John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as "unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals." Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. "Until that time, everybody was depending a lot on sketches and a lot that had been brought up from vaudeville and revues," explained scriptwriter Harry Bailey. "Fred began to mention actual people, places and events and use them for takeoffs and comedy." Fred introduced his classic "Allen’s Alley" segment December 13, 1942. The original denizens of the Alley included Alan Reed (later the voice of Fred Flintstone); John Brown (Digger O’Dell the friendly undertaker on The Life of Riley and Thorny on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) and Jack Scott Smart (The Fat Man) as Senator Bloat. Only Minerva Pious’ Mrs. Nussbaum remained in Allen’s Alley when the segment was revived in 1945 with Kenny Delmar’s Senator Claghorn, Parker Fennelly’s Titus Moody and Peter Donald’s Ajax Cassidy.
OLD TIME RADIO PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM RADIO SPIRITS ON AUDIO CD AND CASSETTE:
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3. Jack Benny vs. Fred Allen: Grudge Match Item #: 46452 Media: CD Description: A squabble, touched off by Fred Allen's remark comparing Jack Benny unfavorably to a ten-year-old... Price: $22.95 ADD TO CART
4. Burns & Allen and Friends Item #: 45962 Media: CD Description: "Well, hello! Come right in! Oh, George! We've got company!"
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5. Burns & Allen: As Good As Nuts Item #: 45542 Media: CD Description: "Gracie, why should I give your mother a bushel of nuts? What'd she ever give... Price: $31.95 ADD TO CART
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8. Burns and Allen: Gracie For President Item #: 44032 Media: CD Description: In 1940, America was still staggering its way out of the Great Depression and war clouds were... Price: $27.95 ADD TO CART
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