Their accents.
I'm not American so pardon what might appear to be a silly question. Their accents always made me think of New York when I watched as a kid. Were their accents actually authentic for Milwaukee?
shareYou’re correct Artisan. Laverne very much had a New York accent, as the actress that played her, hailed from said state. Not Shirley though, and as far as the rest of the cast goes, I haven’t this show in too many years to recall.
People in Wisconsin/Minnesota, do have a unique accent, from the influx of Swedes that settled the area in the 19th century. But I think it’s mostly among the more rural peoples in these states. Many of them talk just like Sarah Palin (whom ironically, is not from that area, but talks just like them, interestingly enough). Then again, I listen to a lot of old time radio, and you can still detect a faint trace of a remaining British accent among some of the American actors, as recently as the 1940’s.
Thanks, got a response a lot quicker than I thought I would too. And yes it was mostly Laverne as her accent is similar to the old Film Noir's of the 40's.
share"Then again, I listen to a lot of old time radio, and you can still detect a faint trace of a remaining British accent among some of the American actors, as recently as the 1940’s." ~ wanton87 (916)
You're thinking of the Mid-Atlantic accent (British/American hybrid) which was adopted by many American actors/broadcasters in the early 20th century. However, it was a made-up accent created by the Northeast elite in the late 1800s to differentiate themselves from the masses. Since actors (and others in the entertainment industry) tend to be pretentious, naturally, they took it up, as well. However, the average American spoke with a standard American accent, regional/local dialects notwithstanding.
Incidentally, the so-called King's/Queen's English that the Mid-Atlantic accent was trying to emulate was also concocted. According to historians/linguists, the English that the British and American Colonists spoke in the 1700s was similar to the standard American accent. Received Pronunciation was introduced to British English in the early 19th century, presumably to differentiate themselves from the Americans. Thus, when you watch movies set in England pre-1800s and they're speaking in Received Pronunciation, that is historically inaccurate.
You're thinking of the Mid-Atlantic accent (British/American hybrid) which was adopted by many American actors/broadcasters in the early 20th century
Yes, that’s what I was thinking. A great example of this can be heard in Truman Bradley, at the 10:45 and 27:30 marks below, if you wish to check it out. Though the player is a bit of a hassle to navigate.
I was not aware of Received Pronunciation, which is interesting.
Thanks
https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/thriller/suspense/angel-of-death-1946-01-03 share