Fred Allen

Born: 1894-05-31

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.   Fred Allen (May 31, 1894 – March 17, 1956) was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show (1932–1949) made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio. His best-remembered gag was his long-running mock feud with friend and fellow comedian Jack Benny, but it was only part of his appeal; radio historian John Dunning (in On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio) wrote that Allen was radio's most admired comedian and most frequently censored. A master adlibber, Allen often tangled with his network's executives (and often barbed them on the air over the battles), while developing routines the style and substance of which influenced contemporaries and futures among comic talents, including Groucho Marx, Stan Freberg, Henry Morgan and Johnny Carson, but his fans also included President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and novelists William Faulkner, John Steinbeck and Herman Wouk (who began his career writing for Allen). Ironically, in view of his often barbed observations of the medium, Fred Allen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for contributions to television Description above from the Wikipedia article Fred Allen, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.  


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O. Henry's Full House

as Sam "Slick" Brown (segment "The Ransom of Red Chief")
Released: 1952-08-07

Five O. Henry stories, each separate. The primary one from the critics' acclaim was "The Cop and...

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We're Not Married!

as Steve Gladwyn
Released: 1952-07-11

A Justice of the Peace performed weddings a few days before his license was valid. A few years...

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Sally, Irene and Mary

as Gabby Green
Released: 1938-03-04

Manicurists Sally, Irene and Mary hope to be Broadway entertainers. When Mary inherits an old...

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Thanks a Million

as Ned Lyman
Released: 1935-11-13

A show troupe is engaged by Judge Culliman, who is running for Governor, to enhance his...

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It's in the Bag!

as Fred Floogle
Released: 1945-04-21

The ringmaster of a flea circus inherits a fortune...if he can find which chair it's hidden in.

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Buck Benny Rides Again

as Fred Allen (voice)
Released: 1940-05-31

Radio star Jack Benny, intending to stay in New York for the summer, is forced by the needling...

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Love Thy Neighbor

as Fred Allen
Released: 1940-12-27

Capitalizing on the famous radio 'feud' between comedians Jack Benny and Fred Allen. The two...

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Behind Your Radio Dial

as uncredited
Released: 1949-01-09

Familiar radio voice Ben Grauer leads the viewer on a behind the scenes tour of the National...

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What's My Line?

as Self - Panelist
First aired: 1950-02-02

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while...

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What's My Line?

as Self - Mystery Guest
First aired: 1950-02-02

Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while...

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The Jack Benny Program

as Fred Allen
First aired: 1950-10-28

Laugh along with funnyman Jack Benny as he brings his underplayed humor to TV along with regular...

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The Colgate Comedy Hour

as Self
First aired: 1950-09-10

The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC...

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Your Show of Shows

as uncredited
First aired: 1950-02-25

Your Show of Shows was a live 90-minute variety show that was broadcast weekly in the United...

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