Podcasts about portland hoffa

PC_2024-028_OTRNow_Radio_ProgramThe Fred Allen Show. November 08, 1939. NBC net. Sponsored by: Ipana, Sal Hepatica. The first tune is "It's A Hundred To One." Fred analyzes the statutes for pedestrians in New York. The program's guest is the man in charge of merchandising research for the doughnut industry. He analyzes dunking techniques. Round table discussion topic: "Do you think women drivers operate their cars as efficiently as men?" The Mighty Allen Art Players perform "The Sound Man's Revenge.". Fred Allen, Harry Von Zell (announcer), Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Wynn Murray, Minerva Pious, The Merry Macs, Portland Hoffa.  Doctor Christian. November 07, 1937. CBS net. Sponsored by: Vaseline. The first show of the series. Dr. Christian is forced to operate in a shack. The program originates from New York City. Jean Hersholt, Rosemary De Camp, Noreen Gammill, Gale Gordon, Art Gilmore (announcer).  GALLANT AMERICAN WOMEN  November 07, 1939.- Gallant American Women (written by Jane Ashman) was a series profiling Pioneer women in history who forged ahead. In cooperation with the US Office of Education and NBC. "Women and Peace"ELLERY QUEEN November 7, 1945."The Adventure of the Message In Red".  Top Secrets Of The FBI. November 12, 1947. Mutual net. "The Vest Pocket Broadcasting System". Audition Show. The FBI tracks down a dope ring by using the latest electronic equipment.  TOTAL TIME: 2:57:25.324SOURCES: Wikipedia and The RadioGoldindex.com

Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967

A Variety TuesdayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Big Show starring Tallulah Bankhead, originally broadcast January 21, 1951, 74 years ago.  NBC's big variety show with guests Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Eddie Cantor, Judy Holliday, Gypsy Rose Lee, Vaughn Monroe, and Patrice Munsel.Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy, originally broadcast January 21, 1951, 74 years ago, Mama and Hubert Smithers.  When the Kingfish's mama-in-law moves in with him, he's determined to rekindle her romance with Mr. Smithers of Florida, thinking that he's wealthy. Finally Superman, originally broadcast January 21, 1942, 83 years ago, Lita The Leopard Woman.  Clark Kent and Perry White await for Max Heller to awaken and name his assailant. The Leopard Woman plans to finish the job of murder.Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.htmlAnd more about the Survive-all Fallout Sheltershttps://conelrad.blogspot.com/2010/09/mad-men-meet-mad-survive-all-shelter.html

Keep Retro Radio going… buy us a coffee here! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/retroradio If you like what you hear, consider giving this show a like! Liking these shows helps us to know what you like to hear more of. Take Retro Radio wherever you go! Subscribe today, and share it with your friends! ——————— As these shows have been in the public domain for quite some time, the audio quality of these episodes can vary. So don't adjust your dial… it's most likely the audio file itself :) Disclaimer: The content featured here originated from the “Golden Age of Radio” (1920-1962), and may contain racial, ethnic, and gender stereotypes that are incompatible with our values today. They were wrong then, as they are today. These representations do not reflect the views of Retro Radio and are presented here solely for historical, educational, and/or entertainment purposes. We denounce any form of discrimination and aim to foster a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, while still respecting the talent, entertainment value, and historical value these recordings may bring. Please approach this material with sensitivity, recognizing that they may reflect attitudes of its time. Your engagement with this content is appreciated, and we encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion. —————— Vintage radio classic radioshow OTR old time radio Hollywood movie stars shows suspense detective comedy sci-fi science fiction variety music guest star

Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967

Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr92rDP5bllDAQAM_ZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891407/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.patreon.com%2fuser%3fu%3d4279967/RK=2/RS=9LbiSxziFkcdPQCvqIxPtxIgZ7A-ReplyForwardAdd reaction

In the Spring of 1944, Fred Allen was finishing up his fourth season as host of The Texaco Star Theater on CBS. He'd been on the air for over a decade, but it was while he was hosting Texaco on December 6th, 1942 that Fred debuted Allen's Alley. Allen used to read the newspaper column of O.O. McIntyre, called “Thoughts While Strolling.” McIntyre wrote about sights and sounds he'd met walking through the shabby streets of New York's Chinatown and The Bowery. Allen felt that this kind of routine could come off very well on radio. A loud-mouth politician had possibilities. Actor Jack Smart voiced Senator Bloat. John Doe was another early character. Portrayed by John Brown, Doe was an average man squeezed by life from all angles. Alan Reed voiced Falstaff Openshaw, the poet. There was a Greek restaurant owner, an old maid, and a Russian. The segment was always launched with Portland Hoffa asking what question Alen had for the Alley occupants that week. Then they'd knock on various doors. Eventually many of these characters gave way to the most popular incarnation of the Alley with Minerva Pious' jewish Mrs. Nussbaum, Peter Donald's irish Ajax Cassidy, Kenny Delmare's the Southern Senator Claghorn, and Parker Fennelly's rural New England Titus Moody. The entire alley was allotted five minutes with laughter. Each character had seventy-five seconds for their lines. This was an issue because the program often ran overtime. It eventually caused the whole show to get cut off the air by network executives. The New York Herald-Tribune critic John Crosby later wrote that part of what made Fred's battles with censorship so difficult was that "the man assigned to review his scripts frankly admitted he didn't understand Allen's peculiar brand of humor at all." Regardless, the agency and network people couldn't argue with Allen's ratings. He was consistently a top-twenty show, and in April of 1944 he was being heard by more than thirteen million people. On Easter Sunday at 9:30PM New York time, his special guest was actor Reginald Gardiner. Together they presented a sketch spoofing Sherlock Holmes called Fetlock Bones. Unfortunately, the fight was getting to Fred Allen. After this season, Allen quit The Texaco Star Theater as high blood pressure forced him off the air.

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Husband and wife comedy teams on radio continues, and we are looking at the East Coast counterpart of Jack Benny and his wife Mary Livingstone today. Fred Allen was the comedian, and his beautiful wife Portland Hoffa participated as a foil. Nonetheless, she was with Fred from the early days of vaudeville and always exchanged lines with him in his opening monologue in her distinctive “ditzy” vocal mannerisms, which became a true original from radio's early days. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 If you don't do Facebook, we're also on Gab: https://gab.com/OldRadio  Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

The Big Show 1951-12-30 (041) Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Gertrude Berg, Joan Davis, Georgia Gibbs, Portland Hoffa, Johnny Johnston, Jackie Miles (Mindi)

Happy Thnksgiving with The Big Show 1951-11-18 (035) Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Yul Brynner, Gertrude Berg, Cliff Hall, Jack Pearl, Maxine Sullivan, etc (Mindi)

A tribute to Tony Bennett who we lost today with Tallulah Bankhead, Tony Bennett, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Phil Foster, June Havok, Betty Hutton, Vera Lynn, etc

A tribute to Tony Bennett who we lost today with Tallulah Bankhead, Tony Bennett, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Phil Foster, June Havok, Betty Hutton, Vera Lynn, etc

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-04-22 episode (025) with Tallulah Bankhead, Joan Davis, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Lisa Kirk, Herb Shriner, Fran Warren, etc.

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-04-22 episode (025) with Tallulah Bankhead, Joan Davis, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Lisa Kirk, Herb Shriner, Fran Warren (Mindi)

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-03-04 episode (018) with Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Frankie Laine, Ethel Merman, Margaret Truman, etc. (Mindi)

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-03-04 episode (018) with Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Frankie Laine, Ethel Merman, Margaret Truman, etc.

In 1922 a twenty-eight-year-old Fred Allen, already a vaudeville veteran, was hired by J.J. Shubert for his broadway production of The Passing Show of 1922. Allen was gaining fame as a monologist. He was in charge of writing his own material. One popular gag was the "Old Joke Cemetery." Allen had a curtain painted as a graveyard, on the tombstones were the punch lines to forty-six old jokes. When Allen moved with the show to Chicago, he met a dancer named Portland Hoffa. There the producers told Allen to drop the cemetery gag. The show was moving to Hollywood. Allen quit. Back in New York he demanded royalties from the Shuberts when the gag turned up in their other acts. They re-hired him, to emcee Artists and Models. In the revue, the chorus women were topless. Allen came on after the women were finished. The Shuberts and Allen soon came to a mutual release. Fred and Portland were married in 1927 and Allen starred in similar revues until Portland joined him on stage. Together they were a hit. Four years later Allen was contemplating radio. By 1932 big names like Ed Sullivan, Ed Wynn, and George Jessel were on radio. Jessel convinced Allen to audition. Allen felt that writing a sketch show centered around characters in different business backgrounds would appeal. The Corn Products Company hired him. Their Linit Beauty Powder would be the featured product. Allen was paid one-thousand dollars per week, but he had to produce the show out of his own pocket. He co-wrote it with Harry Tugent. Producer Roger White remembered that time. The Linit Bath Club Review premiered on Sunday, October 23rd, 1932 over CBS. Right from the beginning Allen had trouble with his sponsors. The season rating was 11.9, thirty-ninth overall. Roughly five million people tuned in and the show bested the Manhattan Merry-Go-Round opposite on NBC. But, the program was canceled after six months. Fred returned to radio on Friday August 4th, 1933 over NBC. His new show was The Salad Bowl Review for Hellmann's Mayonnaise. It would mark the beginning of a six-year relationship with the National Broadcasting Company. Allen was paid four-thousand dollars per week. Minerva Pious joined the cast. She'd later be known for her ethnic character portrayals. Allen introduced the Etiquette Department and the Question box. People could write in to have questions answered on-air, with instructions to try to slip things by the censors. He started a newsreel. It was the forerunner to the satirical comedy that would become a program staple. The ad agency who held the Helmann's account liked the program so much that they aired it through autumn, long-passed mayonnaise's shelf-life in a time when it was a seasonal condiment for salads. However, by December 1st, 1933 the show had to exit the air. Now Sal Hepatica laxatives from Bristol Myers wanted in. Beginning on January 4th, 1934, Fred Allen debuted as emcee for The Sal Hepatica Review. On March 21st, 1934 the broadcast was expanded to an hour. It now included Ipana Toothpaste and was called The Hour of Smiles. Allen was given no additional budget and each show had to be performed twice—once for each coast. Allen hired a couple of script-writers to help. One of them was Herman Wouk, who'd later win a Pulitzer Prize for his 1951 novel, The Caine Mutiny. By then, the program had become a local review with news. On July 11th the show was retitled Town Hall Tonight. The tight budget left no room for big guest stars. Allen had to develop plot lines. Things were running smoothly until Allen was called into the agency offices. They objected to some of his jokes and didn't like the concept of a running gag—something Allen had begun to develop. Allen later explained that running gags were very important because they stimulated a listener's memory and interest. The ad agency disagreed. Allen paid them no mind.

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-02-18 episode (016) with Tullulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Ed Wynn, Jack Carson, Portland Hoffa, Dennis King, Beatrice Lillie, etc.

Mindi brings us The Big Show from 1951-02-18 Episode (016) with Tullulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Ed Wynn, Jack Carson, Portland Hoffa, Dennis King, Beatrice Lillie, etc.

Mindi brings us a dazzling Big Show Podcast from 1951-01-21 Episode #(012) with Tullulah Bankhead, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Eddie Cantor, Judy Holiday, etc (Mindi)

Mindi brings us a dazzling Big Show Podcast from 1951-01-21 Episode #(012) with Tullulah Bankhead, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Eddie Cantor, Judy Holiday, etc (Mindi)

Mindi brings us the Big Show Podcast 1951-01-07 (010) with Tullulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Portland Hoffa, Edward G Robinson, Danny Thomas, etc (Mindi)

Mindi Brings us The Big Show Podcast 1951-01-07 (010) with Tullulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Portland Hoffa, Edward G Robinson, Danny Thomas, etc (Mindi)

Starring Fibber McGee, Eddie Cantor, Rudy Vallee, Mary Livingstone, Jack Benny, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, The Seven Dwarves, Snow White, Cecil B. DeMille, Walt Disney, Pinky Tomlin, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, and more.   Featured songs include Eddie Cantor “Getting some fun out of life”, Rudy Vallee “Oh, Promise Me”, and Pinky Tomlin … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #57 – Soundscape 1937 part 23

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Radio  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.This episode's guest star is Boris Karloff.I included the original commercials and public announcements as they were in the original episode in 1945, to preserve the authenticity of this program.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper.com,  you can watch hundreds of pet and animal videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com often, as new videos are added everyday.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.Also, don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com to listen to all of the available podcast radio show episodes. There is also a classic comedy video section on the website as well, so you can watch many of the old classics. It's a trip down memory lane.If you like this radio episode, please consider buying Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest Boris Karloff.THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAYDrop in for a candid conversation with top artists and compelling creators. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyDon't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show

Let's welcome a new series to the podcast, The Big Show. This is their first episode with Fred Allen & Jimmy Durante. This episode aired November 05, 1950. Starring: Tallulah Bankhead (mistress of ceremonies), Fred Allen, Mindy Carson, Jimmy Durante, Jose Ferrer, Portland Hoffa, Russell Knight, Frankie Laine, Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Meredith Willson :::: The Big Show was an NBC variety program that ran from November 5, 1950, to April 20, 1952. It consisted of 57 episodes, spread across two seasons. At 90 minutes per episode, it aired on Sunday night from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for the first season. NBC spent a lot of money per episode in hopes of keeping the public tuned to their radios instead of leaving for television. Each episode could cost $100,000 or more. My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES. You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otr Thank you for your support. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

The decade long feud between Jack Benny and Fred Allen featured barbs between the two comedy greats on multiple old time radio shows.Since 1932, Jack Benny long amused radio audiences with his continuing gags, including his ah-hem thrifty spending habits, his perpetual age of 39, that dreadful violin playing. Fred Allen also began his career in radio comedy since 1932, when he began the show "The Lint Bath Club Revue" with wife Portland Hoffa. Allen was famous for ad-libbing and cracking up the audience with running comments on the jokes. After child violinist Stewart Canin's performance on Allen's show, Fred Allen commented that "a certain alleged violinist" (Jack Benny) should hide in shame. Although the initial quip from Fred Allen was ad lib, the two met with their writers to expand the gag to their respective old time radio shows. Jack Benny continued the gag and promised (or threatened according to Allen) to play "The Bee" on his violin on the February 7th, 1937 show, eventually playing it on the February 28th. (OTRcat.com)

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Radio  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.This episode is titled  "What's Wrong with Radio." I included the original commercials and public announcements as they were in the original episode in 1948, to preserve the authenticity of this program. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper.com,  you can watch hundreds of pet and animal videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com often, as new videos are added everyday.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.Also, don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com to listen to all of the available podcast radio show episodes. There is also a classic comedy video section on the website as well, so you can watch many of the old classics. It's a trip down memory lane.If you like this radio episode, please consider buying Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show titled  "What's Wrong with Radio." Standup Comedy "Your Host and MC"Celebration of 40+ years on the fringe of show business. Stories, interviews, and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyDon't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Radio  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Bert Lahr.I included the original commercials and public announcements as they were in the original episode in 1949.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper.com,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com often, as new videos are added everyday.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.Also, don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com to listen to all of the available radio show episodes. There is also a classic comedy video section on the website as well, so you can watch many of the old classics. It's a trip down memory lane.If you like this radio episode, please consider buying Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest Bert Lahr. Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Radio  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in.Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Roy Rogers.I included the original commercials and public announcements as they were in the original episode in 1942, while the United States was still involved in World War Two. Very interesting indeed !This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper.com,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com often, as new videos are added everyday.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.Also, don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com to listen to all of the available radio show episodes. There is also a classic comedy video section on the website as well, so you can watch many of the old classics. It's a trip down memory lane.If you like this radio episode, please consider buying Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest Roy Rogers. Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

This week with Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Judy Canova, Vivian Blaine, Phil Foster, Johnnie Johnston, and Jan Murray!

Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Frank Sinatra, Peter Donald, Helen O'Connell, William Garagan, etc!  Frank Sinatra stops by the Big Show this week!

Fred Allen Show-370317-St. Patrick's Day Show(1hr) Fred Allen born May 31st, 1894 and sadly passing on St. Patrick's Day 1956. Mostly remembered as in line with many other comedians in the era of Old Radio>including Grouch Marx, Red Skelton & Bob Hope. Allen & his wife Portland Hoffa were apart of the 'duet comedians' too, much like>George Burns and Gracie Allen & Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. In fact there was a long running feud/gag between Allen & Benny on air. Actually they were good friends behind the microphone. Join Fred with his edgy style of humor with his salute to St. Patrick's Day with this episode from his early days in 1937.     

Today we bring you The Big Show with Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Rex Harrison, Henny Youngmen, Connie Boswell, Clark Dennis, Lilli Palmer, etc!

Tallulah Bankhead has guests Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Hoagy Carmichael, Joan Davis, Jane Pickens, Vera Lynn, etc.  Hoagy Carmichael and his music has a big presence on this episode.

A nice clear episode of The Big Show with Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Ethel Merman, and Jerry Colonna!

We focus on the wonderful Tony Bennett on this weeks Big Show from 70 years ago this week!  Another one of the long lost episodes.  How delightful that Tony Bennett is still with us in 2022!

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Charlie McCarthy.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper.com,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com often, as new videos are added everyday. So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com to listen to all of the available radio show episodes. There is also a classic comedy video section on the website as well, so you can watch many of the old classics. It's a trip down memory lane.If you like this episode, please consider buying Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million.Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest Charlie McCarthy. Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Another of our "lost" Big Show presentations!  This one with Yule Brynner!

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Bing Crosby.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com.At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper.com everyday, as new videos are added daily.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too.If you can, you can help Geezer Gus keep this podcast up and running, by becoming a Patreon supporter at the support link below. Thanks a million !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest Bing Crosby.Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

ANother new Big Show!

From Paris France with Tallulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, etc.

1st second season episodes from Longdon with Telulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Laurence Olivier, etc.

1st second season episodes from Longdon with Telulah Bankhead, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Laurence Olivier, etc.

The OTRNow Radio Program 2012-020Jack Armstrong The All American Boy 1940-12-12 e1569 Country of the Head HuntersThe Big Show. November 5, 1950. With Fred Allen, Jimmy Durante, Jose Ferrer, Meredith Willson and His Orchestra, Mindy Carson, Paul Lukas, Portland Hoffa, Russell Knight, Tallulah Bankhead. Michael Shayne 1946-11-05 The Return of HuxleyInner Sanctum. April 24, 1945. "Song Of The Slasher"

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic  "The Fred Allen Show."The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Orson Welles.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com .At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit CritterCaper everyday !So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too !If you can, you can help Geezer Gus keep this podcast up and running, by becoming a Patreon supporter at the support link below.  Thanks a million ! Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest  "Orson Welles."Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioUncle Erich Presents™ -Crime Fiction Classic Radio Shows, Crime, Suspense, Murder MysteriesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™ Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic, The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen, and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Jack Benny.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com .At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.The animal rescue videos, along with the funny pet antics, will make you want to visit Critter Caper everyday ! So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too !Also, please visit GeezerGus.com to see and listen to all the currently available show categories and episodes. If you can, you can help Geezer Gus keep this podcast up and running, by buying him a cup of coffee at the support link below.  Thanks a million ! Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest, Jack Benny.  Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioUncle Erich Presents™ -Crime Fiction Classic Radio Shows, Crime, Suspense, Murder MysteriesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™ comedy series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic, The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen, and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.In this episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Leo Durocher.This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com .At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too !Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest, Leo Durocher.Also, please visit GeezerGus.com to see all the currently available show categories and episodes. Thanks !Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioUncle Erich Presents™ -Crime Fiction Classic Radio Shows, Crime, Suspense, Murder MysteriesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™ comedy series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic, The Fred Allen Show.The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program, starring comedian Fred Allen, and his wife Portland Hoffa.The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949.This episode, Fred Allen's special guest is Frank Sinatra. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com .At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well.So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too ! Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show with guest, Frank Sinatra. Also, please visit GeezerGus.com to see all Gus has to offer. Thanks !Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioUncle Erich Presents™ -Crime Fiction Classic Radio Shows, Crime, Suspense, Murder MysteriesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Welcome back folks to the Geezer Gus Presents™  Comedy Series ! I'm so thrilled you tuned in !Today's comedy episode is from the popular radio classic, The Fred Allen Show. The Fred Allen Show was a very popular and long-running American old-time radio comedy program starring comedian Fred Allen and his wife Portland Hoffa. The show ran for 17 seasons, from 1932 to 1949. This episode is titled  "Scalping Baseball Tickets" and originally aired in 1948. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CritterCaper.com .At CritterCaper,  you can watch hundreds of Pet and Animal Videos that will truly warm your heart ! There are great pet care and training videos as well. So give CritterCaper.com a visit and start watching all the great, fun short clips of pets and animals. It's addicting too ! Now,  enjoy this episode of The Fred Allen Show ! Don't forget to visit GeezerGus.com too! I want to say Thank You to Patreon supporters for helping to keep Geezer Gus Presents™ online. Your support is truly appreciated ! Like this episode ? Buy Geezer Gus a cup of coffee at the support link below. Thanks !https://buymeacoffee.com/ClassicRadioUncle Erich Presents™ -Crime Fiction Classic Radio Shows, Crime, Suspense, Murder MysteriesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/UncleErichPresents)

Al Goodman opens with a song, Change in the Weather. Jimmy Wallington introduces that man who goes on and on, Fred Allen in person. They swap insults on marriage, and cut lines from the script. Before the news of the week, Kenny Baker jumps in to complain about his cut lines, News includes lowlights f the year. Non essential jobs, scientific studies with the atom, loving cups, an, accident prone woman. and a cornet player. Kenny Baker sings, A Wandering Minstrel I. Al Goodman plays Frenisee. Fred jokes about subways before bein joined by Portland Hoffa. She shares how reading caused her mother to have

Fred Allen (May 31, 1894 – March 17, 1956) was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show (1932–1949) made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio. Fred Allen's first taste of radio came while he and Portland Hoffa waited for a promised slot in a new Arthur Hammerstein musical. In the interim, they appeared on a Chicago station's program, WLS Showboat, into which, Allen recalled, "Portland and I were presented... to inject a little class into it." Their success in these appearances helped their theater reception; live audiences in the Midwest liked to see their radio favorites in person, even if Allen and Hoffa would be replaced by Bob Hope when the radio show moved to New York several months afterward. The couple eventually got their Hammerstein show, Polly, which opened in Delaware and made the usual tour before hitting Broadway. Also in that cast was a young Englishman named Archie Leach, who received as many good notices for his romantic appeal as Allen got for his comic work. Hammerstein retooled the show before bringing it to New York, replacing everyone but two women and Allen. Leach decided to buy an old car and drive to Hollywood. "What Archie Leach didn't tell me," Allen remembered, "was that he was going to change his name to Cary Grant." Polly never succeeded in spite of several retoolings, but Allen did go on to successful shows like The Little Show (1929–30) and Three's a Crowd (1930–31), which eventually led to his full-time entry to radio in 1932. Allen first hosted The Linit Bath Club Revue on CBS, moving the show to NBC and becoming The Salad Bowl Revue (in a nod to new sponsor Hellmann's Mayonnaise, which was marketed by the parent company of Linit) later in the year. The show became The Sal Hepatica Revue (1933–34), The Hour of Smiles (1934–35), and finally Town Hall Tonight (1935–39) [in 1939–40, however, sponsor Bristol-Myers, which advertised Ipana toothpaste as well as Sal Hepatica during the program, altered the title to The Fred Allen Show, over his objections]. Allen's perfectionism (odd to some, considering his deft ad-libs) caused him to leap from sponsor to sponsor until Town Hall Tonight allowed him to set his chosen small-town milieu and establish himself as a bona fide radio star.-WikiPedia

Presenting Charlie McCarthy "Guest: Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa" aired Sep 30, 1945. Please support these shows with your donation today, thank you. http://mpir-otr.com/sponsors-donations

Fred Allen And Portland Hoffa stop by!

Fred Allen And Portland Hoffa stop by!

82 years ago this show was broadcast on CBS on December 22... 1937. Comedian Fred Allen was the host of "Town Hall Tonight" which was the prelude to his "Allen's Alley" comedy show. His wife, Portland Hoffa was also featured on the program along with the Mighty Allen Art Players. Fred Allen was an incredibly good comedian and he knew how to entertain radio audiences. He developed many different and very entertaining characters who would "drop in" for a short visit on the show. On this program though, he welcomes Jack Benny who was his competition on NBC. In fact Allen and Benny had a mock feud going in competition with their shows. They made fun of each others programs and the "feud" simply raised the size of the listening audience, so they kept it up for years with some very funny results. Allen was born and in Cambridge, Massachusetts and graduated from Boston University. (Side note: Fred Allen (John Florence Sullivan was his real name) was in my grandmother's high school class!) Fred Allen was the most admired and frequently censored comedian on radio... he did a lot of ad-libbing that got him in trouble with sponsors and network executives. President Franklin Roosevelt was an avowed Fred Allen fan as were James Thurber, William Faulkner, John Steinberg, and Herman Wouk. Allen has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1988. He was born in 1884 and died in 1956 at the age of 61. This show is in two playlists "Comedy" and "Christmas"

This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows broadcast November 29 to December 31, 1936. Starring Eddie Cantor, Parkyakarkus, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Harry Von Zell, Rudy Vallee, John Gunther, Ed Wynn, Amos ‘n Andy, Kenny Baker, Jack Benny, Cecil B. DeMille, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, … Continue reading Soundscape #9 – 1936 Part 6

This episode spans March 4 to May 27 1936. We are lucky that Soundscape #5 is featuring Fred Allen. Fred was a legendary wit, his improvisational style and warmth made him a favorite in Vaudeville, on the radio and later on television. His partner in show biz and real life, Portland Hoffa, was one of … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Soundscape #5, 1936 part 2

This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows broadcast from August 28 to December 31 1935. Featuring stars like Al Jolson, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Little Orphan Annie, Jack Benny, Porky Pig and dozens more.

The Fred Allen Show - Born John Florence Sullivan on May 31, 1894, Fred Allen began his career in vaudeville before becoming one of radio’s most acerbic and admired wits. Allen and his wife, former chorus girl Portland Hoffa, began their radio career on October 23, 1932, starring on The Linit Bath Club Revue. By 1934, Allen was starring on Town Hall Tonight, a one-hour show which featured Allen examining current events and interviewing unusual guests. It was here that Allen began radio’s longest-running “feud” in 1937, when he made a series of jokes about fellow comedian Jack Benny. Allen's best-remembered feature was “Allen's Alley,” a weekly segment in which he would discuss issues of the day with eccentric creations like the blustery Senator Claghorn, Brooklyn housewife Pansy Nussbaum and stoic New Englander Titus Moody. Allen was known to read up to nine newspapers a day and often spent 12 to 14 hours a day writing and re-writing his scripts. Poor health forced Allen off the air in 1944, but he returned in the fall of 1945 with The Fred Allen Show, which lasted until June 26, 1949. Fred Allen died on March 17, 1956. Fred Allen was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988. THIS EPISODE: February 12, 1941. CBS network, WABC, New York aircheck. Sponsored by: Texaco. News Of The Week: Heavy rains have damaged the East Coast. The program's guest is Penobscot indian chief Nee Da Bay, who gives bird and animal imitations. The Texaco Workshop Players do "Truth Of Subsequences," a satire on guess-what-show hosted by "Ralph Deadwoods." This is another example of Fred's ongoing attack on the quiz show genre. Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Al Goodman and His Orchestra, Kenny Baker, Larry Elliott (commercial spokesman), Alan Reed, Nee Da Bay. 59:35.

Recollections At Thirty. July 4, 1956. Rudy Vallee sings on "The Fleischmann Hour" (July 4, 1935). Clark and McCullough make their first radio appearance, Lum and Abner appear with Frances Langford. An excerpt from "Town Hall Tonight" with Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa. Tom Coakley and His Orchestra: band remote from The Mural Room of The Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco (1936). Al Jolson on "Shell Chateau." Al Jolson, Bobby Clark, Chester Lauck, Frances Langford, Fred Allen, Norris Goff, Paul McCullough, Portland Hoffa, Rudy Vallee, Tom Coakley and His Orchestra.

THE FRED ALLEN SHOW - Born John Florence Sullivan on May 31, 1894, Fred Allen began his career in vaudeville before becoming one of radioâs most acerbic and admired wits. Allen and his wife, former chorus girl Portland Hoffa, began their radio career on October 23, 1932, starring on The Linit Bath Club Revue. By 1934, Allen was starring on Town Hall Tonight, a one-hour show which featured Allen examining current events and interviewing unusual guests. It was here that Allen began radioâs longest-running âfeudâ in 1937, when he made a series of jokes about fellow comedian Jack Benny. Allen's best-remembered feature was âAllen's Alley,â a weekly segment in which he would discuss issues of the day with eccentric creations like the blustery Senator Claghorn, Brooklyn housewife Pansy Nussbaum and stoic New Englander Titus Moody. Allen was known to read up to nine newspapers a day and often spent 12 to 14 hours a day writing and re-writing his scripts. Poor health forced Allen off the air in 1944, but he returned in the fall of 1945 with The Fred Allen Show, which lasted until June 26, 1949. Fred Allen died on March 17, 1956. Fred Allen was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988.

The Fred Allen Show - Born John Florence Sullivan on May 31, 1894, Fred Allen began his career in vaudeville before becoming one of radioâs most acerbic and admired wits. Allen and his wife, former chorus girl Portland Hoffa, began their radio career on October 23, 1932, starring on The Linit Bath Club Revue. By 1934, Allen was starring on Town Hall Tonight, a one-hour show which featured Allen examining current events and interviewing unusual guests. It was here that Allen began radioâs longest-running âfeudâ in 1937, when he made a series of jokes about fellow comedian Jack Benny. Allen?s best-remembered feature was âAllen?s Alley,â a weekly segment in which he would discuss issues of the day with eccentric creations like the blustery Senator Claghorn, Brooklyn housewife Pansy Nussbaum and stoic New Englander Titus Moody.

Fred Allen's first taste of radio came while he and Portland Hoffa waited for a promised slot in a new Arthur Hammerstein musical. In the interim, they appeared on a Chicago station's program, WLS Showboat, into which, Allen recalled, "Portland and I were presented... to inject a little class into it." Their success in these appearances helped their theater reception; live audiences in the Midwest liked to see their radio favorites in person, even if Allen and Hoffa would be replaced by Bob Hope when the radio show moved to New York several months afterward. The couple eventually got their Hammerstein show, Polly, which opened in Delaware and made the usual tour before hitting Broadway. Also in that cast was a young Englishman named Archie Leach, who received as many good notices for his romantic appeal as Allen got for his comic work. Hammerstein retooled the show before bringing it to New York, replacing everyone but two women and Allen. Leach decided to buy an old car and drive to Hollywood. "What Archie Leach didn't tell me," Allen remembered, "was that he was going to change his name to Cary Grant."Polly never succeeded in spite of several retoolings, but Allen did go on to successful shows like The Little Show (1929-30) and Three's a Crowd (1930-31), which eventually led to his full-time entry to radio in 1932.

Fred Allen - Comedian, Radio Personality Born: May 31, 1894 Fred Allen, who comically feuded with Jack Benny on the air for years, invented an entirely new form of radio comedy which consisted of lampooning current events, making fun of his sponsors, and presenting skits that featured a cast of memorable recurring characters. Allen was born John Florence Sullivan on May 31st, 1894 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of a bookbinder and storyteller. He became interested in comedy after finding a book on its history in his father's shop, and he taught himself to juggle by reading a book on the subject by the age of eighteen he was appearing in vaudeville as a juggler and comedian. A successful engagement at the Palace in 1919 led to many Broadway shows, including The Passing Show of 1922, where he met his future wife and radio co-star, Portland Hoffa. He made the transition to radio with The Lint Bath Club Revue, which premiered October 23rd, 1932 on CBS and moved to NBC in 1933. Allen's perfectionism led him to move from sponsor to sponsor. His shows, for which he wrote much of the material himself, included The Salad Bowl Revue (1933), The Sal Hepatica Revue (1933-34), The Hour of Smiles (1934-35), and Town Hall Tonight (1935-40). The Fred Allen Show, his last series, ran from 1942 to 1949. His funniest and most popular regular sketch, "Allen's Alley," premiered on Sunday, December 6th, 1942. It featured Allen strolling along, knocking on the doors of various characters, including average American John Doe (played by John Brown), pompous poet Falstaff Openshaw (Allan Reed), and boisterous southern senator Beuregard Claghorn (announcer Kenny Delmar).