Fred Allen

Acting

Biography

John Florence Sullivan (May 31, 1894 – March 17, 1956), known professionally as Fred Allen, 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

Filmography Movies

Acting

MOVIE

O. Henry's Full House

6.9(0.0K)

Five O. Henry stories, each separate. The primary one from the critics' acclaim was "The Cop and the Anthem". Soapy tells fellow bum Horace that he is going to get arrested so he can spend the winter in a nice jail cell. He fails. He can't even accost a woman; she turns out to be a streetwalker. The other stories are "The Clarion Call", "The Last Leaf", "The Ransom of Red Chief", and "The Gift of the Magi".

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O. Henry's Full House

Sam "Slick" Brown (segment "The Ransom of Red Chief")

The Great Radio ComediansMOVIE

MOVIE

The Great Radio Comedians

8.0(0.0K)

Documentary about radio comedies primarily focused on Burns & Allen, Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy, The Jack Benny Program, Fibber McGee & Molly, The Bob Hope Show, and The Fred Allen Show.

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The Great Radio Comedians

Self (Archive footage)

Is Everybody Listening?MOVIE

MOVIE

Is Everybody Listening?

6.5(0.0K)

A documentary about the 82% of US citizens that listen to the radio for their entertainment, news and sport.

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Is Everybody Listening?

Fred Allen - Fred Allen Radio Program

MOVIE

Thanks a Million

6.5(0.0K)

A show troupe is engaged by Judge Culliman, who is running for Governor, to enhance his political campaign. When the inebriated Judge has to be replaced in doing his campaign speech by the troupe crooner, Eric Land, his political backers decide that they want him to run for Governor in the Judge's place. Romance, music, political corruption and the election results follow.

It's in the Bag!

6.3(0.0K)

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

Love Thy Neighbor

7.3(0.0K)

Capitalizing on the famous radio 'feud' between comedians Jack Benny and Fred Allen. The two stars play versions of themselves, constantly at each other's throats due to real and imagined slights.

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Love Thy Neighbor

Fred Allen

The Installment CollectorMOVIE

MOVIE

The Installment Collector

Newspaper Editor

The Still AlarmMOVIE

MOVIE

The Still Alarm

9.0(0.0K)

Two hotel guests are told the hotel is on fire, but the other guests and firefighters seem unconcerned.

We're Not Married!

5.9(0.0K)

A Justice of the Peace performed weddings a few days before his license was valid. A few years later five couples learn they have never been legally married.

Sally, Irene and Mary

6.8(0.0K)

Manicurists Sally, Irene and Mary hope to be Broadway entertainers. When Mary inherits an old ferry boat, they turn it into a successful supper club.

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Sally, Irene and Mary

Gabby Green

Production

MOVIE

Success

Not rated yet

Elmer proposes to Molly, but she says he needs her fathers permission. He wants Elmer to become a ballplayer, but his eyesight keeps getting him into trouble. Elmer also needs a new pair of glasses.

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Success

Writer