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Mama Bloom’s Brood. 1934. Program #1. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. Music fills for local commercial insert. Mama manages to get two dresses out of Papa for the girls.
A carbon copy of the Goldbergs, and not bad. The voices and characters sound just like Gertrude Berg and the cast of, “The Goldbergs.” The date is approximate. It may be just a coincidence that this program has been dated about 1934 and “The Goldbergs” program was off the air on NBC from July 6, 1934 to January 13, 1936 (when it began on Mutual). In chapter ten of this series, we learn that “Mama Bloom’s” first name is, “Becky,” but that she would like to change it to “Gwendoline” (making her character’s initials “G. B.”). Was Gertrude Berg trying the syndication idea pioneered by, “Amos ‘n’ Andy?” Could be! . 14:49. Audio condition: Excellent. Otherwise, complete.
J. David Golden.
