Old Time Radio: Breeding Ground For Some Of The Best Comedy Of The Ages - By: karl donald

One of the most memorable things about old time radio is the fact that some of the best pioneering comedy became overnight sensations during this era. The outbreak of World War II, sponsor-related controversies and even the blatant pirating of on-air talents from one network to another were never considered as hindrances to the triumph of straight faced punch lines, running gags and slapstick humor. A large number of the very successful old time radio comedians even continued their careers by eventually moving to TV shows. As such, old time radio has been marked by shows like:

The Abbot and Costello Show. 1940s - 1950s. The comedic routine of William "Bud" Abbott and Louis Francis Cristillo, a.k.a. Lou Costello became the model for quick word play exchanges for most other old time radio comedy acts, especially after the duo successfully launched the "Who's On First?" gag. The show, which also featured musical performances from guest performers and several running gags (most of which were directed at the announcer of the show) remained as a favorite among the most-listened-to radio listings.

Amos 'n' Andy. 1928 - 1960. Old time radio certainly cannot be discussed without interjecting Amos 'n' Andy. The show was basically presented in a situation comedy format that discussed rather serious topics with humorous overtones. Freeman Gosden (Amos) and Charles Correll (Andy,) were both the creators and voices of the famous on-air partners. The popularity of the Amos 'n' Andy show became such a huge deal that many theaters at that time adjusted their shows to begin 15 minutes later or so - or at least, after the radio show aired the 15 minute weekly serial.

1936 - 1949. The Burns and Allen Show (later changed to Maxwell House Coffee Time in 1945.) The husband-wife tandem started their on-air career by making regular "appearances" in other old time radio shows like the Fleischmann's Yeast Hour and the Guy Lombardo Show. However, when talents begun moving to other networks, George Burns and Gracie Allen filled in the now empty air time. From then on and about 3 decades later, the show still garnered a lot of desired attention from the crowd.

Other notable comics of old time American radio include: Fred Allen, Bob Hope, Victor Borge, Jean Shepherd, Bob Burns, Jimmy Durante, Red Skeleton, Phil Harris, Groucho Marx, Ed Wynn, and of course, the irrepressible Jack Benny. Comediennes like Fanny Brice, Billie Burke and Judy Canova also made their marks during the Golden Age of American radio of old time.

One of the most memorable things about old time radio is the fact that some of the best pioneering comedy became overnight sensations during this era. The outbreak of World War II, sponsor-related controversies and even the blatant pirating of on-air talents from one network to another were never considered as hindrances to the triumph of straight faced punch lines, running gags and slapstick humor. A large number of the very successful old time radio comedians even continued their careers by

George Brown is an expert when it comes to old time radio. To take a trip down the memory lane, visit his website at http://www.rusc.com and find out more about old time American radio.