Showing results by narrator "Fred Allen" in All Categories

Among radio comedy's most enduring features were its running gags - and few gags ran longer, or more hilariously, than the legendary feud between two of its great masters: Jack Benny and Fred Allen. For nearly 20 years the mere mention of Benny on an Allen program was guaranteed to produce an escalating laugh - just as bringing Allen up with Benny had listener in stitches at the mere anticipation of a response. This collection brings together the classic episodes that started it all, to the showdown that was supposed to end it once and for all.

The family that gathers 'round the radio together, enjoys Family Theater together! Some of radio's finest performers come to the microphone for thrilling tales of adventure, heart-warming comedies, and inspiring real-life dramas - all with a positive, spirit-building message!

Fred Allen specialized in literate wordplay, lacerating satire, and a squinty-eyed critique of the passing scene. His style was entirely his own: the slate-pencil whine of his voice, the ludicrously-named supporting characters, and the small-town-cum-big-city rattle of his dialogue. Join him in a promenade through parody, along with co-stars Portland Hoffa, Alan Reed, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, John Brown, Charlie Cantor, and Parker Fennelly. Even Fred’s guest stars jump into the jest! 

A squabble - touched off by Fred Allen's remark comparing Jack Benny unfavorably to a 10-year-old violinist - soon escalated to epic proportions. The pair set radio ablaze with their famous feud. Here are Jack, Fred, Mary Livingstone, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Alan Reed, Jack Smart, Parker Fennelly, Kenny Delmar, and all the rest of their regulars carrying on through the 1940s in 10 hilarious on-air conflagrations!

This episode of Bob Hope's classic NBC radio show originally aired on February 7, 1950.

"Well, hello! Come right in! Oh, George! We've got company! " Comedy's first couple were busy hosts. As friends and neighbors of Hollywood's greats, you never knew who'd turn up next for a dose of Gracie's nonsense and a song or two from George. This eight-hour collection of hilarious half-hour visits to the Burns house features a galaxy of famous guests!

Bing Crosby hosts The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers visits with Bergen & McCarthy, and Red Skelton heads to Dead Eye's dude ranch. Come kick up your heels with Bob Hope, "Buck Benny," Fred Allen, Fibber McGee and Molly, and more!

Family Theater is a dramatic anthology radio series that aired from 1947 to 1957. This episode is the story of Sir William, a slayer of Rhinosodragons, and his quest for courage. Starring Fred Allen (host, narrator), Dennis Day, Howard McNear, Jay Novello, Irene Tedrow, Ken Christy, Gene Baker (announcer), Barbara Eiler, and Charlotte Lawrence.

Comedy's first couple were busy hosts. As friends and neighbors of Hollywood's greats, you never knew who'd turn up next for a dose of Gracie's nonsense and a song or two from George. This collection of hilarious half-hour visits to the Burns house features a galaxy of famous guests! Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, Veronica Lake, Fred Astaire, Alan Ladd, Jack Benny, Harpo Marx, Gregory Peck, Mickey Rooney, Ronald Reagan, and more stop by to exchange gibes with George, be baffled by Gracie, and delight audiences with their playful side.

He's stepping out and living large - and hoping someone else will grab the check! That's Jack Benny, living the high life with a galaxy of guest stars in this hilarious collection of 20 digitally restored and remastered episodes.