Beulah: Pioneering African-American Representation on Old-Time Radio
Enjoys some shows
Audition Program - Bob Corley (Beulah Show, The) - 25th August 1946
Flash Magazine (Beulah Show, The) - 12th November 1953
Honorary Santa 1 (Beulah Show, The) - 22th December 1953
Beulah was a pioneering American sitcom that made history as the first radio program to feature an African-American actress in the lead role. Debuting on CBS Radio in 1945, the show ran for nearly a decade, transitioning to television in 1950 and becoming a hit on ABC. Centered around the life of Beulah Brown, a wise-cracking housekeeper who solves the problems of her white employers, the series broke new ground in its representation of Black characters on the airwaves.
The character of Beulah was originally portrayed by a white actor, Marlin Hurt, who introduced the role in 1939 on the Hometown Incorporated radio series. Hurt continued voicing Beulah when the character was spun off into her own show in 1945, titled The Marlin Hurt and Beulah Show. Sponsored by Tums, the program depicted Beulah as the housekeeper and cook for the Henderson family, with Hurt also voicing Beulah's boyfriend, Bill Jackson.
After Hurt's death in 1946, the series was retitled simply The Beulah Show and went through a series of casting changes. White actor Bob Corley took over the title role briefly in 1947 before pioneering African-American actress Hattie McDaniel was hired to play Beulah that November. McDaniel's casting marked a historic moment, as she became the first Black woman to star in a network radio program.
Notable Episodes and Storylines
Under McDaniel's tenure, The Beulah Show found great success, doubling the ratings of the original series. McDaniel earned $1,000 per week for the first season, pleasing the NAACP who were thrilled to see a Black woman in a leading role.
The show's humor often derived from Beulah's ability to solve the problems that her white employers could not. Storylines typically revolved around the Henderson family's domestic issues, with Beulah's quick wit and common sense saving the day. Other recurring characters included Beulah's boyfriend Bill Jackson, a handyman constantly proposing marriage, and Oriole, the befuddled maid next door.
While praised for its representation, Beulah also faced criticism from the NAACP and other groups who felt the show perpetuated racial stereotypes, with Beulah viewed as a modern-day "mammy" figure akin to Aunt Jemima. Despite these controversies, the series remained popular throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Cast and Crew
After Hattie McDaniel's departure in 1952 due to illness, the role of Beulah was taken over by Lillian Randolph and then Randolph's sister, Amanda, for the show's final radio seasons. The radio cast also included Hugh Studebaker as Harry Henderson, Mary Jane Croft as Alice Henderson, and Ruby Dandridge as the neighbor Oriole Winston.
On the television side, the first season starred Ethel Waters as Beulah, with Butterfly McQueen playing Oriole. When production moved to Hollywood, McDaniel was brought in to reprise the title role, but only filmed six episodes before falling ill. She was replaced by Louise Beavers for the remainder of the second season. Beavers continued in the role for the third and final TV season.
The show was created by Marlin Hurt and Donald Quinn, with a writing staff that included veteran sitcom scribes like Phil Leslie, Sol Saks, Sherwood Schwartz, and Hal Kanter. It was directed by future TV veterans Richard L. Bare and Abby Berlin.
Impact and Reception
Despite the controversies, Beulah was a groundbreaking series that paved the way for greater African-American representation on the airwaves. Hattie McDaniel's casting as the first Black woman to star in a network radio program was a historic milestone, and the show's popularity helped challenge racist stereotypes.
The television version of Beulah was equally pioneering, becoming ABC's first hit sitcom and the first TV comedy without a laugh track. While the show's portrayal of Beulah as a domestic servant was criticized, it also gave a national platform to talented Black actors like McDaniel, Waters, and McQueen.
Legacy and Influence
Though Beulah has faded from the public consciousness in recent decades, its impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. The series paved the way for future Black sitcoms like Amos 'n' Andy and The Jeffersons, demonstrating the commercial viability of shows centered around African-American characters and stories.
Today, Beulah is recognized as an important step in the long struggle for racial equality and representation in American media. While its depiction of Beulah as a stereotypical "mammy" figure is problematic by modern standards, the show's pioneering status and trailblazing achievements remain significant. As a landmark in old-time radio and early television history, Beulah continues to be studied and celebrated for its groundbreaking legacy.
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