Edgar Bergen: The Ventriloquist Who Mastered Old-Time Radio

Edgar John Bergen was born on February 16, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois. The younger of two sons, Bergen was the child of Swedish immigrants Nilla Svensdotter and Johan Henriksson Berggren. His family lived on a farm near Decatur, Michigan until he was four years old, when they returned to Sweden, where young Edgar learned the language.

After the family moved back to Chicago, the 11-year-old Bergen taught himself the art of ventriloquism from a pamphlet called "The Wizard's Manual." Following his father's death when Edgar was 16, he took on various odd jobs to support himself, including work as an apprentice accountant, furnace stoker, player-piano operator, and silent movie projectionist.

It was during this time that Bergen's talent for ventriloquism caught the eye of the famous ventriloquist Harry Lester, who took the teenager under his wing and provided him with almost daily lessons for three months. This intensive training laid the foundation for Bergen's lifelong mastery of the craft.

Entry Into Radio

In the fall of 1919, the 16-year-old Bergen commissioned a Chicago woodcarver to sculpt a likeness of a mischievous red-headed Irish newspaper boy. This wooden figure, named Charlie McCarthy, would become Bergen's iconic sidekick and the key to his future success. Bergen himself crafted the body, using a nine-inch broomstick for the backbone and rubber bands to control the mouth mechanism.

After honing his skills on the vaudeville circuit in the 1920s, Bergen made his first major breakthrough when he was recommended for a guest appearance on Rudy Vallée's popular radio program in 1936. The performance was a smash hit, and the following year, Bergen and Charlie McCarthy were given regular cast roles on The Chase and Sanborn Hour, a weekly radio variety show.

Under various sponsors and networks, Bergen and his wooden companion entertained radio audiences for nearly two decades, from 1937 to 1956. Their popularity on the airwaves was a remarkable feat, as ventriloquism was considered an unlikely medium for radio, where the visual element of the craft was not visible to listeners.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

The Chase and Sanborn Hour became the platform that showcased Bergen's exceptional talent and the dynamic personality of Charlie McCarthy. The quick-witted, mischievous dummy quickly became a household name, engaging in witty banter and playful exchanges with his creator.

In addition to Charlie McCarthy, Bergen developed several other memorable characters for the show, including the slow-witted Mortimer Snerd and the man-hungry Effie Klinker. These supporting characters added depth and variety to the program, allowing Bergen to showcase his versatility as a performer.

The popularity of a ventriloquist on radio, where the visual element of the craft was not visible, surprised many critics at the time. Even though listeners knew that Bergen provided the voice, they perceived Charlie McCarthy as a genuine person, captivated by the character's charm and the seamless interplay between the dummy and his master.

Bergen's skill as an entertainer, particularly in his characterization of Charlie McCarthy, was the driving force behind the show's success. Many recordings of The Chase and Sanborn Hour have survived, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the timeless appeal of Bergen's performances.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

While Bergen was not considered a technically skilled ventriloquist, he more than made up for it with his exceptional comedic timing and ability to bring his characters to life. Charlie McCarthy frequently teased Bergen for moving his lips, but the ventriloquist's mastery of dialogue and personality creation was the true secret to his success.

Bergen's wit and creativity in shaping the distinct personalities of Charlie McCarthy and his other characters were the foundation of the show's appeal. Rather than relying solely on the visual trick of "throwing his voice," Bergen's popularity as a radio performer stemmed from the engaging personalities he brought to his creations.

This unique approach to ventriloquism on radio, where the visual element was not a factor, suggests that Bergen's primary appeal was the strength of his characterizations and the dynamic interplay between himself and his wooden companions. Listeners were captivated by the illusion of Charlie McCarthy as a genuine person, a testament to Bergen's skill as a performer.

Legacy and Influence

Bergen's success on radio was paralleled in the United Kingdom by the ventriloquist Peter Brough and his dummy Archie Andrews, who starred in the popular radio series "Educating Archie." This transatlantic connection highlights the widespread appeal of the ventriloquist-dummy dynamic during the golden age of radio.

Some have even credited Bergen and Charlie McCarthy with "saving the world" on the night of October 30, 1938, when Orson Welles' infamous radio adaptation of "The War of the Worlds" caused widespread panic among listeners. According to the legend, most of the American public had instead tuned in to Bergen and McCarthy's program, never hearing Welles' broadcast. However, this claim remains unsubstantiated.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding this particular claim, there is no doubt that Bergen and Charlie McCarthy left an indelible mark on the history of radio. Their unique brand of comedy and the enduring popularity of the Charlie McCarthy character have cemented their legacy as one of the most iconic duos in the medium's history.

Works and Appearances

Radio

The Chase and Sanborn Hour (1937-1956) - Regular cast member, played Charlie McCarthy and other characters
The Charlie McCarthy Show (1949-1956) - Starred as himself and Charlie McCarthy
The Edgar Bergen Hour (1954-1955) - Hosted the series

Television

The DuPont Show with June Allyson (1960) - Guest appearance as Charlie McCarthy
What's My Line? (1950s) - Mystery guest
Here's Hollywood (1960s) - Guest appearance
The Hollywood Palace (1960s) - Hosted the variety series

Film

Appeared in various one-reel movie shorts in the 1930s and 1940s

Theater

Performed on the Chautauqua circuit and at the Lyceum Theater in Chicago (1922-1925)

Publications

Contributed to the NBC promotional book NBC Parade of Stars: As Heard Over Your Favorite NBC Station (1947)

Conclusion

Edgar Bergen's remarkable career as a ventriloquist and radio performer cemented his place as a true icon of the golden age of broadcasting. Through his iconic partnership with the mischievous Charlie McCarthy, Bergen captivated audiences across America with his wit, comedic timing, and unparalleled ability to bring his characters to life.

Despite the inherent challenges of ventriloquism on radio, where the visual element was not visible to listeners, Bergen's skill and creativity allowed him to transcend the limitations of the medium. His unique approach to character development and the dynamic interplay between himself and his wooden companions made him a beloved figure in households nationwide.

Bergen's legacy extends beyond his radio success, as he also made forays into television, film, and theater. However, it was his groundbreaking work on the airwaves that solidified his status as a true pioneer of the medium, paving the way for future generations of performers and entertainers.

Today, the enduring popularity of Charlie McCarthy and the timeless appeal of Bergen's performances continue to inspire and delight audiences, serving as a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and the enduring magic of old-time radio.

Edgar Bergen: The Ventriloquist Who Captivated Radio Audiences

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