Tuesday, April 08, 2014

The wives of the Benny-Allen feud.

The on-air feud between Fred Allen and Jack Benny is a part of the history of American entertainment, and there actually were several similarities between their personnas. Furthermore, the wives of both comedians were integral parts of their programs, and who frequently quoted their mothers – but there the similarity ends. Mary Livingston (Mrs. Benny) was sarcastic and was always letting the air out of Benny’s pomposity. Portland Hoffa (Mrs. Allen) came across as an air-head who would come on stage calling, “Mr. Allen, Mr. Allen.” The shows would not have been the same without the ladies.

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