The Goldbergs

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• 1950
• 1 hr 23 mins
• Comedy

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• Watchlist

The Bronx is bounded by water on the east and by the United States on the west, and among other things for which it is either noted or notorious it is the native habitat of the Goldbergs. For some 15 years the Family Goldberg, which is pure Eastern Americana with an accent, has been known-and widely loved-via a highly successful radio program. More recently, and with equal success, these same homespun adventures have taken to television as well. Now, Paramount has brought it to the screen, most wisely lifting the radio and television cast bodily and in toto. It is, precisely, the radio show transplanted to the screen, and with a success equal to that of the radio. In large measure, of course, its unquestioned success is to be attributed to the remarkably versatile and wholly engaging personality of the inimitable "Molly," played as always by Gertrude Berg, responsible for the original conception on the air and here collaborating with N. Richard Nash on the screenplay. With Walter Hart directing under the production hand of Mel Epstein, the film emerges as wholly delightful, completely captivating audience material. It is family stuff of the best sort, and there would appear to be no reason why the Bronx dialect should have any effect on audience acceptance and appreciation, since it has been the hallmark of the radio show. The cast has Philip Loeb as Jake Goldberg, Eli Mintz as Uncle David, Larry Robinson and Arlene McQuade as the children, plus Eduard Franz, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen and Helen Brown in particular. The story, essentially simple as they all are, mixes in neat and effective portions, comedy and pathos, a touch of homey drama and an over-all atmosphere of sympathy and understanding. Molly, as usual, tries to do her best according to the dictates of her kind heart and wise head, falls afoul of complications, but finally straightens them out to the satisfaction of all concerned-including the audience. When an old suitor comes to call with his too young fiancee, Molly fixes things so that the girl finds true love with a younger man and the older man provides home and happiness for a neighboring widow. Your patrons will love the Goldbergs. They are such real people, doing such delightfully entertaining real things. Reviewed at a sneak preview at the New York Paramount theater, where the audience had a grand time. Reviewers rating: Very Good.