What's My Line? @ 75: Day 9

 

Continuing my series posting 10 of my favorite or notable moments from the history of What's My Line?, celebrating its 75th anniversary at the beginning of February.

2. Sometimes, the best moments and best surprises, come from close to home. Over the years, there have been many times when relatives of family members have appeared on the show as a regular contestant or mystery guest. Most times, they’re completely fooled or lead on for quite some time before figuring it out. In the end, it’s a great reaction by the panelist in question when revealed. Perhaps one of the most famous was when Mia Farrow appeared as the second mystery guest the same night new husband Frank Sinatra was the first mystery guest and migrated over to the panel. In the history of the original series, they’ve featured Dorothy Kilgallen’s father, husband and children, Fred Allen’s wife, Portland Hoffa, Arlene and Martin Gabel’s son, Bennett Cerf’s wife and son, Jayne Meadows as Steve Allen was on the panel, Eydie Gorme as Steve Lawarence was on the panel, among other examples. But, by far, my favorite was the segment that took place on Christmas Day 1966 — only the third time the show aired on the holiday. Columnist Suzy Knickerbocker had become a semi-regular panelist during the final two years of the show following Dorothy Kilgallen’s death, joining the likes of actress Phyllis Newman and personality Sue Oakland. On this episode, the first contestant is a junior grade lieutenant from a nuclear submarine. The panel is blindfolded as to not give away his occupation by his uniform, but it’s also to hide his identity as Suzy Knickerbocker’s son, Roger Mehle. Bennett was the one to identify his line and when John Daly gave his name, the reaction from Suzy is one of the best. Knickbocker was expecting him to arrive the Thursday after this episode was taped, so she was completely shocked. The joy and elation of being able to see him early is so heartwarming and the pride with which she clearly has for him shines through so brightly. A military surprise reunion is usually good for a tug at the heartstrings and this is no different. I hope they had a good time after the episode and enjoyed their holiday. It really is, to me, one of the best feel good moment in the history of the show and one of the most underrated.