http://retro-otr.com Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Mon, 20 May 2013 23:30:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Keith Heltsley clean Keith Heltsley keith@heltsley.net keith@heltsley.net (Keith Heltsley) Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Clean, Entertainment, Old time Radio, Classic Radio, Vintage Radio, Family Friendly, Comedy, Drama, Audio Drama, Westerns http://retro-otr.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://retro-otr.com TV-G Illinois Daily http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:29:18 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19754 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/feed/ 0 1946,Acting_Lessons,Comedy,Command_Performance,Fred_Allen,Ginny_Simms,Housing_Shortage,Portland_Hoffa,Rochester,Soap_Operas,Spoofs Fred Allen hosts, and chats with Ken Carpenter about an Elks tooth. Portland Hoffa enters with a word from her family, and her mom who is working for defense contractors. Ginny Simms sings, Come to Baby Do. - Fred Allen hosts, and chats with Ken Carpenter about an Elks tooth. Portland Hoffa enters with a word from her family, and her mom who is working for defense contractors. Ginny Simms sings, Come to Baby Do. Ginny talks to Fred about the housing shortage, and difficulty in finding a room to stay in. Fred flashes back to a scene in a hotel, and the hard time he got when trying to check into his room. Making a phone call to get help, Fred phones Rochester. Can Fred stay over while jack is out of town? Martha Mears sings, The Little Guy Who Looks Like You. Fred and Portland introduce Academy Award winner Paul Lucas. Fred talkds with Paul about acting, and Freds new movie that he's making. A short love scene gets a laugh, due to its absurb homosexual overtones. Fred makes fun of daytime serials. After a spoof commercial, a melodrama ensues. Portland joins in as Fred's wife, and Paul is their son. What wierd twists of love will wind its way through the heartgripping scenes? Ginny Simms sings, How Deep is the Ocean. Fred shares a parting word. Keith Heltsley clean 28:26 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/fred-allen-take-it-or-leave-it-with-phil-baker-430228/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/fred-allen-take-it-or-leave-it-with-phil-baker-430228/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:55:30 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19504 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/fred-allen-take-it-or-leave-it-with-phil-baker-430228/feed/ 0 1943,Allens_Alley,Contestants,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Interuptions,Joe_Besser,Portland_Hoffa,Quizzes,Rationing,Socrates_Mulligan Fred jokes about Veronica Lake's new hair fashion, as Portland enters to add her thought on the topic. The teasing turns to the topic of Phil Baker, before moving on to Allen's Alley. The topivc is about the new rationing books that people are to use. Fred jokes about Veronica Lake's new hair fashion, as Portland enters to add her thought on the topic. The teasing turns to the topic of Phil Baker, before moving on to Allen's Alley. The topivc is about the new rationing books that people are to use. Mr John Doe tells how he's set for canned goods. Mrs Socrates Mulligan shares a word on her grocer and rationing. Finally, Falstaff Openshore has a poem on rationing. Al Goodman, and his vocalists perform, Weep no More My Lady. As Fred jokes about Spring cleaning, Joe Besser barges in to mistake the show for the Lone Ranger program. Portland helps to continue the jokes on Spring time in the city. Joe Besser barges back in for more Lone Ranger themed jokes. Fred gets the night's drama started. Who Killed Carmelita Feingold? The play is preempted by a presentation of Phil Baker and his Take It or Leave It program. It's a gag to poke fun at Fred Allens show that tends to run long, and into Phil's show. It's his turn to start the show early and barge in on Fred for a change. Will the sponsor have something to say? For that matter, will Joe Besser have something to say? Phil Baker recruits Socrates Mulligan to be a contestant on his show. Keith Heltsley clean 30:37 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-the-specialists-quandary-410115/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-the-specialists-quandary-410115/#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:56:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11179 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-the-specialists-quandary-410115/feed/ 0 1941,Allergies,Boat_Show,Car_Horns,Clinics,Dog_Groomers,Dog_Handlers,Fred_Allen,Jimmy_Wallington,Kenny_Baker,Noise_Polution,Portland_Hoffa After some initial joking around between Fred, Jimmy Wallington, Kenny Baker, and a substitute bandleader, it's time for the News of the Week. The topic is on noise polution, particularly the ban on car horns honking. Kenny sings, Frenissee. - After some initial joking around between Fred, Jimmy Wallington, Kenny Baker, and a substitute bandleader, it's time for the News of the Week. The topic is on noise polution, particularly the ban on car horns honking. Kenny sings, Frenissee. The band plays, Song of India. Fred is joined by Portland to joke about the local boat show. Then Fred interviews a man with an unusual occupation. He has a business caring for dogs, and providing a pampering service for them. The Martins sing, Skip to My Loo. The sound man has a moment to express his disgruntled feelings over his job. Portland is back to help Fred with Kenny Bakers new idea to make some cash on the side. Kenny tries to sell Fred an almanac, and though Fred is willing, Kenny makes things difficult for himself. Kenny sings, The Way of Men. Fred and the Texaco Workshop present the play, The Specialists Quandry. A play that revisits Dr Allen's clinic. The amazing doctor has a problem with a man who has allergies. After a comedic build up, the cure turns out to be a simple one. Note: With the sponsor change at the beginning of the calendar year you may have noticed several changes. Kenny Baker has joined the show, the Merrymacks have left, and the Martins have taken their place. Al Goodman has taken over the musical support, and will be offering some dialog to the show, although I wish he wouldn't. But that's me. Also there are two show announcers. Otherwise much of the show format is the same. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/fred-allen-guest-oscar-levant-430131/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/fred-allen-guest-oscar-levant-430131/#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:07:20 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18790 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/fred-allen-guest-oscar-levant-430131/feed/ 0 1943,Allens_Alley,Careers,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Mrs_Noosebaum,Musicians,Oscar_Levant,Portland_Hoffa,Rationing Jimmy Wallington and Fred discuss a recent event on the quiz show, Truth or Consequences. Portland has a few words of her own to share on the topic. Jokes abound over the power radio holds over world events and pop culture. - Jimmy Wallington and Fred discuss a recent event on the quiz show, Truth or Consequences. Portland has a few words of her own to share on the topic. Jokes abound over the power radio holds over world events and pop culture. The question of the day for Allen's Alley is on rationing while dining out, and the affect on morale. Mrs Noosebaum shares her thoghts. Falstaff shares his poetic inspiration. Timera sings, You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To. Portland and Fred tell about some trouble in getting a guest for the show. Oscar Levant enters to joke about the demise of his musical career. Is he having regrets over appearing on stage at Carnegie Hall with Jack Benny? What other career options are open to Oscar now? To cure Oscar's sudden dread of the song, Love In Bloom? Fred plays it on his clarinet. Fred and Oscar begin plans to write a symphony based on commercial jingles. Keith Heltsley clean 30:48 http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/fred-allen-bbc-take-it-or-leave-it-gracie-fields-421125/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/fred-allen-bbc-take-it-or-leave-it-gracie-fields-421125/#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:39:11 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16954 http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/fred-allen-bbc-take-it-or-leave-it-gracie-fields-421125/feed/ 0 1942,BBC,Dogs,Fred_Allen,Gracie_Fields,Poetry,Portland_Hoffa,Spoof,Telegram,Vaudeville,World_War2 After Fred and Arthur Godfrey poke fun with each other, the news of the week features a restriction on telegrams. A city ordinance on dogs, and some wartime humor gets mixed in as well. Falstaff Openshore visits with his weekly poetic contribution. After Fred and Arthur Godfrey poke fun with each other, the news of the week features a restriction on telegrams. A city ordinance on dogs, and some wartime humor gets mixed in as well. Falstaff Openshore visits with his weekly poetic contribution. Mothers Day Won't be the same. Al Goodman's band transition with, A Grand Old Flag. Portland Hoffa joins Fred to lead in a cheer, as she's in a football spirit. Gracie Fields, International comedienne and singer, joins Fred to tell about her stay in New York, and her shows for the troops. The Brittish entertainer has fun with American slang. Gracie sings, I Never Cried So Much in All My Life. A radio variety show is presented in the style that it might be done, if the BBC were producing it. In the quiz show competition, Gracie has to answer Fred's questions. There's even a Brittish styled commercial jingle, and a spin on the radio program, Gangbusters. . Keith Heltsley clean 27:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-mountain-justice-ep18-410205/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-mountain-justice-ep18-410205/#comments Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:51:26 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=13850 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-mountain-justice-ep18-410205/feed/ 0 1941,Cold_Weather,Courtrooms,Fire,Fred_Allen,Hillbilly,Impersonatioions,Jimmy_Wallington,Justice,Kenny_Baker,Poets,Portland_Hoffa Fred is joined by Kenny Baker, Portland Hoffa, and more as the Texaco Star Theater kicks off another show. The Town Hall singers open with a harmony tune. Fred talks with his announcer Jimmy Wellington, and Kenny Baker about the cold weather compared t... Fred is joined by Kenny Baker, Portland Hoffa, and more as the Texaco Star Theater kicks off another show. The Town Hall singers open with a harmony tune. Fred talks with his announcer Jimmy Wellington, and Kenny Baker about the cold weather compared to sunny California. The Texaco News of the Week presents stories about poets who were in town to be awarded. Various characters present poems from prisons to clothes to double talk, and delicatessens. Kenny sings, May I Never Love Again. Al Goodman transitions with a Nursery Rhyme Medley. Fred talks with Portland about Jack Benny, and their guest, June Bradey. She is a 16 year old singer and impersonator. She sings, So You're the One, and styles it as though various celebrities might sing it. Wow, she's good. After another musical transition, Fred jokes with Al, and Kenny about the flaming hot music tonight, and about water for putting out fires. . Kenny is way ahead of his time, selling water. Next, Kenny gets involved with selling souvenirs for the Worlds Fair. Kenny sings, Endearing Young Charms. Fred gets involved with the Hatfield and McCoy feud. The Texaco Players perform a courtroom drama, Mountain Justice. Judge Allen tries to put that case to rest, solves a murder case, a dispute between farmers about chickens. Witnesses parade through to offer their goofy outlook on the cases. Keith Heltsley clean 59:24 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-shrimp-cocktail-roland-young-arthur-godfrey-421011/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-shrimp-cocktail-roland-young-arthur-godfrey-421011/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:36:13 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16571 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-shrimp-cocktail-roland-young-arthur-godfrey-421011/feed/ 0 1942,Arthur_Godfrey,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Gambling,Portland_Hoffa,Roland_Young,Wee_Bonnie_Baker After a quick opening joke with announcer, Arthur Godfrey, Fred turns to the news of the week. The topic is gambling, and Fred talks with a bookie, a cop, and an unlucky woman of the street. Wee Bonnie Baker sings a crazy tune, After a quick opening joke with announcer, Arthur Godfrey, Fred turns to the news of the week. The topic is gambling, and Fred talks with a bookie, a cop, and an unlucky woman of the street. Wee Bonnie Baker sings a crazy tune, I Get the Neck of a Chicken. Portland jokes about her mom's new job at the shipyards. Fred is joined by comedian and impressionist, Roland Young. The two leave the studio for a bite to eat, but Roland seems to be having trouble with getting his order the way he wants it. He might just be stuck with that shrimp cocktail afterall. Note: At this time in the course of the Fred Allen show, he had moved to Sunday nights, after Jack Benny. His show was shortened to a 30 minute format, rather than his full hour of fun. Though he stll has much of his voice acting cast, he is using the change to try out a variety of singers. Keith Heltsley clean 27:58 http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-fetlock-bones-guest-reginald-gardiner-440409/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-fetlock-bones-guest-reginald-gardiner-440409/#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:22:43 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17521 http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-fetlock-bones-guest-reginald-gardiner-440409/feed/ 0 1944,Detectives,Falstaff_Openshjore,Fred_Allen,Impressonists,Jimmuy_Wallington,Portland_Hoffa,Reginald_Gardener,Sherlock_Holmes,Shortages,Spoofs Fred Allen arrives to poke fun with Jimmy Wallington about his fashion choices. Portland pitches in about her walk in the Easter parade with her mom. The question of the day in Allens Alley is about the food shortage, Fred Allen arrives to poke fun with Jimmy Wallington about his fashion choices. Portland pitches in about her walk in the Easter parade with her mom. The question of the day in Allens Alley is about the food shortage, and how the residents of the alley are dealing with it. Senator Klaghorn, Mr Rapaport, and others share their views on food violations. Falstaff Openshore has a poem for everything, and today it's one called, the Meatball's Lament. Al Goodman plays, and his vocalists Milo Jack and the Dame sing, Wish I May Wish I Might. Portland and Fred joke about horse racing, Frank Sinatra, then the play is introduced. Fred leaves to try to get Reginald Gardener to help out with the sketch. The Brittish comedian and impersonator gives a little sample of his tallent. He makes everything talk from worms to snakes to windshield wipers. The Oxford educated entertainer joins in with jokes about Jack Benny and his most recent film flop, the Horn Blows at Midnight. The play is a mystery spoof about Sherlock Holmes, but the detective is named Fetlock Bones. Wordplay and puns rule as the big game hunter shares his story with our detective heros. The solution to the case of missing persons is resolved when the crime at the bridge game is renacted. How do the Pekinese of the Baskervilles play a part? Keith Heltsley clean 27:52 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-trouble-hearing-show-robert-benchley-421101/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-trouble-hearing-show-robert-benchley-421101/#comments Thu, 31 May 2012 00:42:30 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16851 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-trouble-hearing-show-robert-benchley-421101/feed/ 0 1942,Arthur_Godfrey,Coffee,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Merrymacks,Poetry,Portland_Hoffa,Rationing,Robert_Benchley,Shortages As Fred enters he pokes fun at Arthur Godfrey then gets on with the News of the Week. The topic is about coffee lovers, and shortages of their beloved brew. A proposed ration to just one cup a day is the latest recommendation from Washington DC. As Fred enters he pokes fun at Arthur Godfrey then gets on with the News of the Week. The topic is about coffee lovers, and shortages of their beloved brew. A proposed ration to just one cup a day is the latest recommendation from Washington DC. Falstaff Openshore lends his poetic style with his latest one titled, Rinse out the Silex Mother. The Merrymacks, a former regular to the show get caught up with Fred, then they sing, Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition. Portland wants to write letters to her family in the military, then Fred introduces his guest. Robert Benchley joins Fred to joke about his change in sponsors in recent months, and other topics to include draft boards, going to bars, and a little advice for the show. Robert has a little play to demonstrate why he has a hard time hearing Fred's show over his radio. Keith Heltsley clean 27:40 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-the-courting-of-jenny-sugs-roy-rogers-arthur-godfrey-421025/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-the-courting-of-jenny-sugs-roy-rogers-arthur-godfrey-421025/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 16:21:41 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16749 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-the-courting-of-jenny-sugs-roy-rogers-arthur-godfrey-421025/feed/ 1 1942,Arthur_Godfrey,Cowboys,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Meat_Shortage,Portland_Hoffa,Roy_Rogers,Spoofs,Western Arthur Godfrey introduces Fred with a quick joke at Jack Benny's expense. Fred keeps the feud going with a few more Jack Benny jabs. The news of the week, and the March of Trivia features the meat shortage and rationing. Arthur Godfrey introduces Fred with a quick joke at Jack Benny's expense. Fred keeps the feud going with a few more Jack Benny jabs. The news of the week, and the March of Trivia features the meat shortage and rationing. How are people dealing with the crisis? The creative solutions are sure to provide a few minutes of comedy. Falstaff Openshore enters with his poetic slant on the matter, with his poem titled, Cut Down on Meat Toot Sweet. Jane Fisher is the guest vocalist, and she sings, Daybreak. Portland joins Fred to tell her plan to join the Waves. To welcome their guest, Roy Rogers, Fred and the gang try to practice talking Western style. Roy talks about his popularity, and his squeaky clean cowboy image. Will Fred join Roy's rodeo? What does Roy think of the big city life? Roy sings, Gay Ranchero. The Texaco Workshop Players put on a Western drama where Cactus Face Allen visits the salloon with the news that he's to marry the lovely Jennie Suggs. Little does he know that Jennie is now spoken for. Now Pretty Boy Rogers has to face down the gnarly Cactus Face for the hand of Jennie. They do the only thing that's "Far' and squar'." Don't miss the action at the big square dance where dancing, shooting, and manners win the day. Keith Heltsley clean 28:55 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-les-miserables-orson-welles-421018/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-les-miserables-orson-welles-421018/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 16:54:52 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16653 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/fred-allen-les-miserables-orson-welles-421018/feed/ 0 1942,Arthur_Godfrey,Benay_Venuta,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Les_Miserables,Military,Orson_Wells,Plays,Portland_Hoffa,Shortages,Spoofs Sending the show out to the troops, Fred appends a special message to the beginning of the show. Still trying out a few new cast members, Fred jokes with his new announcer, Arthur Godfrey. The news of the week features the metal drives and shortages. Sending the show out to the troops, Fred appends a special message to the beginning of the show. Still trying out a few new cast members, Fred jokes with his new announcer, Arthur Godfrey. The news of the week features the metal drives and shortages. Falstaff Openshore intrudes to add his poetic touch. His poem is titled, we've Got to Show Our Metal. Benay Venuta sings, Everythin I Got Belongs to Yu. Portland enters to talk about the new womens branch of the Coast Guard, but Fred can't be bothered by that. He's worried about Orson wells appearring amid screams of joy from Portland and busy stage hands who pave the way for the great prodigy of radio. what does Orson expect, red carpet and trumpet fanfare? Don't be surprised if he does. Orson confronts Fred over jokes that have been made about him in the past on the show. Orson dispells the superman myths that circulate about his genius. Sort of. The play is Les Miserables, and it's a special arrangement written specially by Orson to feature himself and Fred. After some transitioning music from Al Goodman, the production gets started. Despite splitting the lines and roles in a 50 - 50 split, Orson only hogs the stage a little, and leaves Fred fighting for a line. Keith Heltsley clean 27:59 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-vacation-plans-judy-canova-420628/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-vacation-plans-judy-canova-420628/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:04:29 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16139 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-vacation-plans-judy-canova-420628/feed/ 0 1945,Broadway_Plays,College,Competition,eeE,Falstaff_openshore,Farewells,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Poetry,Portland_Hoffa,Season_Finale Audio is somewhat overdriven and buzzy. It's the season finale, and the cast get ready to pass the torch to the Summer replacement. The News of the Week is on Broadway plays. Learn how the recently declared war will affect things. Audio is somewhat overdriven and buzzy. It's the season finale, and the cast get ready to pass the torch to the Summer replacement. The News of the Week is on Broadway plays. Learn how the recently declared war will affect things. The parade of characters offer spoofy ways the Summer theater season could be affected. Falstaff Openshore shares a poem, How Shall Falstaff Say Ado. Kenny Baker sings, Tangerine. Portland joins Fred and tries her hand at telling jokes. Kenny joins the fun, and topics turn to borrowing money. Judy Canova enters and talks her country lingo to the city folks as she and Fred swap stories of their vaudeville days. How did she get her start in show biz? What's it like in Judy's hometown? What proposition might Fred have for Judy? Listen and find out what it's all about. Is there a Hollywood team up, or some other project for Judy and Fred to collaborate on? Judy sings, with a little help from Fred, I Ain't Got Nobody. Kenny Baker sings, Always in My Heart. Tallented students have performed in competitions, and the top student is introduced on the show. She talks with Fred about her experience in the contest, then about her major, and life on campus. Dorothy sings, My Hero. Fred has a couple guests, a couple of his voice actors who pose as studio execs and torment him with vacation stories. What crazy mishaps will they come up with? Will their suggestions give Fred some ideas for his own vacation? All the cast, both regulars and Judy get the chance to share their goodbyes for the season. Keith Heltsley clean 57:32 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-english-radio-spoof-jean-arthur-420607/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-english-radio-spoof-jean-arthur-420607/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:18:13 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16024 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-english-radio-spoof-jean-arthur-420607/feed/ 0 1942,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Jean_,Jean_Arthur,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Shortages,Spoofs Fred and the announcer spend some time taking jabs at Jack Benny and Don Wilson. News of the week features the metal shortage, and ban on musical instruments. Falstaff brings a poem called, 'Strike up the Band,' Kenny sings, Will You Remember. Fred and the announcer spend some time taking jabs at Jack Benny and Don Wilson. News of the week features the metal shortage, and ban on musical instruments. Falstaff brings a poem called, 'Strike up the Band,' Kenny sings, Will You Remember. Portland is afraid of a woman who is waiting backstage. Kenny talks about his fallen arches. Fred welcomes the night's guest, and talks to her about vaudeville. Reluctantly, Fred helps her put together an act. Kenny is back to sing, Johnny Doughboy found a Rose in Ireland. Fred is joined by the week's college amateur, Claude from LSU in St Louis, Missouri. He sings, Dark Eyes. Jean Arthur is back to help with the Mighty Allen Art players in their spoof of English Radio. Keith Heltsley clean 57:14 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-philanda-blank-my-story-410312-2/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-philanda-blank-my-story-410312-2/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:40:28 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14370 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-philanda-blank-my-story-410312-2/feed/ 0 1941,Bingo,Fred_Allen,Gambling,IRS,Kenny_Baker,Newspapers,Portland_Hoffa,Round_Tables,Taxes As Fred enters, he gets onto Harry Vonzel about the importance of split second timing to pull off a quality radio show. Despite the focus on the close timing, Fred makes note that the show still runs long every week. As Fred enters, he gets onto Harry Vonzel about the importance of split second timing to pull off a quality radio show. Despite the focus on the close timing, Fred makes note that the show still runs long every week. Texaco News of the Week focuses on Fred doing a man on the street interview. Topics include playing bingo, gambling, bingo, movies, more bingo, and domestic troubles. Did I mention bingo? It's the latest rage that's sweeping the nation. Kenny Baker sings, Georgia On My Mind. After a musical transition, Fred pokes some fun at his bandleader, Al Goodwin, then Portland enters to talk about Campfire Girls. She also brings news of Kenny's new job as an auctioneer's shill. What's a shill? just listen in as Fred becomes an unwilling participant in one of Kenny's auctions. The Martins sing, La Conga. A round table forum includes an Army officer from a local training base who trains pilots. Mary Margret McBride from Paris Missouri, a radio commentator where Fred was a guest on her show recently. Also an elevator technician. They give their opinion on what appeals to them most about the newspaper. Kenny sings, You Walked By. The Texaco Art Players explain the mystery of how the Income Tax came to be. The play is, Filinda Blank, a boy who was a puny tyke in his early days. For years his family tried to figure out how to fill out his form. He proved to have a knack for squeezing out the last drops from anything. Blood from turnips, squeezing money from people, and was destined for a career as the first tax man. Keith Heltsley clean 57:29 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-courting-of-nasty-and-nell-marlene-dietrich-420510/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-courting-of-nasty-and-nell-marlene-dietrich-420510/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:37:16 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15862 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-courting-of-nasty-and-nell-marlene-dietrich-420510/feed/ 0 1942,Courtship,Dating,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Jack_Benny,Kenny_Baker,Marlene_Dietrich,Portland_Hoffa,Rationing,Romance,Sugar Fred and the announcer talk about a recent feature in Look Magazine, teasing about Jack Benny. Fred talks about Jack sponser dropping him. The News Highlights of the Week topic is on sugar rationing. Falstaff interjects his poem on the topic. Fred and the announcer talk about a recent feature in Look Magazine, teasing about Jack Benny. Fred talks about Jack sponser dropping him. The News Highlights of the Week topic is on sugar rationing. Falstaff interjects his poem on the topic. Being Mothers Day, Kenny sings, Mother Dear. After a commercial, and band interlude, Portland talks about car pooling. Kenny pitches in with a story of his dad's car getting stolen. Kenny also complains about Portland going nuts over the guest star, now it's Kenny's turn when Marlene Dietrich is announced. Marlene and Fred talk about the merits of acting on the radio over acting in the movies. Fred tries to get a kiss from Marlene, and she plays it in true radio style. Just the sound affects. Fred interviews the college amateur of the week. Don, a major of Hebrew and Greek, plays on the piano a solo from a classical opera piece. Kenny sings, Somebody Else Is Taking My Place. The Texaco Players get help from Marlene Dietrich for their feature, The Courting of nasty and Nell. Keith Heltsley clean 57:38 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-life-of-fred-allen-with-maurice-evans-420308/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-life-of-fred-allen-with-maurice-evans-420308/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:26:07 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15761 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/fred-allen-the-life-of-fred-allen-with-maurice-evans-420308/feed/ 0 1942,Falstaff_openshore,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Life_Story,Portland_Hoffa,Shakespeare,Spoofs Fred talks about Jack Benny's show earlier in the evening, recorded at the San Diego Marine Base. The news Lowlights feature Hollywood accomplishments, and awards. Falstaff has a song, Academy Award Love Song. Kenny sings, 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart. Fred talks about Jack Benny's show earlier in the evening, recorded at the San Diego Marine Base. The news Lowlights feature Hollywood accomplishments, and awards. Falstaff has a song, Academy Award Love Song. Kenny sings, 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart. Portland and Kenny talks to Fred about this show being the first Sunday broadcast. Maurice Evans, famous Shakespearean actor arrives to help out with the rest of the script, and proves that serious actors can do humor. But can Shakespeare hold up to modern tastes such as is prevalent on radio today? Fred pokes fun at Jack Benny's recent film, 'To Be or Not to Be.' Kenny sings, Ain't Necessarily So. Featured Amateur from a college campus, a tenor, is interviewed by Fred then sings, I Hear you Calling Me. The Texaco Players do a prison drama called, 'Hardy Family in the Penitentiary, or Life with Father.' The Life of Fred Allen. Keith Heltsley clean 55:01 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-death-valley-takes-a-day-off-louella-parsons-411210/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-death-valley-takes-a-day-off-louella-parsons-411210/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:13:20 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15562 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-death-valley-takes-a-day-off-louella-parsons-411210/feed/ 0 1941,Amateurs,Falstaff_openshore,Fog,Fred_Allen,Gossip,Kenny_Baker,Newspapers,Portland_Hoffa,Weather The opening bit sounds like war news, but is a blurb of Texaco's support of the war effort. After teasing from the announcer, the topic of the day turns to fog. Falstaff Openshore shares his poetic tallent with the ode,An Epilog to Fog.' Kenny sings, The opening bit sounds like war news, but is a blurb of Texaco's support of the war effort. After teasing from the announcer, the topic of the day turns to fog. Falstaff Openshore shares his poetic tallent with the ode,An Epilog to Fog.' Kenny sings, El rancho Grande. Portland and Kenny want to give their guest, Louella Parsons a big reception, then Fred talks to Louella about Hollywood gossip. Kenny wants to be noticed, and put in the Columnist's paper. The conversation turns to Jack Benny. Kenny sings, You Are Someone. Fred talks to his various amateurs who get the chance to showcase their tallents for the listening radio audience. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:16 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-the-baritones-plight-west-410501/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-the-baritones-plight-west-410501/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:17:06 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15502 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-the-baritones-plight-west-410501/feed/ 0 1941,Baritone,Daylight_Savings_Time,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Opera,Portland_Hoffa,Round_Table,Subway,Time,Win_Murray Audio has outstanding quality. After being introduced, Fred has an important announcement about Jack Benny. News of the Week features New York subways, and the advertising now appearing on them. Sign makers, Audio has outstanding quality. After being introduced, Fred has an important announcement about Jack Benny. News of the Week features New York subways, and the advertising now appearing on them. Sign makers, and commuters express their cultural and poetic views. Kenny Baker sings a song he wrote himself, Daydreaming Overnight. Al Goodman plays, Ceri Beri Bin. Fred talks a little more about his anticipated Jack Benny day, then Portland enters with a problem with her watch. Fred also mentions daylight savings time where clocks wer set ahead last weekend. Kenny joins the fun with his own slant on daylight savings time. Win Murray sings, There's Music in My Heart When I Look At You. With Portlands help, Fred calls the round table to order. A man in the music publishing business is called upon, the wife of a musician joins him, as well as a Brooklyn truck driver. The question deals with the age old question of enhancing one's appearance. Should a man be satisfied with his normal height, or is it alright to wear lift shoes. Kenny sings, In the Gloaming. The Texaco Star players present the play, the Baritones Plight, or He Must Have Loved Animals Because He Always Had a Frog in His Throat. It's the saga of an opera star, and his rise to fame. Listen in and enjoy the behind the scenes struggles of our baritone hero. Note: In the first commercial Fred asks when Jimmy Wallington thinks we'll have a completely automatic car. I think the day is here. Check this out, it has only taken 70 years to get here: Blind Drivers Race Around Daytona, Thanks to Robotic Cars | Fox and, Autonomous Vehicle Law Passes In Nevada: Driverless Cars Could Hit The Road In 2012. In short, cars with the right sensors and a GPS can now drive themselves. Keith Heltsley clean 59:45 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-radio-the-great-american-pastime-410423/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-radio-the-great-american-pastime-410423/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:04:05 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15402 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-radio-the-great-american-pastime-410423/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Circus,Dangers,Fred_Allen,Jimmy_Wallington,Kenny_Baker,Pasttimes,Portland_Hoffa,Radio,Weather,Win_Murray Feeling left out, Jimmy Wallington introduces Fred, then wants to have more to do in the show. Fred lets him in on the News Reel segment and tells how they find their stories to focus on for the week. Fred features the weather from across the country. Feeling left out, Jimmy Wallington introduces Fred, then wants to have more to do in the show. Fred lets him in on the News Reel segment and tells how they find their stories to focus on for the week. Fred features the weather from across the country. Try as he might to show Jimmy the humor in it all, Jimmy doesn't get it. Cops, kids, siamese twins, and even a military recruiter pitch in. Kenny Baker sings, Adios. Al Goodman transitions with, Melody in F. Portland joins Fred to complain about Kenny. He has been seen in the animal cages at the circus. Fred wants Kenny to stop his dangerous career, but the singer explains how easy the circus job actually is. Win Murray sings, Just a Little Bit South of North Carolina. The Texaco roundtable assembles and includes a man from Danville IL who is in broadcasting. A woman from Toronto who is a masseuse. A New York man who runs a shoe shine stand in Fred's theater. The question: Does the thoughts of a man actually turn to love in the spring? Kenny sings a Neopolitan Medley. After a hard day at work in the donut factory a man wants to relax by sitting in front of the radio. Fred and his mighty art players spoof the kinds of radio shows that populate the airwaves. Our hero in the drama tries to do in real life, the things he heard on the radio. The radio got our man into his mess, now he turns to it to get him out of it. Of course, he learns the hard way, and humorous way, that life isn't the same as the imaginary world of entertainment. Keith Heltsley clean 57:06 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-gargantuas-keeper-410416/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-gargantuas-keeper-410416/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:52:55 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15211 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-gargantuas-keeper-410416/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Circus,Clinics,Doctors,Fred_Allen,Gambling,Gargantua,Horses,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Sleep After a quick opening joke or two, Fred and the Texaco News of the week features horse racing. Listen and learn how the gambling benefits everybody, and about the circular flow of cash. weigh in with jockeys and track newspaper reporters for all the de... After a quick opening joke or two, Fred and the Texaco News of the week features horse racing. Listen and learn how the gambling benefits everybody, and about the circular flow of cash. weigh in with jockeys and track newspaper reporters for all the details. Kenny Baker sings, My Little Dreamgirl. Al Goodman plays a transitioning tune, and Portland joins Fred. we learn that Jack Benny was the guest star earlier tonight on the Quiz Kids show. Mr Kroner, the man who is Gargantua's keeper in the circus tells all about his unique job. win Murray sings, Quitting Time. Fred is greeted by his cast, who have apparently been in the middle of a cliffhanging radio soap opera. Confused? So is Fred, but Kenny tries to set him straight on the action of his new production. Tune in for an episode of Simply Simple Sammy. Kenny sings, we Don't Talk About That. The Texaco Star Players present a drama titled, Sleep. A saga of the busy times and the things that keep people from a good night's sleep. Food products that aid sleep. Doctors with sleep clinics. Doc Allen takes us on a tour of his clinic, and shows off his various techniques for sleep. Note: Besides Fred, Jack Benny also pokes fun at his guest spot with the Quiz Kids, and even has them on his own show for some added comedy. As a reminder, Gargantua was a famous gorilla, and star attraction in the circus, but listen in for all those details from Fred's guest. Also, the spoof commercial in Kenny's cliffhanger has an interesting slogan. Keith Heltsley clean 57:09 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:36:07 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14998 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Circus,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Productions,Radio_Comedians,Roundtable,Springtime,Win_Murray,Womens_Hats It's Springtime for Fred and his gang as he turns to the highlights from the world of news. Texaco News looks at topics surrounding the circus. Notorious for its colossal adjectives to describe attractions, Fred searches for a more streamlined word. It's Springtime for Fred and his gang as he turns to the highlights from the world of news. Texaco News looks at topics surrounding the circus. Notorious for its colossal adjectives to describe attractions, Fred searches for a more streamlined word. He goes behind the scenes to look at the animals and the sideshow acts. Kenny Baker sings Amapola. Al Goodman plays a musical transition as Portland joins Fred. She talks about Fred appearing on another radio show, and the cast think he's leaving for good. Can Fred convince everyone that his appearances elsewhere isn't the end of this program? Will Fred respond to the call of leaving radio for the theater? Win Murray sings, Play Play Vena. Time for the round table discussion. Participants include: A superintendent at the race track. A female college student studying Physical Anthropology. A Jackson Heights businessman. The question relates to Easter, and womens hats. Should women wear wild fashions, or a more practical style hat? Kenny Baker sings, The Things I Love. Who wouldn't envy the life of a radio comedian. Just talk over the air and get laughs. Fred presents a behind the scenes look at the life a radio comedian goes through. Dealing with sponsors, and their expectations. Keeping up good ratings, and more. Keith Heltsley clean 58:32 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:36:07 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14998 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-shortcut-to-a-nervous-breakdown-410409/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Circus,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Productions,Radio_Comedians,Roundtable,Springtime,Win_Murray It's Springtime for Fred and his gang as he turns to the highlights from the world of news. Texaco News looks at topics surrounding the circus. Notorious for its colossal adjectives to describe attractions, Fred searches for a more streamlined word. It's Springtime for Fred and his gang as he turns to the highlights from the world of news. Texaco News looks at topics surrounding the circus. Notorious for its colossal adjectives to describe attractions, Fred searches for a more streamlined word. He goes behind the scenes to look at the animals and the sideshow acts. Kenny Baker sings Amapola. Al Goodman plays a musical transition as Portland joins Fred. She talks about Fred appearing on another radio show, and the cast think he's leaving for good. Can Fred convince everyone that his appearances elsewhere isn't the end of this program? Will Fred respond to the call of leaving radio for the theater? Win Murray sings, Play Play Vena. Time for the round table discussion. Participants include: A superintendent at the race track. A female college student studying Physical Anthropology. A Jackson Heights businessman. The question relates to Easter, and womens hats. Should women wear wild fashions, or a more practical style hat? Kenny Baker sings, The Things I Love. Who wouldn't envy the life of a radio comedian. Just talk over the air and get laughs. Fred presents a behind the scenes look at the life a radio comedian goes through. Dealing with sponsors, and their expectations. Keeping up good ratings, and more. Keith Heltsley clean 58:32 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-the-jack-benny-10th-anniversary-410507-retro381/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-the-jack-benny-10th-anniversary-410507-retro381/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:10:20 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14857 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-the-jack-benny-10th-anniversary-410507-retro381/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Amos_and_Andy,Charles_Gosden,Fred_Allen,Freeman_Corell,Friends,Highlights,Jimmy_Wallington,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Rivals Our Jack Benny month continues with an unexpected salute from his arch rival, Fred Allen. In 1941, Fred dedicated his entire show to salute Jack Benny's tenth year on the radio. Though Jack would have made his first appearance on the air waves in 1931, Our Jack Benny month continues with an unexpected salute from his arch rival, Fred Allen. In 1941, Fred dedicated his entire show to salute Jack Benny's tenth year on the radio. Though Jack would have made his first appearance on the air waves in 1931, it was as a guest appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. Jack wouldn't have his own show until the following year. To the surprise of his cast members, Fred startes right off with featuring Jack Benny in his News of the Week spot. Fred looks at a few current events in the year Jack hit radio. Who was president? Who was governor? What were the top sports teams and news events? What other notable events are remembered for 1931? The Empire State building, cellophane, and zippers are all mentioned. Kenny Baker sings, Because of You. Al Goodman plays a musical interlude to transition to the next segment of the show. Portland and Kenny join Fred in his salute, and are ready to do their part. Fred has the mayor of Waukegan, Bitey Talcott to talk about Waukegan's pride and joy, and claim to International fame. Win Murray sings, Romantic Guy I. Continuing his salute to Jack Benny, Fred welcomes Amos and Andy. They all visit the lodge hall and include the Kingfish in celebrating that star of the Jello program, Rochester. Kenny sings, On Wings of Song. Fred presents a cavalcade. The Highlights of a Lowlife, or Benny Marches On. In his own way, Fred shares some background on Jack''s cast. Don Wilson's birth, some background behind Phil harris, a look at Mary in the May Company. We even see why Kenny Baker left the show for Fred, and how Dennis joined on. Fred examines Jack's movie career.Through it all, Kenny, Al, and even Portland see that Jack is being misused as the object of Fred's attentions. But in his own way, Fred has offered Jack a sort of a tribute in his anti-salute. Bonus Tracks: None today. Keith Heltsley clean 59:58 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-wedlock-society-410326/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-wedlock-society-410326/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:32:34 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14790 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-wedlock-society-410326/feed/ 0 1941,Careers,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Marriage,Parenting,Portland_Hoffa,Street_Sanitation Jimmy wallington teases Fred about being physically fit. The News of the week features Springtime. in New York. The parade of characters get poetic as topics also include views from street workers, the upper crust, and city politicians. Jimmy wallington teases Fred about being physically fit. The News of the week features Springtime. in New York. The parade of characters get poetic as topics also include views from street workers, the upper crust, and city politicians. Kenny Baker sings, Rondezvoux in Rio. Portland joins Fred to joke about Kenny changing his name. It's Kenny's effort to add class to his act, as he tests the operetic waters. will this be his big chanced to get his own show, and be the center of attention? Kenny even gets a good deal on a new suit for his new image. The Martins sin, O Dear what Can the Matter Be. Al Goodman transitions with a song, Rhythm in Red white and Blue. The Round Table segment includes: a soup distributor from Flatbush, a woman from Jackson Heights, and a boy radio and stage actor, from New York. The question is deals with child discipline and is, Should children be spanked Kenny sings, Celia, a song from the Merry widow. The Texaco workshop Players present a play, the wedlock Society. The spoof play begins right after a spoof commercial. Fred interviews married couples in a game show format. Spoof prizes are given after each couple share moments from their wedded bliss. Note: in Jimmy's teasing Fred about his physical condition, Jimmy is said to be 210 lbs, and stands 6ft, 2in. Fred implies that Jimmy is fat, but when I was at peak of condition in my much younger days, I was 210, 6ft 5in, and I can garantee there was little to no fat. I suppose it depends on the person though. These days I weigh in considerably heavier. Oh well, all things come to pass. Keith Heltsley clean 56:41 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:43:05 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14661 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Fred_Allen,Gossip,Jimmy_Wellington,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Romance,Spoofs,Spring,Tobbaco Ah, Spring in New York, and Fred talks with Jimmy wallington about the signs of green things budding throughout New York. The News of the week presents highlights on the busline strike. Man about town interviews include the topics of: commuters, Ah, Spring in New York, and Fred talks with Jimmy wallington about the signs of green things budding throughout New York. The News of the week presents highlights on the busline strike. Man about town interviews include the topics of: commuters, school kids, tadxi crivers, and more. Kenny Baker sings, It All Comes Back to Me Now. Al Goodman transitions with a song, Amapola. Portland joins Fred to talk about the latest thing in radio shows, and the romance of Spring. Since Fred isn't getting onboard with Portland's romance theme, maybe Kenny will help her out. The Martins sing, A Romantic Guy I. The round table features: A man from Charlotte NC who is attending a beauty supply convention. An assistant interior decorator. A reserve Army officer who is a writer and advisor for the film, I wanted wings. The question is, Should a barber or hair dreser be so talkative when doing their job? Kenny sings, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. The Texaco workshop Players spoof Tobacco Road. The show had been a Broadway hit, recently released as a film, and today Fred and his players offer the sequel, Nicootine Alley. The players present a slice of the rural life in the tobacco country. Such quaint backwoods customs, family relationships, and outlook on life. Keith Heltsley clean 57:17 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:43:05 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14661 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/fred-allen-nicotine-alley-ep24-410319/feed/ 0 1941,Al_Goodman,Fred_Allen,Gossip,Jimmy_Wellington,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Romance,Spoofs,Spring,Tobbaco Ah, Spring in New York, and Fred talks with Jimmy wallington about the signs of green things budding throughout New York. The News of the week presents highlights on the busline strike. Man about town interviews include the topics of: commuters, Ah, Spring in New York, and Fred talks with Jimmy wallington about the signs of green things budding throughout New York. The News of the week presents highlights on the busline strike. Man about town interviews include the topics of: commuters, school kids, tadxi crivers, and more. Kenny Baker sings, It All Comes Back to Me Now. Al Goodman transitions with a song, Amapola. Portland joins Fred to talk about the latest thing in radio shows, and the romance of Spring. Since Fred isn't getting onboard with Portland's romance theme, maybe Kenny will help her out. The Martins sing, A Romantic Guy I. The round table features: A man from Charlotte NC who is attending a beauty supply convention. An assistant interior decorator. A reserve Army officer who is a writer and advisor for the film, I wanted wings. The question is, Should a barber or hair dreser be so talkative when doing their job? Kenny sings, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. The Texaco workshop Players spoof Tobacco Road. The show had been a Broadway hit, recently released as a film, and today Fred and his players offer the sequel, Nicootine Alley. The players present a slice of the rural life in the tobacco country. Such quaint backwoods customs, family relationships, and outlook on life. Keith Heltsley clean 57:17 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:09:21 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14568 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/feed/ 0 1945,Dating,Fred_Allen,Jack_Benny,Lary_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Movies,Navy,Phil_Harris,Portland_Hoffa,Rochester The Naval hospital is another base near New York. Jack brags about being from Waukegan, and his education. Being a Naval base, he also jokes about being drafted into the Navy. In the last war, of course. Phil enters to joke about Navy doctors. The Naval hospital is another base near New York. Jack brags about being from Waukegan, and his education. Being a Naval base, he also jokes about being drafted into the Navy. In the last war, of course. Phil enters to joke about Navy doctors. Larry Stevens sings, Irish Lullabye. Mary enters to tell about kissing the sailors. Jack and the gang plug his latest film, Hollywood Canteen, but Jack ends up in flashbvack mode to relive his disastrous evening the day before. Rochester helps Jack with his bvath, and getting dresseds. When Mary stops in Rochester tells her about his new girlfriend. Phil plays some travelling music, and we find Jack with Mary at the theater where he brags some more about his movie. Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa make their appearance to heckle Jack. Get ready for a faceoff inside the theater. Will a fight break out? It's just not going Jack's way tonight. In epilog, Jack supports the new rationing changes. Keith Heltsley clean 28:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-little-red-riding-hood-410305/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-little-red-riding-hood-410305/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:10:33 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14245 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-little-red-riding-hood-410305/feed/ 0 1941,Fred_Allen,Hollywood,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Red_Riding_Hood,Spoofs,Stories,Stuffed_Shirts The lion-like March weather is the topic of jokes between Fred and his announcer, Jimmy Wallington. Texaco News presents the outstanding awards for Hollywood. Fred interviews a string of characters including: a producer of quickly made films, The lion-like March weather is the topic of jokes between Fred and his announcer, Jimmy Wallington. Texaco News presents the outstanding awards for Hollywood. Fred interviews a string of characters including: a producer of quickly made films, a star who was snubbed for an award, an extreme character/stunt actress who blushes on command, and even a movie fan. Kenny Baker sings, On Wings of Song. Fred warns Portland, Kenny, and Al Goodman to be on their best behavior for their guest tonight. The host from the popular game show of stuffed shirts, and intellects, Information Pleas, Franklin P Adams. Fred is surprised to hear the game host acting casually, and using poor grammar. Franklin jokes, adlibs, and shares some of his pet peeves. The Martins sing, Young Man with the Horn. Al Goodman joins Portland and Fred for a little joking around. Kenny is in on an act that he developed with Al, but Fred wants to know more before he approves of it. The drawn out speech and set up leads into confusion, and an out of control use of cues and running gags. Kenny sings, I Hear a Rhapsody. The Texaco Art Player salute the kiddies, and perform their version of Little Red Riding Hood. From the fairy tale of the same name. The trouble is that Fred's kiddie players want action, shoot 'em ups, and adventure, so Fred tries his best to please. First, Fred serves up Little Riding Hood in the style of Gangbusters. Granny, the lovable old gun moll is robbed by Willie the wolf. Gun toting Red guns the bad guy down. Still not satisfied, the kiddies demand other exciting styles. Fred tries out the tale as Superman. Complete with the kiddie club and marketing that goes along with it. Still not satisfied? There's more from a human interest angle. Classic quote: I was born, I lived, and here I am. Franklin Adams. Also: I started as a moron, and I worked my way up. Keith Heltsley clean 58:04 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-milkguest-lindy-lindemann-restauranteur-410219/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-milkguest-lindy-lindemann-restauranteur-410219/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:41:14 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14164 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-milkguest-lindy-lindemann-restauranteur-410219/feed/ 0 1941,Fred_Allen,Indians,Kenny_Baker,Lies,Meat_Shortage,Milk,Portland_Hoffa,Restaurants If there's one thing to be sure of, it's that it's Wednesday night and Fred Allen is on the air. Fred talks about the aquarium that is being moved from the City to the Bronx. The Texaco News of the Week presents highlights from the world of news. If there's one thing to be sure of, it's that it's Wednesday night and Fred Allen is on the air. Fred talks about the aquarium that is being moved from the City to the Bronx. The Texaco News of the Week presents highlights from the world of news. Topics revolve around the high meat prices, and include: an authority on the meat industry, a butcher, the woes of a housewife, and marketing techniques. Fred imagines the future impact of the rising meat prices. Kenny Baker sings, Presidia. After a musical transition, Fred gets to take a telephone poll. Portland helps introduce their guest, Leo Lindamin. He's the owner of the world famous Lindy's Restaurant. Fred jokes with him about his food, and the famous Hollywood types that he caters to. The Martins sing, The Rhythm is Red White and Blue. Kenny seems to be late, and Portland tells Fred that the young singer has been captured by indians. Fred shares other lies Kenny has told to miss work. Once Kenny makes his appearance, Fred chews him out about his lies. They are lies, right? Kenny sings, Somewhere My Love Lies Dreaming. Fred looks at the mysterious origins of milk. Who discovered it? How was it invented? We look in the office of a monster milk baron to see what the business has become. . Marketing slogans, movies, commercials, and even public relations problems. Keith Heltsley clean 59:11 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-truth-or-subsequences-410212/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-truth-or-subsequences-410212/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:19:28 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14092 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/fred-allen-truth-or-subsequences-410212/feed/ 0 1941,Flooding,Fred_Allen,Game_Shows,Indians,Kenny_Baker,Portland_Hoffa,Rain,Singing_Telegrams,Spoofs It will soon be Lincoln's birthday, and Kenny is helping bandleader, Al Goodman with writing an essay. Meanwhile, Fred turns to the Texaco News of the Week. The topic is the heavy rains, and how it affected various regions. Tourists, shipyard workers, It will soon be Lincoln's birthday, and Kenny is helping bandleader, Al Goodman with writing an essay. Meanwhile, Fred turns to the Texaco News of the Week. The topic is the heavy rains, and how it affected various regions. Tourists, shipyard workers, and the random resident report in on the moist weather. Kenny sings, Amapola. After interuptions from Portland, the guest is an indian cheif of the Penopscot tribe. Fred jokes about indian names, and Jack Benny. The indian is in town for an art exhibit, and works as a hunting guide. He demonstrates various animal and bird calls. The Martins sing, Oh For Heavens Sake. Portland greets Fred with military precision as she tells about Kenny's new job as a telegraph delivery boy. Kenny adds to the fun when he describes his job giving singing telegrams. Will this affect his singing career? The nifty telegram uniform inspires all sorts of military type jokes. Kenny sings, Let's Dream This One Out. The Texaco Workshop Players present a spoof of one of radios most popular quiz programs, Truth or Subsequences. Fred is the laughing host who makes his contestants answer unusual questions in hopes of winning five bucks. But if they don't they are faced with crazy stunts. The unexpected reactions of the guests are met with laughter, whether appropriate or not. What happens when Fred has to deal with a disgruntled gamer? Keith Heltsley clean 59:23 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/fred-allen-they-almost-junked-the-junket-410122/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/fred-allen-they-almost-junked-the-junket-410122/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:15:05 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11486 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/fred-allen-they-almost-junked-the-junket-410122/feed/ 0 1940,Al_Goodman,Dirty_Jobs,Economy,Films,Fred_Allen,Health,Kenny_Baker,Medical,Movies,Portland_Hoffa,Sandhogs Features Kenny Baker, Portland Hoffa, the Martins, Al Goodman's Orchestra, and Fred Allen in person. The Martins open with a song, So You're the One. It's Thrift Week, and the cast economize on their lines. Features Kenny Baker, Portland Hoffa, the Martins, Al Goodman's Orchestra, and Fred Allen in person. The Martins open with a song, So You're the One. It's Thrift Week, and the cast economize on their lines. The News of the Week features contests and awards. Particularly spoofing a recent real life winner who had their life documented by reporters turning their average life into a documentary for public consumption. Hey, even reality TV isn't new, it only follows reality radio. At any rate, join in as Fred parodies following his Average Man through a day in his life. Listen, and learn how the average man is affecting style and fashion. Kenny sings, I Hear a Rhapsody. Portland joins Fred to help introduce their guest, after she shares a word about her campaign to reduse noise. A Sandhog, actually the president of the union for men who build tunnels under the river, is interviewed by Fred. In his humorous style, Fred exposes the dangers of the dirty job, and some of the other nuances of it. The Martins sing their version of, La Cucarocha. Al Goodman spends a few moments joking with Portland and Fred about the cure of his recent illness. Kenny joins the fun, but why does he want to get sick? Fred learns the answer, but only once he finds his place in the script again. After the medical jokes have run their course, Kenny shows off then sings, Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. The Texaco Town Players perform a spooff of the film industry, They Almost Junked the Junket. Fred is a busy movie executive who jokes his way through, even getting in a wisecrack or two against his famous rival, Jack Benny. The studio is to make a movie about a horse, but politics and publicity are also a theme. Keith Heltsley clean 59:16 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-all-is-not-gold-that-glitters-410108/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-all-is-not-gold-that-glitters-410108/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:24:42 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11056 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-texaco-star-theater-all-is-not-gold-that-glitters-410108/feed/ 0 1941,Acting,Al_Goodman,Films,Fog,Fred_Allen,Kenny_Baker,Occupations,Panelists,Portland_Hoffa,Texaco,Weather Backed up by the Al Goodman orchestra, The Merrymacks open with, Smile in Your Heart. Kenny Baker gives Fred grief when he wants to act in the play later. The News of the week centers on the foggy weather of late. Backed up by the Al Goodman orchestra, The Merrymacks open with, Smile in Your Heart. Kenny Baker gives Fred grief when he wants to act in the play later. The News of the week centers on the foggy weather of late. Fred interviews a handful of characters to poke as much fun at it as he can squeeze in. Kenny Baker sings, You Walked By. The musical interlude by Al Goodman is, Pasidia. The running gag about Kenny's acting keeps up to include bandleader, Al Goodman, and even Portland tries to get in on the action. After Fred and Portland get in some jokes at Jack Benny, and his cast, he interviews a man with an unusual occupation. Mr Brennan is a smoke stack watcher. Though Fred takes a humorous look at the dirty job, he just might be ahead of his time when it comes to focusing on dirty jobs. Maybe someday they'll make a cable TV show about something like that. Imagine... a show about dirty jobs... I wonder what they'd call it? The Merrymacks sing, The Story of a Home. Fred brings out his panelists for the roundtable discussion. A statistician, a fortune teller, and a man with an unusual name. The question is one about marriage, "Should a man read the morning paper at the breakfast table?" Kenny sings, Beautiful Dreamer. The Texaco Workshop Players perform a spoof on radio give away shows. The play is titled, All Is Not Gold that Glitters. It takes a look at the lives of the lucky winners of sweepstakes contests. PS: Fred sure was ahead of his time. The reality is that often winners of lotteries, or sweepstakes find themselves broke, or in lives that are as bad off as they were before they won it big. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:52 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-eagle-is-back-401120-retro346/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-eagle-is-back-401120-retro346/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:58:15 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11038 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-eagle-is-back-401120-retro346/feed/ 0 1940,Buck_Benny,Critics,Eagle,Fred_Allen,Harry_Vonzel,Jobs,Kenny_Baker,Movies,Portland_Hoffa,Returns,Spoofs As the baggy eyed Fred Allen is introduced, he has a little trouble with Kenny Baker in his job description. What's a Noodnick anyway? The News of the Week features: The movie industry, critics, and the latest kinds of films coming out. As the baggy eyed Fred Allen is introduced, he has a little trouble with Kenny Baker in his job description. What's a Noodnick anyway? The News of the Week features: The movie industry, critics, and the latest kinds of films coming out. There's a little snipping going on through the usual music and commercial breaks that make the show shorter. Portland reports that Mr Ramshaw, the eagle is back. Fred and trainer, Captain Night review details about the eagle. No crazy flights around the studio today though. After some hacked up interuptions, and snipped music and commercial, Fred, Portland, and Kenny talk a little about the inside workings of big Hollywood studios. Fred gets in a few jokes and jabs at rival Jack Benny. The cast try their hand at some old time magician tricks and jokes. Kenny's song gets snipped, but the commercial is present. Sort of. Fred is bugged by a couple fans who want radio shows to have different endings. The Laughing host of a kiddie show says what he's really thinking about his audience., A commercial with a list of ingredients that nobody can understand or pronounce is done a little more bluntly. Wouldn't it be nice to have the crooks get away on a mystery show once in a while? What about a music show that played a bad song? PS: Great spoofs, and I hope you enjoyed my guest host. Keith Heltsley clean 49:54 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-judge-was-a-vegetarian-400612/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-judge-was-a-vegetarian-400612/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:52:23 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10794 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/fred-allen-the-judge-was-a-vegetarian-400612/feed/ 0 1940,Animal_Trainers,Fred_Allen,Hillbilly,Hollywood,Horses,Merrymacks,Movies,Portland_Hoffa,Walter_Tetley The Merrymacks open with a song, You Can't Rush Me Off. Fred and Harry Vonzel joke about the show moving to Hollywood. The rest of the cast join with the teasing about living arrangements. The News of the Week begins with a salute to Hollywood news, The Merrymacks open with a song, You Can't Rush Me Off. Fred and Harry Vonzel joke about the show moving to Hollywood. The rest of the cast join with the teasing about living arrangements. The News of the Week begins with a salute to Hollywood news, but with interuptions, it never quite makes it. Will Fred ever get a joke in? A mom with her spoiled child actor, Orson Rooney interupts. The part of Orson is played by Walter Tetley. The Merrymacks are back to sing, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel. Portland joins Fred to tell about the latest from her mama, and the sightseeing trip of Hollywood they enjoyed. Fred takes time to poke some fun at Jack Benny, and the film they just made together. Fred interviews Jack Boyle, a Hollywood animal trainer. Amid sharing secrets of providing animals for the movies, he shares a secret about Jack Benny, and the filming of his film, Buck Benny Rides Again. Betty Jane Rose fills in for the absent Win Murray and sings, Exactly Like You. The question of the week finds the panelists taking the stage. A man from New York City who is a graduate student in California. A private secretary from Hollywood. A movie actor. They answer the question concerning whether a driver must also pass an IQ test along with their eye, physical, and driving tests. The Merrymacks sing, Take Your Girl to the Movies. The Mighty Allen Art Players present a hillbilly courtroom drama, The Judge Was a Vegetarian. Walter Tetley returns to play a hillbilly kid who tells jokes on his pa. The hillbilly and rural jokes flow freely. Keith Heltsley clean 59:31 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-eagle-gets-loose-in-studio-400320/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-eagle-gets-loose-in-studio-400320/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:23:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10362 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-eagle-gets-loose-in-studio-400320/feed/ 0 1940,Bulletin_Boards,Disruptions,Eagle,Eagle_Expert,Fred_Allen,Give_Aways,Merrymacks,Panelists,Portland_Hoffa,Spoofs,Win_Murray The Merrymacks open with a song, Why. Fred's News Reel topic is on billboards. Merrymacks sing, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. The band transitions with a tune, Chan of the Jungle. Portland arrives to joke about her mom, flowers, The Merrymacks open with a song, Why. Fred's News Reel topic is on billboards. Merrymacks sing, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. The band transitions with a tune, Chan of the Jungle. Portland arrives to joke about her mom, flowers, and introduce the guest. Captain Charles Night is an eagle expert. Amid the facts about eagles, the nervous bird flies up to the rafters, and won't come down. A classic radio moment for sure. Win Murray sings, When Love Beckoned on 32nd Street. Station break. The band plays a musical interlude. The panelists take the stage to answer the question of the week. A man is a newspaper editor from New York, a housewife from New York, and a man from Grape Nut Washington. Amid the adlibs are jokes about Jack Benny, but when an unexplained audience uproar takes place we learn it's due to the eagle taking flight. With the eagle's disruption, there isn't time for the question. The Merrymaks sing, Johnson Rag. The Mighty Allen Art Players present a spoof of radio's well known give away show, Pot of Gold. Fred is the frustrated radio exec who deals withthe problem. Keith Heltsley clean 59:07 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-life-at-the-south-pole-400228/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-life-at-the-south-pole-400228/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:05:22 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10230 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-life-at-the-south-pole-400228/feed/ 0 1940,Admiral_Perry,Exploration,Fred_Allen,Harry_Vonzel,Housing_Shortage,Merrymacks,Mother_In_Law,Overcrowding,Panelists,Portland_Hoffa,South_Pole The Merrymacks open with a few bars of Yip Ai Atti Ai Ay. Fred and Harry Vonzel share some alphabetic introductions and adlibs. Moving on to the Ipana News in Review, it features overcrowded rooming houses. The Merrymacks open with a few bars of Yip Ai Atti Ai Ay. Fred and Harry Vonzel share some alphabetic introductions and adlibs. Moving on to the Ipana News in Review, it features overcrowded rooming houses. Fred interviews a string of characters to illustrate the problem. A precursor to Falstaff Openshre, Poet Thorndyke Swineberg returns to share a poem, the Crowded Rooming House. A brief drama about an actor enforces the rooming house problem. The Merrymacks sing, The Gaucho Serenade. Peter VanSeetin plays a musical transition, Cherry Berry Bin. Portland helps Fred greet their guest, and tells how she helped the merrymacks. They talk about leap year, the time when it was perfectly acceptable for a young, single woman to be so forward as to chase after a man, and propose marriage to him. The guest is a man who oversees the Statue of Liberty. Facts and trivia about the statue is shared. Win Murray sings, I Thought About You. After the Station break. Fred's roundtable panelists include: a man in liquor sales from Jackson Heights, a woman in the importing business, and with time running short the third panelist isn't fully introduced. The question is: With all the Mother In Law jokes out there, should the jokes be stopped and more respect given to mothers in law? The Merrymacks sing, I'll See You In My Dreams. The Mighty Allen Art Players present a drama, Admiral Allen Was Living a Dogs Life So They Left Him at the Pole. Or, Life at the North Pole. A drama spoofing Admiral Perry, and his expedition to the North Pole. After a quick radio report from the admiral, we are taken behind the scenes to learn what it's really like with the freezing team of explorers. PS: I know the show title says, 'South Pole' but with the comedy references, either Fred Allen and his writers were mixed up, or the spoof is at the other end of the clobe. Last time I checked there were no Eskimos down South, just to mention one glitch. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:00 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-missing-cat-400221/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-missing-cat-400221/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:57:50 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10070 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-missing-cat-400221/feed/ 0 1940,Cats,Fred_Allen,Harry_Vonzel,Merrymacks,Missing,One_Long_Pan,Panelists,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Round_Table,Secrets Fred adlibs with announcer Harry Vonzel, and bandleader, Peter VanSeetin before offering the news in review. Topic is about the recent heavy snowfall as Fred talks to a street cleaner, a cop, and Mrs Noosebaum. Poet, Fred adlibs with announcer Harry Vonzel, and bandleader, Peter VanSeetin before offering the news in review. Topic is about the recent heavy snowfall as Fred talks to a street cleaner, a cop, and Mrs Noosebaum. Poet, Thorndyke Swineberg has a poem about the snow. The audio gets snipped as the Merrymacks sing their song. Portland joins Fred to talk about a dog show, then introduce a little girl who plays the xylophone. After girl and mom are interviewed, she begins to play, but the audio is snipped. Win Murray is to sing a song, but it is also snipped. What's the matter, doesn't the transcriptionist like music or something? Fred has his audience panelists take the stage. A music copyist, a hostess from a gypsy teacup, and a Vice President of the Kitchen Bouquet company spend a few moments with Fred. They all answer the question: Should men who are bald, or losing their hair, wear a toupee? The Mighty Allen Art Players perform, The Missing Cat." When a lady in an upscale, high society penthouse is missing her pampered kitty, she calls for One Long Pan. As the detective jokes, and tells puns, he gets to the heart of the mystery, and discover the real problem behind why the cat went missing, and where it went to. Keith Heltsley clean 47:53 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-the-slogan-360429/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-the-slogan-360429/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:20:03 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9784 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-the-slogan-360429/feed/ 0 1936,Advertising,Agencies,Fred_Allen,Government,Harry_Vonzel,Merrymacks,Peter_VanSeetin,Politics,Portland_Hoffa,Slogans It's Town Hall Tonight! Fred gathers his usual cast of characters together, then the Merrymacks sing, Give My Heart to You. The Town Hall News touches on topics including: Activities of the WPA and other government agencies. Political speeches. It's Town Hall Tonight! Fred gathers his usual cast of characters together, then the Merrymacks sing, Give My Heart to You. The Town Hall News touches on topics including: Activities of the WPA and other government agencies. Political speeches. The Wilcox Plan, a plan to facilitate running electric power to houses. Imagine that, no more wood or coal to stock up on. The Peter VanSeetin orchestra plays, Am I Gonna Have Trouble with You. Portland arrives to talk about being lucky. She and Fred mediate between a couple of gents who try to sell Fred on vacation plans to relax. The Town Hall Quartet sing, Aye Carumba. Station break, and time for the second half. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform a play titled, "The Slogan." Fred is a newspaper man who cranks out the perfect slogans for companies. Today Fredneeds to come up with the slogan to end all slogans. Ideas are tossed around to make it the extravaganza to make the company a household word. Keith Heltsley clean 59:59 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-doughnut-king-391108/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-doughnut-king-391108/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:20:25 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9458 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/fred-allen-doughnut-king-391108/feed/ 0 1939,Doughnuts,Drama,Fred_Allen,Harry_Vonzel,Merrymacks,Mighty_Allen_Art_Players,News_Reels,Panelists,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Spoof Peter Van Seetin plays as the Merrymacks sing, It's a Hundred to One I'm in Love. Fred gives harry Vonzel a hard time over his other job, before turning to the Ipana News Reel. Topics include Brooklyn traffic lights, and how they affect pedestrians, Peter Van Seetin plays as the Merrymacks sing, It's a Hundred to One I'm in Love. Fred gives harry Vonzel a hard time over his other job, before turning to the Ipana News Reel. Topics include Brooklyn traffic lights, and how they affect pedestrians, parades,and the legal system. Win Murray sings, I Didn't know What Time It Was. The band playys a tune, Exactly Like You. Portland joins Fred to help introduce the guest. A man who is in charge of sales in the donut industry. Did you know that donuts were mentioned in the Bible? Proper donut techniques are given. Listen and learn more fun facts about donuts. The Marrymacks sing, Wo Bist Du Esta. Station break. The question of the week. A panel of audience members are gathered. A Real Estate Broker from New York, a housewife from North Hollywood California. A Joke writer. The question of the week: Husbands and wives have argued the matter for years. Are women as skilled a driver as men are? Win Murray sings, Blow Gabriel Blow. Peter VanSeetin plays, Go Fly a Kite. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform, The Sound Mans Revenge. Fred is Dawson Bells, radio star extraordinaire. The evenings drama is Jack and Jill, written for radio by Dawson Bells from the nursery rhyme of the same name. The tormented Jack wrestles with himself whether to fetch the pale of water, or kill his father. Jack goes to fetch the water, and meets Jill. Love birds sing in the trees. At last, Jack can't resist the voices in his head so he has killed his father, he and Jill are at the top of the hill. Now the two are fugitives running from the long arm of the law. With the demands put on the sound affects man, he gets mixed up and takes his own revenge. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:29 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-prairie-predicament-391025/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-prairie-predicament-391025/#comments Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:43:22 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9342 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-prairie-predicament-391025/feed/ 0 1939,Broadway,Cowboys,Earthquakes,Fred_Allen,Gunslingers,Merrymacks,News_Reels,Panelists,Peter_VanSeetin,Poker,Portland_Hoffa Peter VanSeetin plays, with the Merrmacks singing, Baby Me. Fred and the cast: Harry Vonzel, Portland Hoffa, and Peter VanSeetin talk about quiz shows in comparrison to Fred's own show. Fred brings back his Ipana News Reels, Peter VanSeetin plays, with the Merrmacks singing, Baby Me. Fred and the cast: Harry Vonzel, Portland Hoffa, and Peter VanSeetin talk about quiz shows in comparrison to Fred's own show. Fred brings back his Ipana News Reels, but gets off to a start of flubbed lines. Topics include a recent erthquake near Boston, and how it affected farmers, housewives, scientists, and Campfire Girls. Winnie Murray sings, Man with the Mandolin. Peter VanSeetin plays, Wo Bist Du Esta. Or something that sounds like that. Fred convenes a round table of audience panelists. A New York Lawyer, a Bronx secretary in the Empire State Building, and Mr Potts who was on the show last week as well. After the introductions, and adlib conversation Fred brings up his question of the week. This year Thanksgiving has been moved ahead a week, does our panel agree or not? The Merrymacks sing, We're Off to See the Wizard. Station break. Fred offers an adlib and slightly flubbed intro. Billy Rose is interviewed by Fred about his Broadway productions, and colorful career. Billy is a Broadway producer who worked with Jimmy Durante, and produced various musical spectaculars. His current feat deals with using millions of gallons in an on stage aquacade. What's up next for Billy Rose? Listen and he'll tell you. Winnie Murray sings, What's New. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform another Western play, Prairie Predicament. Fred plays a cross eyed gunslinger with deadly aim. Minirva Pious is his bride who he is settling down with on the old homestead. Will the cross eyeed shooter be lured away to join the Old West Show? Maybe he can earn some needed cash playing poker? The sheriff comes knocking on the door with murder charges. This just might put a damper on Swivel Eye Allen to make his mortgage payment. The big poker game kicks off with all cards and weapons on the table. How will things end up? Will the mortgage be paid? What about that murder charge? You know what to do, listen in to see how Fred wins this one. Note: If I'm not mistaken, Billy Rose (William Rose) is credited as the producer of the 1963 film, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad,Mad, World. Keith Heltsley clean 59:23 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-satire-on-surveys-and-polls-391011/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-satire-on-surveys-and-polls-391011/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:24:37 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9081 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-satire-on-surveys-and-polls-391011/feed/ 0 1939,Adlibs,Bert_Lahr,Comedians,Fred_Allen,Merrymacks,Peter_VanSeetin,Polls,Portland_Hoffa,Quizzes,Reviews,Spoofs Special guest today is, Bert Lahr. Peter VanSeetin plays, and the Merrymacks sing, Good Morning to You. Fred jokes about the unexpected heat in October. Portland arrives and talks with Fred about last week's show. Special guest today is, Bert Lahr. Peter VanSeetin plays, and the Merrymacks sing, Good Morning to You. Fred jokes about the unexpected heat in October. Portland arrives and talks with Fred about last week's show. Hasn't anybody heard any reviews of last week's show? So far, no good. Even the new singer Winnie Murray gets in on the joking around. From the jokes, it appears that Winnie is either a very tiny woman, or a large one. To improve things Fred starts the show over at a faster pace. Winnie Murray sings, Comes Love. Peter VanSeetin plays some transitioning music, Little Man Who Wasn't There. Quiz time. Totally unrehearsed, three contestants are call to the stage. A New York bartender, a Boston woman who works for the gas company. A New York man who is a chiropractor. Fred lets loose with the adlibs as he chats it up with his contestants who'll win even if they miss the three easy questions. The Merrymacks sing, Do You Ever Think of Me. Station break for the second half of the show. Fred calls on his invited guest, Bert Lahr, known as the Funniest Man in the World, and the Cowardly Lion. Fred turns the stage over to Bert who talks about the events of his day. Fred and Portland offer comments to help move his dialog along. Not feeling funny today, Bert turns the conversation to Hollywood, then his Broadway parts. Bert Sings, Roses of Bacardi. Winn Murray is back to sing, Johnny One Note. Peter VanSeetin plays a tune, An Apple ffor the Teacher. The Mighty Allen Art players perform a satire on polls and surveys: Doctor Scalops Quandry. Fred is Doctor Scallop who takes telephone polls. It's a world of graphs, charts, and survey results. Listen in as the latest breaking statistics are compiled. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:55 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-search-for-dr-livingston-391004/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-search-for-dr-livingston-391004/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:29:06 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8948 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-search-for-dr-livingston-391004/feed/ 0 1939,Dr_Livingston,Exploration,Fred_Allen,Jungles,Merrymacks,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Quiz_Shows,Season_Open,Spoofs The Peter Van Seetin singers sing, Roll Out the Barrel. Then, Fred has to pay for his introduction. The cast get reacquainted after the Summer break. Portland pops in to tell about her Summer with her mom. With all the greetings, and reuniting, The Peter Van Seetin singers sing, Roll Out the Barrel. Then, Fred has to pay for his introduction. The cast get reacquainted after the Summer break. Portland pops in to tell about her Summer with her mom. With all the greetings, and reuniting, will the show ever get started? Mr Sprague is on hand from the sponsor to change things up for this new season. The Merrymacks sing, Good Morning Mr Zip Zip Zip. Peter VanSeetin plays a musical transition, Jumping Jive. Will the sponsor be happy with the show changes yet? Fred tries a quiz show format. A group of studio members is gathered. An insurance salesman, a census taker, and a men's clothing store manager. Fred's quiz is on the up and up, and the contestants are awarded their prizes. If nothing else, it's a good medium for Fred to adlib with some real people, buch the same as Groucho would do about 10 yearws later. Moving right along, Portland tries to get in a few words, but Mr Sprague is back with his suggestions. A new singer is on the show, Lynn Murray. She sings, Sing for Your Supper. Station break. Ned Sparks, well known comedian of the day, shares a few words with Fred. The two dour, nasaly comics swap insults out the nose. Ted was known as a dead pan comic who never smiled or laughed. Can Fred get his guest to laugh? Peter VanSeetin plays a tune of transition. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform: Stanley and What's His Name. Fred is Henry Stanley and is on his way to learn the whereabouts of the famous Dr Livingston. True to his spoofing form, Fred travels through deepest darkest Africa as he has close encounters with natives, cannibals, and jungle hazzards. Will he ever get to use his famous phrase of greeting? Or will tongue in cheek references to pop culture of the day reign? The happy ending takes a tragic end, but how could it be any other way when comedy is involved. Fred gets in a quick jab at Jack Benny as his play comes to a close. To wrap things up, the Merrymacks sing, Moonlight Bay. Keith Heltsley clean 59:42 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-subway-posters-390222-2/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-subway-posters-390222-2/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:04:40 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8813 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/fred-allen-subway-posters-390222-2/feed/ 0 1939,Artwork,Fred_Allen,Glassblowing,Killings,Merrymacks,Murders,Opera,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Posters,Subways The Peter Van Seetin singers sing, This Night. It's Washington's birthday and like it or not, Fred gets a truthful introduction. In the Town Hall News of the Week, topics include: New York City subway posters, and the artistic nature of them. The Peter Van Seetin singers sing, This Night. It's Washington's birthday and like it or not, Fred gets a truthful introduction. In the Town Hall News of the Week, topics include: New York City subway posters, and the artistic nature of them. Grafiti artists. Art lovers. Artists. What else can the subway traveller expect? The next topic is related to income taxes, and San Fransisco's Golden Gate Fair. The Merrymacks sing, Too Tired. Peter Van Seetin plays, The Toy Trumpet. Fred talks about television, and how it might put radio out of business, as he introduces a glass blower who makes the tubes needed to manufacture television tubes. Fred manages a quick jab at his rival, Jack Benny as he learns the nuances of the art of glass blowing. Mr Carl Schuman's documentary of being a glassblower is punctuated by Fred's jokes and puns. The Town Hall singers sing, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel. Station break. Portland arrives and talks about the latest teasing from Jack Benny. Fred returns with his own jokes about Jack, then Harry joins the conversation to discuss the sportsman's fair, and a skunk call, which is Peter Van Seetin's cue to join in the fun. Fred's on a roll with his adlibs. The sound man miscues a sound as the discussion of the future of radio, television and entertainment is presented. The Merry macks sing, Hawaiian War Chant. The Mighty Allen Art Players present, Murder at the Opera. Fred the opera star has trouble with temperamental musicians, wardrobe malfunctions, and misguided fans. The opera is about to begin and Fred takes his place. Fred sings and knocks them dead, literally. Despite his dead opera partner, Fred and the show goes on. Is it just coincidence when the understudy also falls dead? With three prima donnas dead on the stage, the cops are on hand to investigate the murders. What is the secret to the crime? It's all about the bulls. Still confused? Just listen in for the punny ending. Keith Heltsley clean 59:49 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-telephone-weddings-380622/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-telephone-weddings-380622/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 14:16:06 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8655 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-telephone-weddings-380622/feed/ 0 1938,Contests,Crosswords,Fads,Fred_Allen,Music,Portland_Hoffa,Productions,Puzzles,Resorts,Town_Hall,Vacations Fred Allen - Telephone Weddings. 380622. The Peter VanSeetin singers open with, Margarita. Fred Adlibs about his 67 page script and the warm weather. Town Hall news includes: a new flea extermination service. The latest fad in wedding cerremonies, Fred Allen - Telephone Weddings. 380622. The Peter VanSeetin singers open with, Margarita. Fred Adlibs about his 67 page script and the warm weather. Town Hall news includes: a new flea extermination service. The latest fad in wedding cerremonies, marriage by telephone. The mini drama demonstrates how wrong numbers might complicate things. Other Townhall news topics include: Congress, politics, the New Deal, and beavers all come together for a little fun at the mercy of Fred. Babe Ruth starts new duties. The Merrymacks sing, Sidewalks of New York. Peter VanSeetin plays some transitional music as the show continues. Limehouse Blues. Fred interviews the puzzle editor of the Boston newspaper, Art Molger. They share a few words of their old stomping grounds in Boston. Art tells how he got started, and about the business that has spread across the country with puzzle contests. Fred and Art tell what kinds of puzzles are at the top of the fad at the moment. Celebrities from movies and radio shows are hot topics. Other aspects of the biz are discussed. Town Hall Quartet sing, Jonah and the Whale. After the midshow Station break, Portland calls on Fred and shares the latest about mama. She complains about how porrly Fred is looking. Portland thinks Fred looks drawn, like a cartoon." Good line. As the gang pitch in to tell Fred how bad he looks, it may be time for a vacation. The cast suggest where Fred should take his vacation, when conveniently two men have stopped in to talk to him about checking in at their resort. The argument over going to the sea, or the mountains ensues. The Merrymacks sing, Down by the Old Mill Stream. Peter VanSeetin plays, as his singers sing, There's Honey on the Moon Tonight. Wow, and I thought that stuff that just dripped on my head came out of that bird that just flew past. Go ahead, lick it off for me. Oh, I forgot, this isn't the Eagle episode, must be honey afterall. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform a drama related to Fred musical production house. Fred reads mail in responce to his films he distributes. Fred deals with his tallent as he shoots out letters and telegrams. Directors, musica scores, prima donna actors, and more. O, the things that Fred sacrifices for show biz. Keith Heltsley clean 57:57 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-satire-on-song-writers-380608/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-satire-on-song-writers-380608/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 14:34:32 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8416 Fred Allen - Satire On Song Writers. 380608. Doctors and Psychologists agree, it's time for Town Hall Tonight. The Peter VanSeetin orchestra plays, and his singers sing, Cry Baby Cry. In Town Hall News of the Week: Broadway theaters, and theatrical workers. The parade of characters is designed to highlight the slump in the acting world for the Summer season. ]]> http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-satire-on-song-writers-380608/feed/ 0 1938,Acting,Actors,Fishing,Fred_Allen,Guides,Hunting,Merrymacks,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Productions,Slumps Fred Allen - Satire On Song Writers. 380608. Doctors and Psychologists agree, it's time for Town Hall Tonight. The Peter VanSeetin orchestra plays, and his singers sing, Cry Baby Cry. In Town Hall News of the Week: Broadway theaters, Fred Allen - Satire On Song Writers. 380608. Doctors and Psychologists agree, it's time for Town Hall Tonight. The Peter VanSeetin orchestra plays, and his singers sing, Cry Baby Cry. In Town Hall News of the Week: Broadway theaters, and theatrical workers. The parade of characters is designed to highlight the slump in the acting world for the Summer season. Keith Heltsley clean 57:27 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-murder-on-the-high-seas-o-rboy-meets-gull-370310/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-murder-on-the-high-seas-o-rboy-meets-gull-370310/#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 14:50:37 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8305 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/fred-allen-murder-on-the-high-seas-o-rboy-meets-gull-370310/feed/ 0 1937,Amateurs,Fred_Allen,Movies,One_Long_Pan,Peter_VanSeetin,Portland_Hoffa,Town_Hall Fred Allen - Murder On The High Seas, Or One Long Pan Helps Boy Meet Gull. 370310. Peter VanSeetin and his singers kick off the show by singing, Boo Hoo. Fred reads the Town Hall Bulletin with stories including: matches, and rear ends. Fred Allen - Murder On The High Seas, Or One Long Pan Helps Boy Meet Gull. 370310. Peter VanSeetin and his singers kick off the show by singing, Boo Hoo. Fred reads the Town Hall Bulletin with stories including: matches, and rear ends. In the news: Outstanding underdogs of 1936, movies, and wives. Town Hall awards go to people who managed special accomplishments in movie theaters, and loud singers. Income tax for Hollywood celebrities is portrayed. The flap jack champion of America is interviewed. The band plays, I Got Rhythm. Portland enters with the latest from her family. Papa has a new invention for putting sugar in coffee, and a suit with a rubber collar. Fred is interupted by an argument from some intruders on the stage. They turn out to be lawyers, and the jokes go there as well. The lawyers offer their services to Fred for suing Jack Benny. The Town Hall Quartet sing, The Farmer in the Dell. Followed by the mid show station break . The Mighty Allen Art Players present Murder on the High Seas, or One Long Pan Helps Boy Meet Gull. As the captain talks to his crew, the nautical jokes reign. Then news of a murder is learned. There's only one man who can help, One Long Pan. The oriental detective enters with his own style of sailig jokes. The Hong Kong Hillbilly interviews the murdered man's wife to try to determine the cause of death. Maybe that bullet hole in his chest might be a clue? The murders keep coming,and so do the puns and jokes of One Long Pan. What does it all mean? With all the bodies piling up, One Long Pan manages to solve the crime wholesale. What is the clue that ties it all together? Peter Van Seetin and the Ipana Trubadors perform, Slumming on Park Avenue. Town Hall Variety. Fred teases Jack Benny about his social graces, and about Jack talking to Stewart Canon playing the Bee, claiming that Jack's a bully. Fred threatens to crash Jack's show next week. Which, although Jack doesn't appear in tonight's show, he has been broadcasting his show from New York for a temporary run at this time. It's amateur night, and the amateurs include: Peter Rogers, who plays musical glasses, Some of These Days. Professor Quiggley, the escape artist who can't escape. Fred and the prof argue over being cheated when he goes over the time limit and Fred has to open the box. Hilliarious. A mixed choir sings, All God's Children Got Shoes. Keith Heltsley clean 59:01 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/fred-allen-the-mumbo-or-who-stole-the-elephant-from-billy-nose-360122/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/fred-allen-the-mumbo-or-who-stole-the-elephant-from-billy-nose-360122/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:07:33 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7917 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/fred-allen-the-mumbo-or-who-stole-the-elephant-from-billy-nose-360122/feed/ 0 1936,Amateurs,Doctors,Elephants,Fred_Allen,Insurance,Medical,Missing,News,One_Long_Pan,Portland_Hoffa,Psychiatrists Fred Allen - The Mumbo, Or Who Stole The Elephant From Billy Nose. 360122. The show opens with the crowds entering the Town Hall, and the Ipana Singers singing, I Feel a Song Coming On. Fred reads from the Town Hall Bulletin, Fred Allen - The Mumbo, Or Who Stole The Elephant From Billy Nose. 360122. The show opens with the crowds entering the Town Hall, and the Ipana Singers singing, I Feel a Song Coming On. Fred reads from the Town Hall Bulletin, making note of butcher shops. In the news, Fred recaps issues with psychiatrists in a college. In a reenactment, the doc hardly lets his patient get in a word in edgewise. Leap year is the year for women to be forward, and do the proposing, the enacted drama presents the need for single men to take cover. Elsewhere patients are presented a new medical system, medical care on the finance system, but will that lead to repossessing body parts after a surgery can't be paid for? Interesting. The orchestra plays, I've Got My Fingers Crossed. Fred is greeted by Portland, who tells about buying a mousetrap. It seems the sleepless mice in Portland's parents house keep them awake with all the noise they make. Fred suggests getting a cat, and the two compare notes on tough alley cats. Fred gets insulted by a family walking down the street. It's a deliveryman who also jokes about his wife's singing. The married couple give a demonstration of their musical ability. Or they try to until Fred rescues us. The Ipana Singers sing, Sliphorn Sam and His Old TromBone. The Mighty Allen Art Players present, Mumbo, or Who Stole the Elephant from Billy Nose's Finale. Billy Nose goes to the police station to report his missing elephant. Fortunately that famous detective is on hand, One Long Pan. The mighty detective investigates with jokes about political elections, hay fever, and more. One Long Pan is soon tracking down the elephant, and with looking into the obvious, and using some odd logic, the elephants are turned up. After the midshow station break, the Ipana singers are back to sing, Got a Brand New Suit. Now it's time for the amateurs as they compete for a $50 prize. The ABC Quartet talk with Fred about their quartet name, and other topics. They sing, Tiger Rag. A duet of women one from Ohio, and one from Canada talk with Fred about their singing ambition, then they sing an aria from the Vagabond King. Not bad individually, but they need work in their timing to be a duet. Tommy Dunn is an 18 year old who plays harmonica. After the young athlete talks with Fred about boxing, he plays standing on his head, a few bars of, Dark Town Strutters Ball. A pianist and song writer is next, and he plays one of his original compositions, After Dark. Eleanor Frieze, a short little lady is to play the musical chimes. After she tells Fred about her unusual instrument, she plays, Glow Worm. Miss Friza from the Bronx gets to joke around with Fred about the snow in her neighborhood, then she sings the popular song of the day, Eenie, Meenie, Meiney Moe. The audio stops during her song. If someone has a copy of this that plays to the end, let me know, I'd love to get a copy. The only thing that's really missing though is the outcome of who won, and closing credits, so it's fairly complete. Keith Heltsley clean 54:10 http://retro-otr.com/2011/03/fred-allen-the-home-on-the-range-360115/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/03/fred-allen-the-home-on-the-range-360115/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:13:03 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=6782 http://retro-otr.com/2011/03/fred-allen-the-home-on-the-range-360115/feed/ 0 1936,Doctors,Fred_Allen,Home_On_The_Range,Hour_Of_Smiles,Medical,Portland_Hoffa,Schools,Spoofs,Walter_Tetley,Westerns Fred Allen - The Home On The Range. 360115. An hour of smiles from Ipana and Salhepatica. Fred is on hand for the Town Hall Tonight. First, a song, Great Day. The topic of the night's news is public schools. Kids who have money. Fred Allen - The Home On The Range. 360115. An hour of smiles from Ipana and Salhepatica. Fred is on hand for the Town Hall Tonight. First, a song, Great Day. The topic of the night's news is public schools. Kids who have money. Another early appearance by Walter tetley, (aka. Julius/Leroy). School Administration. Government protection of spinsters. A musical Interlude, Keep Your Fingers Crossed. Portland tells about her doctor visit about her injured finger. A detective Willowby talks to Portland and Fred about a case he is working on. The quartet sings, A Gal in California. The drama is a western, Home on the Range. A nice spoof that gets snipped short just before the show is completely over. Trivia Alert: According to George Burns in his book, 'All My Best Friends,' Fred Allen went through several sponsors through the years he was on radio. He claims that the sponsor of today's show, Sal Hepatica, a relief from stomach ailments, dropped Fred after a joke he did about stingy Scotsmen, and angry letters poured in from Scotsmen who took offense. The sponsor felt it wouldn't do to have angry Scotsmen threatening to not buy their product. Fred came back with a tongue in cheek statement that expressed his regret over the thought of having all those constipated Scotsmen on his conscience. Just the kind of signature dry wit that caused sponsors to love him, and drop him. Keith Heltsley clean 31:52 http://retro-otr.com/2010/07/fredallen-360122-the-mumbo-retro259/ http://retro-otr.com/2010/07/fredallen-360122-the-mumbo-retro259/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:35:29 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=2325 http://retro-otr.com/2010/07/fredallen-360122-the-mumbo-retro259/feed/ 0 1936,Amateurs,Disappearances,Financial,Fred_Allen,Leap_Year,Loans,Medical,Music,Mystery,Portland_Hoffa,Psychiatrists Or, Who Stole The Elephant From Billy Nose? Town Hall Tonight begins with Peter VanSeeten's Orchestra, and the Ipana Troubadours singing, I Feel a Song Coming On. The Latest news of the week presents shorts about a psychiatrist who tends to the mental... Or, Who Stole The Elephant From Billy Nose? Town Hall Tonight begins with Peter VanSeeten's Orchestra, and the Ipana Troubadours singing, I Feel a Song Coming On. The Latest news of the week presents shorts about a psychiatrist who tends to the mental health of a college student, the leap year social tradition of having women initiate marriage proposals, and buying things on credit. Can you do that with medical operations? After the commercial, the orchestra plays, I Got My Fingers Crossed. Portland Joins Fred to talk about mice, mouse traps, and cats. She then introduces a couple to Fred, who he teases them about their music talent, or lack thereof. The Town Hall Quartet sings, Slip Board Sam. Another commercial break. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform the play, Mumbo, or Who Stole the Elephant from Billy Nose? Fred's answer to Charlie Chan, Won Long Pan, is on the case to find a missing elephant. Actually there are two missing elephants, Mumbo and Gumbo. As the jokes run amok, the mystery is solved. Another commercial, a station break, and the second half of the show begins with the Ipana Troubadors singing, I Got a Brand New Girl. The first of the amateurs is the ABC Quartet, who sings, Tiger Rag. A couple of ladies sing an opera duet. Tommy Dunn plays harmonica while standing on his head. A songwriter plays piano, and sings his own creation. A tiny little woman, named Eleanor Friese, plays the chimes. Finally another woman sings that popular swing tune of the day, Eeny Meeny Miney Mo. I think if these acts were on American Idol, Simon would have something to say about them. Not to mention the results. After a commercial, we get to find out, with the help of the Applause Meter, who wins. No Bonus tracks today. Keith Heltsley clean 1:00:16 http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430523-freds-biography-guest-george-jessel/ http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430523-freds-biography-guest-george-jessel/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 16:21:41 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=1291 http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430523-freds-biography-guest-george-jessel/feed/ 0 1943,Biography,Books,Fred_Allen,George_Jessel,Poetry,Portland_Hoffa,Shortages,World_War2 Audio is a bit overdriven. I checked other sources, and it's the same mushy quality no matter where I look. Digital filtering only makes things worse. Sorry about the quality. Fred opens with jokes about Hitler, and the war. Audio is a bit overdriven. I checked other sources, and it's the same mushy quality no matter where I look. Digital filtering only makes things worse. Sorry about the quality. Fred opens with jokes about Hitler, and the war. Portland and Fred talk about potato shortages. The Allen's Alley topic is about National Poetry Week. John Doe, Mrs. Noosebaum, and Socrates share poems. Falstaff brings a poem, but is a little disgruntled that the other cast members moved into his territory. HiLo Jack and the dame sing, Wait for Me Mary. Fred wants to write his biography, and thinks George Jessel can help him. George plugs his biography that he has just written. The two of them joke about books, and family history. Fred gets plenty of advice from George. Keith Heltsley clean 28:54 http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430516-chile-with-frank-sinatra/ http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430516-chile-with-frank-sinatra/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 15:56:36 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=1213 http://retro-otr.com/2010/05/fred-allen-430516-chile-with-frank-sinatra/feed/ 0 1943,Al_Goodwin,Chickens,Frank_Sinatra,Fred_Allen,Jitterbugs,Meat_Shortage,Poetry,Portland_Hoffa,Swing_Music Hey, it's that brand new singing sensation, Frank Sinatra! Actually, Frank had been singing for quite some time. It had been only recently that he became a solo act. The show opens with Fred talking about late breaking war happenings, Hey, it's that brand new singing sensation, Frank Sinatra! Actually, Frank had been singing for quite some time. It had been only recently that he became a solo act. The show opens with Fred talking about late breaking war happenings, and world leaders. Portland talks about her mom being a trolley motorman. The talk turns to topics related to dealing with the meat rationing, the Allen's Alley question is, "Are you raising chickens, and how are you doing?" John Doe, Mrs Noosebaum, and Socrates give their reports. Falstaff brings his poem on the topic. Why a Hen Lays an Egg. Al Goodwin's singers, HiLo Jack and the Dame, sing, Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer. Fred has written a song, and is looking for a singer to sing it. Maybe tonight's guest? Frank won't do it, but he manages to plug his upcoming appearances and film. Fred tries to sing his song, Chile. A spoof of the popular song, Brazil. Frank does sing, She's Funny That Way. In closing, Fred talks to Frank about Jitterbugs. Fred claims to be the original jitterbug. Keith Heltsley clean 28:52