The Fred Allen Show: Judge For Yourself (1/5/54) Pt. 2

[4MaryAnna]

I wonder if the studio audience was made up of mostly older women? That would explain why they picked that song to win.

[Cris43130]

The sign of a great comedian, Fred Allen didn't flinch when he was being topped.

[Lauraleigh7]

This is my Dad! Lost him in 1994. he was really something

[JubalCalif]

Intriguing clip! Amazing how each guest gets a carton of Old Golds! Seems ludicrous in light of what we now know about the connection of tobacco & cancer. But that was certainly a whole different time. I notice Fred keeps looking off camera while talking with his guests...I assume he was having to read off cue cards or a teleprompter. This show reminds me a lot of Groucho's "You Bet Your Life" , the way Fred makes jokes & puns as he interveiws his guests. Love that Fred. THANKS for sharing!

[bitterchew]

Before TV Fred Allen was a great radio personality

[fromthesidelines]

This was the show that Fred emceed in 1953-'54, after he was unable to do "TWO FOR THE MONEY" in 1952 (for the same sponsor, Lorillard's "Old Gold" cigarettes) because of his heart condition. Goodson-Todman came up with this format, which allowed Fred to interview "contestants" without too much stress, and introduce potential new "hit songs" [which "Make Love To Me" did become] to be "judged"...

[martinimerlin]

Thank you for this great info on my favorite Fred Allen. This is rare..most You Tube clips feature Allen on WML? -- which I love -- he was the wittiest panelist ever on that show.