What happens
Fred Allen hosts a 1940 variety broadcast of his own show, moving from banter with Portland Hoffa and Kenny Delmar to a parade of guests. Professor Eustace Knob discusses college publicity, and Mrs. Nancy Fehrnanki-Feig recalls her goldfish-swallowing publicity stunt. A worm hunter, Robert Bradley, explains his trade, and a sheriff, a nightclub hostess and a used-car salesman take part in a Mr. and Mrs. Average Man round table on whether a boy should pay when out with a girl. Allen spins between sketches and guests, with Minerva Pious's songs and sponsor-style interludes throughout.
A 1940 radio variety studio broadcast, with sketches, guest interviews and a studio audience round table.
Characters: Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Professor Eustace Knob, Mrs. Nancy Fehrnanki-Feig, Robert Bradley, Sheriff Tom Ward
Listen for: The worm-hunting interview with Robert Bradley and the goldfish-swallowing story told by Mrs. Fehrnanki-Feig.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.