This episode was from about 1953 or 1954, when Pinza was in his early sixties. He did a great job of talking unnaturally light and high. If he had spoken with his natural voice, he would have given himself away at once, with his deep resonant basso and Italian accent.
This clip has all of the characteristics of WML: great manners, lovely clothing, Daly's clarifications (done to help the panelists despite their claims otherwise), Arlene's and Steve's witty remarks, multiple conferences, great questioning, chastizing from John for disucssing the identity, and Arlene's plea for some entertainment. Great WML clip. Thanks.
Slim Hayward, in her memoir, (wife of Leland, the producer of SP) called Pinza the resident fanny pincher, reminiscing about watching the show come together. He was very full of himself and it's not surprising that he ignored Arlene's plea for 'one note.' When Pinza sings "Some Enchanted Evening," well, it just doesn't get more romantic. The soundtrack is available. Incredible voice. In the fifties, Arlene & Co. taught me about gracious adult behavior and elegant style. Thanks for posting!
@9TheMajor Pinza was not in the movie at all. it was made a year after he died. Pinza starred in the broadway play and became a huge hit for his portrayal of Emile DeBecque years before the movie. Rossano Brazzi did it for the film and Giorgio Tozzi dubbed the singing.
@msmunkietime I completly agree with you--WML is total class and great fun--much better than today's skanky game/reality/cop/lawyer or other shows. I watch it all the time on YT--its my no. 1 choice--and I'm sure it is for many other folks. I love it when the panelists get stumped--which isn't often--the tension is delicious. Ezio Pinza--great guest and fabulous talent.
Why is this guy not heard of today? I had never heard of him before seeing him here. He sounds like he was very well known at that time. I even listen to a classical/opera radio station, and never heard of him. Did he have many recordings?
His was one of the greatest bass voices of the 20th century. It was unique and thus instantly recognizable. His prime as an opera singer was early 1920s to early 1940s. He then went on to star in Broadway musicals.
@windstorm1000 Ah, those Italians. When I was in Italy I found out that it's a common practice over there! I wouldn't hold that against Pinza. In other words, it wasn't unusual for his upbringing, but we Americans find it a little shocking.
Yeah, there's a YT clip up from an interview with Rita Moreno where she describes what it was like working with him on his TV show in the 50s. She hated it, the guy was grabbing her ass (and other parts) every chance he got. She calls him a 'dirty old man' and I guess that about sums it up.
![What's My Line? - Anna Maria Alberghetti; Victor Borge [panel] (Nov 23, 1958)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2Kt133c1w-Q/mqdefault.jpg)
![What's My Line? - Anna Maria Alberghetti; Victor Borge [panel] (Nov 23, 1958)](/img/tr.png)
This episode was from about 1953 or 1954, when Pinza was in his early sixties. He did a great job of talking unnaturally light and high. If he had spoken with his natural voice, he would have given himself away at once, with his deep resonant basso and Italian accent.
This clip has all of the characteristics of WML: great manners, lovely clothing, Daly's clarifications (done to help the panelists despite their claims otherwise), Arlene's and Steve's witty remarks, multiple conferences, great questioning, chastizing from John for disucssing the identity, and Arlene's plea for some entertainment. Great WML clip. Thanks.
Wonderful!
Slim Hayward, in her memoir, (wife of Leland, the producer of SP) called Pinza the resident fanny pincher, reminiscing about watching the show come together. He was very full of himself and it's not surprising that he ignored Arlene's plea for 'one note.' When Pinza sings "Some Enchanted Evening," well, it just doesn't get more romantic. The soundtrack is available. Incredible voice. In the fifties, Arlene & Co. taught me about gracious adult behavior and elegant style. Thanks for posting!
@9TheMajor Pinza was not in the movie at all. it was made a year after he died. Pinza starred in the broadway play and became a huge hit for his portrayal of Emile DeBecque years before the movie. Rossano Brazzi did it for the film and Giorgio Tozzi dubbed the singing.
@msmunkietime I completly agree with you--WML is total class and great fun--much better than today's skanky game/reality/cop/lawyer or other shows. I watch it all the time on YT--its my no. 1 choice--and I'm sure it is for many other folks. I love it when the panelists get stumped--which isn't often--the tension is delicious. Ezio Pinza--great guest and fabulous talent.
Why is this guy not heard of today? I had never heard of him before seeing him here. He sounds like he was very well known at that time. I even listen to a classical/opera radio station, and never heard of him. Did he have many recordings?
His was one of the greatest bass voices of the 20th century. It was unique and thus instantly recognizable. His prime as an opera singer was early 1920s to early 1940s. He then went on to star in Broadway musicals.
What a great video, thanks!
Love how he grunts in a high pitch to hide his basso voice.
He, Joan Sutherland, and Frank Sinatra had (have) the most magnetic smiles I've ever seen!
... Note that this was the day when men stood up to shake hands, but women remained seated! This was the normal expectation then.
A-hah? U-huh?
This is so funny! Thanks for finding it. :-)
This guy is handsome in his day
@windstorm1000 Ah, those Italians. When I was in Italy I found out that it's a common practice over there! I wouldn't hold that against Pinza. In other words, it wasn't unusual for his upbringing, but we Americans find it a little shocking.
look at the relative size of Pinza and Daley's heads at about 1:37. that's where all the resonance came from
Yeah, there's a YT clip up from an interview with Rita Moreno where she describes what it was like working with him on his TV show in the 50s. She hated it, the guy was grabbing her ass (and other parts) every chance he got. She calls him a 'dirty old man' and I guess that about sums it up.
I wonder if it's true. In his autobiography, he seems so wonderfully pleasant. :/