RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
RT's Blu-ray HQ
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
  • | Showtimes
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / Upcoming / Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg
Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Showtimes & Tickets
  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Buy Poster External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg (2009)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
92 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

Reviews Counted:60

Fresh:55

Rotten:5

Average Rating:7.3/10

Consensus: Equal parts edification and entertainment, Kempner's tender tribute to a forgotten pioneer of American entertainment is both richly deserved and long overdue.

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 90 mins

Genre: Musical & Performing Arts

Theatrical Release:Jul 10, 2009 Limited

Box Office: $722,545

Synopsis: For more than 25 years, Gertrude Berg was one of the most beloved figures in American pop culture as the creator, writer, producer, and star of THE GOLDBERGS--first on radio (where it was... For more than 25 years, Gertrude Berg was one of the most beloved figures in American pop culture as the creator, writer, producer, and star of THE GOLDBERGS--first on radio (where it was originally known as THE RISE OF THE GOLDBERGS) and then on television. Berg, who was best known to the public in the identity of her character, Molly Goldberg, occupied a unique niche in the fabric of American life: throughout the 1930s, she and Eleanor Roosevelt competed annually in polls for the title of most prominent woman in America. Berg was called The First Lady of Radio at a time when radio was king; later on, in the television era, she invented the family sitcom as we came to know it, and did battle against the Red Scare and the Hollywood blacklist. Director Aviva Kempner's documentary gives an intimate and detailed a look at the life of Berg, who died in 1966 virtually forgotten by the executives of the industry that she helped build. In the process, Kempner explains how this woman--an articulate and intelligent first-generation Jewish-American with little formal background in writing and no knowledge of the media--rose to such success in just a few years, and why she was forgotten and swept aside almost as quickly at the other end of her career. Participants and interviewees include such admirers as producer Norman Lear, actor Edward Asner, and United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. [More]

Director: Aviva Kempner

Director: Aviva Kempner
Studio: International Film Circuit Inc.

  • Trailers
  • Pictures
1 - 3 of 3

See More Movie Trailers & Pictures

Reviews for Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Bubble View | 1 2 3 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 
Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
splat

Andrea Gronvall

It is only in the sequence about Berg's popular costar Philip Loeb that Aviva Kempner's documentary resonates.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 16 2009 01:58 PM

Chicago Reader

tomato
B

Robert Roten

A remarkable story, all the more remarkable for the era in which it happened, an era when most women had almost no opportunities to become famous, rich and powerful. Gertrude Berg not only triumphed during this time, she was the Oprah Winfrey of her time.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 26 2009 02:50 PM

Laramie Movie Scope

tomato
3/5

Roger Moore

Yoo-Hoo suggests that, yes, Berg broke new ground and, no, she shouldn't be forgotten. But it doesn't explain why she endured, or why she is so forgotten today.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 04 2009 07:00 AM

Orlando Sentinel

splat
2/4

Justin Strout

It’s puzzling that a paean to Gertrude Berg’s Jewish New York housewife, Mrs. Goldberg -- a character so beloved and enduring that she could serve as a travel guide through early-to-mid–20th-century history -- could fall so flat.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 30 2009 05:33 AM

Orlando Weekly

tomato
4/5

Bill Gibron

No matter the accomplishments during her lifetime, Gertrude Berg remains an integral part of the modern media's formation. Thankfully, we now have a permanent testament to how important - and irresistible - she was.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 23 2009 12:45 PM

PopMatters

tomato
B

Frank Swietek

Stylistically unpretentious but highly informative and enjoyable documentary [on] one of radio's great stars and a television pioneer.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 21 2009 09:28 AM

One Guy's Opinion

tomato
3.5/5

Jim Slotek

Stylistically, Aviva Kempner's documentary is no ground-breaker. But its old-school talking-heads/narration/footage format suits its subject matter, and the remarkable story needs no window dressing.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 16 2009 01:15 PM

Jam! Movies

tomato
3/4

Liam Lacey

Charming.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 16 2009 01:13 PM

Globe and Mail

tomato

Jason Anderson

History has been unfair to Berg, a fact that filmmaker Aviva Kempner hopes to correct with this illuminating documentary.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 16 2009 04:08 AM

Toronto Star

tomato
3/4

Keith Cohen

Kempner did her homework in restoring from obscurity this trailblazing sitcom pioneer. The film is well-organized and filled with interesting trivia tidbits.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 02 2009 06:54 PM

Entertainment Spectrum

tomato
3/5

Marc Savlov

Kempner marshals an impressive lineup of both Berg and Goldberg fans to underscore the irrefutable significance of her subject.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 02 2009 10:24 AM

Austin Chronicle

tomato
B

Shawn Levy

It's absolutely charming to be reminded of -- or, in most cases, introduced to -- Berg and her particular genius. But too much of the film is too light.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 02 2009 04:40 AM

Oregonian

tomato
3/4

Matt Brunson

The real kick comes from seeing the stars of yesteryear in grainy film stock.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 07 2009 02:30 PM

Creative Loafing

tomato
3.5/4

Austin Kennedy

This was a very informative documentary that is told with a subtle passion. I found it very warm and welcoming. If you have interest in entertainment history, this is a must see!

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 29 2009 09:01 PM

Sin Magazine

tomato
6/10

Sarah Boslaugh

... a good introduction to Gertrude Berg for those who have never heard of her and a pleasant journey down nostalgia lane for those who grew up with her shows.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 28 2009 03:06 PM

Playback:stl

tomato
3/4

Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)

It's delightful, if a mite sketchy.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 28 2009 10:27 AM

St. Paul Pioneer Press

tomato
3/4

Colin Covert

Aviva Kempner's documentary Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg is a delightful introduction to Berg, who began writing and performing skits at her father's resort hotel in the Catskill Mountains, then studied drama at Columbia University.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 27 2009 05:43 PM

Minneapolis Star Tribune

splat
2.5/4

Joe Williams

We're left with an impression of a vivacious pioneer; but warm shouldn't have to mean fuzzy.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 27 2009 10:03 AM

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

tomato
3/4

Carrie Rickey

In Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, Kempner gives us a balance of artist and alter ego, introducing us to a woman we'd like to know even better.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 14 2009 12:51 PM

Philadelphia Inquirer

tomato

Daniel M. Kimmel

Although not forgotten in the broadcast history books, Berg's immense impact on mid-twentieth century American popular culture needs a fresh examination.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 11 2009 07:09 PM

The Jewish Advocate

 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Bubble View | 1 2 3 >> >|
all

Latest News for Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

July 12, 2009: Trailer & Poster review Opens in new window
More...

July 09, 2009: Critics Consensus: Bruno is Certified Fresh
This week at the movies, we've got Austrian audacity (Bruno, starring Sacha Baron Cohen) and graduation gratification (I Love You, Beth Cooper, starring Hayden Panettiere and... More...

See All

More Movies

Close
Coming Soon
Tomatometer Percentage Movie Date

More…

68% 68% The Last Station 12/23
68% 68% Sherlock Holmes 12/25
50% 50% It's Complicated 12/25
49% 49% Nine 12/25
18% 18% Alvin and the Chipmunk… 12/25
See All

RT On Current TV

The Rotten Tomatoes Show on Current TV

DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...

Learn how you can be part of the show

More...

What’s Hot On RT

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes

New clips from the detective reboot!

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

Check out the brand new trailer now!

Awards Tour

Awards Tour

Keep up with latest nominations and awards!

Friday Harvest

Friday Harvest

This week's best pics, vids, and posters!

Other News

Close
  • Top Stories
  • Popular
  • Interviews
 
 

Comments

 
 
Top Stories
Headlines Comments
  
  • Bryan Singer Returning to X-Men for First Class Source: Superhero Hype
102
  • Mark Strong Talks Kick-Ass, John Carter, and Robin Hood Source: Collider.com
1
  • How Avatar Happened: The Path to Innovation Source: CinemaBlend.com
19
  • Rob Marshall Says Pirates 4 Is Still a Maybe Source: ComingSoon.net
32
  • ET Teases Iron Man 2 Teaser Source: Collider.com
28
  • Tobey Maguire Refutes Hobbit Rumors Source: Hollywood Reporter
9
  • Prince of Persia Featurette Posted Source: Yahoo! Movies
4
  • Trailer Bulletin: Robin Hood Source: ComingSoon.net
61
  • Mel Gibson Plans a Mexican Vacation Source: Variety
8
  • New Iron Man 2 Clue Posted Source: Screen Rant
26
Popular
Headlines Comments
  
  • Critics Consensus: Avatar Is Certified Fresh
187
  • Awards Tour 2009: Golden Globe Noms Here!
145
  • Total Recall: James Cameron Movies
88
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: Girlpower Rules Again with Princess at #1
70
  • Awards Tour 2009: Inglourious Basterds Lead Critics Choice Noms
44
  • Awards Tour 2009: SAG Nominations Are In!
39
  • Awards Tour 2009: Avatar Best Picture at NYFCO!
38
  • Weekly Ketchup: Bryan Singer Teaches X-Men: First Class
19
  • Awards Tour 2009: The Hurt Locker Dominates Boston Society of Film Critics
18
  • Awards Tour 2009: LAFCA: The Hurt Locker Tops List
12
Interviews
Headlines Comments
  
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
21
  • Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland
2
  • "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist
17
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
12
  • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
23
  • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
8
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
15
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus
24
  • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview
9
  • Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film
29
 
 

Sponsored Links

Around The Network

  • Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg at Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh Links

Featured
MSN's Year in Review
MSN's Year in Review External Link

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

Moviefone's Year End Movie Poll
Moviefone's Year End Movie Poll External Link

What were your favorites? Least favorites? The funniest and scariest? Moviefone wants to know!

Tarantino's Characters
Tarantino's Characters External Link

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

Top 10 Movies of 2009
Top 10 Movies of 2009 External Link

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Top 20 of the Decade
Top 20 of the Decade External Link

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!

Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Follow RT on Twitter External Link

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Games| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.