Who Wears the Trousers

Who Wears the Trousers is a BBC Radio 4 series that does a deep dive into husband-and-wife comedy acts. The host explains that, although such acts have almost disappeared, they dominated the American comedy scene for over half a century, from the vaudeville era through the golden age of radio and into the early television years. She also explains that, during the vaudeville years, such partnerships made economic sense; pay was low and, if an act included family members, it meant more income for the family. Then, when radio came along and, in concert with the Great Depression, ended vaudeville, fortunate acts were able to make the transition to the new medium.

All but one of the couples discussed in this series are included in this collection. The shows represented here include Fibber McGee and Molly, the Aces, Burns and Allen, Jack Benny, Fred Allen. The exception is Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Although they married in 1940, they did not become a performing couple until the advent of their television show, I Love Lucy, in 1951.

This makes for fascinating listening. Each half-hour episode includes interviews with critics; cultural historians; and, when possible, contemporaries, descendants, and family members. (Unfortunately, a few of the shows are slightly truncated at the very end.)

Series description provided by Frank Bell.