Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

Gertrude Berg (1898–1966) was the creator, writer, and star of the long-running Depression-era radio show The Rise of the Goldbergs and the early TV sitcom The Goldbergs (1945–56). But despite Berg's success during her lifetime—she also won Emmy and Tony awards for acting, wrote a play, and even authored a cookbook—she is largely forgotten today. With this documentary, director Kempner (The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg) does an admirable job of rescuing Berg from obscurity. Kempner emphasizes Berg's wide appeal during her heyday and how Americans of all backgrounds felt a deep connection to Berg's show about chatty Bronx housewife Molly Goldberg and her family. But Berg also experienced difficult times. One poignant section tells the story of her fellow TV cast member Philip Loeb, who was accused of communism and blacklisted; he tragically committed suicide a few years later. Berg's friends and family are interviewed here, as well as such well-known fans as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and All in the Family producer Norman Lear. Extras include full-length episodes of The Goldbergs. A fascinating documentary for anyone interested in television and pop-culture history. [For the complete radio and TV series, check out The Ultimate Goldbergs, LJ 5/15/10.—Ed.]—David Rapp, Library Journal