George Fenneman: The Unsung Hero of Old-Time Radio

George Watt Fenneman was born on November 10, 1919, in Peking (now Beijing), China. He was the only child of Edgar Warfield Fenneman, a certified public accountant and import-export businessman, and Jessico "Jessie" (née Watt) Fenneman, an author and minister of the Divine Art of Living. When Fenneman was just an infant, his family relocated to San Francisco, California, where he would grow up.

From a young age, Fenneman displayed a natural talent for performance. At just eight years old, he wrote and starred in his own drama, staging it for his neighborhood friends in the basement of his West Portal district home. This early penchant for the dramatic arts would foreshadow his future career in radio and television.

Fenneman attended San Francisco Polytechnic High School before graduating in 1942 from San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Drama. His academic achievements, coupled with his polished speaking voice and affable demeanor, would prove invaluable assets as he embarked on his broadcasting journey.

Entry Into Radio

Fenneman's professional career in radio began in 1941 when he was hired by KSFO (AM) in San Francisco for the princely sum of $35 per week. His first on-air assignment was hosting the popular lunchtime program "Lunch at the Top of the Mark," where his very first guest was the legendary actor Boris Karloff.

The following year, Fenneman took a job as a radio announcer and actor at KGO (AM), increasing his weekly salary to $55. His first acting role on the station was portraying the infamous early California bandit Joaquin Murrieta in the production "Golden Days."

After serving as a broadcast correspondent for the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II, where he met future collaborator Jack Webb, Fenneman returned to the airwaves in 1946, relocating to Los Angeles. As he explained, "I figured if you're going to be in this business, you've got to be in southern California."

The Rise of "You Bet Your Life"

Fenneman's big break came in 1947 when he won the coveted role of announcer and straight man on Groucho Marx's popular comedy/quiz show "You Bet Your Life." Fenneman's mellifluous voice, clean-cut good looks, and gentlemanly manner provided the perfect foil for Marx's zany antics and bawdy ad-libs.

As director Bob Dwan noted, "He had a naturally good voice" and his demeanor made him "the perfect straight man for the show." Initially hired for $55 per week, Fenneman's salary reportedly grew to "more than $50,000 per year" as the show's popularity soared.

Groucho Marx himself praised Fenneman's skills, declaring in 1976 that "there never was a comedian who was any good unless he had a good straight man, and George was straight on all four sides." Fenneman's ability to keep up with Marx's rapid-fire wit and maintain a composed, affable presence was integral to the show's success.

"I was the foil for a lot of his wit," Fenneman recalled. "It was sheer trauma for me. I showed up every night and prayed." Despite the pressure, Fenneman's professionalism and quick thinking made him an indispensable part of the "You Bet Your Life" team.

Mastering the Art of the Straight Man

Fenneman's role as Groucho Marx's straight man on "You Bet Your Life" cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile radio personalities of his era. His mellifluous voice, impeccable timing, and ability to gracefully weather Marx's constant teasing and mispronunciations of his name ("Feminine") made him the quintessential straight man.

As Frank Ferrante, who portrayed Groucho Marx on stage, observed, "Groucho called Fenneman the male Margaret Dumont. George took it as the highest praise. Groucho called him the perfect straight man."

Fenneman's gentlemanly demeanor and avuncular presence provided a perfect counterbalance to Marx's anarchic comedy. "I was the gentleman, the nice fellow," Fenneman explained. "Older ladies who would watch the show would see me as their son."

The chemistry between Fenneman and Marx was palpable, with the announcer serving as a "spring-board of interplay" for the comedian's wit. Fenneman's ability to keep the show running smoothly, handle the quiz scoring, and maintain his composure in the face of Marx's unpredictable antics was a testament to his professionalism and quick thinking.

Expanding Horizons: Television, Commercials, and Beyond

While Fenneman's tenure on "You Bet Your Life" cemented his status as a radio icon, he also found success in television, commercials, and other media. In 1963, he hosted the TV program "Your Funny, Funny Films," a precursor to the popular "America's Funniest Home Videos" format.

Fenneman also hosted the highly regarded program "On Campus" and the 1964 special "Here Comes a Star," which took viewers behind the scenes of the then-new Hanna-Barbera animation studio. In 1974, he co-hosted the Emmy Award-winning program "Talk About Pictures," which featured a wide range of photographers and photography collectors.

Beyond his on-air work, Fenneman formed his own commercial production company, "George Fenneman Productions (Ltd.)," in 1962. He created commercials for clients such as the Douglas Fir Plywood Association and Bic pens, and served as the commercial spokesman for Budweiser for much of the 1960s.

Fenneman's versatility and professionalism made him a sought-after presence in the world of broadcasting and advertising. His ability to seamlessly transition between radio, television, and commercial work underscored his status as a true multi-talented media personality.

Legacy and Influence

George Fenneman's legacy as a radio icon and the quintessential straight man is firmly cemented in the annals of broadcasting history. His work on "You Bet Your Life" with Groucho Marx has become the stuff of legend, with Fenneman's calm, collected presence providing the perfect foil to Marx's anarchic comedy.

Beyond his work with Groucho, Fenneman left an indelible mark on other classic radio shows, including "Dragnet" and "Gunsmoke," where his distinctive voice and narration skills were integral to the programs' success.

Fenneman's influence can be seen in the countless straight men and women who have followed in his footsteps, providing the necessary balance and stability to allow their comedic partners to shine. His ability to maintain composure, handle the technical aspects of a show, and engage in witty banter with ease has become a hallmark of the straight man archetype.

Though he may not have achieved the same level of fame as the comedians he supported, George Fenneman's contributions to the golden age of radio and television are undeniable. His legacy as a consummate professional, a skilled performer, and an indispensable part of some of the medium's most iconic programs will continue to inspire and influence generations of broadcasters to come.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Lunch at the Top of the Mark" (1941-1942)
"The George Fenneman Show" (1948)
"Coca-Cola Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands" (1948)
"Abbott and Costello" (1948)
"Dragnet" (announcer, 1949-1957, 1967-1970)
"Gunsmoke" (principal commercial announcer, radio version)
"You Bet Your Life" with Groucho Marx (1947-1961)

Television

"You Bet Your Life" with Groucho Marx (1950-1961)
"Your Funny, Funny Films" (host, 1963)
"On Campus" (host)
"Here Comes a Star" (host, 1964)
"Talk About Pictures" (co-host, 1974)
"Dragnet" (announcer, 1967-1970)

Film

"The Thing from Another World" (1951, uncredited)
"Tanga-Tika" (1953, narrator)
"Mystery Lake" (1953)
"Stormy, the Thoroughbred" (1954, narrator)
"The World Dances" (1954, narrator)
"A Question of Romance" (1958, quizmaster)
"Ocean's 11" (1960, voice, uncredited)
"The Horse with the Flying Tail" (1960, narrator)
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1967, himself/TV announcer)
"Once You Kiss a Stranger" (1969, announcer)
"Big Jake" (1971, narrator, uncredited)
"The Marx Brothers in a Nutshell" (1981, himself/TV announcer)
"Those Wonderful TV Game Shows" (1983-1984, himself/TV announcer)
"Here He Is... The One, The Only... Groucho" (1991-1992, himself/TV announcer)
"The Naked Monster" (2005, narrator, final film role)

Other Media

"The Art of Living" (1936, co-author with Jessico Watt Fenneman)

George Fenneman: The Quintessential Radio Straight Man

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