Ed Wynn, The Fire Chief was one of the earliest and most popular comedy programs of the Golden Age of Radio. Also known as "The Texaco Fire Chief" or simply "The Fire Chief," this 30-minute comedy show was a pioneering effort that helped establish the format for many radio comedy programs to follow. The series showcased the talents of Ed Wynn, a famous vaudeville comic who had already made a name for himself on Broadway before transitioning to radio.
The show's title was a clever tie-in with its sponsor, Texaco Gasoline, which used a fire chief as its advertising symbol. This early example of integrated marketing allowed Wynn to appear in costume as a fire chief, complete with a helmet, creating a visual spectacle for the studio audience that translated into audible excitement for listeners at home.
Wynn's unique brand of comedy, characterized by his distinctive laugh and silly wordplay, was perfectly suited for radio. His performance style, honed in vaudeville and on Broadway, translated remarkably well to the audio medium, despite initial doubts about how a visual comedian would fare on radio.
The Stars
The undisputed star of the show was Ed Wynn himself. Born Isaiah Edwin Leopold in 1886, Wynn adopted his stage name by splitting his middle name "Edwin". Wynn was more than just a comedian; he was a clown in the truest sense, capable of eliciting both laughter and tears from his audience.
Wynn's co-star and straight man was the renowned announcer Graham McNamee. McNamee played a crucial role in the show's format, setting up jokes and engaging in witty repartee with Wynn. This dynamic between the two became a template for many future comedy shows, where the announcer would play an integral part in the comedy rather than just introducing the star.
The show also featured musical interludes, with orchestras led by notable conductors of the time. Don Voorhees conducted the orchestra from 1932 to 1934, followed by Eddy Duchin from 1934 to 1935.
Key Dates
- February 19, 1922: Ed Wynn becomes the first performer to bring an entire comedy show to the microphone, presenting a radio version of his stage show "The Perfect Fool" on WJZ, Newark.
- April 26, 1932: "The Fire Chief" debuts on NBC, airing on Tuesdays at 9:30 PM.
- June 4, 1935: The final episode of the original run airs on NBC.
- February 13 - May 7, 1936: Wynn returns to radio with "Gulliver" on CBS, Thursdays at 9:30 PM.
- May 12 - August 4, 1936: "Ed Wynn's Grab Bag" airs on NBC, Tuesdays at 9:30 PM.
- November 14, 1936 - May 8, 1937: "The Perfect Fool" airs on the Blue Network, Saturdays at 8 PM.
- September 8, 1944 - February 26, 1945: Wynn's last radio series, "Happy Island," airs on the Blue Network/ABC, initially on Fridays at 7 PM, then moving to Mondays at 9 PM.
Notable Facts
Costume and Makeup: Ed Wynn was one of the first radio performers to insist on wearing his full costume and makeup during broadcasts, even though the audience couldn't see him. He believed this helped him "feel funny" and thus sound funny on air.
Studio Audience Pioneer: Wynn is credited with creating the first studio audience for a radio show. During his 1922 broadcast of "The Perfect Fool," he quickly assembled studio hands to laugh at his jokes when he realized the silence was affecting his performance.
Signature Sound: Wynn's trademark laugh, a wild giggle that sounded like "whoo-whoo-hoo-whee," became an integral part of the show. This laugh, born out of nervousness during his first broadcast, became a beloved characteristic of his performance.
Visual Elements: Despite being on radio, the show incorporated many visual elements. Wynn would often wear different hats, bell-bottom coats, and even a raccoon coat during broadcasts.
Catchphrases: Wynn developed several catchphrases that became popular, including his drawn-out "Sooooo-ooo-ooo," which he could stretch to five syllables and make sound like a Swiss yodel.
Reluctant Radio Star: Interestingly, Wynn never wanted to be in radio initially. He agreed to do the show when an advertising executive offered him the then-astronomical sum of $5,000 per week.
Ratings Success: At its peak, "The Fire Chief" was one of the highest-rated programs on radio, with an estimated audience of over 29 million listeners.
Sound Effects: The show opened and closed with the sound of fire truck sirens, creating an immersive experience for listeners.
Influence on Television: Wynn's insistence on visual elements in his radio show foreshadowed the transition to television. He later had success in TV and film, even earning an Academy Award nomination in 1959 for "The Diary of Anne Frank".
Ed Wynn, The Fire Chief stands as a testament to the golden age of radio comedy. Its influence can be seen in countless shows that followed, and Wynn's unique style of comedy helped shape the medium of radio entertainment. Despite the passage of time, the show's legacy continues to burn brightly in the annals of broadcasting history.
