Hitchcoc I was born just after this era diminished. There were still radio shows that I would occasionally listen to, but when my dad brought home the Admiral (television, that is), we became a TV family. This film is one of those that allows the listener to enter a soft world that we wish really existed. During the radio experience, we had two world wars and a depression. So Americans had to live in their heads, their imaginations. The characters who spoke from that little box (seldom resembling the people they played) used their voices to pull us out of the mundane and the dangerous, and let us encounter every manner of experience. For all of his foibles, Woody Allen is the master of nostalgia. Here her presents some vignettes that have a core in our feelings and our loves. If asked to describe a radio hero, each would have described their own, like leaves and snowflakes, all different.

thejcowboy22 As a child I would ask my Parents what it was like growing up the 1940's. The War decade, no television,no bald point pens, no diet soda or even credit cards were not mainstream. My Mother would describe her youth sitting around the huge radio and listening to Jack Benny or The Shadow as well as my Father who would sneak off to the movies after Shul on Saturday. Take a bus to the Loews on Pitkin for a full day of entertainment for only one thin dime. My father also said something profound, "If it wasn't for World War II what would the newspapers write about besides the war?" Of course I couldn't imagine hearing second hand information and still wondered what it would be like as a kid growing up in the 1940's. Woody Allen's movie Radio Days nails all my answers accurately and visually with music and atmosphere. Set in Rockaway,New York in 1943 we follow and focus on two individuals, Sally White played by Mia Farrow who is naive, pretty, blonde and shapely but has a New York accent you could cut a with a knife. Even with the New Yawk accent as a hindrance didn't diminish her aspirations of being a radio star. This movie also shows us the life of a nine year old boy Joe who you assume is the narrator's character growing up and going to Public and Hebrew schools. Getting into mischief using his fund raising cash to buy a decoder ring which he heard of course on the radio to the displeasure of his parents. Having Joe's Parents meet with very conservative and physical Rabbi, (Ken Mars). as a slapping contest ensues between the grownups at the expense of the sore boy. Joe's parents are played by Julie Kavnor and Michael Tucker who constantly argue over the most mundane subjects as to which ocean is greater and old flames come up the likes of the late Sam Slotnick. Josh Mostel (Uncle Abe) who shares the home with his wife and their elderly parents as Grandpa is trying to fit a corset on dear Boby's cellulite ridden body. Uncle Abe the ichthyologist of the family always says, "Take the gas pipe." when ever he gives up. So many quirky idiosyncrasies with this family. Little Joe never finding out what his Father did for a living and Aunt Bea's (Dianne Wiest) search for the perfect Man. The Narration by Woody Allen adds to the texture of this magical timepiece. A mixture of little vignettes and radio songs and shows adds to the this walk through as we witness the turbulent decade. Yet so heartwarming and amusing that only Woody Allen's screenplay could present the feeling of actually being there. The cast is so colorful and witty. Each character bring a special spice of Americana to their roles. Allen's clever way of intertwining the radio programs with the characters in the movie. Aunt Bea's night on the town ruined by the phony Orson Wells broadcast of the famous hoax attack of Martians as her panic stricken Boyfriend leaves her alone at remote Breezy Point to fend for herself against the incoming aliens. The next day an apologetic boyfriend calls her for a second date but Bea reply's, " I've gone off to marry a Martian!" Another example is when Joe spills indelible ink from a chemistry set on his Mother's coat as the radio is playing conga music in the background to the dance steps of Aunt Bea who claims ,"You meet very interesting people in a conga line!" while an angry Father chases Joe around the house for anticipated strapping. A news bulletin interrupts the Latin beats as on the spot reporter broadcasts coverage from a well in New Jersey as a little girl is trapped at the bottom as drilling crews are on the scene trying to save the poor child. Meanwhile everyone in the house stops what they are doing including the impending chase between Father and Son as they end up holding each other to await the fate of the unfortunate little girl.The rest of the relative join together on the couch as everyone is overcome with poignant curiosity due to the distressing news. Riding on every word from the throaty announcer for any hopeful news from the well sight. Just the power of the medium called Radio. Woody Allen used certain songs which brought back personal memories for him in the development of this screenplay. Endless cameos throughout this masterpiece of broadcasting with the voices of Don Pardo and Jackson Beck. Visual appearances by Larry David, Jeff Daniels,and Kitty Carlisle Hart, Quiz Master Tony Roberts and vocalist Diane Keaton. Even New York Mets long time organist Jane Jarvis is part of an all woman's quartet. Great cast, well cast,colorful and unquestionably authentic. Bravo Mr. Allen so many questions answered.

leonblackwood Review: This movie was, surprisingly, quite entertaining! It's narrated by Woody Allen, whose telling his story about growing up in a packed house in New York in the days of no TV and just a radio and it also follows the rise of Mia Farrow's character who starts out as a waitress and ends up a star. Some of the family scenes are funny and interesting, but I didn't see the whole point of Mia Farrow's character. Her storyline seemed a bit disconnected to the rest of the film. Anyway, the family stays in touch with the world through the radio and they enjoy music, quizzes, drama and the news by tuning in during most of the day. Its amazing to see what people used to go through to broadcast there shows. How times have changed! Basically, it's a sweet film which gives an insight about how it was for Jewish families in New York during the 1930s. Watchable!Round-Up: If your familiar with Seth Green, then you will be surprised to see how young he looks in this movie. He's the guy who plays Dr. Evils son in the Austin Powers franchise and he also supplies his voice for the Family Guy. There are some other familiar stars in the movie, like a young Dianne Keaton and Jeff Daniels, but if you blink, you will miss them. Anyway, on the whole, it's actually not a bad film from Woody Allen. Its well written and all of the characters had depth and they all took part in keeping the family together. They all put in good performances, which made the movie seem realistic and interesting.Budget: $16million Worldwide Gross: $15millionI recommend this movie to people who are into there Woody Allen movies which follows Allen as a 10 year old kid, growing up during the 1930s and being entertained by the radio. 5/10

namashi_1 Woody Allen aka Mr.Cinema, Wins Again with 'Radio Days'. A Gem from the late 1980's. it's well-written, well-directed & even well-acted! 'Radio Days' Synopsis: A nostalgic look at radio's golden age focusing on one ordinary family and the various performers in the medium.'Radio Days' is a funny & light-hearted film, that doesn't fail to engage. Allen's Screenplay pays tribute to the euphoria of Radio. He intelligently executes funny yet sad vignettes that lead the narrative. The characters are expertly crafted & so is the dialogue. Allan's Direction, as always, is proficient. Cinematography by the legendary Carlo Di Palma, is perfect. Editing is fine. Performance-Wise: Mia Farrow is tremendous. She's so natural. Dianne Wiest is superb, as always. Julie Kavner is another topper. She's first-rate. And of-course, Woody, who narrates the story, is delightful. On the whole, 'Radio Days' is a winner. Two Thumbs Up!