Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

One of radio's great stars and a television pioneer who largely set the template for the family situation comedy, Gertrude Berg is largely forgotten today, but Aviva Kempner's fine documentary reminds us of how much she achieved, tracing her life with both appreciation and insight. Berg created the character of Molly Goldberg, whose cheerful greeting to her Bronx neighbors is referenced in the film's title. The Goldbergs was a radio staple for two decades before it moved to the fledgling medium of television in 1949, continuing on the tube through 1954. Kempner covers Berg's personal life through stills, archival footage, audio recordings, and recollections from friends, relatives, and colleagues. But it concentrates on The Goldbergs, offering excerpts along with commentary from surviving cast members and fans. Berg is mostly treated with great affection, although it's also noted she could be exceedingly demanding off camera. Special attention is paid to the Red Scare and the blacklist that snared Philip Loeb, Berg's costar, whose eventual removal from the show (and suicide) signaled the program's decline. A coda covers Berg's post-Goldberg career in the '60s up until her death in 1966. An affectionate tribute that nicely complements the recent release of The Ultimate Goldbergs—a complete collection of surviving radio and television episodes (reviewed in VL-5/10)—this is recommended. (F. Swietek)