Before Johnny Carson. Before David Letterman. Before Jon Stewart.
There was Fred Allen.
Widely regarded as the sharpest wit in American radio, Fred Allen combined brilliant writing, unforgettable characters, and fearless satire into a weekly program that influenced generations of comedians and broadcasters. His legendary Allen’s Alley became one of radio’s most beloved recurring features, introducing colorful characters who commented on everyday American life with warmth, absurdity, and razor-sharp humor.
Tonight’s broadcast—“The Breakfast Show”, originally aired on October 27, 1946—is often considered one of Allen’s finest surviving programs. Guest star Tallulah Bankhead joins Fred for a wonderfully chaotic parody of the cheerful morning radio programs of the era, while Allen’s Alley tackles the timely question: “How are you reacting to today’s high prices?” Nearly eighty years later, the observations remain remarkably familiar.
If you’ve never heard Fred Allen before, this is an excellent place to begin.
☕ Tonight’s Broadcast
The Fred Allen Show
“The Breakfast Show”
Originally Broadcast: October 27, 1946
Featuring:
Fred Allen
Portland Hoffa
Tallulah Bankhead
Kenny Delmar
Parker Fennelly
Minerva Pious
Peter Donald
The DeMarco Sisters
Al Goodman and His Orchestra
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