The Milwaukee Journal – Nov 1,
1942
What Gets Russian So Mad?
By BCL
ON THE Eddie Cantor program exists
one of those cases where a stooge is a much funnier than the boss comic. Such a
comic—Bert Gordon, the “Mad Russian”—often causes listeners to remark: “Why
doesn’t that guy get a show of his own?
He’d kill ‘em!”
Well, as near as we can find out
from a survey of expert opinion, the answer is that “The Mad Russian” is “spot”
comic, good only for a few minutes at a time. The idea is that Bert’s excruciating
accent which makes any word he speaks funny, would in large doses tire the
listener. So, too, it is suggested, would Jerry Colonna’s style wear out—Colonna
of the unmatched timing and delivery.
The above does not detract from
the Gordon charm. When he opens up at 8:30 every Wednesday with his “How do you
do?” Eddie Cantor’s show, otherwise pretty dismal except for the singing Dinah Shore, takes on new life.
Gordon is actually anything but a
mad Russian Hollywood on the contrary respects him as a fellow of considerable
acumen. Certain it is that he has done quite well through his association with
quite well through his association with films and radio, and ones hopes the
recent rumors, to the effect that he and “Haddie Camphor” are at the friendship’s
end, will be disproved. Gordon shouldn’t do without Cantor and Cantor shouldn’t
do without Gordon.
The “Mad Russian” was born in New
York some time around the turn of the century. His formal “l’arning” was
limited indeed; it ended when Bert was still in graded school. His stage
experience began when he was only 7 years old, and was augmented in Jewish
plays in a New York Bowery theater.
THIS was the heyday of vaudeville,
and in the years before 1920 Bert trod the boards in many a town. Among others,
he performed in his teens with Jack Benny, Phil Baker, Ben Bernie and Lou
Holtz. In 1921 he was in a George White “Seandals” production as a featured comedian.
Later he teamed up with Gene Ford, and in the late twenties was busy in the
Gershwin musical comedy “Girl Crazy.”
Then vaudeville died, and Bert
went into business, but not show business. He stayed out awhile, and then got
interested in the burgeoning field of radio. After a few guest appearances, he
got himself spotted in an Eddie Cantor show some years ago when Cantor show
some years ago when Cantor was at the top of the radio list. Bert flitted in
and out of radio and the movies until about 1936, when he became a fixture with
Cantor.
<Speaking of stooges, who makes
a better picture than Bert Gordon, the “Mad Russian” of Eddie Cantor’s NBC
show, who is shown above with his ears in full sail? In the picture below is
Cliff (Sharlie) Hall (right), now doing a comeback as straight man for Jack
(The Baron) Pearl>
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