The Big Show – Fred Allen, Jimmy Durante. ep1, 501105 (retro604)

The greatest stars of stage, screen, and radio, all in one big program. Talulah Bankhead is joined by Jimmy Durante, and joke about UN meetings, and juicy lines. Jimmy sings about blind dates.

Stars from, Call Me Madam, including Ethyl Merman give a sample of the songs in it with: Hostess with the Mostess, Lichtenberg, Money Money Money, The Best Thing for You, I Wonder Why. Talulah spends time cutting up with the stars.

Jimmy is back with complaints about his dressing room., and Danny Thomas is teased for having a nose that competes with Jimmy’s. Danny sings, Take It Easy Relax. Mindy Carson sings her current hit, A Rainy Day Refrain.

Jose Ferrer is on hand to perform a scene from his latest hit film, Cerano Debergerac. Orchestra leader, Meredeth Willson tells a hometown story when he’s reminded of a man with a big nose. His singers perform, Every Rose. Fred Allen is on hand in time for a station break.

Fred jokes with Talulah about his comeback to radio, and his thoughts about the new medium of television. Portland joins the fun, and shares her ideas to improve Fred’s radio show. A list of features that describes the Jack Benny show. Time for the Pinch Penny program. Danny Thomas doubles as Don Wilson, and jokes about Honolulu with Fred. Jimmy doubles as Dennis Day. Danny sings, Without a Woman to Love.

Talulah plays Rochester. The Sportsmen, or a group sounding like them get on Fred’s nerves. A phone call to his clarinet teacher is patched through the phone operators, Ethyl and Mindy. Meredeth plays Phil Harris. Before rehearsal begins, Fred bends a few notes on his clarinet. Portland is back to pitch a better show format, one resembling Fred’s usual show.

The cast gather to sing a medley from George M Cohen.

Bonus Track

  • Keith gives a quick intro to the show, thanks listeners from the range of social media, and announces a new book.
  • Andrews Sisters 1944 Straighten Up And Fly Right

#Christmas Timeline. Read it, review it, RT to your friends. Share it on all your social media. Visit the book page now!

Christmas Timeline, by Keith Heltsley