Gale Storm: A Biography and Career Record by David C. Tucker is a pleasant career review of a
charming lady whom most readers will remember as an icon of television’s Golden
Age, but whose films remain little discovered by even many classic film fans.
This is the latest in a collection of books about classic TV
and film figures by Mr. Tucker. He was fortunate to interview Gale Storm for a
chapter in an earlier book – The Women Who Made Television Funny (2007). Expanding on her life and career for this
book, Tucker gives us a detailed chronicle of her work. Her film career took
her to various studios where she appeared in many genres. (Her strikingly meteorological
name was bestowed on her, along with a studio contract, as a radio talent show
contest prize.) I would guess classic film fans may remember her most from the
Christmas favorite It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947).
What her film work in westerns, noir, and dramas may have
lacked in terms of opportunities to do comedy or musicals (she had a terrific
singing voice), television provided ample opportunities for both. Her first
series, My Little Margie (1952-1955) allowed
her to cut up splendidly, and her second comedy series The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna (1956-1960) – allowed her to sing as
well. Both series episodes are detailed in the book.
Gale Storm: A Biography and Career Record is published by McFarland. It is thorough and
interesting and includes interviews and many photos. It is a fine tribute to an actress whose range of accomplishments may
surprise you. Next week we’ll have an interview with author David C. Tucker
about his book.
Speaking of singing, have a look below at Gale Storm’s live TV performance of her song “I Hear You Knockin’” – that earned her a gold record.
For more on Tucker’s books, please see his blog here.
The author provided a review copy for purposes of this
review post.
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To continue our celebration of Ann Blyth's 90th birthday, I'm giving away a present to one lucky winner: Your choice of either a paperback version of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. (mailed to you), or the audiobook version narrated by actress Toni Lewis (sent directly to your email for download to your computer, iPad, or phone). Just send me an email saying you want to enter the contest. I'll draw the name of the winner out of a hat next week on Wednesday, August 29th.
Good luck!
Good luck!
2 comments:
The more I see of Gale Storm, the more impressed I become.
Yeah. It's fun to discover more about these oldies we thought we knew.
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