Well, I am just blessed to have gotten my hands on a screener for a new documentary, "Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg," a new film by Aviva Kempner. I just love this press pic of the director:
Super thanks to Melissa Silverstein at Women & Hollywood for passing me this film because I am simply in awe of the story of Gertrude Berg, a woman who wrote, produced and starred in her own TV show, "The Goldbergs" until troubles with McCarthyism found her timeslot taken up by "I Love Lucy."
From Aviva Kempner, maker of The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, comes this humorous and eye-opening story of television pioneer Gertrude Berg. She was the creator, principal writer, and star of The Goldbergs, a popular radio show for 17 years, which became television’s very first character-driven domestic sitcom in 1949. Berg received the first Best Actress Emmy in history, and paved the way for women in the entertainment industry. Includes interviews with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, actor Ed Asner, producers Norman Lear (All in the Family) and Gary David Goldberg (Family Ties), and NPR correspondent Susan Stamberg.
What I loved most about Gertrude Berg was learning what a hard worker she was her whole life and how she pushed for what she knew was right. The documentary is also a fascinating look into the history of radio moving into television and a recounting of the some of the effects of McCarthyism. It was inspiring to learn how Gertrude Berg fought for her cast, and her show. She clearly enjoyed her work, and during the depression her stories served to inspire and bring laughter to many, many Americans.
Here is my favorite image from the whole movie, Gertrude Berg surrounded by her scripts:
Such a talent and such an inspiration. "Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg" is playing first in New York starting this Friday July 10th, but will be screening around the country from there, including L.A. Here's a list of theaters and dates. They've put together quite an impressive list of opportunities to see the film; definitely consider checking it out if you can.
There's a trailer up on the official website, and they've even got a campaign going to put Gertrude Berg on a stamp. My letter's going out tomorrow.
~
In other, sadder news from the early days of Hollywood, movie theater organist Bob Mitchell (1912-2009) passed away on July 4th.
He was a truly amazing talent who played over silent movies from the beginning. I was fortunate enough to see him play before a screening at The Orpheum Theater and to hear him accompany silent movies at The Silent Movie Theater. He was a true treasure, may he rest in peace. The LA Times reports, "Mitchell's services are scheduled on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 624 N. Rossmore Ave. He will be buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd." I'm glad to learn he'll be watching movies with us under the stars.
Please note: I received a copy of "Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg" for free for my honest review, and I won't be sending it back.
Never heard of Mrs. Goldberg before, so thanks for the tip. I'll have to check out the film when (and if) it plays in my area.
Posted by: Karen | July 08, 2009 at 01:06 AM
I heard an interview on public radio tonight. What a cool story. I always wondered why my mom called "Yoo Hoo" to get us to come in to dinner. Now I know.
Posted by: Suebob | July 10, 2009 at 09:05 PM
I had never heard of Mrs. Goldberg either but I heard the segment on NPR today when he interviewed Molly Goldberg. Mrs. Goldberg started on radio first, then moved to TV.
Posted by: mlaiuppa | July 10, 2009 at 09:17 PM
i had never heard about mrs. goldberg too. i´ve to check this film.
Posted by: autogenau | July 13, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Yoo Hoo nice story. Ive never thought about that.
Posted by: Relation K | July 14, 2009 at 05:10 AM
Mrs. Goldberg sounds awesome! That may have to be the next movie I see...an inspiring documentary. I could use the ooomph. :)
Posted by: cynematic | July 16, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Driving home from work today, heard KFWB 980 do a story on it. I've never heard of this woman, can't wait to find out more about her.
Posted by: Melinda | July 17, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Very cool!
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:31 AM
It was definitely inspirational. :)
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I'm definitely hoping that the film makes it overseas!
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:39 AM
It's great to hear that the documentary is getting so much radio time!
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Very cool, I love that! I'm going to send my copy to my mom and see if she remembers the show.
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Wonderful! I hope you like it. :)
Posted by: lizriz | July 19, 2009 at 09:48 AM