On one hand, I like the elegant simplicity of the gameplay and the urbane wit of the panelists and host. On the famous other hand, all that elegance and urbanity can get on my nerves. That's why I'm more of a fan of Goodson-Todman's down and dirtier panel show, I've Got a Secret.
WML's pluses and minuses are evident in this segment with poet and historian Carl Sandburg. His appearance is handled with perfect taste, and everybody on the show is properly respectful. Arlene and Dorothy even stand for the usual handshakes at the end of the segment.
Mr. Sandburg doesn't act too high and mighty, and he uses a funny falsetto voice for his answers. But the segment still seems stilted and lifeless. Everybody looks scared to death of breathing an inappropriate word in the presence of greatness. On IGAS they might have had the poor guy sit in a dunking booth or something similar (okay, slight exaggeration).
Just to give the other point of view its due, I'll link to the WML episode guide's account of the September, 1960 program. They're a lot more enthusiastic.
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