SOURCE: "Down Allen's Alley," in The Great Radio Comedians, Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1970, pp. 168-83.

In the following excerpt, Harmon details the decline of popularity of Allen's radio program because of competition from game shows.

"Somebody, ah say, somebody's knockin' on mah door," the most famous resident of that curious sidestreet of Radioland, Allen's Alley, observed in answer to the rapping at his shanty portal.

"Yes, Senator Claghorn," Fred Allen would respond with typical nasal amiability as the door banged open, "it is I."

"Oh, it's you, son—that non-resident of mah state," said the Senator with somewhat less enthusiasm.

"Yes, I am here in my full non-voter status," Allen replied. "I hope I'm not intruding. I see you must be expecting company. You have an alligator barbecuing in the front yard."

"Always have time for anyone who might become a registered voter. Son, I see you have a...