TREADMILL TO OBLIVION

by Allen Fred ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 19, 1954

The devices of comedy are on view here as well as some shredded razor blades for low level executive thinking in Fred Allen's recall of his years on radio. His early days in the medium, the formation of a program, the development of the various situations, characters, material and timing are illustrated by actual scripts; the various problems, most of them stemming from sponsors, advertising agencies and brass short on brains, are described -- and castigated in no uncertain terms. The brain wearying spade and pen work that precede the shows; the unexpected crises (the eagle, Mr. Ramshaw, provided 45 minutes of one of these); the skull duggery and heckling of all the vice-presidents; the questions of budgets, conference demands and broadcasting popularity; the running feud with Jack Benny; -- all of these add up to a deadly night-shade obituary for radio. Some caustic, comic words by a past master.

Pub Date: Oct. 19, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION