Portland Public Library

When women invented television, the untold story of the female powerhouses who pioneered the way we watch today, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-322) and index

collective biography

platesillustrations

index present

non fiction

When women invented television

bibliography

1241185819

Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

the untold story of the female powerhouses who pioneered the way we watch today

The best-selling author of Seinfeldia documents the lesser-known story of how four trailblazing women from the radio era, including Irna Phillips, Gertrude Berg, Hazel Scott and Betty White, helped establish the foundation of the modern television industryWhen television arrived, few radio moguls were interested in the upstart industry and its tiny production budgets. Four women--each an independent visionary--saw an opportunity. Irna Phillips turned real-life tragedy into daytime serials featuring female dominated casts. Gertrude Berg turned her radio show into a Jewish family comedy that spawned a play, a musical, an advice column, a line of house dresses, and other products. Hazel Scott, already a renowned musician, was the first African American to host a national evening variety program. Betty White became a daytime talk show fan favorite and one of the first women to produce, write, and star in her own show. Armstrong shows how their stories chronicle a forgotten chapter in the history of television and popular culture--until the rise of the House Un-American Activities Committee. -- adapted from jacket

Introduction: Bold claims -- Yoo-hoo, Gertrude Berg! -- Predicament, villainy, and female suffering -- Women's realm -- A holy terror -- One of us -- What are you going to do about your girl? -- Aren't you ashamed? -- A note of sadness -- Dramatic pause -- Black and white and red -- The scourge of 1955 -- The world turns