Broadcast History: 23 October 1932 to 16 April 1933, 4 August 1933 to 1 December 1933, 3 January 1934 to 26 June 1940, 2 October 1940 to 25 June 1944, 7 October 1945 to 28 December 1947, and 4 January 1948 to 26 June 1949
Theme Tune: 'Smiles' and 'Smile, Darn Ya, Smile'
Fred Allen was the star of the long-running The Fred Allen Show that aired from 1932-1949, although it went by many names. He was a well-known and beloved comedian who entertained listeners every Sunday as they eagerly tuned in.
Allen worked hard to produce a show that incorporated the events of the day. He was an avid reader of nine different newspapers and used clippings to help build a script. Often he used lesser-known news items to create a comic centerpiece for his show.
The Fred Allen Show ran until June 26, 1949. Over the years his wife Portland appeared as his sidekick adding to the comedy. But perhaps what Allen is known best for is his feud with real-life friend Jack Benny.
Together Benny and Allen launched a public “feud”. It began by accident, but listeners were so enthralled by it that the writers for both comedians were called together to stretch it out. It became a legendary feud though the two entertainers were very amicable. In fact, the two appeared in two films together – Love Thy Neighbor and It’s In the Bag!
