Thursday, July 19, 2007

We loved "Our Miss Brooks"

Our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden and Gale Gordon, debuted on CBS radio this day in 1948. Arden played the role of Connie Brooks. The program stayed on radio until 1957, running simultaneously on TV from 1952 to 1956.
Miss Brooks taught English at Madison High School. Her pal, the bashful, biology teacher Philip Boynton, was played by Robert Rockwell. The crusty, blustery principal of Madison High, Osgood Conklin, was none other than Gale Gordon.

Supporting Eve Arden was Jane Morgan as Miss Brooks’ landlady, Mrs. Davis. The main problem child in the classroom, the somewhat dimwitted Walter Denton, was Richard Crenna.

Eve Arden was so popular as Miss Brooks that she was frequently asked to speak to educational groups and at PTA meetings. She was even offered teaching positions at real high schools.

Ah, the power of radio and television!

No comments: