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the A Train" in 1939 as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, the A was still the newest way to get to Harlem. It was also the fastest, having the fewest number of stations between midtown Manhattan and 125th Street. Out of town visitors to Harlem (as Strayhorn originally was when he came to NYC from Pittsburgh) would usually be instructed to "take the A train." Although Detroit's Joya Sherrill didn't write the lyrics to the song until 1944, they reflect the fact that the A was and still is the fastest way to Harlem. When there are no other trains ahead clogging the line, the non-stop ride between Columbus Circle and 125th Street, bypassing 7 local stations and mostly adjacent to the west side of Central Park, is one of the most exciting speed rides on the subway system. And to see the line go from four tracks across at Columbus Circle to a two level line with two tracks at each level and then back to four tracks across as it approaches the northern end of Central Park at 110th Street-Cathedral Parkway is an engineering delight. An extra added attraction is when the A (or any express train) and the local going in the same direction on the adjacent track pull out of the station (at most stations) at the same time. For a few seconds, the local often accelerates faster and it feels like your train is going backwards. Then the express picks up speed and accelerates faster and it looks like the local is going backwards. These are the kind of things that amuse an engineering mind.
Some of Duke's virtuosi who had come up the hard way were afraid little Billy with his classical training would nudge the leader further towards longhair sounds: rhapsodies, suites, tone poems. Strayhorn wrote 'Take the A Train' to show he could furnish a big, punchy band with a hard-driving tune... and he was in.
Agreed. I was trying to piece together who she reminds me of (actress wise) during her whole segment. I still can’t put my finger on just one. She’s stunning. I saw likenesses of Meg Ryan (her mannerisms and sweet smile), Kirstie Alley traits/expressions came through now and again- - along with similarities of a few more lovely actresses. I’m sure I’m probably way off and was trying too hard to place her resemblance, but either way, she was a delightful guest. Be well, stay kind and blessings to all ~
Grape TomatoGirl - just watched it again - you can tell by the way Steve and John speak to her that they feel they are in the presence of someone quite special! Maybe she reminds me of Deborah Kerr?
11:25 Arlene asks John a question just when the second contestant signs in, causing him standing all alone waiting for John, while the cameraman moves his camera back and forth. :)
I've watched most of the available episodes, and I don't believe I've ever seen such before. Quite remarkable, and probably an artifact of stage management and the wrong camera being on as anything. [Edit] I've watched it again, and it's got to be solely Arlene's fault. I didn't realize the first time that John had already cued him to sign in. Someone needs to (and probably did) mention it to Arlene after the show.
This is the first known time that John eliminated both the walk of shame and the free wild guesses for the final contestant. It is the first time that Steve said, “Good night, boys.”
My guess is that the free guesses were meant to put the guests at ease. Going on live national TV was a big deal in its early days, and the thought of coming over badly might have unnerved some. Wildly off-target guesses helped amuse and relax the 'civilians' and brought the celebs down to their level. But as television became more everyday, the producers realized that this warm-up for the main event was unnecessary. Viewers preferred to get a move on.
Scrolled down for a while without finding any of those comments I always love where someone looked up whatever happened to the everyday contestants outside of the show. If there is one, can somebody repaste it here for me? Recovering from sinus surgery and really not up to doing my own research at the moment, particularly interested about the life of the federal prosecutor.
I hate the walking by the panel and the free guess. I'm glad they were eliminated eventually. They never have time for the last guest and they wasted time on those.
There was one point where Arlene Francis correctly guessed the occupation of a football player, therefore they couldn't play the game. She apologized up and down for ruining the game, and I wonder if perhaps that event had something to do with eliminating the guess round?
There were four times in the show where they guessed it. Arlene also guessed the trapeze artist right off the bat, but then they had the huge Ringling Bros. Circus in Madison Square Garden and the lady was small, thin and wiry and really looked like one.
Actually, there were 9 times they guessed it on the free turn. Only six remain on film footage though. I never liked the free guesses. Personally I did like they walk by though. I thought it gave them some useful insight as far as size, strength, hands etc. Here is a video of the six ruclips.net/video/pbj0uNMfoNI/видео.html from the WML channel
I also hated the walk in front of the panel. It's probably a sacrilege to say, but does anyone else think some of this was rigged where the panel already knew the occupations beforehand.
Wonderful episode. The Duke seems a little hard of hearing. I have that trouble myself, so I turn on the computer generated captions. It comes up with some different captions at times. Some of the panel in this show were Bennett Syrup, Dorothy Killed and Darling Francis. In past shows Arlene has been called Miss Arlene Bastard, Bizarrely Francis, Miss Breakfast and Mr. President. In another show John asks a guest, "Is it Miss or Mrs?" and the computer says her answer was "Misery".
This episode displays one of the flaws of a live broadcast in that it cannot be edited. As a consequence, the final guest was rushed through in the one minute left in the broadcast. I always feel uneasy when there is so little time left.
I think Leila was Tipsy (lol), did they have a green room? I looked her up too and she made a great legal career for herself....and got busted five times for DUI along the way! What a woman.
8:45 A "yes" is probably in order here. As a US attorney she works within the Judicial system, but since she works for the Attorney General it's an Executive position.
23:52 Watch John Daly and Mr. Wagner both go through some elaborate gyrations with both hands, after which John, still not letting go, leads him to the desk. Kinda strange...maybe they're both members of a mystic order.
At 1:00 Steve does not give Arlene the usual introduction "lovely lady of stage and screen" and instead says " One of the lovely ladies of radio and television. " She smiled but shot him a LOOK! haha it was great! She was always appearing in the theatre, I thought that was her main work.
She also gave him a look after the intro the previous week, but I thought in both cases it was his downbeat tone that she didn't particularly appreciate!
Rarely does Bennett Cerf miss an opportunity, in the free guesses, to demonstrate his geographic knowledge. Recently, however, he seemed to slip up, when he suggested that a woman from Jacksonville, Florida, worked at the Navy's installation in Pensacola, more than 300 miles away. Since the 1940s, Jacksonville has had both Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
She was correct, actually! California remains one of the few states where you can take the bar exam without going to law school and instead apprentice with an attorney or judge. At the time, she may well have known several attorneys who did not have college degrees - but because it would be misleading for a New York panel, I can see why this was changed to a 'yes'.
The Oracle at Delphi But she said she worked for the Federal government. Wouldn’t she be working for the Californian State if she worked for the state legal system?
@@theoracleatdelphi4540 Indeed, before the 20TH CENTURY it was very common for aspiring lawyers to "read the law" under a tutelage of sorts of an established attorney.
At 10:27 when John Daly flips the card, you can see writing on the back of it. I've noticed it in some of the other episodes too. Anyone know what it says?
The back of the cards say what John says when he flips that card. E.g., "One down, Nine to go." There's one episode where the cards were accidentally put on backwards where you can see the writing clearly enough to make it out. :)
Thanks! I wondered if it was something like that. While I'm at it, I just want to say thank you for providing all these great shows and for keeping the comments positive and classy. I'm enjoying it immensely.
In the early 1970s, Duke was featured in a documentary. Decked in a vibrant velvet suit, Duke paused before walking out onto the stage and said straight to the camera, "I like to dress conservatively."
+Michael Maloney I can barely even imagine. :) I love Billie Holiday, but. . . on WML? Train wreck waiting to happen! Sarah Vaughan should've been on, though. That's a shame.
What's the behind the scenes story?? Also - where's the episode with Martin and Lewis - I've only seen a small clip of that - I really want to see them come in, and the ending!
Check out YOU BET YOUR LIFE, especially episodes of the late 50s/early 60s. Groucho was just as wonderful to his guests and contestants of all races...
Shades of Pete Townsend... it appears that the Duke had a bit of a hearing problem. Was it due to some kind of organic condition or did the man keep his head too close to Johnny Hodges' sax?
Duke and the gang were wonderful, it was a great episode, but why bring on another guest with only one minute to go? Wouldn't an extra minute or two chatting with Duke had been much better?
I must admit that I skip the Mystery Guests about 95% of the time. I just don't find celebrities making funny voices very entertaining. I've made exceptions, such as John Wayne, James Mason, Natalie Wood, etc. But I find the 'common' lines much more interesting.
Frustrating on the second guest how many dumb and overly narrow questions they asked. If they had asked whether it relieves some kind of malady before asking about a specific one, one of Steve's no answers could have been saved. Then at the end, having already established it has no nutrient value, Arlene blows the last question by asking if it has any vitamin in it, which is not like her. She normally verifies what they've already established.
The first lady really gave some confusing answers, the questions asked were not that difficult to give a yes or no answer. Federal prosecuting attorney should not of been that difficult.
![What's My Line? - Billy Rose (Aug 23, 1953) [CORRECTED]](/img/1.gif)
I’m 38 and I’ve been addicted to watching this show for weeks now. Tremendous stuff. Beats some of the stuff on TV today
The Duke was a class act. Revolutionized jazz music in early 1920s. Very talented and well liked man. 🎼🎹
Also a man of considerable breeding.
Duke's whispering and flowery answers to the questions cracks me up every time I watch this. Even he couldn't help smiling. He had so much charm.
Duke Ellington was a phenomenal musician. I am especially fond of "Take the A Train" and "The Mystery Song."
@@spindalis79 “Take The A Train” is a classic.
@@thesapphireempress9635 Written by Billy Strayhorn. Not Ellington.
And his music was superlative! I attended a concert by his memorial orchestra...sheer magic!
Thank you for uploading all these shows. They are delightful.
My family met Duke Ellington backstage in Montclair, NJ on April 5, 1967. The “Concert of Sacred Music” was sponsored by the Union Baptist Church. My father printed the posters.
Wow!!
What a wonderful experience for you and your family! Duke Ellington was so talented and handsome! Wow! 👏🥰👏🙏
I hope your father kept a poster or two.
Duke was so hilarious and had us in stitches! What a fine gentleman! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Love Duke's music! He happens to be interred at Woodlawn Cemetary in The Bronx, just a few gravestones away from my grandparents! I've actually seen his gravestone many times, and was intrigued by it being so close to my loved ones!
The attorney is so glamorous!
Beautiful woman and intelligent 😊
After doing a quick search on her, after serving as a US government attorney Leila Bulgrin was later made a state court judge for California in 1960, serving until the early 80s (she also in her spare time took up target shooting as a "hobby"). One accomplished woman for that era!
I love this show, probably because it reminds me of a simpler time, at least for me. I miss the hats, the trains, the huge department stores, and all the heroes we used to look up to.
Knott Reel That was a more genteel era. It will return @ it's best sooner than later.
I feel the same way that you do! I was born in 1940. More people were kind to each other in my home town!✝️🌻❤️😇
Yes I agree what a pleasanter time everyone seems more polite some how. And their manner are genuine not false like today'.
I'm going chronologically through the series, and this is so far one of the very best. Thank you for your service both to cultural preservation and to good clean fun.
Duke was headed into low water in 1953. Before rock 'n roll hit in '55, big bands were already struggling after bebop and small groups invaded jazz. Ellington's lowest ebb is often cited as his appearances with the Ice Capades in the mid-Fifties, when he had no record deal; but in 1956 came his fabled comeback at the Newport Jazz Festival and 20 years of increasing recognition.
IMHO he was second only to Gershwin among American composers, and the nation's greatest black artist in any field. The charm and geniality which earned Edward Kennedy Ellington his nickname as a small boy are on view here.
one of the greats along with count basie and benny goodman...
I always loved seeing Mr. Duke on tv. (My Dad educated me).
And when Steely Dan did a rendition of East St. Louis Toodle -OO .....crazy good
Until I started watching these I didn't think I liked Steve Allen but now I definitely do.
When I was much younger, I thought he was boring. But, I find myself enjoying him on WML.
I still think he is boring (and wastes time) during the gambits, but I otherwise like his quick wit, and spontaneous responses. I was impressed with him in game 4 because he actually asked a series of questions without pause after John said they didn’t have much time. I much prefer him to Fred Allen!
Hahahaha Arlene saying "Look here now!" I just adore her.
William Joseph Smith III Me too.
William Joseph Smith I love Arlene, she is beautiful, articulate and quick witted.
Dorothy Kilgallen got a little impatient with Duke when he couldn’t hear what she said.
I really didn’t like when they rushed the last contestant. That was rude and unfair to the contestants.
@@leesher1845 They almost ALWAYS have to rush the final contestant for the purpose of the program not eating into the next, and I'm sure the contestants are all well aware of this possibility beforehand. Nothing rude about it; that's just how a television station has to operate. That said, at least the contestant is given the full prize money by default when this happens.
22:00
Duke Ellington's appearance is the best yet of a special guest.
Bruce Alvarez Duke Ellington is great. He and Louis Armstrong were the most captivating. RIP wonderful icons.
The BEST? I don't think so
I love how all the 'stars' just get up and shake the panel's hands and leave...no fawning, chit chat, asking for autographs...real ordinary and respectful...no self obsessed meglomaniacs as either fans or artists no matter how successful or famous...
Duke was before my time. Never seen him in motion but only in photos..damn his smile is so mesmerizing!! I love his sense of humor.
Honestly for a 60 year old film THIS IS INCREDIBLE QUALITY
The content is of incredible quality too: polite, witty, smart people with an MG who was a genius as a bonus. WML had more to offer. The interactions of the emcee, regulars and guest panelists added a layer of dramatic interest which grew as viewers became familiar with them. The contrived stridencies of big-money giveaway games were a comedown, whether or not they were fixed.
Yet at the time this peak of paneldom was regarded merely as an after-supper divertissement for TV's growing nationwide audience. Only later did they realize how lucky they had been. Moreover, with the passing of time WML has become an almanac of America- its changing manners and values- as well as a gallery of famous personalities. It is a living museum, more entertaining than most of the ones in buildings. Goodson and Todman did the country a great service.
@@esmeephillips5888 do you think the contestants were in on it in some way ? like maybe some of the shows were "fixed" or planned like some modern shows are , i wonder how difficult it was to find a mystery celebrity guest like duke or walt disney and keep them a secret until the airing of the show, perhaps they kept it all under wraps and nothing was staged....but you never know its still entertaining nonethless
72 years old 😊now
@inspectorfunk Definitely not 😮
I watched these as a kid..... all these people have assumed a larger than life persona to me because of their taste, class and ability to communicate. I've always thought the most humorous excitement and mental stimulation was when Steve Allen was on the panel. Many, like me have performed jazz for decades but can only now, barely grasp the brilliance of Duke Ellington. It's not just the songs we all know and love and/or his composing skills..... it's the arranging and that BAND...they seldom, if ever, lost a ''Battle of the Bands " contest and it's because of the depth of his individual players. What a joyous show.
Jim Griffin -Taste, class and communicative ability. How I wish for those qualities among public personalities today.
What can you say about the great Duke Ellington... His influence on American music is second to none. And a man of great personal charm as well, as seen here. I only wish he had been on later in the series when they tended to chat more with the guest after the game.
+Reluctant Dragon Yes, it's a real shame we didn't get to see him talk more after the segment.
+R.D. Dragon Oh,how I love Duke Ellington,such class and elegance,and his music,sublime!!
@@WhatsMyLinenot a talk show. 😅
THANKS FOR UPLOADING THIS episode of What's My Line. Just thrilling seeing the incomparable JAZZ ICON, Duke Ellington. Very happy now:)
I couldn't be a bigger fan of Duke Ellington, glad to read this comment. There are some appearances by other jazz greats, too. Recently posted was an episode with Ella Fitzgerald, and there's an old one with Benny Goodman (and another coming up).
BLESS YOU:)
As Stevie Wonder said - the King of All - Sir Duke
@@WhatsMyLine You've also given us an episode with Louis Armstrong. Thanks.
Wonderful to see the magnificent Duke Ellington on What's My Line. Mr Ellington seemed to be having fun with the panel but they seemed annoyed at times and even disrespectful. Too bad. He's a genius and one of the great composers of American music.
I love when Arlene used to say “Now look here.”
The ONLY thing that I don't like about WML, is that there never seems to be enough time for the last guest.
They did get the $50 😊
Yeah! But I bet they didn't have any complaints. They got the full prize by default🤣
This is my favorite episode so far (I'm going in chronological order), everyone seems charming and happy.
Bonnie Most folk of that era had MANNERS from home training/example:/ Sadly obviously gone today.
Angela Joseph I think Bonnie was referring to the mood rather than politeness. But certainly yes on your point, politeness is not so abundant on TV these days!
They usually were. Back then TV was still influenced by the fact that only richer folks could afford a set. Bill Paley at CBS and Pat Weaver were trying to keep the tone and brow level reasonably high, but the medium became the victim of its own success as a potent instrument of mass-market persuasion.
WML was a strong enough format to survive this trend, and the early episodes in particular have matured like old brandy to give a splendid picture of America in more buttoned-up but more 'aspirational' days.
Small moment but I LOVE Dorothy looking over at Arlene and saying, "Oh, we would have gotten it!" after they run out of time with the last contestant.
Arlene was just cool as a cucumber!
Wow! The first contestant did not strike me as a Federal attorney at all. She was so "girlish" and flirtatious in her manner and voice! As for John, if I were Mrs. Daley, I'd be suspicious!
Duke was one of the best celeb guests ever!
I had the pleasure of attending a Duke E. concert at the University of North D.
is it just me or was there an intense chemistry & attraction between the federal prosecutor lady and john daly? thought it was super cuteeee
He is so awesome. This is by far my favorite one.
When I was a child living in the Richmond Hill section of Queens, the closest train to my house was the A train. Whether we were going to Rockaway Beach, or my dad's job or my grandmother's apartment, we'd always start out on the A train (and to the beach, the entire trip was on the A once the Rockaway portion of the line was completed in June 1956).
When we moved to the suburbs, the commuter bus would take us to the uptown terminal, first outdoors near Columbia Presybyterian Hospital and then over the approach to the George Washington Bridge. Either way, the train we'd take 99 times out of 100 was the A.
When we'd go to a Rangers game, we'd take the A train (plus one local stop until the newest Madison Square Garden was built over Penn Station (a shame since the magnificent architecture of the upper level of Penn Station was lost forever as a result).
When I worked at Federal Plaza, I took the bus to the downtown terminal and then took the A train.
When I took the commuter train into Hoboken and then PATH into the World Trade Center station, my next train was often the A train. When I could go directly into Penn Station on the commuter train, often I would then go to the A train to get where I wanted to go.
Yes, I have ridden just about every line in NYC, including some that no longer exist (like the Third Avenue el in the Bronx). But even living in the suburbs most of my life, my travel in NYC is so often connected to the A train and my love of the NYC subways certainly is. At one time, I could give you every stop in order from Lefferts Boulevard in Queens to 207th Street in Washington Heights. I'm a bit rusty on the stations in the Rockaways now, and in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, not having ridden that section in quite some time.
The A train, also known in Manhattan as the 8th Avenue subway, was the signature first line of the new city-owned Independent (IND) subway that started operation in 1932. When Billy Strayhorn wrote "Take the A Train" in 1939 as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, the A was still the newest way to get to Harlem. It was also the fastest, having the fewest number of stations between midtown Manhattan and 125th Street. Out of town visitors to Harlem (as Strayhorn originally was when he came to NYC from Pittsburgh) would usually be instructed to "take the A train."
Although Detroit's Joya Sherrill didn't write the lyrics to the song until 1944, they reflect the fact that the A was and still is the fastest way to Harlem. When there are no other trains ahead clogging the line, the non-stop ride between Columbus Circle and 125th Street, bypassing 7 local stations and mostly adjacent to the west side of Central Park, is one of the most exciting speed rides on the subway system. And to see the line go from four tracks across at Columbus Circle to a two level line with two tracks at each level and then back to four tracks across as it approaches the northern end of Central Park at 110th Street-Cathedral Parkway is an engineering delight.
An extra added attraction is when the A (or any express train) and the local going in the same direction on the adjacent track pull out of the station (at most stations) at the same time. For a few seconds, the local often accelerates faster and it feels like your train is going backwards. Then the express picks up speed and accelerates faster and it looks like the local is going backwards. These are the kind of things that amuse an engineering mind.
Lois Simmons -- Thank you for the information!
Lois Simmons Thank-you for sharing. Very informative!
Some of Duke's virtuosi who had come up the hard way were afraid little Billy with his classical training would nudge the leader further towards longhair sounds: rhapsodies, suites, tone poems. Strayhorn wrote 'Take the A Train' to show he could furnish a big, punchy band with a hard-driving tune... and he was in.
Great show, what strikes me is that in all those years they never got the sound right - the panel and the candidate often can hear each other.
It was very beginning of TV, many things needed improvement .
In my opinion, this is one of my favorite panel.
Such intelligent, nice people.
WOW that first contestant!
Just watch the way she
writes her name!
Class and beauty!
Without doubt she could
have been a film star.
Agreed.
I was trying to piece together who she reminds me of (actress wise) during her whole segment. I still can’t put my finger on just one. She’s stunning. I saw likenesses of Meg Ryan (her mannerisms and sweet smile), Kirstie Alley traits/expressions came through now and again- - along with similarities of a few more lovely actresses.
I’m sure I’m probably way off and was trying too hard to place her resemblance, but either way, she was a delightful guest.
Be well, stay kind and blessings to all ~
Grape TomatoGirl - thank you for your comments and the lovely thoughtful words. She reminded me of several stars. Best wishes, stay safe.
UK
Grape TomatoGirl - just watched it again - you can tell by the way Steve and John speak to her that they feel they are in the presence of someone quite special! Maybe she reminds me of Deborah Kerr?
@@grapetomatogirl2141Kirstie
Alley??? Ewww… this lady has way more grace and class!
11:25 Arlene asks John a question just when the second contestant signs in, causing him standing all alone waiting for John, while the cameraman moves his camera back and forth. :)
I've watched most of the available episodes, and I don't believe I've ever seen such before. Quite remarkable, and probably an artifact of stage management and the wrong camera being on as anything. [Edit] I've watched it again, and it's got to be solely Arlene's fault. I didn't realize the first time that John had already cued him to sign in. Someone needs to (and probably did) mention it to Arlene after the show.
Johan has been great at pointing out unusual moments like these!
+What's My Line? Yes, and, like you, I've come to really appreciate his time-stamping!
+Robert Melson Thank you. :)
I HAVE NEVER GUESSED ANY OF CONTESTANTS RIGHT YET,BUT MAYBE THAT'S HALF OF THE FUN WATCHING THIS SHOW !
Steve Allen with a Kukla, Fran and Ollie joke!
16:43 - Steve Allen: "I don't know. I just came in here 'cause it was warm" Haha
Duke was the greatest entertainer!!!!
I just love when they lean in for a conference...it's so cute.
It looked like the first contestant and John were on a date.
She was marvelous. What a beauty.
All my favorite panelists are on this day.
I"m in love with Arlene Francis
Arlene Francos IS A GREAT lady
Lucky for you. Plenty of her in WML. 😂
Mr. Ellington was a heck of a piano player.
This is the first known time that John eliminated both the walk of shame and the free wild guesses for the final contestant.
It is the first time that Steve said, “Good night, boys.”
My guess is that the free guesses were meant to put the guests at ease. Going on live national TV was a big deal in its early days, and the thought of coming over badly might have unnerved some. Wildly off-target guesses helped amuse and relax the 'civilians' and brought the celebs down to their level. But as television became more everyday, the producers realized that this warm-up for the main event was unnecessary. Viewers preferred to get a move on.
A pedant writes...SA had already said it here ruclips.net/video/X1qRDGf6v10/видео.html at approx 26 mins 31 seconds!
"Do you always talk that way?"LOL
John seems quite smitten by the first contestant. Lots of conferences!
And I would bet that she was also smitten....lol
Can't say I blame him!
If you watch again, you'll see she initiates several of them, so hey, maybe a mutual thing 😉
Scrolled down for a while without finding any of those comments I always love where someone looked up whatever happened to the everyday contestants outside of the show. If there is one, can somebody repaste it here for me? Recovering from sinus surgery and really not up to doing my own research at the moment, particularly interested about the life of the federal prosecutor.
"Tea-bag Inspector" would get laughs for a whole different reason in 2018. I love the guys polite wave to the panel though.
Mr. Pfeffer was a handsome easy going fella.
Don't think John realized it, but he was saying and doing everything the federal prosecutor, Mrs. Bulgrin, directed.
Arlene was a doll.
Yes, my brother has one of the original posters. Every April 5th he sends me the image of it. Montclair, NJ
Joseph Wagner was adorable, trying to rush the card flipping.
I hate the walking by the panel and the free guess. I'm glad they were eliminated eventually. They never have time for the last guest and they wasted time on those.
There was one point where Arlene Francis correctly guessed the occupation of a football player, therefore they couldn't play the game. She apologized up and down for ruining the game, and I wonder if perhaps that event had something to do with eliminating the guess round?
There were four times in the show where they guessed it. Arlene also guessed the trapeze artist right off the bat, but then they had the huge Ringling Bros. Circus in Madison Square Garden and the lady was small, thin and wiry and really looked like one.
Actually, there were 9 times they guessed it on the free turn. Only six remain on film footage though. I never liked the free guesses. Personally I did like they walk by though. I thought it gave them some useful insight as far as size, strength, hands etc. Here is a video of the six ruclips.net/video/pbj0uNMfoNI/видео.html from the WML channel
I AGREE!!!!
I also hated the walk in front of the panel. It's probably a sacrilege to say, but does anyone else think some of this was rigged where the panel already knew the occupations beforehand.
What a treat!
Wonderful episode. The Duke seems a little hard of hearing. I have that trouble myself, so I turn on the computer generated captions. It comes up with some different captions at times. Some of the panel in this show were Bennett Syrup, Dorothy Killed and Darling Francis.
In past shows Arlene has been called Miss Arlene Bastard, Bizarrely Francis, Miss Breakfast and Mr. President.
In another show John asks a guest, "Is it Miss or Mrs?" and the computer says her answer was "Misery".
Haha
Being a musician I can understand how he may have been hard of hearing.
“I just came in here because it was warm.” 😆😆
This episode displays one of the flaws of a live broadcast in that it cannot be edited. As a consequence, the final guest was rushed through in the one minute left in the broadcast. I always feel uneasy when there is so little time left.
Mr. Pfeiffer has a great smile!
That federal prosecutor was quite smitten by John Daly.
I think Leila was Tipsy (lol), did they have a green room? I looked her up too and she made a great legal career for herself....and got busted five times for DUI along the way! What a woman.
8:45 A "yes" is probably in order here. As a US attorney she works within the Judicial system, but since she works for the Attorney General it's an Executive position.
23:52 Watch John Daly and Mr. Wagner both go through some elaborate gyrations with both hands, after which John, still not letting go, leads him to the desk. Kinda strange...maybe they're both members of a mystic order.
His wave to the panel was cute!
I believe JD was a freemason.
Yes! Interesting handshake! They both did the same two-handed thing…
"Would you consider yourself an actor?" "I have been mistaken for an actor, yes." Duke's answer is misleading, though literally true no doubt.
Mrs. Bulgrin was gorgeous.
At 1:00 Steve does not give Arlene the usual introduction "lovely lady of stage and screen" and instead says " One of the lovely ladies of radio and television. " She smiled but shot him a LOOK! haha it was great! She was always appearing in the theatre, I thought that was her main work.
"Lovely Lady of Radio" is not really much of a compliment.
She also gave him a look after the intro the previous week, but I thought in both cases it was his downbeat tone that she didn't particularly appreciate!
Radio was still a big-time thing. TV😊 was just beginning!@@kevincramer9235
The Duke!
Rarely does Bennett Cerf miss an opportunity, in the free guesses, to demonstrate his geographic knowledge. Recently, however, he seemed to slip up, when he suggested that a woman from Jacksonville, Florida, worked at the Navy's installation in Pensacola, more than 300 miles away. Since the 1940s, Jacksonville has had both Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
I think Steve Allen had Brylcreem in his hair. Lol!
A little dab’ll do ya
Do you need a college degree for a prosecuting attorney, and she says no !! Ha, ha.
She was correct, actually! California remains one of the few states where you can take the bar exam without going to law school and instead apprentice with an attorney or judge. At the time, she may well have known several attorneys who did not have college degrees - but because it would be misleading for a New York panel, I can see why this was changed to a 'yes'.
The Oracle at Delphi But she said she worked for the Federal government. Wouldn’t she be working for the Californian State if she worked for the state legal system?
DOROTHY Kilgallen IS ALSO A GREAT AND FINE lady
Paperback Only: she was a federal prosecutor in L.A., so she worked for the federal government.
@@theoracleatdelphi4540 Indeed, before the 20TH CENTURY it was very common for aspiring lawyers to "read the law" under a tutelage of sorts of an established attorney.
At 10:27 when John Daly flips the card, you can see writing on the back of it. I've noticed it in some of the other episodes too. Anyone know what it says?
The back of the cards say what John says when he flips that card. E.g., "One down, Nine to go." There's one episode where the cards were accidentally put on backwards where you can see the writing clearly enough to make it out. :)
Thanks! I wondered if it was something like that. While I'm at it, I just want to say thank you for providing all these great shows and for keeping the comments positive and classy. I'm enjoying it immensely.
In the early 1970s, Duke was featured in a documentary. Decked in a vibrant velvet suit, Duke paused before walking out onto the stage and said straight to the camera, "I like to dress conservatively."
Ms. Bulgrin eventually became a judge who got busted on a drunk driving charge in 1985.
Absurdist1968 - Oh no. I am so sorry to hear that. I really liked her. She seemed so confident and brought a sense of fun to her segment.
The ladies look like they have Dippity-do in their lovely locks.
Mrs. Bulgrin was a hot number.
Joseph LaCerra Yes she was.
Hear me out, Duke Ellington as the Phantom of the Opera.
Dorothy Kilgallen got a little testy with the question asked to Duke Ellington about singing and dancing.
Duke was the coolest
Why was Cerf so ingratiating to Daly? Like an Office Junior to the Boss.
The judge Leila Bulgrin was a wrong way driver in an accident in 1985 and she died in 1996 at 72 years of age.
(2:30) One of the most awkward handshakes I've seen (yet) on WML.
This was great. But what a treat it would have been if Billie Holiday could have made it around to the MG table.
+Michael Maloney I can barely even imagine. :) I love Billie Holiday, but. . . on WML? Train wreck waiting to happen!
Sarah Vaughan should've been on, though. That's a shame.
No worse that Judy Garland
Michael Maloney Yeah, well, the Judy Garland spot was pretty much a train wreck, wasn't it (especially if you know the behind-the-scenes story)?
What's the behind the scenes story??
Also - where's the episode with Martin and Lewis - I've only seen a small clip of that - I really want to see them come in, and the ending!
"is it a pie-annie? - a WHAT?"
joe r newsom A pie-annie..Very old-fashioned, regional dialect for piano. More commonly, a pie-anno.
He is grouse, Duke . . Hes fun as
18:44 Wish I had a voice like that.
Am I mistaken or was WML one of the first nationally broadcast shows that had a fair share of black guests?
Check out YOU BET YOUR LIFE, especially episodes of the late 50s/early 60s. Groucho was just as wonderful to his guests and contestants of all races...
Duke Ellington 1899 - 1974 jazz pianist and freemason.
If Mr. Feffer makes seasick pills,could he be considered a pharmacist?
Shades of Pete Townsend... it appears that the Duke had a bit of a hearing problem. Was it due to some kind of organic condition or did the man keep his head too close to Johnny Hodges' sax?
He's not the first such guest. I wonder about the acoustics of the theatre
His job was quite "noisy" He was also here 54 years old.
The last guest always get short shrift.
And usually walks away with the full $50 ;)
How do you figure that? They always get the $50 😅
It is annoying. Imagine the guests who had 2 minutes on the screen. Ok. They were winners by default.
Duke and the gang were wonderful, it was a great episode, but why bring on another guest with only one minute to go? Wouldn't an extra minute or two chatting with Duke had been much better?
Arlene: " and isn't Prince...."
I must admit that I skip the Mystery Guests about 95% of the time. I just don't find celebrities making funny voices very entertaining. I've made exceptions, such as John Wayne, James Mason, Natalie Wood, etc. But I find the 'common' lines much more interesting.
Well you missed out this episode, Duke Ellington was definitely unique for a mystery guest.
Frustrating on the second guest how many dumb and overly narrow questions they asked. If they had asked whether it relieves some kind of malady before asking about a specific one, one of Steve's no answers could have been saved. Then at the end, having already established it has no nutrient value, Arlene blows the last question by asking if it has any vitamin in it, which is not like her. She normally verifies what they've already established.
Why did the 1st guest refuse to shake hands with.the rest of the Panel?😲 No COVID Rules! 😂 LOL!
❤️❤️❤️
The first lady really gave some confusing answers, the questions asked were not that difficult to give a yes or no answer. Federal prosecuting attorney should not of been that difficult.