Review of Radio Days (1987) by Jonathan B — 26 Feb 2016

Radio Days is amongst my favourite Woody Allen movies, made when he was at a creative high. It is an accessible and warm hearted comedy telling the story of a young Jewish boy, growing up in 1940s New York.

Interwoven with his story are those of his extended family and the numerous stars of the radio shows that they enjoyed listening to. As with many of Allen's films, there are some strong female roles and Radio Days is no exception.

Joe's mother is played by Julie Kavner, his lovelorn aunt by Dianne Wiest and a young cigarette girl with aspirations of radio stardom by Mia Farrow. Joe himself is a young Seth Green and he makes for a very likeable central character, all wide-eyed and up to mischief.

There's an obvious affection for the subject matter here and the gentle script pokes fun at, but never mocks the heyday of the radio serial or society programmes that filled the airwaves with fantastical tales or celebrity gossip.

There are some genuinely funny moments as the overcrowded family try to emulate the radio stars or their lifestyles. This is a tender, nostalgia trip which I've seen many times, each time I find much to enjoy and laugh at and I always get a warm glow of satisfaction after watching it.