View Full Version : Revive "What's My Line?"


pilotguy
11-07-2003, 10:10 PM
I'd LOVE to see this show revived....but NOT the casual version of the later syndicated years (when it looked like just any other game show).

I'd like to see a revival the way that "Line" was in the 1950's and early 60's....a prime-time network show, full of urbane class....

The men wore tuxes and bow ties, and the ladies wore evening gowns and classy jewelry.

The show was broadcast from NYC, and the whole thing had a witty "Manhattan Cocktail Party" feel to it.

I think that it would be fun to dress up some of today's celebrities and give them a little class and glamour.

So what do YOU think of a modern-day "What's My Line?", complete with all of the "old-style" trimmings?

donald snl
11-08-2003, 03:10 AM
i think its a wonderful idea gordon elliot would make a fine host just like he did on the 90s to tell the truth its a shame that the rest of the tv watching public problay would not agree with t us whats my line fans

pilotguy
11-08-2003, 03:34 AM
Originally posted by donald snl
i think its a wonderful idea gordon elliot would make a fine host just like he did on the 90s to tell the truth its a shame that the rest of the tv watching public problay would not agree with t us whats my line fans

I agree, I think that Gordon Elliot would make an excellent host for a new version of "Line".

The strange thing is that the original host, John Daly, really wasn't a professional game show host at all...he was a CBS newsman.....and whenever someone would treat him LIKE a game show host, he would quickly correct them as to his "real" occupation.

While Mr. Daly was a SUPERB host (he had the excellent ability to keep the proceedings and the panel under control), it WAS kind of strange to have a news anchorperson as the host....It would be like having Tom Brokaw or Brian Williams hosting "Line" today!

donald snl
11-08-2003, 01:33 PM
yes that true but when i see the later reurns now i think daly had a bit more of a sense of humor about the show i mean wheras in the ealry years he was very stuffy and somewhat pompus later he got to be more like a loveable snob and it seemed like he was doing it because people watching at home or that would come to see that show in person expected it in i mean they wanted him to tese bennett cerf and use huge words that sometimes you didnt think even existed

EricIdlefan
11-19-2003, 10:11 PM
But we have to get John Daly, Arlene Francis, Dorthy Killgallen & Bennett Cerf and dig up their graves!!

donald snl
11-21-2003, 07:50 PM
thats sick

EricIdlefan
11-22-2003, 07:25 PM
Hey!! Can't you take a joke dude!!???

donald snl
11-22-2003, 11:35 PM
i didnt say it wasant funny i just said it was sick come to think of it i still dont think it was that funny oh well to each his or her own

EricIdlefan
11-24-2003, 05:52 PM
Oh!! Pardon me!!

donald snl
11-24-2003, 11:17 PM
tell you what lets just forget the whole thing

Fan of old shows
11-28-2003, 04:36 AM
I have often thought about it and it would be awesome to have a new present version of "Whats my line?" and yes i agree it should be formatted just like the old one. But i dont think it could ever have that because of today. I dont think anyone has the kind of charm and ability to even resemble the kind of show it was back then. It is very sad. John Daly was a remarkable host. I bet it was him who also pushed for the panelist to be more than just actors and singers. Dorothy KilGallen and Bennett Cerf could have been known but they were hardly celebrities. I think its best to not even try to recreate it.

Tweety
12-02-2003, 01:00 AM
Originally posted by Fan of old shows
I have often thought about it and it would be awesome to have a new present version of "Whats my line?" and yes i agree it should be formatted just like the old one. But i dont think it could ever have that because of today. I dont think anyone has the kind of charm and ability to even resemble the kind of show it was back then. It is very sad. John Daly was a remarkable host. I bet it was him who also pushed for the panelist to be more than just actors and singers. Dorothy KilGallen and Bennett Cerf could have been known but they were hardly celebrities. I think its best to not even try to recreate it.


I think you're absolutely right, Fan... there was indeed such an air of class about all of the people involved in the 50's version of What's My Line... nobody in hollywood has that today...

Celebrities back then were much more intelligent than today's celebrities... they didn't grow up in front of a TV; they read, and they played thinking games... and it showed... Jeez, I think of Bill Cullen and Jayne Meadows (from I've Got a Secret), Bennet Cerf, Arlene Francis, Dorothy Killgallen...and John Daly and Gary Moore as hosts...why, those seven people alone had more brain power than the ENTIRE cast of EVERY TV show that's currently running, combined!

I can just see the great "celebrity" panels a modernized "What's My Line" could come up with... Jennifer Anniston, Ray Ramano, Ted Danson, and Tina Fey...whooo, talk about brain power :sleep2: zzzzzz

Plus, today's celebrities are so overexposed, who cares if they're panelists on yet another game show? Back in the 50s and 60s, shows like What's My Line, I've Got a Secret, Password, and Hollywood Squares were often the only times one could see their favorite celebrity, other than going to the movies... but today, with 24/7 Entertainment News, what's the big deal?

Anyway, I agree...they can't remake the old 50s and 60s shows...even the remakes of Hollywood Squares were idiotic..
Note to Game Show Network....just keep running the ol' kinescopes...we don't need these shows remade with modern hollywood morons...