Beulah had an incarnation as a radio program before television picked it up. The people who complained about its portrayal of African Americans in a negative manner perhaps did not listen or watch. The white family for whom Beulah worked invariably got into dilemmas they were too dumb to resolve on their own. A basic recurring theme is that they were rescued by Beulah's ingenuity and common sense. McDaniel was a delightful comedienne as she pulled her "family" away from troubles and mischief. Beulah clearly maintained an affection for the benighted family and they appreciated her. McDaniel's reputation was enhanced by this role.
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