More "What's My Line?"
For the “Mystery Guest” segment on What’s My Line?” the contestant is Portland Hoffa. Now, you may not know the name (although fans of old-time radio likely sat up to take notice), but Portland Hoffa was the wife of Fred Allen and appeared as a regular on his radio show in the ‘Allen’s Alley’ segment. But what makes it especially fun and notable here is that Fred Allen is one of the panelists!
By the way, the couple was involved in what (for me) is one of the greatest – if not greatest – ad libs I’ve heard. When wandering down Allen’s Alley on this particular episode, Fred Allen stops to talk with Portland who makes a joke by beginning, with her high-pitched accent, “That’s funny, why only yesterday…” and then finishes the joke, which only gets a tiny smattering of chuckles. And which point, Allen – in his nasal, sardonic voice – says, “Rule Number One of comedy, Portland: Never tell the audience something is funny because they will go out and prove you wrong.” At which point, the audience roared with laugher.
If you want to jump to the “Mystery Guest” segment, it starts around the 18:00 mark.
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