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| Movie Review: Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg Alternate Title: Chicken Soup is Good for the Soul
Story: Before Lucille
Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett Roseanne or Maude,
there was Gertrude Berg. Who is Gertrude Berg, you
say? For those like me, who are older than sand, you will remember fondly
TV pioneer Gertrude Berg and her long running radio and TV show, Yoo
Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg. Documentary film
maker Aviva Kempner (The Life and Times
of Hank Greenberg) has taken on the long overdo task of
introducing this first of the hyphenated TV stars and legend to new
generations of fans. Gertrude Berg began her radio show in 1929. She
brought the Jewish immigrant experience into the homes of America. Her
fictitious family hailed from the Bronx. Berg wrote over 12,000 of her
own scripts for both TV and radio. She was a writer, producer and star
in an era when woman had almost no power in any area but own's own kitchen.
She was not afraid to tackle serious subjects such as the war in Europe,
bad economic times and politics. Her blend of good humor had a warmth
that crossed ethnic boundaries. Director Kempner tried to cram too much into
the film and it certainly could have used some editing but for those
long ago fans, like me, it was a delight to see her again. Check out
the film's website for some nostalgia too. http://www.mollygoldbergfilm.org/home.php Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPqeixM11nk
Acting: The archival film clips are precious. The
many talking heads include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sara Chase,
Norman Lear, Margaret Nagle, Roberta Wallach and a wonderful
segment from Edward R Murrow's TV interview show. Trivia: Gertrude Berg's autobiography, Molly and Me,
was published in 1961. Her papers, including many of her radio and television
scripts, are collected at the George Arents Research Library at Syracuse
University. It is worth noting that Berg took a stand against the blacklist
in 1951, refusing to fire her long-time co-star Philip Loeb (Loeb resigned
to prevent the show's cancellation and later committed suicide).
Predilection: I remember Molly
Critters: Dogs and cats
Food: Food is a big part of the Jewish home.
Sex Spectrum: Ha
Blatant Product Placement: Funny segments include
Molly as spokesperson for the products produced by her major sponsors.
Visual Art: Seeing the 1950's home of the Goldbergs
was a trip down memory lane.
Theater Audience: I saw this preview at the 92nd
Street Y in a packed, loving house. The director, had a Q & A after
the film.
Drift Factor: It needed some editing.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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