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Long before June Cleaver—and even before Lucy had some ‘splainin’ to do—families gathered around for the latest adventures of the Goldbergs. First, as a daily radio show, the fun-loving Jewish family from the Bronx gave Americans a much-needed laugh—and a little bit of hope—through the Great Depression and the second world war. Later, the Goldbergs found their way to TV, becoming the first-ever sitcom.
The woman behind it all was actress, writer, and producer Gertrude Berg. Never heard of her? Well, you’re not the only one. I hadn’t, either. Yet, after watching director Aviva Kempner’s documentary, Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, I can’t understand how such an entertainment pioneer could have simply faded into the woodwork.
With Yoo-Hoo Kempner gives Berg just a small part of the recognition that she deserves. Through archive footage (and audio clips), along with interviews with friends, family, cast mates, and fans, the film introduces viewers to this little-known visionary, who became “the Oprah of her day”—and one of the most respected women in America.
The film focuses primarily on the shows—and on Berg’s on-air persona, Molly Goldberg. It discusses The Goldbergs in great detail—everything from the creation, cast, and writing to the astounding effect that the show had on listeners around the country (no matter where they lived or what their background may have been). It mentions Berg’s numerous product endorsements and her support of the war effort. It even goes into the Red Scare of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, which led to the blacklisting of Berg’s beloved costar, Philip Loeb (and, consequently, the beginning of the end for The Goldbergs).
What Yoo-Hoo doesn’t really cover in much detail, however, is the woman behind the great Gertrude Berg—the woman who was born Tilly Edelstein, who later married Lewis Berg and became the mother of two children. The film offers some background information, some snippets of biography, and the occasional glimpse of a hardworking (and sometimes slightly tyrannical) woman who always carried herself with a simple elegance. But, for the most part, she’s kept at a distance—and viewers never really get to know the real Mrs. Berg. After the credits roll, you’ll be left wanting to know more.
Still, hers is an amazing story—especially if, like me, you’ve never heard it before. Kempner integrates audio, stills, clips, and interviews to present this fascinating personality in a thoughtful and eye-opening manner. Even though Berg remains a bit of an enigma in the end, she’s an inspiration nonetheless. So whether you remember watching The Goldbergs years ago or you’ve never heard of the show or its remarkable creator, it’s worth paying Mrs. Goldberg a visit.
