What's My Line?

[GSFan]

I read in a prior post that GSN has only eight episodes from the early run of WML.  Assuming this is true, does anyone know the sequence of these episodes?

Additionally, does anyone know the location in or near Grand Central Station from where the first show was telecast?

David

[Matt Ottinger]

A message from the person who runs the What's My Line TV Tome site (and taken from that site):

-------------------
SCHEDULE NOTE FROM SUZANNE
I can't post anymore of the upcoming schedule at this point, since only about 10 episodes remain from 1950 to mid-1952, and we have no idea if they'll play them all or skip some of them. In mid-1952, Gil Fates noticed that CBS was destroying the kinescopes, and he stopped the practice. The episodes that remain from 1950 to mid-52 are: 1, 2, 3, 5, 20, 31, 40, 42, 96 and possibly 97. After that time period, I think that episodes 112 to 127 are in existence, but I'm not sure if GSN has ever aired them or not. Most references seem to start with episode 128. Basically, we'll just have to wait and see what airs. I do hope they play the entire series again. It takes about 2 and one-half years cycle through the entire 17.5 year run.
-------------------

However, I'm not sure that's exactly right, because I don't remember the first three shows all having aired on GSN.

And once again, here's the link with a growing database of anything you cvould possibly want to know about Daly & Co:
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowM...let/showid-5501

[GSFan]

Thanks, Matt.  I found TVTome right after I posted.  You're right -- there's so much information that it may take me 2 1/2 years just to read through it.

David

[Matt Ottinger]

According to a GSN staffer and reference book co-author who wishes to remain anonymous (gee, I love that line...), every episode of What's My Line aired at one time or another when GSN first launched, but except for the debut episode, the very early episodes were skipped whenever they restarted the runs and haven't been seen since.  It's also extremely unlikely that you'll ever see them again on GSN, so enjoy them while they last!

[adamjk]

Wait, does that mean that all the episodes actually do exist then?

[Matt Ottinger]

[quote name=\'adamjk\' date=\'Sep 29 2004, 09:22 PM\'] Wait, does that mean that all the episodes actually do exist then? [/quote]
 No, even though these early episodes have been skipped before (and I actually question whether some of them have EVER aired, no matter what our source is saying) there are still only a few of them.  Maybe a dozen or so from the first two years.

[GSFan]

Regardless of what our source says, it looks like GSN is airing whatever episodes they do have.  Episodes 1-3 aired the last few nights.  If the TVTome guide is correct, episode 31 should air tonight.

Nice to have a hobby that makes me happy!

David

[GSFan]

Oops, my mistake.  According to TVTome, episode #20, Bennett Cerf's debut, should air tonight, early morning 10/1.

David

[Don Howard]

[quote name=\'GSFan\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 10:28 AM\']According to TVTome, episode #20, Bennett Cerf's debut, should air tonight, early morning 10/1.
[/quote]

This is terrific. For me, no matter how much they garbage up most of the rest of the schedule, this hour is golden.

[Dbacksfan12]

[quote name=\'adamjk\' date=\'Sep 29 2004, 08:22 PM\']Wait, does that mean that all the episodes actually do exist then?

[snapback]58907[/snapback]

[/quote]
Something I noticed here...not just specifically with Adam's post, but with others, is a large space of white area below the posts. Is this something that is new with the board, or something controlled on their end?

[Winkfan]

Oops, my mistake.  According to TVTome, episode #20, Bennett Cerf's debut, should air tonight, early morning 10/1.

John Charles Patrick Crocian Daly's worst nightmare will be coming true!

Cordially,
Tammy Warner--the 'Meredith MacRae of the Big Board!'

[Jimmy Owen]

Yes, on that date Bennett would start ribbing Daly weekly, weakly.

[MyCapableAssistant]

[quote name=\'GSFan\' date=\'Sep 30 2004, 09:28 AM\']According to TVTome, episode #20, Bennett Cerf's debut, should air tonight, early morning 10/1.

[snapback]58972[/snapback]

[/quote]

YAY!!

Bennett's debut. Ah, THIS will be exciting! Parts of these earlier shows
sure seem boring to me! Perhaps because its not the panel we
all became so familiar with?And the announcer.. WOW! Johnny SURE held
attention!!  

Did anyone catch John's facial expression after the FIRST show? As he
signed off, he was smiling, but as soon as he finished talking, I imagine
he didn't realize the camera was STILL on him. His face just DROPPED!
He had a look on his face like: "what did I get myself into?... this isn't gonna
last for too long!"

I wonder how long after Bennett's debut he became the "punster of the panel?"

John Charles Patrick Crocian Daly

CORRECTION: !
I realize this borders on "nitpicking," but ...
It's John Charles Patrick Croghan Daly! -  I remember one
episode where he corrected Bennett for having mispronounced his
name. I imagine he would do the same for a misspelling?

on that date Bennett would start ribbing Daly weekly, weakly.

I wondered why Bennett never surprised him and called John Mr. WEEKLY,
since that's how often he was seen.  :-)

[MCArroyo1]

I wondered why Bennett never surprised him and called John Mr. WEEKLY,
since that's how often he was seen.

Didn't Dorothy Kilgallen use that line once?

[MyCapableAssistant]

Didn't Dorothy Kilgallen use that line once?

She DID??! How did John react?
I haven't seen that episode so

"It's news to me!"