From Radio to the Big Screen: Hollywood Films Featuring Broadcast Personalities and Programs

by Hal Erickson

There was a time when “American popular entertainment” referred only to radio and motion pictures. With the coming of talking pictures, Hollywood cashed in on the success of big-time network radio by bringing several of the public’s favorite broadcast personalities and programs to the screen. The results, though occasionally successful, often proved conclusively that some things are better heard than seen. Concentrating primarily on radio’s Golden Age (1926–1962), this lively history discusses the cinematic efforts of airwave stars Rudy Vallee, Amos ’n’ Andy, Fred Allen, Joe Penner, Fibber McGee & Molly, Edgar Bergen, Lum & Abner, and many more. Also analyzed are the movie versions of such radio series as The Shadow, Dr. Christian and The Life of Riley. In addition, two recent films starring contemporary radio headliners Howard Stern and Garrison Keillor are given their due.

Genres: Nonfiction

316 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Ronald Roseborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Erickson gives us details of early radio shows that transitioned to the big screen. He takes one show at a time and gives a detailed picture of how the radio show came about as well as what lead to it's appearance on film. For the most part he does this without getting bogged down in the depths of gratuitous details. The stories he relates are informative and entertaining highlights not only of the stars, but also the creative people behind the scenes. Mr Erickson lets us know the factors that lead to the success or failure of these transitions. Many of the shows and stars highlighted are still well remembered, such as comedians Jack Benny and Bob Hope and shows such as Amos 'n Andy, The Life of Riley, The Shadow, and Ozzie and Harriet. Many other shows have faded from our memories like; Baron Munchausen, Myrt and Marge, Kay Kyser, and Scattergood Baines. The book is nicely illustrated with vintage photographs and posters. I have to admit to skipping around some of the more obscure subjects as they had no appeal to me, but the stories and nostalgia of many others made reading this a pleasant journey down memory lane. Book provided for review by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers and LibraryThing.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this on goodreads. I love old Hollywood and wanted to read more about some of the transitions of my favorite stars to the big screen. The information was presented in an easy writing style. I felt that the author was having a conversation with me rather than just blurting out details. I liked reading the small details about the back stages of both radio and film. The book was very informative and well researched but I didn't care for the format. I can't stand reading things in columns as opposed to normal paragraphs. It also would have been helpful for the book to be broken down so each section, which focused an individual actor and film, was easier to find. As it was, there wasn't any type of identifying information alerting me what was being discussed when. Overall, this was a good book for classic Hollywood fans.

[Amy Neftzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful resource for fans of both radio and movies. It's so full of information that it reads somewhat like a textbook as the author lists both the name of the radio personality (or group) and then links them to their appearances in Hollywood. Of particular interest to me were Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthey. The book traces their start, explaining how Bergen developed the character of Charlie and then follows them through the steps in their career together, giving brief synopses of each event and the significance.

An excellent historical reference for film, radio, and entertainment buffs!

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is pretty much what is says on the cover, a collection of radio shows that had some portion of their program turned into a movie. But that is not to say it is a dry compendium of facts, Erickson definitely has an opinion that he will freely share. All of the big names are covered from Jack Benny and Fred Allen to the modern show of Howard Stern, but he also features lesser known programs like The Great Gildersleeve and Duffy’s Tavern. Reading all of the book just may make you want to go and find the originals and lose yourself in the wonders of radio.

Free review copy.