Bagpiper--What's My Line

Here, a bagpiper was a contestant on WML. He was formerly under the command of David Niven during his military service.

Episode originally aired on 21 October 1956.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Bagpipes
• What's
• My
• Line
• David
• Niven

[Fenhalls]

To learn more about David Niven's wartime record, you should read the relevant passage at Niven's entry at Wikipedia. One extract from that piece:

'Niven stated that he first met Churchill during a dinner party in February 1940 when Churchill singled him out from the crowd and stated, "Young man, you did a fine thing to give up your film career to fight for your country. Mark you, had you not done so − it would have been despicable." '

[crepehanger47]

According to one article I read, Niven refused to work with Rex Harrison because of Harrison's pacifism. He also refused to work with James Mason because Mason was a conscientious objector.

[Fenhalls]

crepehanger47, from that Wikipedia article:

"On his return to Hollywood after the war, he was made a Legionnaire of the Legion of Merit, the highest American order that can be earned by a foreigner. This was presented to Lt. Col. David Niven by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower."

[Fenhalls]

I think that says as much, and probably more, about David Niven's character as his memory. From that Wikipedia article about Niven I refer to below:

'Lord also says that "the biggest wreath, worthy of a Mafia Godfather's funeral, was delivered from the porters at London's Heathrow Airport, along with a card that read: "To the finest gentleman who ever walked through these halls. He made a porter feel like a king." '

[Smalltowngal29]

@GEVMM I agree! He was a terrific actor, too. :)

[ImaCOTV]

Just to be clear, during the time that David Niven knew this man on Malta, Britain was at peace. Niven graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in 1930 and was assigned to the Highland Light Infantry which was doing garrison duty in Malta. He was there for two years before the unit returned to Dover. In Spetember 1933 he escaped from close arrest (for insubordination) and sailed for America. Midway through his crossing he sent a telegram resigning his commission.

[ShawDAMAN]

What a cool guy haha, the sort you'd love to have as a friend (from all appearances.) Humble, 'jolly,' and plays the bagpipes, what's not to like :P

[GEVMM]

David Niven is adorable.

[icman121]

Great clip! Thank you for posting. I believe Mr. Niven recognized him around 0:27.

[binaway]

Before WW2 Niven had moved to Hollywood and paid his US Taxes. During the war he returned home to fight for Britain. After the war the British Tax dept declared him a returned person and issued him with a notice for back taxes on the money made while in the US. Had he not returned to fight for the UK he wouldn't have been liable for these taxes. It took him a few quite years to earn and pay this money.

[lou1606]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE DAVID NIVEN!!

But wasnt he married to Hjordis here? He doesnt have any wedding ring?!!!

[hkk321]

Watching this again, I see Daly was purposely stonewalling Bennet a little, probably making sure it got to Niven. This is a really fun clip.

[hkk321]

It's nice to see David Niven! Thanks for posting.

[Imthecuteone]

haha what a great surprise for Niven!!