VOX POP also known as SIDEWALK INTERVIEWS and VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Vox Pop is a shortened form of the Latin phrase "vox populi" which means the "voice of the people." 

In 1932, Vox Pop started with just two men, an idea, and a microphone.  As producers Jerry Belcher and Harry Grier quizzed random pedestrians on the streets of Houston.  The participants, known as Vox Poppers, would win cash prizes (given out in "crisp $1 bills").  The show quickly became a national sensation and eventually heard around the world. 

Later the charming Parks Johnson joined the cast and the show moved to New York and became the summer replacement for Joe Penner.  Vox Poppers naturally warmed to Parks Johnson and the interviews seemed like a natural conversation between good friends.  In 1936, Wally Butterworth replaced Jerry Belcher on Vox Pop. 

Asking passerbys often humorous questions such as "Should a gentleman remove his hat before striking a lady?" The interviews on Vox Pop are particularly engaging because we get to know the participants from all walks of life. 

In WWII, as people moved around the country to New York City the shows participants became particularly diverse. Also during the war, the show's hosts went to various military bases and training camps to interview servicemen and women across the nation.

Post WWII, Vox Pop went on the road to towns and cities across America interviewing more Vox Poppers at different locals offering vignettes of 1940s American Life. 

Few episodes of this series were previously in circulation; this extensive collection contains rare recordings of various sound quality.  Also include in this Vox Pop collection are multiple broadcasts aired during the 1939 New York World's Fair.

You won't want to miss this charming program featuring often spontaneous and playful interviews with citizens across the US and abroad from the 1930's – 1940's.

See also: You Bet Your Life, People are Funny, We the People, Bob Elson Interviews on the 20th Century Limited, It's Your Life, and Breakfast with Binnie and Mike.