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The Fred Allen Show Was An Old Time Radio Shows Classic

Fred Allen hosted his long time run "The Fred Allen Show" which aired from 1932 to 1949; in fact the show went by many other names. Many listeners would tune in on Sundays to hear the comedian provide them with hours of entertainment.

Allen worked hard to produce Old Time Radio Shows that incorporated the events of the day. Using newspaper clippings, he was able to compile a script from the various stories. Typically, he'd use some less obvious news stories to make up his most comical pieces for the show.

Born John Florence Sullivan on May 31, 1893 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Fred was raised by his aunt after his mother died when he was age three. As a child he took piano lessons and later he worked for the Boston Public Library. He also trained himself to juggle. These three interests help him to learn more about comedy and hone his skills.

He started his comical career when he competed in multiple contests. Over the next decade, he performed in much vaudeville theatre, so he could travel the world. "The Passing Show" soon drew Fred away from vaudeville and to Broadway theater. This show brought him closer to his future wife, Portland Hoffa.

By 1932 his old-time radio career truly started, when he hosted The Linit Bath Review on CBS. Following a sponsorship transfer to Hellman's Mayonnaise in 1933, the show soon became the Salad Bowl Review. Finally, in 1934 he hosted the Sal Hepatica Revue, which later became the Hour of Smiles. The Fred Allen Show became just that following a short stint of the show being called Town Hall Tonight.

Until late June 1949, The Fred Allen Show continued to go strong. Portland, his wife, would often accompany her husband as his sidekick. But perhaps what Allen is known best for is his feud with real-life friend Jack Benny.

This apparent 'feud' was started by Benny and Allen together. The writers for both comedians were eventually called together in session to try and capitalize on the growing popularity of the feud that was more of a happy accident. While the two entertainers themselves stayed quite level-headed about the whole thing, the feud garnered even more popularity. It's In the Bag and Love Thy Neighbor were two films that they both in fact starred in.

After his biggest stint in Old Time Radio Shows ended, he frequently made appearances on The Big Show. He also turned to writing as an outlet of expression. Treadmill to Oblivion and Much Ado About Me were his two autobiographies.

While on a late night walk, Fred Allen suffered from a fatal heart attack at the age of 61. In 1988, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. While he has been gone for a long time, he is still remembered very much for his classic old time radio recordings which presented plenty of humor and comedy.