The History of Vaudeville
"The History of Vaudeville" is a very personal look by Steward Lippe at popular entertainment in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century. Interviews with retired performers (the interviews were done in 1980) are fascinating as they relate their first hand experiences traveling, performing and establishing their careers in Vaudeville.
Together these variety artists carve out a very intimate history of Vaudeville. These interviews are highlighted by rare footage from the Library of Congress film collection of early films shot by Thomas Edison's film company.
There also is additional archival footage of many of the various performers interviewed. This film follows the development of entertainment from stage to radio, then film and on to television. The primary concept of Vaudeville: "Variety" has continued over the years but the medium has changed.
