ABSTRACT

First Published in 2005. In this engaging cultural and industrial history of early television, Susan Murray examines how and why the broadcasting industry gave birth to the idea of TV stars. Combining a sweeping view of the rise of the medium with profiles of Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, and other early television greats, Murray illuminates the central role played by television stars in the growth and development of American broadcasting.

chapter 2|23 pages

“A Marriage of Spectacle and Intimacy”

Modeling the Ideal Television Performer

chapter 3|28 pages

Lessons from Uncle Miltie

Ethnic Masculinity and the Vaudeo Star

chapter 4|24 pages

“TV is a Killer!”

The Collapse of the Vaudeo Star and Television's Talent Crisis

chapter 5|21 pages

Our Man Godfrey

Product Pitching and the Meaning of Authenticity

chapter 6|46 pages

For the Love of Lucy

Packaging the Sitcom Star