Dublin Core
Title
"The Maybelline Hour Penthouse Serenade" Radio Show, Circa 1935-37
Description
This YouTube video contains the audio file for an original broadcast of "The Penthouse Serenade," a radio show created by the founder of Maybelline, Tom Lyle Williams.
In the show, Williams himself would speak, and would simulate the sound of an elevator riding to the penthouse of a tall building, complete with the sounds of elevator dings, the doors closing, and the laughter of the revelers upstairs.
The music itself is dainty and orchestral, and includes smooth, Bing Crosby style crooning. This style of music paired with the artificial environment of a penthouse cocktail party creates the sense of a high class setting with no shortage of money.
Interspersed throughout the show were advertisements for Maybelline products read by Williams. In this video, an advertisement for Maybelline eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, and mascara begins at the 2:15 time mark. Williams uses words such as "romance," "glamour," "glorious," "illusion," and "brilliant" to describe the effects which one can achieve with the use of Maybelline products.
At the 3:36 time mark, Williams introduces a Hollywood star by the last name Allen, who says "Just remember, beautiful eyes are yours for the asking when you ask for Maybelline." Due to the poor audio quality, I cannot hear the first name of Ms. Allen, but after going through a few databases of 1930's Hollywood celebrities I've determined it could be either Gracie Allen (comedian), Betty Allen (operatic mezzo-soprano), or Elizabeth Allan (actress).
What I find truly fascinating about this audio is imagining what it would have sounded like to women working or relaxing by the radio during the Great Depression. While the Joads certainly did not own a radio, it's easy to imagine them gathered around one in the Hooverville or Weedpatch camp. In times of hardship, this show and its advertisements would have given a not-too-obnoxious but definitely tangible feeling of glamour and ease.
In the show, Williams himself would speak, and would simulate the sound of an elevator riding to the penthouse of a tall building, complete with the sounds of elevator dings, the doors closing, and the laughter of the revelers upstairs.
The music itself is dainty and orchestral, and includes smooth, Bing Crosby style crooning. This style of music paired with the artificial environment of a penthouse cocktail party creates the sense of a high class setting with no shortage of money.
Interspersed throughout the show were advertisements for Maybelline products read by Williams. In this video, an advertisement for Maybelline eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, and mascara begins at the 2:15 time mark. Williams uses words such as "romance," "glamour," "glorious," "illusion," and "brilliant" to describe the effects which one can achieve with the use of Maybelline products.
At the 3:36 time mark, Williams introduces a Hollywood star by the last name Allen, who says "Just remember, beautiful eyes are yours for the asking when you ask for Maybelline." Due to the poor audio quality, I cannot hear the first name of Ms. Allen, but after going through a few databases of 1930's Hollywood celebrities I've determined it could be either Gracie Allen (comedian), Betty Allen (operatic mezzo-soprano), or Elizabeth Allan (actress).
What I find truly fascinating about this audio is imagining what it would have sounded like to women working or relaxing by the radio during the Great Depression. While the Joads certainly did not own a radio, it's easy to imagine them gathered around one in the Hooverville or Weedpatch camp. In times of hardship, this show and its advertisements would have given a not-too-obnoxious but definitely tangible feeling of glamour and ease.
Date
1935-1937
Format
Audio file contained in a YouTube video.
Hyperlink Item Type Metadata
URL
https://youtu.be/EI-pe0QZU34