Gale Storm
For you young 'uns out there, I'd like to take note of Gale Storm's passing over the weekend at age 87.
Gale Storm? A very popular TV actress in the early '50s. Her show, "My Little Margie," was a CBS summer replacement for "I Love Lucy," and became a hit in its own right, while re-runs eventually ended up on Saturday morning, where a whole new generation of kids watched.
No one - I'm reasonably certain - ever called "Margie" a great show, but the leading lady had genuine and lasting appeal. Margie was a creature of '50s TV - where women were slightly dim and cute and subservient, but the show was standard fare for the times. Watched through the prism of 2009 sensibilities, it seems as ancient as an Egyptian hieroglyph.
For example: I've posted a clip and in the opening scene of one episode you'll also see Willie Best, one of the enduring black character actors of the day whose career stretched way back almost to the silent screen era; (his many roles were stereotypes of the worst order but this is how Hollywood often portrayed African Americans on TV and on screen from the '30s almost through to the '60s.) Best was also one of the hardest working black actors of the day - Bob Hope, I believe, said he was one of the most talented actors and comics he'd ever worked with - and died only a handful of years after this show, one of his final credits, went off the air.
And finally, Charles Farrell, who played Margie's widower dad in the show (they lived together; she was always getting him in trouble at the company he worked for.) Farrell was a huge star in the late '20s, when he starred with Janet Gaynor in a bunch of romantic chick flicks.
Storm later had her own show ("The Gale Storm Show") and appeared on "What's My Line." There were some very hard times too, as she related in her autobiography.
And now one of the most memorable stars of early television is gone.
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Comments (7)
I'm so glad you included the video clip from "My Little Margie" which sure brought back some great memories. Gale Storm was always one of my favorite actresses growing up.
And don't forget Gale Storm's singing career. She had six top 40 hit records in the late '50s, including "Dark Moon" (her last, in 1957).
Here it is from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W56dJMhhGP8
Best,
Jim
Gale Storm was my favorite. I loved the episodes of THE GALE STORM SHOW which featured her singing.
I can't believe this! Just last Friday, I was sharing with my wife of 29 years how Gale Storm was the first love of my life.
My wife even looks alot like Gale Storm and her name is Gail. We had never before discussed this and I told her how
I had written to Ms. Storm in the 50's when she had an illness and received a response which made a lasting impression.
I know how silly it must sound, but I am convinced that I was always looking for my "Gale Storm" until I found my wife.
I just turned 65 on Saturday - the day that Gale Storm died - -I don't believe in coincidences - so I am left with wondering
why she came to mind when she did after all these years.
I know that Heaven is blessed with many recent arrivals - Gale is certainly one.
Truly in "loving memory", may she always know peace.
I can't believe no one has mentioned her great show "Oh Suzanna" in which she played the social director on board an ocean liner. Zazu Pitts played her side kick. I'll always remember the opening with Gale Storm's happy face in a porthole!
Jim Forkan pointed out Ms. Storm's singing career, but her six top forty hits actually made the top ten! Chronologically they were "I Hear You Knocking," "Memories are Made of This" and its flip side, "Teen Age Prayer," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Ivory Tower," and "Dark Moon," to me her signature song.
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