Yoo-Hoo, Mrs Goldberg

This film tells the story of Gertrude Berg, the creator, star, and principal writer of the seminal TV sitcom, The Goldbergs. The show,which chronicled the everyday trials, mishaps and goings on of a Jewish family from The Bronx, was first on radio for seventeen years, and then moved to TV for another six. Mrs. Berg is credited with being the originator of the TV sitcom, and much of what she did on her show years ago is still being done on modern sitcoms many years later. Unlike sitcom pioneers Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason though, Ms. Berg has largely been forgotten. Since The Goldbergs was preserved via kinescope, as opposed to the more modern methods employed by Ms. Ball's and Mr. Gleason's two classic shows, the film quality just doesn't hold up for modern syndication standards. If not for this she might have been as well known today as those two early sitcom stars, something that should have been expanded on in the film. The documentary mixes archival footage with interviews, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ed Asner, Norman Lear, some surviving cast members, and others. Almost all are admirers of the show, although Mr. Asner mentions that the show did nothing to advance him in his goal of assimilation, and it seems obvious from his exchange that he's not an admirer. The blacklist of the 1950's is given prominent play in the story, and its effect on the show was severe. The story of Ms Berg and her show is quite fascinating, and this film goes along way towards educating its audience about this largely forgotten star. It does so while making us laugh, and maybe shed a tear.......... which is exactly the way Ms. Berg would have wanted it.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars