I’m sure he was a great guy and all, but Arlene was just so wonderful. Smart, beautiful, funny, and talented, she had it all. I love her perfect mix of graceful charm and warm, welcoming, casual mischievousness. If one watches enough episodes of What’s My Line, it becomes clear that she, more than any other panelist, goes out of her way to compliment the guests. She seems like someone one would enjoy being around.
People wonder why Arlene married Martin, well <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="390">6:30</a> is a good example why. He was full of charm, clever and funny. It's not all about outward appearance. To me, they were perfectly matched.
I have always wondered if her marvelous complement to Jimmy Cagney on a prior episode was one of the reasons Arlene was chosen to play his wife in the movie. She was a fine actress and very good in it, but would not be surprised if Cagney suggested her to Billy Wilder partly because of that...
Last Koresh: Frequently, people refer to the "mismatch" of Arlene with Martin...this man had intelligence, professional success, humour, great energy, a wonderful sexy voice, and loyal love to give. They were a *true* match of lovers and partners in life.
What I've always wondered is that over the years Arlene's diamond heart pendant, which is said that Martin gave her on their first anniversary (and she always wore thereafter) seems to change. In early "What's My Line," episodes it appears to have a drop that dangles from the top center, later episodes it seems not to have a drop and appears a bit larger. Wikipedia says in later life she was mugged and it was stolen. How terribly sad to hear. Six months after his death she was interviewed on the "Arlene Herson Show" (RU-vid) and Ms. Francis says the heart has diamonds on both sides, but clearly there is no center drop. They are a dear heart couple.
My Father would say 'What a woman!', and that sentiment would still stand up today... as for "Mein Führer" - thought that was 'reserved' for Cagney... ;)
Do you happen to have links to the episodes at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="300">5:00</a> & <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="341">5:41</a> They are just so adorable