Review of Gale Storm: A Biography and Career Record by David C. Tucker

Gale Storm: A Biography and Career Record by David C. Tucker is a pleasant career review of a charming lady whom most readers will remember as an icon of television’s Golden Age, but whose films remain little discovered by even many classic film fans.

This is the latest in a collection of books about classic TV and film figures by Mr. Tucker. He was fortunate to interview Gale Storm for a chapter in an earlier book – The Women Who Made Television Funny (2007). Expanding on her life and career for this book, Tucker gives us a detailed chronicle of her work. Her film career took her to various studios where she appeared in many genres. (Her strikingly meteorological name was bestowed on her, along with a studio contract, as a radio talent show contest prize.) I would guess classic film fans may remember her most from the Christmas favorite It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947).

What her film work in westerns, noir, and dramas may have lacked in terms of opportunities to do comedy or musicals (she had a terrific singing voice), television provided ample opportunities for both. Her first series, My Little Margie (1952-1955) allowed her to cut up splendidly, and her second comedy series The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna (1956-1960) – allowed her to sing as well. Both series episodes are detailed in the book.

Gale Storm: A Biography and Career Record is published by McFarland. It is thorough and interesting and includes interviews and many photos.  It is a fine tribute to an actress whose range of accomplishments may surprise you. Next week we’ll have an interview with author David C. Tucker about his book.

Speaking of singing, have a look below at Gale Storm’s live TV performance of her song “I Hear You Knockin’” – that earned her a gold record.

For more on Tucker’s books, please see his blog here.

The author provided a review copy for purposes of this review post.

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To continue our celebration of Ann Blyth's 90th birthday, I'm giving away a present to one lucky winner: Your choice of either a paperback version of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. (mailed to you), or the audiobook version narrated by actress Toni Lewis (sent directly to your email for download to your computer, iPad, or phone). Just send me an email saying you want to enter the contest. I'll draw the name of the winner out of a hat next week on Wednesday, August 29th.

Good luck!