[1] Like other programs from Major Bowes Amateur Hour to American Idol, the show sought to turn relatively unknown people into celebrities.

Each round of competition involved 13 teams and lasted 13 weeks,[5] Film producer Jesse L. Lasky was the host of Gateway to Hollywood.

[1] Edward Arnold, Joan Bennett, and Miriam Hopkins were guests on the premiere episode, appearing in dramatic sketches with the contestants.

[7] Beginning in 1936, the Don Lee Network broadcast a program titled Gateway to Hollywood on the West Coast.

[3] Approximately a dozen acts competed on each broadcast; members of the audience selected each winner with votes submitted via telephone and mail.