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Laughing at the afflicted on early television and radio
In a 1957 column John Crosby critiques a era of TV and radio where audiences laughed at misfortune on shows like Ralph Edwards shows and Queen For A Day. He notes Jack Bailey pioneered this format and warns broadcasters to curb such humor while praising Cantor Bolger and Dinah Shore Perry Como tributes for their quality and warmth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gladys Workman
Ralph Edwards
Mrs. Workman
Gladys
Oregon
Bedlam
Jack Bailey
Eddie Cantor
Bolger
Washington Square
Milton Berle
Polly Bergen
Dinah Shore
Perry Como
Miss Shore
New York Herald Tribune, Inc