Joe Penner Collection

Joe Penner
(1904 – 1941)

Known for his zany antics and slapstick comedy, Joe Penner kept audiences laughing during the Depression years. In 1933 and 1934, the nation had Penner-fever and Joe Penner was seen in advertisements, films, toys, and heard on radio shows. He was the "it-man" of radio comedy when the nation needed laugher.

Born as József Pintér, Joe Penner immigrated to America on the S.S. Carpathia at the young age of nine to join his parents in Detroit. His father got a job at the Ford Factory which allowed for the family to live comfortably. The young József was a hard worker in school and quickly caught up with his classmates despite his language barrier.

A talented soprano in the choir at the St. Paul Cathedral, he was inspired to be a concert singer. His father had other ideas for his son and signed him in a amateur night at a Detroit Theater. He imitated Charlie Chaplin in his routine, complete with his fathers shoes and a cane. The audience loved it and József caught the comedy bug working the amateur nights regularly working odd jobs at the Ford Plant, selling musical instruments, and even as a mind reader's assistant with a Vaudeville act.

After an audition on the radio, Joe Penner secured a spot on the Rudy Vallee's Radio Program July 13, 1933. On the air, Joe Penner used his famous catchphrases, "Wanna buy a duck?", "You naaasty man," "Don't never doooo that," and "I dunno." It was a stunning success and made Joe Penner a household name overnight. In 1934, he was voted as Radio's Top Comedian and had his own show The Joe Penner Show.

He successfully moved to film with College Rhythm (1934), New Faces of 1937 (1937), Mr. Doodle Kicks Off (1938), The Day the Bookies Wept (1939) and Millionaire Playboy (1940). Sadly his career ended due to his untimely death in 1941 at the young age of 36.

This collection includes all known episodes of The Joe Penner Show as well as guest appearances of Joe Penner.