Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:19 — 6.9MB)
Taking some veiled jabs at his favorite rival, Jack Benny, Fred changes to joke about a plan in New York to use magnets to clean the streets. Allen’s Alley residents John Doe, Mrs Noosebaum, Mulligan, and even Falstaff Openshore all report in on a newspaper strike. Riesa Stevens, star of the Metropolitan Opera, jokes with Fred, then singf, Ave Maria.
Portland Hoffa tells Fred about her downtown shopping experience, and her mom’s Christmas plans. Fred introduces the modern tale of Santa Claus, and how he may not be delivering on Christmas this year.
The drama presents the reason for the sit down strike. Will little Billy Jones be able to race to the North Pole and convince Santa to come through? We learn of Santa’s past troubles with historic figures such as Nero, Nappoleon, and Paul Revere. Is there any sign that modern times will fare any better for the red suited holiday icon?
