Peter Gabel, the son of What's My Line? star Arlene Francis talks with TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about the qualities that made his mom and the classic TV panel game show What's My Line? so special.
As observed by her son in this interview, Arlene Francis was a television pioneer. Ms. Francis helped pave the way for such female TV powerhouses as Oprah Winfrey, and Barbara Walters. In the early 1950s, Arlene Francis was one of the biggest stars on television. Arlene Francis served as host and editor-in-chief of the NBC afternoon TV show, Home, which was revolutionary in concept and execution, utilizing live camera remotes, and traveling to far-flung locales, with Ms. Francis interviewing some of the most famous and influential figures of that era.
Arlene Francis was a dominant force in television during the 1950s, and was the highest-paid panelist on What's My Line? In 1954, Ms. Francis was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine, and became the first woman to host The Tonight Show, subbing for Steve Allen, once a panelist on What's My Line?
Arlene Francis was the only panelist to appear on What's My Line? throughout the show's twenty-five-year run (1950-1975), including the network and syndication versions.
Arlene Francis was a television legend, and her razor-sharp intelligence, wit, charm, and tremendous contributions to the medium of television, will always be cherished and remembered.
10 дек 2023
