Let Yourself Go

Let Yourself Go was a comedy series that aired on the Blue Network then CBS. The show featured the comedic talents of Joe Besser, a veteran vaudeville performer and one of the Three Stooges. Known for his whiny, bratty persona and catchphrases like “You crazy, Youuuuuu!” and “Not so Harrrrrrd!”, Besser brought his unique brand of slapstick humor to the radio waves.

Let Yourself Go was fundamentally a 30-minute variety show hosted by Milton Berle. Comedian Joe Besser was a regular on the show along with other special guest stars and slapstick comedy was the order of the day. Special guests or sometimes members of the audience were asked to share their secret ambitions, which could range from the bizarre to the ridiculous. They would then be asked to push all their dignity to one side and let themselves go and Merle would be their stooge or sidekick.

The Stars

Joe Besser was the undisputed star of Let Yourself Go, bringing his iconic comedic persona to the forefront of the show. Besser had honed his craft over the years, first as a vaudeville performer and later as a member of the legendary Three Stooges comedy troupe. His ability to deliver outrageous physical comedy and his signature high-pitched, whiny delivery made him a natural fit for the lead role in Let Yourself Go.

In addition to Besser, the show featured a supporting cast of talented character actors who helped to bring the zany world of Let Yourself Go to life. While Besser was the clear focus, the ensemble cast played an important role in creating the show’s unique comedic dynamic.

Host was MIlton Berle.

The Announcer was Ken Roberts.

Music was by Ray Bloch and his orchestra.

Key Dates

• Let Yourself Go debuted on the Mutual Broadcasting System on March 21st, 1944.
• It concluded on June 27th, 1945.

Other Information

In addition to his work on Let Yourself Go, Joe Besser was a prolific performer in the world of old-time radio. He made numerous guest appearances on other popular shows of the era, including The Jack Benny Program and Avalon Time, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in the medium.

Besser’s comedic talents were not limited to radio, however. He also enjoyed a successful career in film, appearing in a series of two-reel comedy shorts for Columbia Pictures and later joining the cast of the Three Stooges, replacing Shemp Howard in 1955.

Despite its relatively short run, Let Yourself Go has remained a beloved part of old-time radio history, with fans and enthusiasts continuing to discover and appreciate the show’s unique brand of humor.

Besser’s enduring legacy as a master of physical comedy has ensured that Let Yourself Go will continue to be remembered and celebrated by old-time radio aficionados for years to come.