What's My Line? open 1970

This is an open to the syndicated version of "What's My Line?" It was recorded at CBS Studio 50 (a.k.a. the Ed Sullivan Theater) in New York City in 1970.

All rights are acknowledged.

Does anyone know the make/model of studio camera that was in use at Studio 50 during this era?

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• CBS
• Studio
• 50
• Wally
• Bruner

[wmbrown6]

In answer to your question: The Norelco PC-70 camera, fitted with mumetal shields due to a subway transformer near the studio. The PC-60 and PC-70's were the preferred cameras of CBS - one factor, it was made by a company other than RCA.

[VintageTelevision]

Thanks for the information. I saw WML? taped at CBS Studio 50 circa 1970. I recall that the cameras had colored stripes on their sides with the letters "C B S C O L O R". I've since wondered whether these were RCA TK-42s.

[wmbrown6]

No, CBS on the network level wanted nothing to do with RCA cameras. (Though its Philadelphia O&O, WCAU-TV, used TK-42's in the mid-1960's.)

[VintageTelevision]

Although it's true CBS did not care to use RCA equipment, the Network did use RCA black and white cameras during the late 1940s through the '50s, and even RCA TK-40s in the early days of color television. I think the first non-RCA color camera that CBS purchased was the Norelco PC-60 about 1965.

[sexymama1966]

Ms. Francis..you are the Queen of Fashion:) and a Classy Lady

[gymnastix]

A resurrection of "What's My Line?," if it is to truly honor the heritage of the program, needs to be a broadcast that brings out America's best and brings America's best to it, while also inviting the general audience to challenge itself. I'd like to think American TV isn't all judge shows and Jerry Springers.

[wmbrown6]

@elc1960 - Boston's Channel 5 was CBS only from 1961 to 1972 (when the first station to hold the license for that channel was kicked off by the FCC). Today the CBS outlet in Beantown is Channel 4. Channel 5, since 1972, has been ABC - and Channel 7 is NBC.

[travis7310]

Is it just me, or does Johnny Olson sound kinda drunk?  Come to think of it, Soupy Sales sounds drunk, too.

[38ddkelly]

I like seeing Wally enter and bowing like a perfect gentleman. Class!

[elc1960]

Good to see Wally Bruner again. In the early '70s, this was on Monday through Friday at 7:30 PM on CBS Channel 7 (Boston MA). Boston's CBS affiliate is now Channel 5. At the time of this broadcast, I believe Johnny Olson was the announcer on all of CBS's weekday game shows.

[catholicpriest1]

I was at a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman in November, 2009. What an historic place!

[nanlisa]

I remember watching this when I was a teenager every night at 7 o'clock on Channels 6 and 3. During the show's last year 1974-75, it was on at 1 o'clock and I was in school at that time.

[foot5841]

Vintage TV-

In answer to your question on studio cameras used at CBS studio 50-I know in the 70's CBS used Norelco PC-70 Cameras in Los Angeles(you can see them on some old Price is Right clips. My guess is they used the same cameras in New York also. I am just guessing but I hope I lead you in the right direction.

[GandSAfan]

Rest In Peace Soupy, you will be greatly missed! :(

[dalabaso428]

The opening sequence of What's My Line (1970) is dedicated to the memory of panelist Soupy Sales (1926-2009). Soupy, we'll really miss you, forever.

[yearinyale]

RIP Soupy Sales gone to that great big pie in the sky