HOMETOWN TINSEL: The Life, Career, and Friendships of Virginia Karns
by JIM KERKHOFF
Following the rapid growth of “talking pictures” in the early 1930s, hundreds of gifted stage performers flocked to Hollywood to gain a foothold in its booming entertainment industry. Among them was Virginia Karns, a young singer-actress with years of experience touring in musical comedy revues. This is the story of Virginia’s life before, during, and after her days in Tinseltown – and how this very talented entertainer not only built a fulfilling life devoted to the performing arts but also to family, friends, and her hometown community of Dayton, Ohio.
Although principally remembered for her wonderful rendition of “Toyland” in Hal Roach Studios’ Babes in Toyland, Virginia Karns' show business career spanned virtually every form of mass entertainment during the 20th century. In addition to performing in motion pictures during Hollywood's golden era, she was an accomplished stage performer who also forged a path as a pioneer in radio and television broadcasting. Through extensive research and access to Virginia's personal scrapbook - along with multiple conversations the author had with her over the course of their friendship - readers are presented with an entertaining and informative account of Virginia’s personal and professional life that is accompanied by a treasure trove of photos.
In addition to having “re-discovered” this talented performer during her retirement years – and subsequently developing a personal bond with her and her family – Jim maintained relationships with other former Hal Roach Studios personnel who were also involved in the filming of Babes in Toyland, including Hal Roach himself. In this comprehensive book, entertaining accounts of Virginia’s post-Hollywood friendships with fellow performers like Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and Billy Gilbert are provided along with fascinating details about their visits to her Dayton home. In addition, intriguing stories about Virginia’s encounters with famous Hollywood personalities such as Norma Shearer, Jeanette MacDonald, Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, and Betty Grable are also included.
Jim Kerkhoff is a film historian who has contributed extensive research and materials for books authored by fellow motion picture historians. He has made presentations detailing his research at the Library of Congress, AFI, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Jim is also a board member of the Norman Studios Silent Film Museum in Jacksonville, Florida.
Foreword by Randy Skretvedt.
Published October 2024. 7x10, 240 pages, hardcover.