CHESTERFIELD SOUND OFF TIME {FRED ALLEN} (TV)

Summary

One in this comedy-variety series with rotating hosts. Fred Allen, the host for this edition, begins with a routine about the trusting nature of comedy audiences, then segues into an improbable story about a horror film he recently viewed on television. He then introduces "Sound Off News," a cluster of news stories that serve as jumping-off points for skits. The major story deals with television sponsorship of the 1952 political conventions; Allen and accordionist Zeke Manners act out a commercial for what the program sees as the next step in this trend, the sponsorship of a presidential candidate. Next, Allen discovers a body, which he at first thinks is a prop for one of NBC's many crime programs. It turns out to be news personality Dave Garroway. Garroway comes alive to promote his upcoming program, "Today," which he calls "a new kind of TV show." After Garroway falls asleep again (he explains that he has to rise very early to prepare for the new morning show), Allen tries to rouse him by singing a commercial for Chesterfield cigarettes with the Fontane Sisters. Garroway reappears as the program ends abruptly.

(This program contains minor technical problems. This represents the best copy of this program currently available to the Museum.)

Details

• NETWORK: NBC
• DATE: January 6, 1952 Sunday 7:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:25:08
• COLOR/B&W: B&W
• CATALOG ID: T:40330
• GENRE: Comedy/Variety
• SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Horror films - Comedy; Politics, Practical - Comedy; Satire
• SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1951-1952
• COMMERCIALS:
  • TV - Commercials - Chesterfield cigarettes

CREDITS

• Fred Allen … Host
• Fontane Sisters, The … Music Group
• Dave Garroway … Guest
• Zeke Manners … Guest, Instrumentalist