Thirty Minutes in Hollywood was a variety show that featured a variety of entertainment. Most variety shows featured entertainers performing. This show did as well. There was music, guest stars, comedy bits with host George Jessel but there was a bit more.

In addition to the regular variety show features, there were interviews with people behind the scenes like fashion designers, there were burlesque routines and interviews with burlesque performers. Those are definitely things that do not normally appear in the "regular" variety shows on the radio in the late 1930s.

Thirty Minutes in Hollywood landed a groundbreaking interview with a racehorse named Playmate. Though the horse didn't say much at all besides some braying, her assistant trainer translated all of the answers. Later in the same show, Jessel serenades the horse!

In addition to Jessel, the show featured Amy Arnell, Clarence Muse, George Jessel, Lois Wilson, Norma Talmadge, and Tommy Tucker and His Orchestra.

Old time radio enthusiasts should note that there are two series with the same name. The first series aired in 1937 and 1938. In 1954, however, there is an audition show also feature George Jessel. This show had nothing to do with the previous show.