What happens
Fred Allen tracks down Bing Crosby in a New York hotel after reading a new book about Crosby's life and proposes making it into a film. The episode, from the Fred Allen radio series, aired on May 23, 1948, with Allen joined by Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar and Minerva Pious. Allen's comedy weaves between the sponsor's Ford messages, the skits of Allen's Alley residents, and a visit to Crosby's room, where Crosby describes his busy schedule. The conversation turns to Crosby's early years, from his family's hopes in Spokane to his arrival in New York and his first break with the Rhythm Boys. The guide ends partway through the discussion of the story.
A radio variety broadcast in New York, moving between the studio, Allen's Alley and Crosby's hotel room.
Characters: Fred Allen, Bing Crosby, Kenny Delmar, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Senator Claghorn, Mrs. Nussbaum, Jack Eigen
Listen for: Fred Allen's proposal to Bing Crosby to film the story of his life, and Crosby's replies about his brothers and his early career.
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.