Fans of classic comedy and Old Time Radio will be enthralled by Fred Allen's autobiographical tale of his early days in radio. From the host of a small comedy-variety show to national fame with Allen's Alley, here is the story of his trials, tribulations, and ultimate successes as one of the great radio comedians—not to mention one of the great wits—of the 20th century!

Much Ado About Me, first published in 1956, is the autobiography of comedian Fred Allen's childhood and vaudeville career. (His long career in radio is documented in his other book, Treadmill to Oblivion). Much Ado About Me is a warm wise and wonderfully entertaining autobiography, jammed with extraordinary events and even more extraordinary people. Here is Fred Allen's early life in the suburbs of Boston; his apprenticeship in the Boston Public Library; the happy...

Christians are making all kinds of choices about good and evil without even considering what Jesus said and did. These decisions are resulting in divisions among Christian brothers and sisters, and even destruction of spiritual lives.

Fred Allen specialized in literate wordplay, lacerating satire, and a squinty-eyed critique of the passing scene. His style was entirely his own: the slate-pencil whine of his voice, the ludicrously-named supporting characters, and the small-town-cum-big-city rattle of his dialogue. Join him in a promenade through parody, along with co-stars Portland Hoffa, Alan Reed, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, John Brown, Charlie Cantor, and Parker Fennelly.Even Fred’s guest stars jump into the jest! Fr...

Among radio comedy's most enduring features were its running gags - and few gags ran longer, or more hilariously, than the legendary feud between two of its great masters: Jack Benny and Fred Allen. For nearly twenty years the mere mention of Benny on an Allen program was guaranteed to produce an escalating laugh - just as bringing Allen up with Benny had listener in stitches at the mere anticipation of a response. This digitally remastered collection brings together the classic episodes t...

This book is your ultimate Fred Allen resource. Here you will find the most up-to-date information, facts, quotes and much more.In easy to read chapters, with extensive references and links to get you to know all there is to know about Fred Allen's whole picture right away. Get countless Fred Allen facts right at your fingertips with this essential resource.The Fred Allen Handbook is the single and largest Fred Allen reference book. This compendium of information is the aut...

Who's laughing now? It's you! Why? Because you're settling back with a rib-tickling collection of Great Radio Comedy! All of your favorites are here: Jack and Fred, Phil and Alice, Fibber and Molly, Edgar and Charlie, George and Gracie, Lum and Abner, Snooks and Daddy, and many more!Crack a smile as the kings and queens of comedy crack wise. Here are twenty digitally restored and remastered episodes of radio revelry from shows that have kept Americans in stitches for more than 50 years.Epi...

The family that gathers 'round the radio together, enjoys Family Theater together!Some of radio's finest performers come to the microphone for thrilling tales of adventure, heart-warming comedies, and inspiring real-life dramas -- all with a positive, spirit-building message!Fred Allen, Shirley Temple, Kirk Douglas, Ethel Barrymore, Gary Cooper, Gene Kelly, Donna Reed, and many more are heard in sixteen digitally restored and remastered episodes.Episodes Include: The Future Is Yours 02-19-...

Enjoy sixteen of the greatest programs from radio’s golden age and the Hollywood celebrities that starred in them.Nostalgia radio had incredible comedy, mystery, detective, western, sci-fi, musical, and drama shows that kept Americans glued to their radio sets. Families gathered around their living room radios to hear their favorite Hollywood stars in fully-dramatized broadcasts that entertained millions. In this collection of sixteen episodes, you’ll hear “Richard Diamond, Private...

He's stepping out and living large—and hoping someone else will grab the check! That's Jack Benny, living the high life with a galaxy of guest stars in this hilarious collection of twenty digitally restored and remastered episodes. Jack moved in a glamorous world during his long residence in Hollywood, seen at all the right nightspots and hobnobbing at premieres with all the right people—like Van Johnson, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Tyrone Power...and Dennis' mother. Go out on the town wit...

As the 1950s dawned America was a colossus militarily, economically and culturally. It bestrode a globe it was doing so much to shape in its own image. But it had concerns; the threat of communism. And for the Movies and Radio there was another concern: the emerging rise of Television.For Radio, still in its golden age of mass audiences and star filled programmes, they had a handy solution with ‘The Big Show’. Its premise was simple but effective. Take 90 minutes of air-time and fi...

As the 1950s dawned America was a colossus militarily, economically and culturally. It bestrode a globe it was doing so much to shape in its own image. But it had concerns; the threat of communism. And for the Movies and Radio there was another concern: the emerging rise of Television.For Radio, still in its golden age of mass audiences and star filled programmes, they had a handy solution with ‘The Big Show’. Its premise was simple but effective. Take 90 minutes of air-time and fi...