TOWN HALL TONIGHT (RADIO)
Summary
One in this series of comedy/variety programs hosted by Fred Allen. Highlights of this program include the following: the orchestra and vocal group perform "Gee, But You're Swell"; Allen reads a Town Hall bulletin and the Town Hall news; The Ipana Troubadours perform "These Foolish Things"; Allen talks with Portland Hoffa about Hoffa's Christmas and about Jack Benny; Fred trades insults with Mr. Tidings, president of the Animated Greeting Gram Company; The Town Hall Quartet sings "Rhythm Is Our Business; and The Mighty Allen Art Players perform "Roscoe Culpepper's Beard," a skit about life in the Midwest. Additionally, Allen introduces several performers, including The Trumpet Twins, who play "Shine on Harvest Moon" and "When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain"; a young man who sings "Pennies From Heaven"; and The DeMarco sisters, who sing "On The Beach at Bali Bali." Also featured is Stuart Canin, a 10-year-old violinist, whose virtuoso performance of Schubert's "The Bee" inspires Allen to comment about Benny's inability to play the violin; the remark provoked Benny, sparking the famous feud between the two comedians that spanned twelve years. Allen closes the show with greetings for the New Year. Includes commercials.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC Red
- DATE: December 30, 1936 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:00:00
- COLOR/B&W: N/A
- CATALOG ID: R91:0084
- GENRE: Radio - Comedy/Variety
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Music, popular (songs, etc.)
- SERIES RUN: NBC Red - Radio series, 1934-1939
- COMMERCIALS:
- Radio - Commercials - Ipana toothpaste
- Radio - Commercials - Sal Hepatica laxatives
CREDITS
- Van Steeden, Peter … Conductor
- Ipana Troubadours, The … Orchestra
- Town Hall Quartet, The … Performer
- Von Zell, Harry … Announcer
- Fred Allen … Cast
- Portland Hoffa … Cast
- Jack Benny