Salvador Dalí on What’s My Line?

They say some people really can do it all. But, when it came to artist Salvador Dalí, this notion was put to the test on national television. His 1952 appearance on the hit show What’s My Line? confused panelists because nearly each time they asked him about his skills or occupations he said “yes”. Throughout the episode the host, John Daly, pulls Dalí aside for little discussions, questioning whether he really is a writer, performer, sportsman, or leading man. This last one leads to him being called a “misleading man” on the show since he wasn’t a movie star in the classic sense of the word. However, Dalí did appear in films and was even a set designer for Spellbound (1945) and Father of the Bride (1950), as well as writing several films as well. All this was in addition to his famous surrealist artworks, his collaborations with fashion designers, his line of perfumes, and his many other creative endeavors.

The entire episode the What’s My Line? panelists grow more and more confused, leading to actress Arlene Frances exclaiming, “There’s nothing this man doesn’t do!” and “We’d have to guess he’s an all around man.” After another round of questions she asks, “Is there something quite unusual about our guest?” That is putting it mildly!

In true Dalí style he’s wearing a 3-piece suit with a checkered tie and carrying a fancy walking stick. When he’s found out he shakes hands with the male panelists and gives a kiss on the cheek to the female panelists. The simple fun of a guessing game (in this case blindfolded) is something that makes this show a real classic

Have a look at this funny episode with Dalí in the clip below.