I had to laugh at how dumb the panel was, here - it was already established that their quarry was indeed an Oscar winner, yet they still asked if he was Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly - neither of whom ever won an Oscar.
The entire panel could not make out his "drama" and "singing and dancing" schtick until he gave himself away reverting to his NY accent. James Cagney remains one of the top five American
Actors of all time simply because of his versatility
@storrs19 Agree. There aren't enough class actors and actresses to fill the panel let alone the number of mystery guests they would need just for 1 season.
as has been asked many times throughout the comments regarding this timeless show, why can't we have television programs like this today? There's nothing controversial about the content and it's just so much fun!
@weightfeather1 thank you, for the name. it's been running on ThisTV for the last year or so. i finally watched it in it's entirety. it was not his best, but still still worth watching.
One of the very greatest actors in the whole history of the cinema art which will not be repeated again.The most evident characteristic of this giant man is that every one,men and women,who worked with him became famous then,the other one was Yul Breiner.Those kind of performers used to give to their fans the much they could and to their companies as well.
It's too bad today's actors/actresses are too full of themselves to do things like this. I can only think of a handful of people that would probably do something like this. Makes me wish I was born 40 years earlier! lol
@hetfield426 I find your post some what interesting and yes, I view these posts quite often to remind myself of a simpler time. I love entertainment, especially music; i.e., Jackie Evancho, Emily Bear. Television though is nothing more then a wasteland minus some of the cable channels that are available and I hope I am not saying this blindly.
@hetfield426 Point well taken. But as a boomer I'm spoiled. Sure, there's always good current stuff but I find it takes long to find it cuz you have to swim thru all the shit. The thing, is somewhere at some point the bar that defines talent was lowered. And we went from Richard Pryor to Adam Sandler.
@hetfield426 im 28, and i think 99% of the stuff out in the past decade is crap. Name one song or movie released in the past year that will be remembered in 50 years. Maybe we should work on fixing things so Paris Hilton and Scary Movie 105 dont get any more money and we can get people with serious talent again topping charts and box offices.
Stars wouldnt do this kind of thing now, they can just skype in, act cocky, and then go back to adopting ethiopian children.
these WML clips are so addictiive!!! Thanks to all who posted them. I watched this show when it was on with Wally Bruner (Sp), but I think these originals were much better.
I must say that I agree with the last comment that our culture has supremely lost of the art of etique and fine verbal command. It's a damn shame that this simple yet powerful program has been lost in our special effect, commercialized culture.
When I was a teenager, I saw the movie Ragtime. I didn't know who James Cagney was back then, but I thought his brief appearance in that film was excellent. Even as a kid, I knew he was a great actor.
im glad to see im not the only one who has spent hours watching this amazing show and the legends on it. i may have skipped doing hw, but hey, i never would otherwise have come across this fantastic bit of history!
Like others, everytime I run across the "What's My Line" videos, can't watch just one. Spend at least an hour or two revitied. I love this stuff love it, love it, love it! ! !
I, too, have been held captive by these wonderful clips from the classiest & wittiest panel in television game show history. As for all the mystery guests, we are looking at performers who gave their all for their craft & their audiences, compared to many of today's stars who are famous & worshiped for absolutely no reason. And yes, it only takes a couple of views of these proper people of yesteryear to see how the English language is completely lacking and/or butchered in modern society.
I was amazed to see that Gore Vidal was one of the panelists in this episode. It says something about the quality of the show to have publisher Bennet Cerf as a regular panelist, and in this episode have a rising young writer join him. I didn't like this show when I was a kid during the 1950s. Now in the year 2010, it fascinates me. This truly was adult entertainment.
These clips are shining examples of what makes YouTube great! And at the risk of repeating comments oft-uttered here, the way these people spoke was nothing short of beautiful and often there were many more great laughs to be had -- and without profanity and cheap shots.
It seems to me that they were like this because of the times -- and it makes me wonder when, why, and how it could have changed. Not for the better, I'd say.
@Trecathlus I think there was more emphasis on reading back then. The distractions offered by television, internet and video games were not as pervasive. It's a strange irony that we buy more books per capita today, but read less. Remember, though, the host and panelists were all elegant speakers and writers and I'm not sure you can generalize from there.
Fear James Cagney a true legend. He dose not have to speak ...all he has to do is facial expressions to make his point.....words spoken by him drills his point powerfully across.
It's funny how the days of the "Hard Sell" have come back. while watching this there's a long shot of the panel at around minute 4:40 where Kellogg's is prominently displayed. it wasn't long ago that this heavy -laden advertising would bring roars of laughter when watching an old clip. The "Colgate Comedy Hour'" from same era had a gigantic toothpaste tube hovering over the show's performers all night long. Now, it only makes it look very contemporary. sad? or irrelevant?
I was in grade school and junior high in the 1950s when these shows were on. Our whole large family would watch them together on Sunday nights, TV was a new medium then only about five years old in terms of being a common part of most homes. The rule back then was that procucers were careful to stress their panelists were coming as guest into your home via TV and they did not use vulgar language. But clever double meaning was sometimes OK and Arlene Francis pushed that envelope.
it´s so strange...there was a thought that fred astaire and gene kelly are the only two dancer in the world! they were the best :D no question but i think this notion is very interesting^^
This is really ironic. Within a year Cagney would do his final film---One, Two, Three. And guess who would play his wife in the movie, Arlene Francis.
These are a treat just to listen to - a propos of the comment below regarding the use of the English language. Refreshing, too, to see people think for more than a nano-second before speaking eloquently. Don't see that very much at all today...
remember many celebrities even then were drug addicts, alcoholics,suicidal, abusive, and crazy. You just couldn't tell because of the way they dressed. Also the media has changed much. Celebrities are quite the same as today(except for intelligence or talent) but a lot is similar.
Did anyone notice Mr. Cagney's step, as he went up to shake hands with the panel? Still a whole lot of jump in that step, then. Totally agree with Miss Francis, that there wasn't enough of James Cagney on the screen, around that time. I know that was far more Mr. Cagney's wish, but I would love to have seen so much more!!!!
I always thought that Cagney's frenetic pace in One Two Three caused his retirement -after that film he was worn out. :) One of the true greats."Maybe I am nuts" Cody Jarrett
This episode aired in 1960. In 1961, a movie called "One, Two, Three" aired starring Mr. Cagney and panelist Ms. Francis as his wife. Filmed in B/W, it might have been a "B" movie, but I loved the heck out of it. Wonder if Cagney and Arlene were yet acquainted at the time the show aired. His response to being over 5' tall "by a whisker" gave him away with his unmistakeable mannerism.
Hope I didn't offend suggesting it might have been a "B" movie. I was 9 yr. old at the time and film was in B/W. Just knew it wasn't a major major movie for James Cagney.
I thought it was brilliant and watching it today, appreciate it much more.
@gollytim "One, Two, Three" is far from being a "B" movie. I think it's Wilder's best movie. Unfortunately, the Berlin Wall went up right before the movie was released. That may have had a negative impact on the film's success. It probably didn't help that Cagney and Wilder were (falsely) perceived as past their heyday.
I think Mr. Cagney would have stumped the panel if it were not for the question line-up handling. Questioning went from Dorothy to a conference then (aside from the gentleman asking a jokester height question and Arlene asking if Bennett heard something) right to Bennett.
The Panel REALLY were not going to get this one....Cagney intentionally revealed more of his voice on the last question to give himself away...otherwise he would have stumped the Panel.
I have spent HOURS watching these wonderful clips and will watch them over and over again. They wereWAY more entertaining than most of the drivel on TV today! But as much as I have searched, I have been unable to find Tallulah Bankhead and i know she must have been a mytery guest at least once!!! Anyone have a lead on that clip if it exists?
OK, I've just spent 1 hour watching these "What's My Line?" mystery guest segments, and the impression that I come away with is that we have really lost something in the use of the English language. The way these people spoke was beautiful to listen to. And also Jimmy Cagney and Alfred Hitchcock were way cooler than any 10 Hollywood celebrities you could assemble today (except Clooney).
@CodyJarrett I really have to agree with this sentiment completely. I feel my handle on this language is really sub par. But then, its just a sign of how we speak and the words we use, not necessarily a judgement on the quality of those words.
Tomkes100 is really a desperate, dishonest teenager.. he claims he knew everybody, he has known "1,000s of stars" and is a "film/tv historian" and "rock & roll/doo wop historian". the guy can't even spell, and he NEVER leaves credit or acclaim for any of these great stars he comments on. The point of EVERY post he makes is to brag about HIMSELF and how he "knew" and "met" these people, and how knowledgable he is. What an arrogant joke! If you know so many stars, why are you on YouTube?
the great James Cagney on WHATS MY LINE i knew these panalists the host & producers still living wife. im a film tv buff i love this show the best game show ever. Cagney at 60 was supreme here,They dont make em like this after 17 yrs here. Cagney almopst stumps the panal. ah for these shows today what class what glamour what STARS. TOMKES
Talk about Six Degrees of Separation. The great Cagney and Miss Frances would go on to co-star in "One Two Three". Gore Vidal's father was the first aircraft instructor at West Point. Cagney starred in "The West Point Story".
How I love the late great Jimmy Cagney! One of the true immortals of the silver screen. Too bad Mae Clarke wasn't on the panel; he could have pushed a grapefruit in her face for old time's sake. And fascinating to see a young Gore Vidal on a game show! THANKS for sharing this delightful clip with us!
Jimmy Cagney could blow most of the so-called "actors" of today off the stage with a flick of his pinkey. And absolute giant of the screen, his talent is astounding.
Cagney was part of the fabulous GOLDEN AGE of Hollywood that I would place as between 1935 and 1955 .....there was such a pantheon, almost legion, of incredible talent. One factor contributing to this was that in that era, stars made many films a year as opposed to those of today who might make a film every 2 or so years. Therefore their talent was honed to a remarkable level....
Good Points. I also think that that era of Hollywood relied more on story, acting, directing and plot lines than the special effects and CGI tricks of today. You really had to act to make characters believable, to make the story come alive. You had to use more of your own personal resources as an actor to make an impact on a film.
I agree. They can hide a lot of horrendous actors behind great CGI...Megan Fox in Transformers comes to mind. VERY EASY on my eyes but hardly competent in the ability to act
Interesting - in a way he's disguising his voice and in a way he isn't. All he's really doing is answering softly and deliberately and yet, because we're so accustomed to that staccato tough guy persona, it's difficult to identify him from his unaffected voice.
Jimmy Cagney & Whats My Line 1960 i love this. i have 500 episodes of this classy series. Im tv film historian, i have my website in old films&actors, i kneww 900 plus performers since 1964, seeing this from 60m what a show what an actor, he's still in great form here live on tv nearing end of his career. i knew most of the panal & host John Daly from this classic show. we need more like this today than the junk thrown at us . sorry folks but this show&this actor we wont see AGAIN. TOMK
I love him so much. He was not only one of the greatest actors that ever lived but he was also very intelligent and extremely passionate about acting. 'Learn your lines ... plant your feet ... look the other actor in the eye ... say the words ... mean them.' One of the best advices about acting I've ever heard.
You should watch "Yankie Doodle Dandy" by Cagney. That's actually the biography movie they're talking about here, where he plays the famous Broadway star George M. Cohan, who wrote the songs "You're a Grand Old Flag", "Forty-five Minutes from Broadway", "Mary Is a Grand Old Name", and the famous war song "Over There".
The movie is really excellent. I highly recommend it.
Oh man, I've seen that thing like 100 times lol. I love that movie!! Yup, everyone should have to see that movie, cause it's such a classic... yes, definitely a lighter role for Jimmy... thanks for the suggestion though, I think I'll watch it again now that you mention it! :)
That was great - I've never seen James Cagney smile...
Cyranosmom 17 hours ago
His voice obviously gave it away
MrPeterbs 4 days ago
Five dollars for wrong answers. LOL.
schallrd1 1 week ago
I've been a massive fan of James Cagney's since I was a young lad,watching those old Warner Bros. movies.
My admiration for him is undimmed with the passing of the years. He was irreplaceable.
MOGGS1942 1 week ago
I had to laugh at how dumb the panel was, here - it was already established that their quarry was indeed an Oscar winner, yet they still asked if he was Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly - neither of whom ever won an Oscar.
themredweirdoshow 1 week ago
John Lnnon said, at the end of time we will know a thousand names. One will be James Cagney
Andyfreedom1 3 weeks ago
The entire panel could not make out his "drama" and "singing and dancing" schtick until he gave himself away reverting to his NY accent. James Cagney remains one of the top five American
Actors of all time simply because of his versatility
ronpaulforpresident6 3 weeks ago 2
He star with Arlene in a Great Comedy called 1,2,3. in Germany.
maureencora1 1 month ago
James Cagney was certainly different to the characters he played! He seems very gentle and sweet. Great actor!
billyfuryfan64 1 month ago 4
How sad that there is not a television show like 'What's My Line' these days.....
Grisbi6 1 month ago 4
@Grisbi6 If there were the women would dress like sluts and the guys' pants would be down to their knees :( These people on WML had class!
storrs19 4 weeks ago 2
@storrs19 Agree. There aren't enough class actors and actresses to fill the panel let alone the number of mystery guests they would need just for 1 season.
Woody615 2 days ago
Comment removed
seant7 1 month ago
@weightfeather1
I always thought RagTime was Cagney's last film -- now I will have to go check IMDB!
ghostfanX2 2 months ago
@ghostfanX2 it was, but by that time, I don't think he could walk, he sat in every scene. very sad
ciroalb3 1 month ago
One of the best!
DickCabeza123 2 months ago
It would have been a privilage to meet him. So very much natural talent in a compact of a man. . .
Songsmirth 3 months ago
as has been asked many times throughout the comments regarding this timeless show, why can't we have television programs like this today? There's nothing controversial about the content and it's just so much fun!
727100bear 3 months ago
@weightfeather1 thank you, for the name. it's been running on ThisTV for the last year or so. i finally watched it in it's entirety. it was not his best, but still still worth watching.
wntoply6 3 months ago
One of the very greatest actors in the whole history of the cinema art which will not be repeated again.The most evident characteristic of this giant man is that every one,men and women,who worked with him became famous then,the other one was Yul Breiner.Those kind of performers used to give to their fans the much they could and to their companies as well.
They were givers always.
amirtoma 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Humility is the solid foundation of all the virtues.
propunter 4 months ago
It's too bad today's actors/actresses are too full of themselves to do things like this. I can only think of a handful of people that would probably do something like this. Makes me wish I was born 40 years earlier! lol
MsGin1969 4 months ago
The Best Ever!
MommysGirl920 4 months ago
One of my all time favorite actors, positively love him!
TaviaStrife 5 months ago
kilgallen such an idiot
abbycici 5 months ago
MADE IT MA!
MrRoyHutchins 5 months ago
There is only one Cagney. Maybe the best ever.
nutballgazette 5 months ago
@hetfield426 I find your post some what interesting and yes, I view these posts quite often to remind myself of a simpler time. I love entertainment, especially music; i.e., Jackie Evancho, Emily Bear. Television though is nothing more then a wasteland minus some of the cable channels that are available and I hope I am not saying this blindly.
brgilbert2 5 months ago
@hetfield426 Point well taken. But as a boomer I'm spoiled. Sure, there's always good current stuff but I find it takes long to find it cuz you have to swim thru all the shit. The thing, is somewhere at some point the bar that defines talent was lowered. And we went from Richard Pryor to Adam Sandler.
misterdirtyknees 5 months ago
@hetfield426 im 28, and i think 99% of the stuff out in the past decade is crap. Name one song or movie released in the past year that will be remembered in 50 years. Maybe we should work on fixing things so Paris Hilton and Scary Movie 105 dont get any more money and we can get people with serious talent again topping charts and box offices.
Stars wouldnt do this kind of thing now, they can just skype in, act cocky, and then go back to adopting ethiopian children.
newyorksalright 6 months ago
great man and Actor who will be remembered for his films
WE12WE22 6 months ago
these WML clips are so addictiive!!! Thanks to all who posted them. I watched this show when it was on with Wally Bruner (Sp), but I think these originals were much better.
uofjim 6 months ago
Bring back more shows like this. Simple, fun and educational.
cleancab 6 months ago
HAHAHAAH! Gore Vidal!!!!
RandomNarwhal 6 months ago
cagney was a treasure period
keno8spot 7 months ago
Arlene Francis is so wonderful in all these segments. Always has charming, complimentary comments for her fellow performers.
brihooke 7 months ago
i wonder if this came at the same time as 1,2,3 because i just saw that film and it was quite good
okonh0wp 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you dirty rat!
rankingtrevor 8 months ago
I must say that I agree with the last comment that our culture has supremely lost of the art of etique and fine verbal command. It's a damn shame that this simple yet powerful program has been lost in our special effect, commercialized culture.
cravatta20 8 months ago 2
@cravatta20 add to that list penmanship. The older guests of this show have beautiful handwriting.
MrSaxman77 7 months ago
When I was a teenager, I saw the movie Ragtime. I didn't know who James Cagney was back then, but I thought his brief appearance in that film was excellent. Even as a kid, I knew he was a great actor.
TheBlueyedblond 8 months ago
im glad to see im not the only one who has spent hours watching this amazing show and the legends on it. i may have skipped doing hw, but hey, i never would otherwise have come across this fantastic bit of history!
razbizzle 8 months ago
Jimmy Cagney and Malcolm McDowell look quite similar, like cousins or step brothers
Kingofcorrect 8 months ago 3
in 1961 james cagney and arlene frances starred as husband and wife in a movie together called, i believe "coca cola".
wntoply6 8 months ago
@wntoply6 The title of the movie is "One, ,Two ,Three.::: It's a comedy, very funny.
tedd909 8 months ago
@tedd909 ah, yes, that's it. thanks very much for your information
wntoply6 8 months ago
No Mr.Cagney was not 6ft. tall Mr. Cagney was 10 ft. tall...R I P Great one !
blueticecho 8 months ago
Making sure they're getting that Kellogg's logo in there good and proper!
ElvisChrist6 9 months ago
Oh yeah! What an entertainer this man was!
4MaryAnna 9 months ago
James Cagney was my uncle.
20alphabet 9 months ago
Bennet Cerf fucking ROCKS!!! What a mind! jrs
malcocreative 9 months ago
Cagey and his wife ran their farm upstate
New York. He always wanted to work a farm. Top of the world Ma!
marcellomimi 10 months ago
Cagney spent much of hid time on hid farm. He always wanted to farm which is what he and his wife did. Fab actor. Top of the world Ma!
marcellomimi 10 months ago
NOTICE yANKEE dOODLE dANDEE WRITING HIS NAME. sO BEATIFULLY ARTICULATE HANDS HOLD THE CHALK.
grandadpoppyable 10 months ago
A fabulous actor.
julianasrainbow 10 months ago 3
So, if he's not "seen enough" in pictures, what was he doing at the time?
63utuber 1 year ago
Bennett nails it again! BTW, am I the only one who thinks Woody Allen sounds like Bennett?
rogerstill71 1 year ago
Dorothy's sympathetic, agony gasp (4:23) was simply adorable. It was just "darling".
msmunkietime 1 year ago 3
Look at that huge necklace. Those wouldn't have been real diamonds, would they?.. o_o
ragemanchoo82 1 year ago
There isn't an actor or actress today who can hold a candle to the mulitude of talent these people posess.
19flipped 1 year ago 4
Love this stuff, post more from the golden age of t.v.!!!
adbarnes57 1 year ago
Like others, everytime I run across the "What's My Line" videos, can't watch just one. Spend at least an hour or two revitied. I love this stuff love it, love it, love it! ! !
adbarnes57 1 year ago 4
I, too, have been held captive by these wonderful clips from the classiest & wittiest panel in television game show history. As for all the mystery guests, we are looking at performers who gave their all for their craft & their audiences, compared to many of today's stars who are famous & worshiped for absolutely no reason. And yes, it only takes a couple of views of these proper people of yesteryear to see how the English language is completely lacking and/or butchered in modern society.
marcyhead 1 year ago 4
Jimmy almost had them. Class act all the way.
Veggieman87 1 year ago 3
bennet cerf is pretty sharp .
nerdflanders8710 1 year ago 2
I was amazed to see that Gore Vidal was one of the panelists in this episode. It says something about the quality of the show to have publisher Bennet Cerf as a regular panelist, and in this episode have a rising young writer join him. I didn't like this show when I was a kid during the 1950s. Now in the year 2010, it fascinates me. This truly was adult entertainment.
Pelaos1962 1 year ago 2
One of the best actors there ever was. Best ganster Cody jarret
1seticat 1 year ago
Arlene's last comment is prophetic - she would later appear with Cagney in "One, Two, Three".
gtlfb 1 year ago 3
@gtlfb One of the great Cold War comedies of all time...and one of my favorites!
harwetopa 1 year ago
this is staged
71alexisdolphins 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@71alexisdolphins
"this is staged"
WOW....what an intelligent comment.
Teenagers always assume that black & white television is somehow inferior.
WHY? The content back then was way more decent than today's!
Of course everything on video then and now is "staged".
Sheesh!
mazakman1957 1 year ago
I always wonder what are the points for? Love these clips!
bchbys 1 year ago
Cagney can be summed up in one word: L-E-G-E-N-D
RELubber 1 year ago
These clips are shining examples of what makes YouTube great! And at the risk of repeating comments oft-uttered here, the way these people spoke was nothing short of beautiful and often there were many more great laughs to be had -- and without profanity and cheap shots.
It seems to me that they were like this because of the times -- and it makes me wonder when, why, and how it could have changed. Not for the better, I'd say.
Trecathlus 1 year ago 2
@Trecathlus I think there was more emphasis on reading back then. The distractions offered by television, internet and video games were not as pervasive. It's a strange irony that we buy more books per capita today, but read less. Remember, though, the host and panelists were all elegant speakers and writers and I'm not sure you can generalize from there.
upquist1 1 year ago
its funny, you watch enough of these and notice the panelists ask the same questions over and over....especially Mr Cerf
jennjenn61 1 year ago
At 49 seconds that pout Arlene gives while wearing that black mask is quite invigorating.
berezin99 1 year ago
OMG..what a legend. i absolutely LOVE James Cagney... If I had been on that panel, i would have fainted to be in his presence.
laurac555 1 year ago
Both Dorothy and Arlene look particularly lovely in this episode.
zamusicza 1 year ago
Fear James Cagney a true legend. He dose not have to speak ...all he has to do is facial expressions to make his point.....words spoken by him drills his point powerfully across.
jimjam69 1 year ago
Even the presence of the normally insufferable Gore Vidal doesn't spoil this one for me.
larrydonguy 1 year ago
I have loved reading the comments here. I am 56 years old and remember when these giants were alive.
markjaws1 1 year ago
It's funny how the days of the "Hard Sell" have come back. while watching this there's a long shot of the panel at around minute 4:40 where Kellogg's is prominently displayed. it wasn't long ago that this heavy -laden advertising would bring roars of laughter when watching an old clip. The "Colgate Comedy Hour'" from same era had a gigantic toothpaste tube hovering over the show's performers all night long. Now, it only makes it look very contemporary. sad? or irrelevant?
samarroon 1 year ago
these are great thanks for the memories norbert
thinkorthwim69 1 year ago
I don't know why they didn't get it from the first yes. They must have been deaf that day. He's the only one with that voice.
lmordro 1 year ago
"A whisker" gave him away
owenowen 1 year ago
I was in grade school and junior high in the 1950s when these shows were on. Our whole large family would watch them together on Sunday nights, TV was a new medium then only about five years old in terms of being a common part of most homes. The rule back then was that procucers were careful to stress their panelists were coming as guest into your home via TV and they did not use vulgar language. But clever double meaning was sometimes OK and Arlene Francis pushed that envelope.
D4g4marc4 1 year ago
JAMES GAGNEY HAVE ANY CHILDREN?
are they still around?
lindapittsburgh 1 year ago
it´s so strange...there was a thought that fred astaire and gene kelly are the only two dancer in the world! they were the best :D no question but i think this notion is very interesting^^
horsters 1 year ago
OMG THIS SHOW IS AWESOME WE NEED TO HAVE ONEEEE !
Hadeydeppio 1 year ago
This is really ironic. Within a year Cagney would do his final film---One, Two, Three. And guess who would play his wife in the movie, Arlene Francis.
CarlDuke 1 year ago
@CarlDuke Actually, "One, Two, Three" was his second-to-last film. He came out of retirement in 1981 to appear in "Ragtime." He died in 1986.
markedwardindc 1 year ago
These are a treat just to listen to - a propos of the comment below regarding the use of the English language. Refreshing, too, to see people think for more than a nano-second before speaking eloquently. Don't see that very much at all today...
Urbino237 1 year ago 2
~I LUV YOU^JIMMY!!!!!!! XO ;>
JuvenileDelinquent7 1 year ago
remember many celebrities even then were drug addicts, alcoholics,suicidal, abusive, and crazy. You just couldn't tell because of the way they dressed. Also the media has changed much. Celebrities are quite the same as today(except for intelligence or talent) but a lot is similar.
cellardoor199991 1 year ago
they just dont get it do they NO HE IS NOT IN ANY WAY AFFILIATED WITH BROADWAY
Illidan1337OG 1 year ago
Did anyone notice Mr. Cagney's step, as he went up to shake hands with the panel? Still a whole lot of jump in that step, then. Totally agree with Miss Francis, that there wasn't enough of James Cagney on the screen, around that time. I know that was far more Mr. Cagney's wish, but I would love to have seen so much more!!!!
kyokogodai 1 year ago
I always thought that Cagney's frenetic pace in One Two Three caused his retirement -after that film he was worn out. :) One of the true greats."Maybe I am nuts" Cody Jarrett
beefoneeto 1 year ago
Luvvie-fest, but in a good way.
JasonRadley 1 year ago
Does anyone know why youtube took off the timestamp for the entries?
MPL029 1 year ago
This episode aired in 1960. In 1961, a movie called "One, Two, Three" aired starring Mr. Cagney and panelist Ms. Francis as his wife. Filmed in B/W, it might have been a "B" movie, but I loved the heck out of it. Wonder if Cagney and Arlene were yet acquainted at the time the show aired. His response to being over 5' tall "by a whisker" gave him away with his unmistakeable mannerism.
gollytim 1 year ago
One, Two Three a B-movie? LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Crinderman 1 year ago
@Crinderman
Hope I didn't offend suggesting it might have been a "B" movie. I was 9 yr. old at the time and film was in B/W. Just knew it wasn't a major major movie for James Cagney.
I thought it was brilliant and watching it today, appreciate it much more.
gollytim 1 year ago
@gollytim "One, Two, Three" is far from being a "B" movie. I think it's Wilder's best movie. Unfortunately, the Berlin Wall went up right before the movie was released. That may have had a negative impact on the film's success. It probably didn't help that Cagney and Wilder were (falsely) perceived as past their heyday.
hankaaron1961 1 year ago
I think Mr. Cagney would have stumped the panel if it were not for the question line-up handling. Questioning went from Dorothy to a conference then (aside from the gentleman asking a jokester height question and Arlene asking if Bennett heard something) right to Bennett.
shakenednostir 1 year ago
The Panel REALLY were not going to get this one....Cagney intentionally revealed more of his voice on the last question to give himself away...otherwise he would have stumped the Panel.
guyfroml 1 year ago 4
Gore Vidal!
Useless2112 1 year ago
God, I love this program! The many of the greatest people of the 20th century from all walks of life appeared on this show.
rolex452 1 year ago 5
At 5:11 Jimmy pronounces the word "whisker" in pure Cagneyese. That's what gave him away after almost stumping the panel.
wmlfan9 1 year ago 5
These clips of "What's My Line?" are highly entertaining. What giants of the entertainment industry!
WeeWyllie 1 year ago 8
I have spent HOURS watching these wonderful clips and will watch them over and over again. They wereWAY more entertaining than most of the drivel on TV today! But as much as I have searched, I have been unable to find Tallulah Bankhead and i know she must have been a mytery guest at least once!!! Anyone have a lead on that clip if it exists?
MarkieJ117 1 year ago 57
@MarkieJ117 The 1961 WML Tallulah Bankhead appearance has finally been posted on YouTube
soulierinvestments 1 year ago
@MarkieJ117 I saw Tallulah on WML recently.
randeroid 8 months ago
These clips are great. I love watching these talented people.
cheyenne86 2 years ago 4
OK, I've just spent 1 hour watching these "What's My Line?" mystery guest segments, and the impression that I come away with is that we have really lost something in the use of the English language. The way these people spoke was beautiful to listen to. And also Jimmy Cagney and Alfred Hitchcock were way cooler than any 10 Hollywood celebrities you could assemble today (except Clooney).
CodyJarrett 2 years ago 190
@CodyJarrett I really have to agree with this sentiment completely. I feel my handle on this language is really sub par. But then, its just a sign of how we speak and the words we use, not necessarily a judgement on the quality of those words.
amitavc 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett its called devolution...people are getting dumber The future ain't what it used to be
Guinnie 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett
Well we all still speak like that here in England! :-)
jessilu 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett Do not mention the name of Cagney with Clooney.
tallpaul521 1 year ago 16
@CodyJarrett and of course they dressed like gentlemen. Not extravagantly, but not like bums off the street either.
ciroalb3 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett Indeed. Clooney is all class. Charitable with his time for good causes to boot.
nagaslrac 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett exact
Eiltis 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett ... You abSO-LUTE-LY hit the nail on the head with your comment. I coulnd't agree more with you CodyJarrett!
thesethingz 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett I was thinking exactly the same thing!
PollyPeachum3penny 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett Absolutely right on all counts, including Clooney, who evokes Cary Grant.
Impowers 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett Great nick and great thinking.
Cleon29Warrior 1 year ago
@CodyJarrett join the club on a) spending an hour watching these "what's my line?" segments, and b) thinking we've lost something.
idster7 11 months ago 27
@CodyJarrett Couldn't agree more! English today has been butchered.
JenniferPvlsh 10 months ago 2
@CodyJarrett I agreed with everything you said except for "except Clooney".
TheCatholicFaithfu 7 months ago 12
@CodyJarrett
thats an understatement
greeneyedtrixie 7 months ago
love it, Mr Cagney was the best, always will be. a lovely lovely man
MrConnoroony 2 years ago 8
mr. cagney was quite humble.
he was a great actor and there is no one today you can compare him to!
Georgie1954 2 years ago 8
Arlene Francis is soo attractive!!
Cagney is the best.
CarlyIsAGangster 2 years ago 4
that gore vidal?
dontleademsomuch 2 years ago
Gotta love Cagney.
A man of few words.
Except when they count!!
ipmoic 2 years ago 8
Beautifully put!!
Kudos to you, ipmoic!! ; )
mycodenameismonkey 2 years ago 2
Tomkes100 is really a desperate, dishonest teenager.. he claims he knew everybody, he has known "1,000s of stars" and is a "film/tv historian" and "rock & roll/doo wop historian". the guy can't even spell, and he NEVER leaves credit or acclaim for any of these great stars he comments on. The point of EVERY post he makes is to brag about HIMSELF and how he "knew" and "met" these people, and how knowledgable he is. What an arrogant joke! If you know so many stars, why are you on YouTube?
SigEdForever 2 years ago 3
And you're a troll. How does that make you any better?
TomBarristerX 2 years ago
the great James Cagney on WHATS MY LINE i knew these panalists the host & producers still living wife. im a film tv buff i love this show the best game show ever. Cagney at 60 was supreme here,They dont make em like this after 17 yrs here. Cagney almopst stumps the panal. ah for these shows today what class what glamour what STARS. TOMKES
tomkes100 2 years ago
Talk about Six Degrees of Separation. The great Cagney and Miss Frances would go on to co-star in "One Two Three". Gore Vidal's father was the first aircraft instructor at West Point. Cagney starred in "The West Point Story".
tallpaul521 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
you dirty rat bitch motherfucker...i love that line
MrWaynejohn 2 years ago
He's disguising his voice very funny like Cary Grant Judy Judy Judy!
fejkram 2 years ago 6
why couldn't they just recognize his voice?
tf8252 2 years ago 2
How I love the late great Jimmy Cagney! One of the true immortals of the silver screen. Too bad Mae Clarke wasn't on the panel; he could have pushed a grapefruit in her face for old time's sake. And fascinating to see a young Gore Vidal on a game show! THANKS for sharing this delightful clip with us!
JubalCalif 2 years ago
dude, i wish they'd modernize this show :D
1337roflmao 2 years ago 4
Excellent idea!
avengergurl1 2 years ago
Oh - this is from 1960 - they acted together a few months later.
hcrawford 2 years ago
Arlene Francis acted with Cagney ("One, Two, Three," 1961) fun to watch her struggle with this.
hcrawford 2 years ago 2
Was this after this show? There is no date said.
khtx 2 years ago
It was, the show was 50's, probably 55.
MasterEled 2 years ago
He is electric. Good at disguising his voice too.
u2baah 2 years ago
Easily one of the best episodes from this distinguished series. Thanks so much for posting and give me Cagney any day!
CDU916 2 years ago
Dorothy looks great here with a great haircut
calalilygirl 2 years ago
Looks great?
She has no chin to go with that long neck!
SatchmoSings 2 years ago
One of the most interesting mystery guest clips to watch
calalilygirl 2 years ago
Jimmy Cagney could blow most of the so-called "actors" of today off the stage with a flick of his pinkey. And absolute giant of the screen, his talent is astounding.
dougalmac54 2 years ago 3
Cagney was part of the fabulous GOLDEN AGE of Hollywood that I would place as between 1935 and 1955 .....there was such a pantheon, almost legion, of incredible talent. One factor contributing to this was that in that era, stars made many films a year as opposed to those of today who might make a film every 2 or so years. Therefore their talent was honed to a remarkable level....
HowardOfOz3565 2 years ago 3
Good Points. I also think that that era of Hollywood relied more on story, acting, directing and plot lines than the special effects and CGI tricks of today. You really had to act to make characters believable, to make the story come alive. You had to use more of your own personal resources as an actor to make an impact on a film.
dougalmac54 2 years ago 3
I agree. They can hide a lot of horrendous actors behind great CGI...Megan Fox in Transformers comes to mind. VERY EASY on my eyes but hardly competent in the ability to act
HowardOfOz3565 2 years ago
Interesting - in a way he's disguising his voice and in a way he isn't. All he's really doing is answering softly and deliberately and yet, because we're so accustomed to that staccato tough guy persona, it's difficult to identify him from his unaffected voice.
wmlfan9 2 years ago 4
GREAT ACTOR!! THE BEST!
buffettfan66 2 years ago
i met him at my junior high school graduation in 1973. what a guy.
Rico8458 2 years ago
god dammit cagney the best rest in peace
aboali600 2 years ago
One of my top favorate actors
thebttfchannel 2 years ago
"are you fred astaire?"
"no"
"are you gene kelly?"
"no" haha this was a goood one
GarlandFan101 2 years ago
Jimmy Cagney & Whats My Line 1960 i love this. i have 500 episodes of this classy series. Im tv film historian, i have my website in old films&actors, i kneww 900 plus performers since 1964, seeing this from 60m what a show what an actor, he's still in great form here live on tv nearing end of his career. i knew most of the panal & host John Daly from this classic show. we need more like this today than the junk thrown at us . sorry folks but this show&this actor we wont see AGAIN. TOMK
tomkes100 2 years ago 3
I love him so much. He was not only one of the greatest actors that ever lived but he was also very intelligent and extremely passionate about acting. 'Learn your lines ... plant your feet ... look the other actor in the eye ... say the words ... mean them.' One of the best advices about acting I've ever heard.
GEVMM 2 years ago 5
thank you for posting them.
thebttfchannel 2 years ago
Bennet sounds like Droopy Dog
Bellyflops2 2 years ago
LOVE CAGNEY!!!
seaofclay 2 years ago 4
This guy is such a class act, so different from the gangsta roles he played in movies! :)
Eflatmajor09 2 years ago
You should watch "Yankie Doodle Dandy" by Cagney. That's actually the biography movie they're talking about here, where he plays the famous Broadway star George M. Cohan, who wrote the songs "You're a Grand Old Flag", "Forty-five Minutes from Broadway", "Mary Is a Grand Old Name", and the famous war song "Over There".
The movie is really excellent. I highly recommend it.
augury010 2 years ago 2
Oh man, I've seen that thing like 100 times lol. I love that movie!! Yup, everyone should have to see that movie, cause it's such a classic... yes, definitely a lighter role for Jimmy... thanks for the suggestion though, I think I'll watch it again now that you mention it! :)
Eflatmajor09 2 years ago
You're joking!? Lucky!!!
I can only watch James Cagney movies when they're shown on TV. T.T
Other than Each Dawn I Die. That's the only one I'm lucky enough to own.
augury010 2 years ago
these were the times when men were men and women were gorgeous women
Chitownrunthis 2 years ago
James Cagney - A Class Act
rickram1961 2 years ago 3
A class act thru and thru.
crestadent 2 years ago 5