Description
Book SynopsisSeveral decades after his death and more than forty years since his radio program left the air, Fred Allen's reputation as a respected humorist remains intact. This book explores the roots of his comedy, the themes it exploited, the problems and challenges that faced the radio comedy writer.
Trade Review"A notable example of radio at its best."—
Back Stage/SHOOT"Fred was one of the greatest of vaudeville and radio comedians. Anyone even casually concerned with the state of American humor will be well advised to give his work, as Mr. Havig presents it, careful study."
—Steve Allen
"Alan Havig has done an intelligent, careful and exhaustive research job. This is a well-written, solid performance-biography."—
J. Fred MacDonald, Curator of the Museum of Broadcast Communication, Chicago
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Illustrations 1. An Introduction 2. The World of a Smalltimer, 1894-1932 3. The Fred Allen Shows, 1933-1949 4. Creating Radio Comedy 5. Fred Allen and Radio Censorship 6. Fred Allen's Comedy of Language 7. Fred Allen, Satirist 8. Allen's Alley, 1942-1949 9. An Epilogue Appendix: The Complex World of Network Radio Notes Index
