Eddie Cantor by James Fisher

Born Isidore Iskowitz in 1892, Eddie Cantor became one of the greatest entertainers of Depression-era America. The star of such films as Roman Scandals (1933) and Kid Millions (1934), he symbolized the ordinary person who falls into extraordinary circumstances. Off-screen or on, Cantor exuded a spirit of charity and hopefulness. His life was marked by numerous humanitarian achievements and a strong commitment to political and social causes. On October 29, 1995, as part of a nationwide celebration of the 75th anniversary of radio, he was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame at Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communication. Despite his significant achievements and enormous popularity with his public, Eddie Cantor is today among the most overlooked performers of the golden age of American entertainment. This reference book provides detailed information on his extensive stage, film, radio, television, and musical work and includes an extensive bibliography.

The volume begins with a carefully documented biography that discusses Cantor's upbringing, his rise as a vaudeville star, his social and political activism, and his success as a film, radio, and television personality. A chronology then highlights the most memorable achievements in his remarkable career. The chapters that follow are devoted to his stage, film, radio, and television work. Each chapter lists Cantor's performances in a particular medium and provides detailed material, such as cast and credit information, plot synopses, review excerpts, and a critical commentary. The volume also includes entries for his various recordings and for sheet music bearing his name or image. Appendices cite his newsreel appearances and cartoons featuring his likeness. An extensive bibliography of works by and about Cantor concludes the book.

JAMES FISHER is Professor of Theater and Chair of the Theater Department at Wabash College, where he teaches courses in dramatic literature, history, directing, and film. He has written two plays, and his articles have appeared in journals such as Modern Drama, New England Theater Journal, Mississippi Quarterly, Theater Journal, Films in Review, and Popular Music and Society. His books include Al Jolson: A Bio-Bibliography (1994) and Spencer Tracy: A Bio-Bibliography (1994), both published by Greenwood Press.