What's My Line? - Herman Wouk; Van Heflin (Oct 23, 1955)
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- Опубликовано: 21 ноя 2024
- Herman Wouk, author of "The Caine Mutiny", appears as the first mystery guest. Wouk got his start as a professional writer on the staff of Fred Allen's radio show.
MYSTERY GUESTS: Herman Wouk; Van Heflin (film actor)
PANEL: Dorothy Kilgallen, Fred Allen, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf
![What's My Line? - Victor Borge; Steve Lawrence [panel] (Dec 15, 1963)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_3obTlPfaGg/mqdefault.jpg)
![What's My Line? - Richard Kollmar [Dorothy Kilgallen's husband!]; Garry Moore (Nov 20, 1955)](/img/1.gif)
Rest in Peace, Herman Wouk! He had been the oldest living WML mystery guest. Mr. Wouk passed away just 10 days shy of his 104th birthday.
Olivia De Havilland wore that crown just over a month, having passed away July 2020 at 104 years, 25 days. She made 4 WML appearances as well as Password, I've Got A Secret, and Play Your Hunch..
Five years ago I wrote a letter to mr Wouk and expressed my admiration for him and his books. He wrote me an answer which I treasure very high. May 27, 2015 mr Wouk will celebrate his 100th birthday.
And today we celebrate mr Wouk's 101st birthday! :)
And his 102nd Birthday!! :-))
That is awesome, Johan! :) (I see that I clicked "like" on this comment before -- probably when you first posted it. I'm not sure why I never replied before, but anyway, I hope you're doing well!) According to Wikipedia, Mr. Wouk is still with us!
He made it to his 104th, but sadly passed this year.
Johan Bengtsson ~ I’m so glad you wrote him and he responded.
I always find your WML comments very interesting and informative.
everyone is so pleasent. it makes me happy to watch and laugh and listen and guess ❤
Ms. Whitten, mayor of Ottawa was a famous and brilliant politician and great wit as well as vicious opponent. She is in all the main quotation books for her famous line: ""Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult."
Thanks for this info. She was a hoot.
My dad had The Caine Mutiny (1955 edition), which I now have. I've just read it for the 5th time. Mr. Wouk was such a talented author and one who knew much about human nature!
I've been watching years worth of these ''What's My Line'' episodes here on RUclips and I enjoyed this one every single moment. It is the funniest of all WML's episodes. God Bless each and everyone connected to this marvelous program. Entertainment at its finest.
I first became acquainted with "What's My Line" by watching it (in the mid-to-late 1950s) with my mother, in front of our 21-inch, black-and- white console TV, with the "rabbit ears" (antenna) on top to bring in reception. (And those were in the days of there being only three network channels, ABC, CBS and NBC.) Now, in 2024, I've been binge-watching 'WML"; that is to say, I will watch a number of these episodes at one time, and just "ahead" of tiring of them a bit, I will watch other programs/ RUclips channels. Now "refreshed," I'll return for more watching. And the point I wish to make here is, I want to pay a similar tribute as you have through your comments. ~ This program was completely delightful! I have laughed more times--(and) more consistently, when watching "What's My Line" than I have with any other program on television that I've been introduced to over the decades that have followed. The humor still holds up today, because the wit of the panelists so often served as subtle tributes to the subject(s)/theme(s) being addressed in their opened conversations, along with a complimentary display of Appreciation and Respect (as in, "all around good humor"); it was also (often) topically "reactionary," but in a polite way. Their humor was also free of this "present need" to include a long thread of profane words, condemnations, sexual innuendos and other vitriol. Let's just call it "clean-cut humor," with maybe an occasional unintentional(?) innuendo that might creep into the "fray." But, overall, their light-hearted banter would often evolve into a delightful silliness, making the whole experience beautiful--and one that provides us a taste of humility. Also, the panelists, collectively, brought humor up to a respectable pinnacle of honor, thus "showing us" a universal appreciation for Humor. There is something to be said about the simple innocence that is embodied in the good ol'-fashion "quick wit!" ~drs (08/04/24)
Haha, the cynical dry humour of the Ottawa mayor was simply a delight to watch! As a fellow Canadian, I would've loved to have her as my city's mayor.
I've loved every book he has written. Wouk is truly gifted.
In case anyone was confused by Fred Allen's comments about Lucky Strike and green. Prior to WWII the circle on the package was green. However whatever chemical it was that made it green was needed for the war effort. So they went with a red circle. After the war they never went back to the green circle and it is red to the present day
Thanks, I couldn't figure that bit out.
Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks!
Herman Wouk is still alive, as of February 2018, and is soon to be 103 years old. He published his last book when he was 100 years old
He has a most genial personality. Probably his secret recipe for long life.
Herman Wouk..what a wonderful writer...such a treat to see him in this WML episode!
I loved it when Dorothy said to Cerf a lot of good that will do you
Mayor of Ottawa is a hoot. She could have written jokes for Fred Allen or for Jack Benny.
I expected her to pull/tug on his ear.. .
🤣😂😂😂
She was delightful! Her response: "I have made enough mistakes." Great lady!
No one could have known it in 1948, but in that year a film was made in which six future WML mystery guests appeared, and an additional two actors were later WML guest panelists (and a few were both). Hard to picture Van Heflin in a costume drama, but it was MGM's "The Three Museketeers." The other 5 future MGs were Vincent Price, June Allyson. Gene Kelly. :Lana Turner, and Angela Lansbury. The two future guest panelists were Gig Young and Keenan Wynn.
What an extraordinary opportunity to see Wouk in the flesh. My dad introduced his books to me when I was a young man, and though he, Wouk, as far as I'm aware, is now hardly known yet alone read, he was an important writer in his time. Robert, uk.
Dear likable Bennett. He and Arlene are like friends to me, which is amazing since we’ve never met. That’s part of the magic of this show. :)
I consider Bennett, Arlene, and all of the other regulars good friends as well! They are always such a joy to watch.
I totally agree, Laura. John, Arlene, and Bennett all come across as very likable people, and their camaraderie makes me feel like a welcome guest at the show. They were also close friends off camera. How wonderful it would have been to spend an evening with those three. This show is the closest we'll ever get to such an experience, and I'm grateful for it.
You should pick you friends more carefully, Cerf was an exposed scam artist of 50 million$ for his :famous writer’s school” fraud and Arlene was an admitted gold digger who cheated on her first husband with Martin Gabel. Martin’s parents owned a jewelry store in Philadelphia and he was a producer who could help get her acting parts.
@@mikejschin read the over 1000 page transcript from Cerf’s Columbia oral history interviews and you will find him to be someone that hated Dorothy and doesn’t mind speaking ill of the dead, especially if they are a gentile. He never missed an opportunity to toot his own horn at the expense of others sometimes by making up stories. I suspect the truth is most of his so-called friends were interested in getting books published. He was a bit like the Harvey Weinstein of his day,
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath what a load of cobblers
@ 11:55 Seventeen seconds of total and confusing silence (almost)! It seems that no one had briefed Charlotte Whitton properly what to do and when to make her entry on stage. John's "Yo-hoo!" is priceless to hear and watch. :)
The perils of live television in full view. But at least there was still a picture and some activity. It's even worse if the transmission is lost, or on radio when you suddenly have dead air, leaving the audience with nothing.
Johan Bengtsson I can't help wondering if she was on the ladies room.
@@teriannebeauchamp254 She was probably trying to fix her hair....she seemed to have run out of time.. ha
Why automatically blame the crew or The Director or Producer when things like this were extremely rare. I’m pretty sure if it was a man instructing her on what to do she would’ve done the opposite.
@@teriannebeauchamp254 More likely the men’s
Wow, as of today November 11, 2018 Herman Wouk is still alive at 103!
"Is it Ms or Mrs?" Best answer ever.
Van Heflin Is One Of My Unforgettable Leading Men, Idols And Actors.
I dislike him. It's funny how you can dislike someone without knowing them. I skipped a Joan Crawford movie, whom I like very much, because he was in it.
@@jerrylee8261 "Possessed" is a favorite Crawford picture of mine - with Van Heflin and Raymond Massey (along with others in a great cast). It earned Crawford another Oscar nomination (well deserved). You might want to reconsider seeing it, especially if you enjoy Joan Crawford. I haven't seen many Van Heflin films, but I thought he was quite believable, as Joan's ex-lover, as she descends into madness. In any event, cheers to all!
@@rivaridge7211 Tks, will take a look on your recommendation the next time I spot the movie on TCM.
He was so good ❤
@@rivaridge7211’Possessed’ 1947 is one of my favorite movies. Excellent acting by ALL including of course Van Heflin
mayor had a great sense of humour. too bad i wasnt born yet
I remember that Herman Wouk was mentioned on an episode of the Jack Benny Program, possibly around this time. On the show, Don Wilson noted that Wouk once worked on Fred Allen's show, but left to go to war. Jack then smirked, "The coward!" 🤣🤣
Fred's comment about Lucky Strike went to war green and never came back: the trademark circle used to be green. . Theeen color is made using copper. The metal was needed to make ammunition and for other military uses, copper wire for electrical use, etc. Most will recall our government did not make copper cents in 1943. They used a zinc alloy many mistakenly called "silver" pennies. When the war ended Lucky stayed with the red circle.
Herman Wouk wrote very readable prose. I think the first book of his that I read was "Marjorie Morningstar" mentioned here. Some years later I read "The Winds of War" followed by its sequel, "War and Remembrance". All memorable, all nicely written and very much worth my time. Now I'll have to get a copy of "The Caine Mutiny" and read that. If you think this is a plug for Herman Wouk, it is -- if you haven't read him, please consider doing so. He's good!
Agreed. I think "The Winds of War" are equally fantastic in a movie version...
Cheers !
@@WitoldBanasik Few men can write well about a woman, but Marjory Morningstar is an example from one who could. In 1952, I read the Caine Mutiny, and nagged my new husband who had never read a novel, or anything else for enjoyment before, into reading it. He became a bookworm by the end of the week. Wouk's writing was, and probably is still as addicting as Lucky Strikes.
Herman Wouk lived to be 103 years old and only passed away earlier this year ! What a long life & prolific career !
Adaptations Herman Wouk’s novels
The Winds of War and
War and Remembrance
are perhaps the two greatest ever TV series.
Agree!
"Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult." -- Charlotte Whitton
I'd heard that quote, but I didn't know she was the source!
One of my favorite quotes, and I knew it was from Charlotte Whitton, but before now, I didn't know who Charlotte Whitton was.
April 2019 and Mr. Wouk is still alive and kicking!
Rest In Peace, Mr. Herman Wouk. May 17, 2019. Age 103. A life well lived.
Yep, this reinforces that Fred is busy thinking of things to say and not quite able to listen and think at the same time. He got it pretty much instantly after Bennett asked about connections; it just didn't occur to him to think about that before then. Or, he'd gotten it earlier, but it was funnier not to, either way. Or both. And speaking of funny (and acerbic), Charlotte Whitten wins all.
Also, it appears that Mrs. Weinreb is still with us. (She'd be 101, which is not beyond the bounds of reason.)
This type of show should be on TV now. However it would be difficult to find guests who had some class like the ones on this wonderfully classic show. As for the panel, there are no intelligent, witty decent panelists like this any more. ALAS!
Yes, you stated the problem to a tea.
The problem isn't the lack of panelists like this. The problem is the lack of audience for them.
@@JayTemple Well said.
@gcjerryusc plus the obnoxious commercials that interrupt every few sentences of a show, go on forever one after another, until you've forgotten what the hell you were looking at in the first place.
Hopefully guests like Mayor Whitton, who were racist and anti Semitic, would be “difficult to find,” but as others have written, the problem is finding the audience
Who can forget Van Heflin's role in the movie *Airport* (1970) where he played the tormented airplane bomber.
Van Heflin Is One Of My Favorite Actors.
Johan Bengtsson I love him as Guerrero in Airport. My all time favorite movie. If they ever make a remake of Airport, Liam Neeson should be Guerrero because he would be just PERFECT.
Or maybe Paul Giamatti.
***** Thank You So Much!
May I ask why?
They don't make 'em like Charlotte Whitton any more, sadly.
I certainly don't hold her lesbianism against her - but she was a controversial figure, accused of racism and in particular antisemitism. She also argued for the retention of the Canadian ensign - a symbol of the British Empire - against the adoption of the maple leaf flag. Perhaps we should draw a veil over all that and charitably describe her as a character and an eccentric.
wchumphries
She was funny but I don't like her
Stephen your point about the flag is so stilly to compare to today at the time it was very controversial to change the flag of Canada I think one ex PM when he died wouldn’t even have the new flag on his coffin.
A good early Van Heflin performance was in "Johnny Eager," for which he won Best Supporting Actor. This appearance was two years after he played the father in "Shane," the part for which he is probably best known today.
I guess everyone starts some where. Herman is some great author and those turned into many great Oscar winning movies
I loved the Mayor of Ottawa's first comment! "Miss, I've made enough mistakes!"🤣🤣🤣
Van Heflin! = a fine actor and gentleman
Herman Wouk, born May 27, 1915, is 102 years old.
Interesting that Fred Allen didn't recognize the voice of someone who worked for him for five years. Since Wouk primarily wrote the sketches, I would think that they needed to work closely on each weekly show. Bennett Cerf mentions that Wouk's voice sounds familiar (perhaps from encounters at publishing industry functions and society gatherings?) but can't place it. But no hint of recognition from Allen, and it seems he guesses correctly based on the answers given, not the voice.
It had been 14 years since Wouk had worked for Allen.
On Fred's previous turn (his first I think?), Wouk hadn't talked much. Not much to go on.
OMG Fred was such a hoot!
One nice thing Bennett always did was plug an author’s book even if RH didn’t publish it. He never tried to downplay or demean an author’s work just because he didn’t publish it. Wouk’s publisher, Doubleday, isn’t mentioned here, but his competitors were mentioned in other shows.
Interestingly, Bennett didn’t publish Fred’s autobiography.
I agree. I think that Bennett had an odd way of pronouncing common words in addition to mispronouncing some contestants' last names despite John Daly having stated them. I thought unusual for a literary man in publishing who often lectured on behalf of RH.
I think he will find that if he ever mention any competitors, it was couched in a self-serving way. If you want to know what he was really like using his own words read parts of his more than 1000 page oral history from Columbia University. You will hear him speak ill of Dorothy, Judy Garland, Errol Flynn and many other Gentiles and of course there’s always his famous writer’s school scam, which very few people know about for some strange reason.
I doubt that Fred and Cerf were friends since Fred was so much more clever than Cerf could ever dream of being and not one to kiss someone’s a$$ in hopes of getting a book deal
Why didn’t you give credit to Arlene for plugging plays that she’s not in?
Author Herman Wouk was 40 years old when this episode was filmed. He will celebrate his 104th birthday next month, May, 2019.
Sadly, we just lost him 10 days short of his 104th birthday.
I Wish Everyone was as Alert, Engaged, Well-Spoken, and Intellegent as thst Lovely Ottawa Mayor..
Including this typist
Van Heflin and Arlene were Bob and Betty on a radio show several years before this episode.
wish I could hear this.
o
Welcome to the Fred Allen show
Herman Wouk was an Orthodox Jew and often wore a Yarmulke on his head, but usually under an open sky when it is required. Indoors while writing secular material, a Yarmulke is not necessary (in answer to the question about whether he wore something on his head while he worked). He wrote much more after this 1955 appearance: The stunning affirmation of his faith, This is My G-d, and the WW2 voluminous masterpieces: Winds of War and War and Remembrance and The Hope, a novel about the founding of the State of Israel.
and what is even more amazing, Herman Wouk is still alive at 102 years old.
Plus Wouk published numerous books after this 1955 appearance, none of them with Random House. At least I can't find one, but I have not checked them all.
Is it just me or did Fred Allen get LESS funny the closer he got to his March the 17th, 1956 sudden death? That was an interesting WML with Allen's friend Wouk on it.
Boy, I wouldn't mess with Miss Whitton!
RIP Herman Wouk who has just died 10 days shy of his 104th birthday!
Wouk died in May 2019, 10 days short of his 104 birthday
The question to Charlotte Whitton 'Are you connected with a famous man?' assumes that she as a woman can't be famous in her own right - which she was as Mayor of Ottawa in her 3rd term of office. It's strange that the question is asked by another woman who was famous for her own talents, Dorothy Kilgallen the journalist. I think she was really asking 'Are you a secretary?' but tried to widen the question to go fishing for a yes. Ms Whitton's late entrance is the only one I've seen in many episodes, although many other people got lost on the way offstage. It's live TV of course with no chance to edit the bloopers.
I actually find it odd she said third term. She assumed office in August of 51 as acting Mayor following the death of the Mayor, a month later she was elected to complete the term, was reelected in 1953 and served until 1956. She was elected again in 1960 and served until 1964. She returned, not as Mayor but as an Alderman (Alderwoman) in 1967 serving until 1972. She died early in 1975.
WHY does the audio level have to be so blasted LOW?????!!! Most of these have great audio.
It depends on what your using to watch the show😊
@@robertjean5782 Interesting thought, thanks! I just tried listening again and now it works just fine. The only thing I can think of that I changed is that I am now using a newer set of headphones. But then the old set worked fine with some recordings and apparently not this one. Maybe they did fix the audio? Oh well, cheers! 😊
Herman Wouk still alive at 102.
Mr. Wouk passed on May 17th, 2019 at the age of 103.
HERMAN WOUK, AUTHOR OF "MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR"
MAYOR OF OTTAWA, ONTARIO
WIG DESIGNER
Rest in peace Herman Wouk.
Again the sound is so low that it's a struggle to hear them on high.
As they say, Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm just happy to have these videos available.
I turned on CC and was able to read what they said. The last WML I watched had sound problems, too. I turned my speakers' volume all the way up and increased the volume for speakers using symbol for sound at bottom of screen. That solved the problem. I remembered to turn sound back down so didn't get hearing BLASTED with regular sound for other uses.
@@jerrylee8261 I have never found CC to really record what is actually being said, but you clearly have a better English to English translator on yours than do I. Thanks for the tip. I put my settings up to loudest, alas...
@@philippapay4352 Hmmm.... May be your speakers. I have a Realtek system with two external speakers which are about year old. Even with that there is a problem with sound, tho, but was able to hear everything with adjusted external speaker knob and internal volume control.
I thought that when the panel found out that the MG was currently on Broadway, they might fish for whether it was Andy Griffith. He starred in "No Time for Sergeants", which opened on Broadway 3 days before this episode aired, and the play was based on a novel that had been published by Random House the previous year. It would have been natural for the panel to look in that direction. On the other hand, Andy would have had a hard time disguising his Southern accent, which was still quite strong at that time, so even if the thought ran through their minds they would have rejected it after hearing Van Heflin.
On a side note, Don Knotts made his Broadway debut in that play, as Corporal Manual Dexterity.
Great actor Van Heflin
Lee Vines is the announcer.
Wouk is 103 now. If he makes it another 6 months he will be 104.
Unfortunately, he died on May 17, 2019 -- 10 days shy of his 104th birthday.
RIP Herman Wouk
Van Heflin’s sister played Mona on ‘All My Children’, Erica’s mother. Frances Heflin.
Emmett E(VAN) Heflin, Jr. Yes, that, really, was him; idkt. Too, Mr. Cerf spoils Mr. Wouk's reveal, with Mr. Cerf's(incredulous sounding), "are you an author?"(whom Mr. Cerf does not publish), etc...
Mayor of Ottawa, women had more male dominated positions, professions and careers that were contestants on this show than I ever knew.
Herman Wouk (May 27, 1915 - May 17, 2019) (age 103)
Does John Daly says Herman Wouk's name around the 4:34 mark ? "Well, it's a nice day don't you think, Mr. Wouk ?"
i believe he does. good hearing
Bennet Cerf: national treasure
If you are checking comments, the sound is way too low on this one.
@Mark Richardson So glad you appreciate it.
Use close caption😊
Can you turn up the gain. I can barely hear it a full volume.
Use your caption control😊
The more I watch these WML episodes the more I think they were often tipped off either by the show or somebody. I never heard Dorothy ask a woman if they were connected with an important man, except on this episode with this female mayor, who obviously didn’t like men. What are the odds or what was the deductive reasoning that caused her to ask that question at that time?
Dorothy was a investigative reporter for years 😊
Wonder if Mr. Wouk had 3 steel balls in his jacket pocket?
At 4:07 You can see Dorothy's eye through the blindfold. -_-
Interesting! You can't see it though during the second mystery guest segment.
They are not her eyes. They are fake eyes between the fabric layers.
Those are fake and are part of the blindfold.
@@accomplice55I know and of all people Dorothy would never cheat.
Painted eyes on mask😅
How come Cerf was allowed to guess Van Heflin after getting a yes? Was he allowed to guess?
I don't think they changed it until 1956.
He is allowed that
@@sandrageorge3488What changed?
@@lorraineb.4698The 😊rules
Herman Wouk died May 17 2019 aged 103 years
How come Mr. Wouk doesn't get a nameplate?
Im guessing because they couldn't see him. They didn't need it and the audience already knew.
That was one wild Mayor, bet rare honest one, no baby kissing.... had her full of Men :) That went too fast, they too good :(
Sadly, Fred Allen didn't live much longer.
3:40 Herman Wouk probably "did his work" [writing] in his underwear. 😄
Sound quality not the best
Use close caption 😊
13:08 😂
What did she say?
Hypocritical for Canadian mayor to allow John Daly to call her “her worship” right after showing disdain for presumably self important men that she works with
That is what all mayors are called in Canada.
How to Bennet get this?
Self deduction 😊
Other than grandstanding or fakery, what is the point in asking a question that is answered with a yes, could only be one person as the mystery guest? Why don’t they just say are you so and so if they’ve narrowed it down to them?
Why don't you call them up and tell them yourself.
@@RonGerstein😅
Sixty five years after the fact is too late for complaints, but it was rude when Fred Allen consistently deprived Arlene of a dignified introduction, instead attempting to make jokes, often at her expense. An occasional attempted joke, or even frequent attempts at humor rotating his target, along with the encomium due Arlene would have been reasonable, but weekly pokes were not
It wasn't rude 70 years ago 😊
I love these, but can't hear. How awful. Audio please
Use close caption 😊
Bizarre episode. They all act like they're a bit tipsy or on uppers??
Only a drunk would make a comment like yours, so stop with the beers.
@@RonGerstein a lie
Bad flip at 15:22
Mayor act like she didn't like men or babies 🤦
Why would they use the female mayor of Ottawa’s real name and mention what city she was from?
There was no internet then, just newspapers and limited TV. Highly unlikely anybody had any idea about her
Do you know the current mayor of Ottawa?
@@RonGerstein Very good point
Herman Wouk died 10 days before his 104th birthday. What an amazing life.
The Canadian woman mayor looks just like Gilbert Godfried
Of course, Gilbert Gottfied is a woman, like the mayor.
Mmmmmmmm
V&7
Herman "Woke". LOL!
Since when is being an author part of the "entertainment world"? BTW, Fred Allen was kinda irritating (as usual) and, yes, I know he;d be dead in a few months.
Within one month
Before tv, radio and reading was entertainment 😊
To think the great Herman Wouk worked for a hack comedian like Allen.
Fred Allen was loved by hundreds of millions of people and he was #1 on the radio😊
francis can not shut her mouth
How's Van Heflin Born?
As far as I know, the late great actor Ven Heflin was born the regular way....he came forth from his mother's womb.
vaginally😂
LOL...WHAT??
Well, he was born Frances Heflin's brother...or perhaps she was born his sister. (She played Mona Kane Tyler on "All My Children" for decades.)
@@accomplice55sister😊
@@robertjean5782: I don't know what you mean. I said he was Frances's brother and Frances was his sister.