Arthur Frank Wertheim: A Legacy of American Cultural and Comedy Scholarship
Arthur Frank Wertheim has established himself as a meticulous chronicler of American entertainment and cultural evolution. His extensive body of work spans several decades, focusing on the intersection of performance art, national identity, and the transition of comedy from the stage to the screen.
Wertheim's scholarship is characterized by a deep dive into the archives of early 20th-century performance, particularly the era of Vaudeville—a genre of variety entertainment popular in the US and Canada from the early 1880s until the 1930s. By examining the lives of iconic performers and the industrial structures that controlled them, Wertheim provides a comprehensive look at how American humor and celebrity were constructed.
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Key Facts
- Specialization: Expert in American popular culture, specifically Vaudeville, radio comedy, and early cinema.
- Major Subjects: Extensive research on legendary comedians Will Rogers and W. C. Fields.
- Academic Scope: Works range from cultural analysis of Modernism to detailed historical bibliographies.
- Archival Contribution: Co-edited the comprehensive multi-volume collection of the Papers of Will Rogers.
The Evolution of American Culture and Comedy
Modernism and National Identity
Wertheim's early academic contributions explored the intellectual landscape of the United States. In his 1976 work, The New York Little Renaissance, he examined the roles of iconoclasm (the rejection of established beliefs) and nationalism within American culture between 1908 and 1917, highlighting the rise of Modernism.
The Mechanics of Vaudeville and Radio
Beyond individual performers, Wertheim analyzed the business of entertainment. In Vaudeville Wars (2009), he detailed how the Keith-Albee and Orpheum circuits—the powerful networks of theaters—exerted control over "big-time" performers. He further expanded his study of the medium in his 1992 publication, Radio Comedy, exploring how the shift to audio broadcasting reshaped comedic timing and delivery.
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Defining the Icons: Will Rogers and W. C. Fields
The Will Rogers Archives
Wertheim played a pivotal role in preserving the legacy of Will Rogers. Alongside Barbara Bair, he edited a massive five-volume series titled The Papers of Will Rogers (1996). This collection meticulously tracks Rogers' life across five distinct eras:
- The early years (November 1879–April 1904).
- The Wild West and vaudeville period (April 1904–September 1908).
- The transition from vaudeville to Broadway (September 1908–August 1915).
- The rise to the national stage (September 1915–July 1928).
- The final years (August 1928–August 1935).
The Comprehensive Study of W. C. Fields
In recent years, Wertheim has focused heavily on W. C. Fields, producing a series of books that trace the comedian's professional evolution. This scholarship follows Fields from his beginnings in burlesque and vaudeville, through his time with the Ziegfeld Follies (a lavish series of theatrical revues), and into his eventual status as a cultural icon in sound films and radio.
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Summary of Major Works
| Year | Title | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The New York Little Renaissance | Modernism and Nationalism |
| 1984 | American Popular Culture: A Historical Bibliography | Reference/Bibliography |
| 1992 | Radio Comedy | Broadcasting History |
| 1996 | The Papers of Will Rogers (5 Volumes) | Archival Biography |
| 2009 | Vaudeville Wars | Industry Control/Circuits |
| 2016-2020 | W. C. Fields Series | Career Evolution of W. C. Fields |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Arthur Frank Wertheim's research?
Wertheim focuses on American popular culture, with a specific emphasis on the history of comedy, the Vaudeville era, and the careers of influential performers like Will Rogers and W. C. Fields.
How did Wertheim contribute to the study of Will Rogers?
He co-edited The Papers of Will Rogers with Barbara Bair, a five-volume set that documents Rogers' life from 1879 to 1935, covering his journey from the Wild West to national stardom.
What does Wertheim say about the Vaudeville industry?
In his book Vaudeville Wars, he examines the power dynamics of the Keith-Albee and Orpheum circuits and how these organizations controlled the performers of the "big-time" era.
How does Wertheim approach the career of W. C. Fields?
Wertheim treats Fields' career as an evolution, publishing separate works that track his growth from burlesque and the Ziegfeld Follies to silent films, sound films, and radio, eventually becoming a cultural icon.
Did Wertheim write about anything other than comedy?
Yes, his 1976 work The New York Little Renaissance explores broader themes of American culture, including Modernism, iconoclasm, and nationalism between 1908 and 1917.