May 2001 marked the first year anniversary of "A Tribute To Arlene Francis", and unfortunately the passing of our idol. During the year of 2001, over 10,000 individuals honored Arlene by simply visiting her official web site. Many of those several thousands of visitors left their own personal tributes to Arlene in her guest book.

The following "Personal Tributes" were among the entries from many of those visitors during the first year of the web site. Before you leave, why not visit Arlene's guestbook and enter your own personal memorial tribute to her?

"I always wondered where Arlene would live, but it's very obvious when I know she lives in the hearts of the many who adore adore her."

"One memory I need to add here involves an incident on WML during the mystery guest appearance--I'm not sure who the guest star was (Eartha Kitt, I think?) Anyhow, the panel was blindfolded and Dorothy (thinking the mystery guest might be Kim Novak asked if the guest slept on lavender sleeps, which drew the requisite laugh from the audience and a "no" from the guest.) Anyhow, Martin Gabel next questioned the guest and wanted to discuss sleeping on lavender sheets which drew a mock angry reply from Arlene, who said she better not hear about Martin sleeping on such sheets. What I found so cute about this incident is the way the two of them acted in public--it seemed to be the way a married couple should be loving and able to joke with each. Finally, as the panel signed off, Dorothy not able to let a good zinger slip by mentioned something to Martin about sleeping on lavendar sheets and Arlene countered that she did not wish to read about Martin and lavendar sheets in Dorothy's Monday column. All was done in jest and that's what I love about Arlene Francis and What's My Line? these folks were enjoying themselves while they were being urbane and witty and the epitome of New York society. Such a shame we don't have such shows to watch today on tv."

"What a terrific site you all have here! You've done a commendable job with it- and honoring Miss Francis for her interesting life and many contributions! I liked your description of how you came to meet each other and have been totally respectful of the Gabel Family's wishes. To tell us that you did briefly meet her and were assured of her being in very good care and her still having that twinkle in her eye but, otherwise, drawing the curtain on her current appearance was Class with a Capital C! That condition robs its victims of so much- especially dignity so I'm thankful that you all respected her dignity and privacy by not going into any detail that would have compromised either commodity. I find it quite amazing that even as the horrible condition of Alzheimer's has taken its toll on her, she still is able to create art- simultaneously therapy for her as well as an inspiration and guide to others . I've read her Memoir- and, in addition to the many witty and humourous stories related, she discussed the heartache of watching her own father struggle with what appeared to be the same condition in his last years! I commend Mr. Gabel for making a very distinct mark in academia and for his marvellous care of his wonderful mother. Too many older people are in wretched circumstances with the added insult of having children completely self-absorbed and indifferent to their plights! It's great to see that there are others who strive to keep her memory alive! As John Charles Daly used to say at the end of WML, " Goodnight, Miss Arlene!" "

"I am only 12. Ms. Francis has inspired me greatly , she was and probably still is absolutely gorgeous. I no longer watch gsn, after them taking off WML I loved to watch I'd comehome from school and turn on the t.v., now i have nothing to look forward to when i come home. Ms. Arlene always had a sharp tongue when someone said something to her. I have three favorite episodes one in b@w in which Mr. Gabel was there and at the end of the show when eveyone said good-bye; Martin and Arlene were i believe acting like they were mad at each other; and Arlene said do I get a kiss and he said he She said I was only joking anyway, so he turned around and kissed Dorothy. My other favorite episode was when Jim Farrel was on and he said he always sat in front of the t.v. and watched hoping one day he could meet Arlene and get a kiss and when he walked by Arlene kissed him once, practically fell into his arms kissed him again for a period of what I counted was 1 minute and 43 seconds then they walked off the stage together. There was one more episode when Mr. Gabel was the mystery guest and after just three questions Arlene was laughing hysterically and it was her turn and all she could get out was and I quote "Are you married", and she took the blindfold off. Thank you Ms. Arlene I will lways have these memories even though I wasn't around when they happened. I really hope they find a cure and i'm going to pray for you every day. Alyssa p.s. you have a wonderful figure."

"I have such pleasant memories of being a young boy on Sunday nights watching "What's My Line". Watching the reruns, makes me smile and certainly miss the days when TV personalities had personality with charm and good taste. I wish you were still on. I miss you and all that you are. Thank you, Miss Francis, for being a role model for us all. You have made the world a much happier place. "

"Perfection and Class, Can't add much more than that."

"Like many of the guests on this site, I grew up watching Arlene Francis on "What's My Line?" On Sunday nights, it came on later than my bedtime, but I was permitted to stay up and see it. Arlene Francis was my family's favorite panelist, and I can remember my grandmother's and aunt's comment about how beautiful and vivacious she was. They knew all about the heart-shaped pendant Arlene wore each Sunday. I definitely remember the "Home" show which I would watch on snow days. After going away to college, I didn't see "What's My Line?" again, until tonight on the Game Show cable channel. I actually remembered some of the guests. I came immediately to my computer and searched for "Arlene" and was happy to find this wonderful site honoring her. After moving to New York City to pursue a career as a writer, I frequently tuned into her WOR show and after first arriving in NYC, worked briefly for a PR firm which transcribed her shows. What is there about a person like Arlene Francis that is so compelling? She attracts people from all walks of life. People who called into her WOR show were greeted with kindness and enthusiasm -- like friends. Unlike the abrasive talk show hosts of today, she was pleasant to her guests and to her callers. I was disappointed when she appeared on the radio show less frequently. I was aware that her son Peter attended Harvard and am happy to know he graduated with a law degree. (I must also mention that I loved Ms. Francis in "The Thrill of It All" and in "One Two Three." I want to thank Susan and Becky and anyone else who contributed to this wonderful site. And most of all, thanks to Arlene Francis who made my childhood brighter. "

"Arlene, Dorothy, Bennett and John were the ideal foursome for Sunday nights. They brought class, humor and dignity to something as trifle as a parlor game show. Arlene, in particular, will be remembered for her gentle wit and stylish grace, something sadly lacking on today's TV. As a kid growing up, I was not allowed to stay up until 10:30 to watch the show but would sneak down the stairs every chance I could anyway to catch them. It was worth every sleepy Monday I endured. Cheers to Arlene! "

"This is my first fan letter ever. During the 60's and 70's when I was an at home mom in Connecticut, I faithfully listened to Arlene Francis WOR to get a daily fix of intelligent conversation and a glimpse into the exciting life of NYC glamorous theater and supper club set. Martin Gabel's history book interviews provided me with interesting dinner table conversation to impress my professor husband. Herself a sharp interviewer, Arlene amazingly read every book she ever discussed, and with the help of her friend/producer, Jeanie Boch, expertly questioned guests in a charmingly delightful way. Little personal comments about family life and the doings of New York's glamous people, always discreet and positive, added to my fantasies about the world outside of diapers and cleaning, thus brightening my own day through audio escape. I imagine Arlene going off to heaven, when the good Lord calls her, with the lovely piano tunes of this web site and with a Loretta Young gesture of sweeping her skirts into the pearly gates. Happy Easter, 2001 and thanks for the memories, dear Arlene. "

"I have long been a fan of Arlene's and it is so difficult to think of her with AD. This web site is a lovely tribute to a lovely lady."

"i really enjoyed learning about arlene francis she is not widely known in australia but is obviously a well-loved person in america"

"Warm, gracious, charming, poised, engaging, sharp-witted, entertaining, and beautiful: the belle of the ball and the toast of every town: this is Arlene Francis. I wish I had been born sooner so that I could have enjoyed live her decades of performance. How fortunate that so much of Ms Francis' work can be enjoyed through videotape. I never miss an opportunity to do so. Arlene Francis endeared herself to us, her loyal and admiring fans. Given that she is no longer being able to appear, I feel that a member of my family has been taken from me. Someone once said that as long as there is someone alive who loves you, you will never die. Arlene Francis shall always live. "

This Site Created May 16, 2000



This Page Last Updated October 2005