As the star of the Texaco Star Theater, Milton Berle was the first successful entertainer in the early years of television. (Edgerton 113) Some attribute his success to his audience being isolated in one region of America. (Wertheim 69) However, it can also be attributed to his humor and personality. (Wertheim 68) Therefore, this paper discusses how Milton Berle's unique sense of humor, and personality made him the ruler early television. Specifically, it discusses how he incorporated vaudeville, other comedian’s material, and his New York nightclub training to entertain his audience. Lastly, this paper concludes by examining his impact on the television industry.
1. Vaudeville
Vaudeville shows were variety stage performances that were popular in the in the mid-19th century and early 20th century. …show more content…
(Oxford) According to Oxford, this inventory was in the high thousands. (Oxford) This earned him the nickname “Thief of Bad Gags.” (Oxford) He also emulated other comedians to develop his “fast-paced monologs.” (Wertheim 58) Further, he imitated other famous individuals like Carmen Miranda who was a “Brazilian singer.” (Wertheim 58). His mimicry became focal points of his comedy as it, “drew huge laughs from the audience.” (Wertheim 66) Next, Berle adopted “drag” comedy due to the influence from crossdresser comedy shows of the region. (Wertheim 59) Thus, he worked them into his own act when He joined Texaco Star Theater. (Corliss) Not to be a total thief, he rehashed monologs from his vaudeville days. (Wertheim 64) Despite his reputation of stealing and rehashing old material, Milton Berle’s entertainment value made the jokes and antics fresh for the audience. Along with vaudeville humor and recycling material, he also developed a personality that was acceptable to the television audience at the time. (Wertheim 68) This personality was developed due to his work in the New York nightclub
1. Vaudeville
Vaudeville shows were variety stage performances that were popular in the in the mid-19th century and early 20th century. …show more content…
(Oxford) According to Oxford, this inventory was in the high thousands. (Oxford) This earned him the nickname “Thief of Bad Gags.” (Oxford) He also emulated other comedians to develop his “fast-paced monologs.” (Wertheim 58) Further, he imitated other famous individuals like Carmen Miranda who was a “Brazilian singer.” (Wertheim 58). His mimicry became focal points of his comedy as it, “drew huge laughs from the audience.” (Wertheim 66) Next, Berle adopted “drag” comedy due to the influence from crossdresser comedy shows of the region. (Wertheim 59) Thus, he worked them into his own act when He joined Texaco Star Theater. (Corliss) Not to be a total thief, he rehashed monologs from his vaudeville days. (Wertheim 64) Despite his reputation of stealing and rehashing old material, Milton Berle’s entertainment value made the jokes and antics fresh for the audience. Along with vaudeville humor and recycling material, he also developed a personality that was acceptable to the television audience at the time. (Wertheim 68) This personality was developed due to his work in the New York nightclub