This Day in Jack Benny: Recent Episodes
John Henderson
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever.
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
February 12, 1953 - Bing Crosby's General Electric Program with guest star Jack Benny. Bing get's Jack a gift for his birthday. Then he introduces his guest violin soloist, Joe Venuti.
November 21, 1956 - Thirty years of NBC radio. A look back at the days of old time radio, made durning the days of old time radio. Clips of Jack Benny, Fred Allen and more!
December 22, 1948 - CBS's Experimental Broadcast A preview episode of the Jack Benny show at the CBS studio.
December 23, 1948 - CBS Corporate Broadcast A Closed Circuit broadcast for CBS affiliate stations.
November 9, 1948 - Bob Hope tore a muscle on the set of his latest movie and Jack Benny stops by to wish him 'get well soon'. In his fast-talking style Bob hope references many songs both old and new.
August 21, 1943 - Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is guest star on G.I. Journal radio program, with Kay Kyser and Mel Blanc.
October 6, 1946 - Jack Benny guest stars on ventriloquist Edgar Bergan's radio program. It's a fun episode with Jack trying to get some publicity from the dummy.
Summer of 1942 Jack Benny and Jascha Heifetz appear on Command Performance along with Ethel Waters, Richard Haydn and Edward Arnold.
May 23, 1943 - From Gardner Field, near Taft, California.
References include pin-up girl Betty Grable, the movie "Hello Frisco, Hello", Beeman's pepsin chewing gum, and rumble seats.
May 17 and 24, 1936 - Everybody's not so hot. Jack leaves New York for California with a visit from the travel agent. Jack and the gang visit the automat. These are two partial episodes edited together for a better listening expirence.
References include Greta Garbo, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Fred MacMurray, Fred Atair, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Mae West, W.C. Fields, Fanny Brice, Walter Houston, George M. Cohen, Guy Lombardo. They also mention the Hindenburg Zeplin.
May 16, 1943 - From the Marine training station at Camp Pendleton, California Jack Benny talks about being a lumberjack and the cast does a Mexican theme sketch.
References include Dennis Day's new movie "The Powers Girls" and Rochester's new movie "Cabin in the Sky".
May 11, 1952 - Jack takes the Beavers to the zoo while Roy and Rochester clean on Mother's Day.
References include Johnny Ray, Ike Eisenhower and Senator Estes Kefauver, Tarzan, and animal trainer Clyde Beatty.
May 4, 1952 - Jack Fixes the Phonograph. Jack and Mary go to a Los Angeles vs Seattle baseball game.
References include president Truman's televised tour of the white house, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, songs "Slow Poke", "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", "Dardanella", "The Sheik of Araby", "Keep the Home Fires Burning", "K-k-k-Katy", and "After the Ball id Over".
April 18, 1943 - Jack Opens Swimming Pool for the Season. Loretta Young comes for a quick PSA for War Bonds.
References include Eddie Cantor, Ronald Colman, Fred Allen, Barbara Stanwick, Ann Southern, Claudette Colbert, the Tom Colins cocktail, victory gardens, and bloomers.
April 25, 1954 - Seance at Jack's home after lunch at the diner.
References include the song "Sombody Bad Stole de Wedding Bell" by Ertha Kitt, the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Edward R. Murrow confronting Senator Joseph McCarthy, British sportscars called MGs, the "fat, fat lady in the sideshow", and the rule that you can only eat oysters in a month containing the letter R.
April 10, 1938 - Jack Benny talks about building a house in Beverly Hills.
References include British foreign secretary Anthony Eden, comedian Fred Allen, the song "A Cup of Coffee a Sandwich and You", and the movie A Yank at Oxford with Robert Taylor.
April 25, 1937 - Texaco Town with Eddie Cantor. Eddie's announcer Jimmy Wallington wants to quit the show and Don Wilson pops in as a surprise guest. Plus Mr. Kitzel as part of his short time on the program.
References include the book "Gone with the Wind", movie stars Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Robert Taylor and Carol Lombard, and cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
April 17, 1949 - A Walk Through The Easter Parade Jack and Mary meet their friends and neighbors from Mr. Kitzel to Frank Nelson. References include Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in the musical "Easter Parade" and the Lunar Eclipse.
March 25, 1945 - Murder Mystery with guest star Alan Ladd. Mary Livingstone was named best dressed woman in radio. References include Humphrey Bogart and Fred Allen.
March 11, 1945 - Jack and the gand practice archery, then a reporter comes and asks about Rochester, featuring guests Amos 'n Andy.
References include the songs "Hot Time in the Town of Berlin" and "In My Merry Oldsmobile", the movie "The Last of the Mohicans", the Mr. Anthony advise program, and Hedda Hopper.
March 11 & 18, 1934 - Jack sleeps in a haunted house and the cast does an Arizona western play.
March 1, 1942 - Jack Benny is upset that his movie "Charlie's Aunt" didn't win him an Academy Award, he falls asleep and dreams of what might have happened.
References include Oscar winner Gary Cooper and Joan Fontaine, Fred Allen, Frank Buck, and the old French motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" or "Evil to him who evil thinks".
February 26, 1950 - Jack Benny talks about his trip to Washington DC, then they do a parody of the mystery radio show "The Whistler". They did this same parody on the episode from October 20, 1946.
References include President Truman, the Gallup Poll, breakfast cereals, and the songs "Dear Hearts and Gentle People" by Bring Crosby and "Scarlet Ribbons" by Dinah Shore.
February 22, 1948 - Jack Benny and the gang are in Palm Springs and they visit the site where his new house is being built. There is also a cameo by Frank Sinatra.
References include "The Lady of 29 Palms" by the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna, AFRA (American Federation of Radio Artists) and Winthrop Rockefeller's wedding.
February 15, 1948 - Jack Turns 39 and for his birthday everyone plans to throw him a surprise party.
References include Bob Hope, Al Jolson, Jasha Hiefetz, the Academy Awards, the Oranges of Riverside Californiaand Townsend clubs.
May 11, 1941 - NBC Tribute 10th Anniversary. Jack and the gang talk about the testimonial dinner that took place this weekend in Jack Benny's honor. Then the episode is taken over by the NBC players' telling the life story of Jack in song.
References include Jack Oakie, Fred Allen, the Marx brothers and Eva Tanguay.
May 9, 1941 - NBC 10th Anniversary Testimonial Dinner. Rudy Valli hosts a formal dinner in Jack Benny's honor with speeches by Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, Fibber McGee and Molly, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Bob Hope, George Jessel, Paramount Sudios head Y. Frank Freeman, NBC president Niles Tramell, and more!
References include the song "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano".
May 4 & May 9, 1941 - Behind the Mike with Don Wilson interviewing Jack Benny and the NBC Special 10th Anniversary Salute to Jack Benny.
Plus it's the 10th anniversary of This Day In Jack Benny!
January 9, 1955 - The Elephant's Graveyard Mystery. Jack Benny walks around the neighborhood in the morning, then decides to read an adventure book.
References include Burns and Allen, Robert Montgomery, William Bendix, Jane Russell, sanforization of clothes and the book "Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle".
January 8, 1948 - Jack Benny is the guest in Maxwell House Coffee Time with George Burns and Gracie Allen. Jack Benny wants to be appreciated for his violin playing and George Burns wants to be appreciated for his singing voice. Gracie recommends they disguise themselves as Gypsies.
December 31, 1950 - The old time 1950 gives advice to baby 1951 in this New Year's Eve Fantasy skit.
References include the Korean War, radio show "Life Can Be Beautiful", the movie "Harriet Craig", TV host Faye Emerson, singers Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson, bandleaders Wayne King, Kay Kyser and Guy Lombardo, writing on the head of a pin, and Flying Saucers.
December 24, 1944 - Jack Benny has some trouble while trying to decorate his Christmas tree in this Christmas Eve episode. Plus Jack gives a heartfelt Christmas speech to those fighting in the war.
References include the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas", the author Mark Twain, inventors Thomas Edison and Robert Fulton, and the movie "Hollywood Canteen".
December 18, 1944 - Jack Benny is the guest on Frank Sinatra's radio show "Frank Sinatra in Person".
References include Fibber McGee, Bing Crosby and Fred Allen, plus war bonds and Vigero plant food.
December 17, 1944 - Jack meets Frank Sinatra in a drug store. Mary drives Jack to go Christmas shopping.
References include Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor, Fred Allen, women drivers, rationing, and the Gruen watch time signal.
December 2, 1951 - Jack goes shopping for cufflinks for Don. The racetrack tout plays the department store Santa Claus.
References include advertising of the major cigarette brands, Ronson lighters, Napoleon Brandy, oil millionaire Glenn MacCarthy, actors Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Jimmy Stewart and Gary Cooper.
November 30, 1947 - Jack Benny has a turkey dream after Thanksgiving.
References include Fred Allen, Betty Grable, Stokowski, Toskinini, Rochefort Beer and Coronet Magazine quizzes.
November 23, 1947 - Movie Of Jack's Life, Thanksgiving Show.
References include the royal wedding, cars with motors in the rear, Phil Spitalney, John Wilks Booth, boxers Jack Dempsy and Slapsie Maxie, and actors Roddy McDowell, Mickey Rooney, Cornel Wilde, Errol Flynn, and Clark Gable.
November 13, 1938 - Jack steals a girl from Phil Harris. Jack and Mary go see a fortune teller. References include Screeno.
November 8, 1953 - Jack Benny plays the role originated by a young Tony Curtis from his football movie "All American".
References include newsman Edward R Murrow, the "quiz show with a heart" Strike it Rich, the soap opera John's Other Wife, and the WWII greese collection program Save Your Fat Week.
October 30, 1949 - Don Wilson is celebrating the anniversary of 25 years in radio. Frank Sinatra makes a guest appearance.
References include the soap opera "Life Can Be Beautiful" and the advice show of John J. Anthony.
October 26, 1947 - Seventh Hole at Hillcrest Country Club. Jack Benny and Rochester look for the golf ball that Jack hit into the woods last week. Jack and Mary talk about their picture in the new issue of Radio Mirror magazine. The Sportsmen Quartet sings The Ghost Dance.
References include the Royal Wedding, President Truman's Investigation, Donald Duck, Deanna Derbin, Fibber McGee and Molly, Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna, "The Bride and Groom Program", and Charles Dana Gibson's illustrations.
October 11, 1953 - Jack tries to sell his house for $100,000.
References include Jack's old singer Kenny Baker, Milton Berl, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Nation Wine Week, Cinerama, and the song "I want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad)".
October 5, 1947 - Jack is Back from His Summer Vacation.
Refrences include the radio shows, "The Jack Paar Show", "The Fred Allen Show", "Duffy's Tavern", and "Take It or Leave It". The Miss America Beauty Pageant, the movies "Mother Wore Tights" and "Black Narrisis", The Yankee / Dodgers World Series game, and the Freedom Train.
August 17, 1947 - Jack Benny guest stars on his summer replacement show, Jack Paar.
References include Margaret Truman at the Hollywood Bowl, actor C. Aubrey Smith, singer Lilly Ponds, bandleader Andrew Kostelanetz, Evelyn and her Magic Violin, Arid Deoderant Creme, and radio shows "Myrt and Marge" and "Jack Armstrong, All-American Boy".
November 26, 1944 - Comedian Joe E. Brown hosts the program "Stop Or Go" with guest stars Orson Welles, Hedda Hopper, Rudy Vallee, Dorothy Lamour and Jack Benny.
June 2, 1952 - Jack Benny Stars in this episode of Suspense where he plays a faithful clerk who tries to steal $50,000.
March 26, 1947 - The Bing Crosby program with guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone.
Refrences include frontiersman Daniel Boone, the painting "Spirit of '76", sci fi show Buck Rogers, comedy show writer Bill Morrow, singer Peggy Lee, and the singer (with a smile in his voice) Jack Smith.
November 22, 1950 - Jack Benny guest stars on Ronald and Benita Colman's program "The Halls of Ivy". Ronnie and Benita are playing characters but Jack is playing himself. Reference includes silent film stars John Benny, Flora Finch and Billie Dove, they also mention violinist Heifetz, and the radio program People are Funny!
January 7, 1937 - Jack Benny hosts the 25th anniversary of Paramount Pictures in honor of studio head Adolph Zukor. A night of music, laughs and stars. Enjoy!
May 23, 1951 - Jack Benny guest stars on the radio show Family Theater, introduced by Lucille Ball. They reference The Marshall Plan, Hedda Hopper and hats. Enjoy!
Recorded February 15, 1953 - This is the rehearsal for the episode aired February 22, 1953 where the kids impersonate the Jack Benny show.
John Charles Daly hosts What's My Line? on TV with Jack Benny as the mystery guest. February 8, 1953 - Panel: Dorothy Kilgallen, Steve Allen, Arlene Francis, and Hal Block June 21, 1959 - Panel: Arlene Francis, Steve Allen and wife Jayne Meadows, and Bennett Cerf June 5, 1966 - Phyllis Newman, Tony Randall, Arlene Francis, and Bennett Cerf
August 23, 1944 - "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" was fun music quiz show. Phil Harris guest hosted all summer. Play along and enjoy the music!
January 31, 1946 - Command Performance USA hosted by Robert Young with special guests Chico Marx, Lina Romay and Jack Benny in his version of the Suspense play "Sorry Wrong Number".
May 26, 1946 - The Fred Allen Show with special guest star Jack Benny. In this episode they spoof the radio program "Queen for a Day". Other references include The Lone Ranger, Ralph Edwards, Mary Margaret McBride, The Street Singer, Duncan Phyfe, Marconi, Sidney Greenstreet, "The Postman Always Rings Twice", President Truman, Camels cigarettes, and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe.
November 29, 1945 - In order to get and inheritance, George Burns has to go to college. Gracie Allen gets George's friend, Jack Benny, to join him.
Dennis Day narrates Read-Along Records: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1949) Snow White and Sneezy (1952) Snow White and Dopey (1952)
John Henderson's wife Stephanie joins him for a chat about the state of the podcast.
https://thisdaybenny.com/
June 6, 1937 - Death at Midnight Part 2. Jack Benny has lost his watch, a Christmas present from Phil Harris. Eddie (Rochester) Anderson is in the episode. This is his last appearence before becoming Jack's butler.
References include the movies "Death Takes a Holiday and "This Way Please".
May 30, 1937 - Jack Benny is back after being sick and does a mystery play called "Death at Midnight" or "The Bang Bang Scream Murder Case"
References include Bing Crosby, Mae West, Laural and Hardy, Dracula, Bullocks Wilshire department store, and the book "Live Alone and Like It" by Marjorie Hillis,
May 23, 1937 - Jacvk is sick and does not appear on the program. Don Wilson, Phil Harri and Kenny Baker fill in with guest singer Trudy Wood.
May 16, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang do the Eugene O'Neill play "Ah, Wilderness!".
References include the tradition of throwing rice and old shoes at weddings, the coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth, Portland Hoffa, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and the racehorse Pompoon.
April 20, 1947 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone play Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert in their version of "The Egg and I".
References include a radio component called the magic eye, singer Nelson Eddie, Sen-Sen licorice breath freshener, and Murine eye drops.
March 25, 1951 - It's Easter day and Jack Benny and the gand (joined by Mar'ys sister Babe) do a parody of the movie "Sunset Boulevard".
References include the Senate crime investigating committee, billiard champ Willie Hoppe, Telula Bankhead, Hopalong Cassidy, movies "Harvey", "Broken Arrow", "Tomahawk", "Lassie", "Banzo", "Wabash Avenue", and "I'll Get By".
April 1, 1951 - Leaving New York to do his TV show, Jack takes Babe Livingstone to the train station.
References include The Kefauver Committee, Dick Tracy, the song "The Tennessee Waltz", the radio show Suspense, and Claudette Colbert, Basil Rathbone and Robert Motgomery who would be on his TV show.
March 18, 1945 - Jack tells a reporter the story of how he discovered Mary back in 1932. They made this episode for TV which aired October 31, 1954.
Refrences include the Oscars where Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman were winners. They mention the radio shows "Your Hit Parade", "Duffy's Tavern", and "Fibber McGee and Molly", the silent film actress Theda Barra, the bandleader Spike Jones, the old song "Just a Gigolo", the watch company Gruen.
Plus the true story of Mary meeting Jack.
November 4, 1960 - Jack Benny is the violin soloist at the Cleveland Symphony Benefit Gala.
March 13, 1938 - Death in the Night Club. Jack Benny and the gang talk about the Academy awards and do a play about a murder trial.
References inlcude Kenny Baker in the movie "Goldwyn Follies", Fred Allen in "Sally, Irene, and Mary", Edward G Robinson, Spensor Tracy, Shirley Temple and Robin Hood and his band.
March 7, 1954 - Jack's big date at the Acme Plaza Hotel with Giselle Mackenzie broadcast from New York, New York with guest Frank Fontaine.
References include the play "Tea and Sympathy", movies "Beat the Devil", "It Should Happen To You", and "Riot in Cell Block 11".
February 27, 1944 - At the Hollywood Canteen Jack Benny and the gang broadcast for soldiers with guest Eddie Cantor.
References include celebrities Hetty Lamarr, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Dorothy Lamour, Larry Adler, The Hall Johnson Choir, Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra. Plus the song "Chloe".
February 13, 1944 - From March Field Jack tells the story of buying camels in Egypt last summer. Larry Adler the harmonica player joins him to re-create a portion of their USO act.
Refrences include liquid stockings, Pepsi Cola, Wendel Willkie and FDR, The Andrews Sisters, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the songs "Mairzy Doats" and "Deep In The Heart Of Texas".
January 28, 1951 - Douglas Fairbanks Jr Guest Show. Jack Benny and the gang are in New York getting ready for Jack's second-ever television show. Phil Harris had won the Bing Crosby Pro-Amateur Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach by sinking an incredibly long putt on the 17th hole.
References include Bock Beer, Fred Allen, Ethel Merman, and the broadway shows "Guys and Dolls", "Call Me Madam", and South Pacific".
January 23, 1944 - From Camp Muroc in the Mojave Desert Jack Benny broadcasting for a crowd of soldiers with guest Alexis Smith returning for the second week.
References include Jack's article in Liberty Magazine, Phillip Morris cigarettes, Fred Allen and the Andrews Sisters song "Shoo-Shoo Baby".
January 16, 1944 - From El Toro, California Alexis Smith makes guest appearance.
References include the Corsair aircraft with folding wings, Good Humor wagons, silent film actress Theda Bara, and Oscar Levant who names piano pieces on the game show "Information Please".
January 6, 1952 - Jack Benny and the gang talk about the Rose Bowl then do thier version of the mystery radio show "Suspense".
References include Los Angeles cross streets Pico and Supulvida, director of price controls Michael DiSalle, and the movie "Death of a Salesman" with Fredrick March.
January 1, 1950 - Jack's broken new year's date. Mary invites Jack to her New Year's Eve party but Jack is all dressed up for a date. Mel Blanc sings an Al Jolson song to promote his new record and Dennis Day sings "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts".
References include Red Skelton's Mean Little Kid, the Hooper Radio Rating, plus Phil Harris and Alice Fay.
December 18, 1938 - Returning to Hollywood by train. An unnamed announcer introduces the show even though Don Wilson appears in the episode. Jack Benny and the gang are coming home from New York.
References include Red Cap Porters, the song "Ol' Man Mose", political figure Anthony Eden, fight announcer Clem McCarthy, comedian Fred Allen, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Dracula, The Dead End Kids, and movies "You Can't Take It With You", "Snow White" and "Artists and Models Abroad".
December 12, 1948 - Jack Tries to Relax at Home, Eddie Cantor stops by briefly.
References include the Pumpkin Papers, "White Christmas" and "Who Threw The Overalls In Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" by Bing Crosby, bandleader Spike Jones, and the books "City Boy" by Herman Wouk and "Wine, Women and Words" by Billy Rose.
December 5, 1948 - Professor LeBlanc give Jack a violin lesson, and Don is mad at Jack.
References include the desert hot springs earthquake, Princess Elizabeth's new baby, actors Charles Boyer, Lionel Barrymore, Don Ameche, "Litte Lord Fauntleroy", and violinists Isaac Stern, Fritz Kreisler, and Jascha Heifetz.
November 27, 1938 - Football with coach Flash Benny. Jack has a cold Phill rips off his mustard paster (along with his chest hair). Then they do a football play like the they did last year called "Hold That Line".
References include the songs "Flat Fleet Floogie with a Floy Floy", and "Lambeth Walk", movies "The Devil is a Sissy" and "Angels with Dirty Faces", and PT Barnum was right, there's a sucker born every minute.
November 20, 1938 - Jack Benny does his version of the Clark Gable and Myrna Loy movie "Too Hot To Handle".
Refrences include the song "Pocket Full Of Dreams", quiz programs, actor Robert Taylor and Frigidaire refrigerators.
November 15, 1953 - Jack repares for his TV show with Johnnie Ray.
References inlude TWA airline, 1954 Cadillac, Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey, Thrifty's drug store, the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest, and his guitar player Frank Remley.
November 7, 1948 - Jack Sees Psychiatrist About Echo and Mel Blanc does Bugy Bunny and Porky Pig.
References include the election where Truman was re-elected after the polls predicted a Dewey win. Plus Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Derby hats, Maxc Factor, and "The Beer That Made Milwakee Famous".
October 31, 1948 - Jack goes trick or treating with the Beverly Hill Beavers. Plus clips from the Phil Harris Alice Faye Show.
References include the Wolf-Man, the presidential election, the Olympics, boxer Gene Tunny, the movie "Johnny Belinda", and the Saturday Evening Post.
October 22, 1950 - Dennis Tries to Borrow Fifty Thousand Dollars. Jack is getting ready to fly to New York for his first ever TV episode.
References include the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", Duz soap, Lifesavers mints, SMU, comedian Fred Allen and actor Gary Cooper.
October 17, 1943 - Jack Benny is back from his USO trip to Casablanca and recounts a story similar to the motion picture of the same name. Rochester sings "As Time Goes By". Plus Jack talks with his new writers.
References include Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Red Skelton, Burns and Allen, Fred Allen, and BVD brand of men's underwear.
October 10, 1943 - Jack Recalls His African Trip. Broadcasting from New York as Jack returns from his USO tour. Behind the scenes there is a new group of writers.
References include Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Eleanore Roosevelt, wartime generals plus the old technology of carbon copying, and the spooky radio show "Inner Sancum Mysteries" with it's signature creaking door.
October 1, 1950 - The Maxwell is Stolen. Jack Benny and the gang have a meal at the drug store and Jack finds out his car has been stolen.
References include ethyl Gasoline, the draft for the Korean war, Duncan Heins, Mad Man Muntz, gangsters Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, the radio shows "People Are Funny" and "Hopalong Cassidy", the movie "Born To Be Bad", the song "Good Night Irene", the actor Ronald Colman, the costume designer Adrian, and Woody Woodpecker.
January 20, 1947 - Jack Benny's old tenor Kenny Baker had his own shown, with Don Wilson as the announcer and Jack Benny as special guest!
December 27, 1950 - One of the often forgotten recurring characters on the Jack Benny Program is Mr. Kitzel. His funny voice is an over-the-top jewish dialect. Artie Auerbach was playing Mr. Kitzel on other radio programs like Al Pearce and Abbot & Costello before bringing it to the Jack Benny show. But it was the Jack Benny show that made it most popular. In this BONUS episode you'll hear clips of Mr. Kitzel from other programs, his signature tune "Pickle in the Middle and the Mustard on Top" and the one and only episode his own show "Here Comes Mr. Kitzel". Enjoy!
May 12, 1950 - In 1950 they developed a radio spin-off of the Jack Benny show starring Eddie Anderson as Rochester Van Jones. The show would have been 15 minutes long, five days a week. Unfortunately, it was never picked up. These are the audition episodes.
December 18, 1940 - Jack Benny and Fred Allen star in the movie "Love Thy Neighbor". This is one of the rare movies where Jack Benny plays himself, set in the same world as his radio show. Here is a radio-style version of the movie.
This is a record for State Farm Insurance agents when the company started sponsoring the Jack Benny TV Show in 1960. "Jack Benny Music to Write Apps By".
September 27, 1936 - Starring Don Wilson with the wacky comedy team of Tim and Irene Ryan. You might know Irene Ryan as granny from the Beverly Hillbillies. This is the rare surviving episode of that show. Enjoy!
February 17, 1938 - After Robert Taylor was the guest on Jack Benny's show, now Jack Benny is the guest on Robert Taylor's show. With Frank Morgan, Baby Snooks and more!
November 13, 1950 - Phil Harris was in the movie musical "Wabash Avenue" starring Betty Grable and Victor Mature. Here is an original mix of the Lux Radio Theater presentation edited to include Phil Harris as Mike Stanley.
January 30, 1947 - The Eddie Cantor Show with special guests Jack Benny. Plus a clip of Eddie on Dinah Shore's show and more!
January 26, 1947 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone are guests on the human interest radio program "We There People" talking about their 20th Wedding Anniversary (you can skip to Jack Benny's segment at around the 20min mark). Listen to an exert of the books "Sunday Nights at Seven" in which Jack tells the story of meeting Mary.
January 23, 1955 - Can you guess the Jack Benny cast member before the celebrity panel? Listen to the audio from the TV gameshow.
November 10, 1944 - Jack Benny and Rochester are guest stars on the long running radio series Amos & Andy. This episode is called "The Employment Agency".
August 9, 1944 - "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" was fun music quiz show. When they needed a guest host they called on Phil Harris. Play along and enjoy the music!
April 7, 1941 - This Bonus Episode features Jack as a guest on the Quiz Kids Program! Plus clips of Walt Disney and Fred Allen.
June 28, 1945 - Jack Benny, Larry Adler and Martha Tilton starting their USO tour in Paris.
They mention the fall of Berlin, the Folies Bergère music hall, the Davis Cup tennis tournament, Bob Hope, Jasha Heifetz, Van Johnson and Duffy's Tavern.
Enjoy the show!
May 29, 1945 - Jack Benny guest stars in the radio play "Babes in the Woods" from the program "This is My Best".
May 23, 1954 - Jack's trip to Las Vegas is disscussed as well as Jack's last television show of the season featuring Bob Hope, as well as Dennis Day's TV Show.
References include the portable Crosley TV set, dialing information (1-1-3), "My Sin" perfume, The Good Humor man, Marylin Monroes and her husband Joe DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra's song "Young At Heart", Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes,
May 20, 1945 - In San Francisco Jack Benny is joined by actress Rita Hayworth, Governer Earl Warren and harmonica player Larry Adler.
This is just after the German Surrender. References include Orson Welles, Bing Crosby in "Going My Way", and Jack Benny's movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight".
May 13, 1945 - Jack is going to San Francisco. It is Mother's Day, the Sunday after V-E Day and Jack Benny is getting ready for a trip, so he gets some money from his vault.
References include Truman, Churchill, and Eisenhower, the Adjusted Service Rating (soldiers with 85 points could go home), J. Edger Hoover, actor Errol Flynn, songwriter Cole Porter, and singer Bing Crosby.
May 10, 1936 - Mary phones her mother in Los Angeles and Jack test drives a car.
References inlcude singers Bing Crosby, actress Loretta Young and singer and actress Grace Moore. Behind the scenes Jack Benny was having trouble with his writer Harry Conn. Some thing this is the first episode written by Bill Morrow and Ed Beloin.
May 1, 1955 - Jack buys a baseball team. Much of this episode recycled portions of scripts from previous episodes including May 9, 1948 and April 13, 1947.
References include George Gobel, Edgar Bergen, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Gary Cooper's (misquoted) catchphrase from The Virginian, "And smile when you say that".
May 6, 1945 - Continuing a series of episodes about Jack Meeting his cast, this episode is about Jack hiring his announcer Don Wilson. Jack also gets ready to open his swimming pool for the summer.
References include the writer Mark Twain, the movie "Woman in the Window", singer Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, announcers Harry Von Zell, Jimmy Wallington, and Bill Goodwin.
April 29, 1945 - First episode with Jack Benny's violin teacher Professor LeBlanc, played by Mel Blanc.
References include Lena Horne, Ronald Colman, songs "rum and Coca-cola" and "My Dreams Are Getting better All The Time", books "Forever Amber", The Rover Boys series, the Elsie Dinsmore series, and Bob Hope's book "I Never Left Home",
April 22, 1945 - Broadcast from Twenty Nine Palms naval air station. The Jack Benny show is back after a week off due to the death of FDR.
Jack mentions the reviews of his new movie. Episode references include Dick Tracy and Gravel Gertie, Donald Duck, William Powell, Fitch hair tonic, songs "Apple Blossom Time" and "Surrey with the Fringe on Top", and the sporting goods store Abercrombie and Fitch.
April 8, 1945 - From Torney Hospital In Palm Springs, Jack Benny dreams (guest star) William Powell is his butler.
References inlcude the radio shows "Breakfast at Sardi's" and "The Aldrich Family", the song "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive", Jack Benny's movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight", Fred Allen's movie "It's In The Bag", movie stars Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Van Johnson, Charles Boyer, Spencer Tracy, Fred MacMurray, Gary Cooper, Ronald Colman, Eleanore Powell and Hedy Lamarr
March 29, 1936 - Jack Benny talks with the gang about the American East vs the West does his version of Cinderella with him as the title character "Cinderallen".
References include the Dionne quintuplets, movie stars Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Shirley Temple, Mae West, Herald Lloyd, Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers, singers Bing Crosby and Lanny Ross, plus Fred Allen, the Crime Club program, Dracula, and Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.
March 22, 1953 - A walk through Beverly Hills. Jack Benny has recovered from the Flu and is getting ready for his TV show.
They mention former president Hoover, "The Sheik of Araby" silent film star Rudolph Valentino, Bendix Washing Machine, and 3-D Movies.
March 14, 1948 - Winner of the Walking Man Contest and "Truth or Consequences" host Ralph Edwards are the guests on this episode.
References inlcue Radio Mirror magazine the radio show "Bride and Groom", the movie "The Naked City, Oscar winner Ronald Colman "Life of Riley" character Digger O'Dell, Fred Allen, and voice actors Blanch Stewart and Mel Blanc.
March 7, 1948 - The Walking Man Contest from Truth or Consequences has ended and the secret is out; Jack Benny is The Walking Man.
References include Sophie Tucker, Van Johnson and radio shows Stella Dallas, Portia Faces Life, and The Judy Canova Show.
February 29, 1948 - Jack's Girlfriend Gladys Comes To Studio
References include the songs "Near You", "The Freedom Train", and "South America Take it Away", the songwriter Stephen Foster, movie star Errol Flynn, former President Grover Cleveland, and for the commercials the Sportsmen spoof Al Jolson singing "Sonny Boy".
February 21, 1943 - From Chicago, Jack Benny broadcasts from the Army Air Force's Technical Training Center with guest bandleader Bob Crosby, brother of Bing Crosby.
The program is briefly preempted by a message from the OPA about rationing. They mention Fred Allen, Hedy Lamarr and historical Navy Admiral George Dewey.
February 14, 1943 - Jack's Birthday From Toronto, Canada with guest conductor Allan McIver and His All-Canadian Orchestra.
References include Prime Minister Mackenzie King, comedian Fred Allen, Halifax-born singer and dancer Ruby Keeler (Or actress Ruby Stevens better known as Barbara Stanwyck) and the song Blues in the Night.
February 7, 1943 - Jack is late and guest George Jessel subs for Jack.
References include Fred Allen (with a clip of Oscar levant talking about playing with Jack Benny at Carnegie Hall), Abbot and Costello, Benny Rubin and Joe Lewis.
January 31, 1943 - Broadcast from Quantico Marine Base, Virginia with the actress Virginia Bruce, director Gegory Ratoff and guest band the McFarland twins.
References include the movie "Casablanca", and the Casablanca Confrence with FDR and Churchill.
January 23, 1938 - Jack Benny plays a newspaper man in this week's drama. References include detective Charlie Chan, movie stars, Paul Muni, Clark Gable, Robet Taylor, Bing Crasby, Carole Lombard, Greta Garbo and Gale Patrick. Also magazines Field and Stream and Woman's Home Companion.
January 16, 1955 - Jack Doesn't Have a Script, adapted from the January, 12, 1941 episode. A very funny episode where Jack Benny talks to his writers and tries to get them to finish the script as the show is on the air.
References include, the mumps (a childhood illness), writers Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, comedian Fred Allen, The Hall Johnson Choir, the song "Mighty Lak' a Rose" and Amos 'n' Andy.
January 10, 1943 - The Sixty-Four Dollar Question, Jack Benny is in New York with guest conductor Benny Goodman. Then Jack visits "Take It or Leave It" host Phil Baker to try to get the money he had lost on that game show.
References include the wartime Victory Tax, comedians Bob Hope and Fred Allen, stage actress and singer Lillian Russel, the movies "Random Harvest" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls".
November 8, 1942 - Take It Or Leave It was the game show where the prize money doubled with each question. In this bonus episode Jack Benny plays it strait as a contestant.
January 3, 1943 - Broadcasting from Bangor, Maine for an audience of soldiers. Guest bandleader Abe Lyman.
References include singer Rudy Vallee, boxer Lou Nova, and actresses Hedy Lamarr and Lana Turner.
December 20, 1945 - Command Performance hosted by Dennis Day with Jack Benny, singer June Christy, novelty band the Hossier Hotshots and movie star Rita Hayworth
December 12, 1937 - The first Christmas shopping episode! Jack Benny says he is a gambler, then goes Christmas shopping at a department store with Mary.
References include punchboards, the rado show "Lum and Abner", Popeye, and Shirley Temple dolls.
December 25, 1949 - Jack Benny is the guest star in this radio adaptation of the movie "The Man Who Came to Dinner".
Merry Christmas and enjoy the show!
November 26, 1950 - Jack tries to buy tickets to the USC-UCLA game. Phil Harris plays a part in an episode of the Lux Radio Theater.
References include J Edgar Hoover, Albert Einstein, Ronald Colman, Skitch Henderson, Faye Emerson (and her wardrobe malfunction), the movie "King Solomon's Mines", and the Whiffenpoof song (We are poor little lambs who have lost our way).
November 20, 1949 - Jack goes to rehearsal and runs into TV comedian Ed Wynn and Dennis Day's replacement Larry Stevens.
References include General Bradley, the coal strike, the song "Mule Train", the Crosley millions contest, the musical "South Pacific", Al Jolson, Buster Keaton, Margret O'Brien and Keenan Wynn.
November 13, 1949 - Last week's mistakes. Jack visits Ronald Coleman on a movie set. The movie was "Champagne for Caesar", directed by Richard Whorf.
References include the song "Mule Train", the Notre Dame college football team, comedian Red Skelton, and orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini.
November 6, 1949 - Jack rides in a yacht and Rochester guest stars on the Amos & Andy program in the episode "Friendly Loan Company".
References include the high price of coffee, True Confessions magazine, princess Margret, the song "Mule Train", Popeye cartoons, comedians Milton Berle and Fred Allen, movie stars Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and Joan Crawford, the movies "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Wabash Avenue",
November 2, 1941 - Halloween celebration with guest star Basil Rathbone as himself. Jack and the gang are making mischief on Halloween.
References include the animal trapper Frank Buck, and movie stars Claudette Colbert, Charles Laughton, Ronald Colman, and Charles Boyer.
October 24, 1937 - Jack Buys the Maxwell and they do thier version of the movie "Wife, Doctor and Nurse" starring Loretta Young, Waren Baxter, and Virginia Bruce. References include the steam-powered vehicle called The Stanley Steamer.
October 12, 1947 - Jack's Sponsor Buys Insurance On Him. This is a very funny episode! So funny that the script was reused May 24, 1953.
References include the movie "Mother Wore Tights", the burlesque dance Gypsy Rose Lee, and the first televised presidential address in wich Truman asks the American people to conserve food to help feed starving people in Europe.
October 10, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang discuss the reviews of last week's opening broadcast.
References include Lily Pons, Eddie Cantor, Fred Astaire, movies "Artists and Models", "This Way Please" and "High, Wide and Handsome". Plus Abe Lyman returns.
October 3, 1937 - Beginning Of 4th Season for Jello and we compair the east coast and west coast broadcasts.
References include ocean liners, Dracula, actresses Loretta Young and Marline Deitrich, and boxer Jack Dempsey.
March 21, 1937 - From New York Jack Benny plays his own father in the story of his life.
References include Kenny Baker and Phil Harris' upcoming movie "Turn off the Moon", Minsky's Burlesque nightclub, and old songs "(My) Pony Boy" and "In the Good Old Summertime".
February 24, 1937 - The Fred Allen Show during the height of the Benny/Allen Feud featured a production all about Jack Benny.
Terry Phillips is a former CBS reporter who, in 1983 had a chance to interview the great Mel Blanc. Terry is also the producer of a audio drama podcast called Imagine Air Theater, and his new play "Ronald Reagan Saves the World" premiered last week at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California.
Mel Blanc Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fsWZVbLllQ
Imagine Air Theater here:
https://www.imagine-air-theater.com
Ronald Reagan Saves the World
https://www.reaganplay.com
December 28, 1945 - Jack Benny is the guest on Bill Stern's Sports Newsreel.
June 7, 1946 - Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is the guest on Bill Stern's Sports Newsreel.
Bonus - Paul Harvey's Rest of the Story segment.
October 28, 1950 – Premiere Show
The audio version of the very first episode of the Jack Benny Television Program with special guest Dinah Shore! With Mel Blac, Don Wilson, and comedian Ken Murray. References include Olsen & Johnson, and Bob Hope.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Conclusion
Download the full book at www.thisdaybenny.com/audiobook
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 9: Jack Bennys Turn Towards Television
March 9, 1947 - Jack Benny is the guest star on "The Fitch Bandwagon" starring Phil Harris and Alice Faye. In this episode they mention foxtails on old car radiator caps and more!
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 8: Benny At War With The Radio Critics
Side 1 - Great Moments of Humor and Pathos.
Radio programs did not always follow script: Lowell Thomas program. Julian Anthony news broadcast. Radio "trivia": the first radio variety series. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on their radio show. Babe Ruth's final message. Lou Gehrig says "Goodbye." Amos 'n Andy Christmas program.
Side 2 - Special Production.
Arch Oboler presents "CAT WIFE" --a full length terror drama,
freshly produced, just as it was heard on Golden Radio. Cast: Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Hal Peary, Jay Novello and Chester Stratton.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 7: Jack Benny's Intermedia Juggling of Radio and Film
Side 1 - Radio Reports World War II.
Pearl Harbor bulletin. Manila bombing. FDR "Day of Infamy." Last broadcast from
Corregidor. Interview with radio operator.
Side 2 - Radio Reports World War II.
"D" Day to Final Victory. Dwight D. Eisenhower announces "D" Day. FDR on "D" Day. "Live" report from landing ship. Iwo Jima invaded. FDR's death. Arthur Godfrey at funeral. President Truman's tribute. Winston Churchill on VE Day. President Truman announces Hiroshima "A" bomb attack. VJ Day. General MacArthur as signing of peace treaty.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 6: The Commercial Imperative: Jack Benny, Advertising, and Radio Sponsors
Side 1 - The March Toward World War II.
The King George V Funeral. Edward VIII abdicates. King George VI coronation. Prime Minister Chamberlain reports to the world. The U.S.S. Squalus Disaster. Hitler declares war on Poland. Chamberlain announces war. FDR: "America Hates War." and Winston Churchill: "Give us the tools."
Side 2 - On-The-Spot Coverage of Sports!
The Dempsey-Tunney fight. Schmeling defeats Joe Louis. Max Baer, Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey comment as Louis defeats Schmeling. Jesse Owen in 1936 Olympics, Ted Husing reports. 1937 Davis Cup Match Budge vs. Kramm. Whirl-a-way wins the Kentucky Derby. Bobby Thompson home-run.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 5: Rochester and the Revenge of Uncle Tom in the 1940s and 1950s
Side 1 - Radio Adventure and Drama.
Jack Armstrong. The Lone Ranger. Sgt. Preston and Yukon King. Terry and The Pirates. Famous Jury Trials. Dangerous Assignment. Mr. Keene, Tracer of Lost Persons. Gang Busters. Suspense. The Shadow.
Side 2 - The Classic Radio News Broadcasts.
KDKA Election Returns. Pres. Coolidge presents Charles Lindberg to Congress.
Amos 'n Andy on Hoover-Smith campaign. Eddie Cantor on 1929 Crash. Billy Sunday on prohibition. FDR is inaugurated. Edwin C. Hill. Bruno Hauptman is executed. The Hindenburg disaster.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 4: Eddie Anderson, Rochester, and Race in 1930s Radio and Film
In 1969 Jack Benny hosted a a box-set of records looking back at old time radio. It was titles "Jack Benny Presents the Treasury of Golden Memories of Radio".
Side 1 - The Great Radio Comedians.
"Allen's Alley" with Fred Allen, Senator Claghorn, Titus Moody and Mrs. Nusbaum.
The Easy Aces with Jane and Goodman Ace. Baron Munchausen, featuring Jack Pearl. Fibber McGee and Molly, with Mr. and Mrs. Jim Jordan.
Side 2 - More of The Great Radio Comedians.
Lum 'N Abner. Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks. Jack Benny and Mary Livingston. Mel Blanc as "The Maxwell Car." Bob Hope. Fred Allen and Jack Benny.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter 3: Masculine Gender Identity in Jack Benny's Humor
In 1969 Jack Benny hosted a a box-set of records looking back at old time radio. It was titles "Jack Benny Presents the Treasury of Golden Memories of Radio".
Side 1 - Remember Golden Radio?
The Philco Radio Show with Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and Mary Livingston. George Burns and Gracie Allen. Eddie Cantor. Amos 'n Andy.
Side 2 - Day Time Radio and Commercials
Lorenzo Jones. The Romance of Helen Trent. Just Plain Bill. Mary Noble, Back stage Wife. "Ma" Perkins' Last Broadcast. Mary Margaret McBride with Mr. & Mrs. Alben Barkley.
Commercials: Interwoven Socks, Chesterfield Smoke Dreams, Pepsi-Cola, Rinso, Lava, Crisco, The Longines-Wittnauer Watch Company.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter Two: What Are You Laughing at, Mary?
December 26, 1942 - In this war time episode of the radio show "Over Here" Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day and Don Wilson do a spoof of Cinderella. Plus the music of Benny Goodman, an interview with actress Janet Blair and a reading by Herbert Marshall.
JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy
By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley
Read by Stephanie Henderson
Chapter One: Becoming Benny
This episode is a look at Jack Benny before his radio career when he was a Master of Ceremonies on film.
July 30, 1928 - Bright Moments (Short Film)
January 6, 1929 - Song Writers Revue (clip of film short)
November 23, 1929 - Hollywood Revue of 1929 (portions of film)
Leonard Maltin talks about Jack Benny at the 2023 International Jack Benny Fan Club convention. The well known film critic and historian wrote a book about old time radio in 1997 called "The Great American Broadcast". This interview is hosted by Zach Eastman (Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue podcast) and John Henderson (This Day in Jack Benny podcast).
Watch the full video interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp6lcCN_xUA
May 25, 1952 - Jack prepares for his trip to London, then Jack gets money from Ed in the vault, and a visit from Dennis' mother.
They mention the ocean liner that Jack Benny will take to London, the RMS Queen Elizabeth. They also mention the old Bundles for Britain program, the presidential slogan "I Like Ike", singers Johnnie Ray and Ezio Pinza, and Verna Felton on The Dennis Day TV show.
May 8, 1949 - Jack is upset with the cast for flubbing so many lines last week. Eddie Cantor stops by and discusses the article he wrote about Jack in Cosmopolitan magazine.
References include the Hooper Ratings, the fire at The Hollywood Park Race Track, the lifting of the Berlin Blockade, the song "Laugh Clown, Laugh", Bromo Seltzer and Dr. Scholl's corn remover.
Here are Dennis Day's appearances on The Kraft Music Hall with Al Jolson.
December 9, 1948
February 3, 1949
May 8, 1949
May 1, 1949 - Jack Benny, Mel Blanc and the gang do thier version of the Humphrey Bogart movie "The Treasure of The Sierra Madre".
References include Arthur Murray Dance Studio, used car salesman Mad Man Muntz, the new Buick with side port holes, French baithing suits, Mermaids, Toni home perminents, ad agency BBDO, the May Company department store, radio characters Henry Aldrich and Titus Moody, quiz show "Take It or Leave It", TV wrestling, Popeye the Sailor, and the movies "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Flamingo Road", and "Ma and Pa Kettle".
April 25, 1937 - In The Spring Tra-La. Phil Harris gets mad at Jack Benny for talking during the band number and trhe whole cast ends up walking off the set in anger. Then Jack visits Andy Devine at his parents house for supper.
References include the phrase "too, too devine", the bandleader Abe Lyman, Ish Kabibble from Kay Kyser's band, actor Clark Gable and actress Jean Harlow, and the circus lion tamer Clyde Beatty.
April 18, 1937 - Lady Milicent's Husband is the name of the English drawing room drama that Jack Benny and the gang put on.
References include Jeeves and Wooster, the actor Gary Cooper, casting for "Gone With The Wind", the movies "Lost Horizon", "Tarzan Escapes" and Jack Benny's movie "College Holiday.
April 11, 1937 - Guests Burns and Allen join Jack Benny for Buck Benny Rides Again (part 10).
References include the comedy trio The Ritz Brothers, the actor Adolphe Menjou, Ben Bernie's catchphrase "Yowsa". Plus a joke about shoe trees.
April 4, 1937 - Back From New York where Jack Benny made up with Fred Allen and ended the feud...for now. Andy Devine visits and Phil Harris and Kenny Baker talk about thier new movie "Turn Off The Moon".
March 28, 1937 - The Train Ride to Hollywood. This is the first episode with Eddie Anderson who would later become a regular on the show as Rochester.
References include the singer Lily Pons and the movie San Fransisco with Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald.
March 24, 1952 - Jack and Mary attend the Academy Awards and Jack tries to sing his song.
References include the many celebrities at the Oscars - Host Danny Kaye, best actor nomonees Marlon Brando (A Streetcar Named Desire), Montgomery Clift (A Place in the Sun), Arthur Kennedy (Bright Victory), Fredric March (Death of a Salesman), and Humphrey Bogart (The African Queen) plus James Cagney, Lionel Barrymore, Edward G Robinson, Shelly Winters, Betty Davis, Irene Dunn, Joan Crawford, Gene Aurty, Charles Boyer and more.
They also mention the imfamous, short-lived TV show "The Continental".
March 12, 1944 - From Livermore, CA near San Fransisco. Jack in the Navy. References include Red Skelton, Abbot and Costello, Fred Allen, Maxie Rosenbloom, Shirley Temple and Lt Robert Taylor.
March 5, 1944 - From Lemoore Army Air Field, Don Wants to Get Paid. This is the first episode where Jack Benny says "Now Cut That Out!".
References include George Burns' singing voice, Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Hedy Lamarr, Betty Grable and her husband Harry James, and the song from Oklahoma "A Surrey With The Fringe On Top".
March 2, 1952 - Guest Show in Palm Springs at the Tamarisk Country Club. The surprise guests will be Danny Kaye, George Burns, Frank Sinatra and Groucho Marx!
References include Lord Calvert Whisky, conductor Dir Thomas Beecham, Eddie Cantor, Lana Turner and announcer Harry Von Zell.
February 15, 1937 - The Lux Radio Theater presents "Brewster's Millions" with Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. There have been a few versions of the story including the 1945 movie (with Eddie "Rochester" Anderson in a supporting role) and the 1985 movie with Richard Pryor and John Candy. This pre-dates both.
1956 - It’s a children’s record! Jack Benny tells the story of becoming a great violinist and how it all went wrong. Featuring the vocal talents of Mary Livingstone and Mel Blanc. Originally titled “Jack Benny Plays the Bee Ably Assisted by Isaac Stern” in 1956, it was re-released as “Jack Benny Fiddles With The Classics” in 1978.
February 7, 1954 - Dennis is told to quit the show by his mother. Jack Benny is also visited by a ten-year-old Harry Shearer. Plus Mel Blanc's hillarious rendition on "The Whiffenpoof Song (Baa Baa Baa)".
References include the actresses Ava Gardener, Lana Turner, Jane Russel and Marilyn Monroe, who was on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio.
February 9, 1936 - Jack Benny and the gang have returned home to New York after almost a year in California. They mention the Winter Olympics in Germany, and the actor Cary Grant. Mary Livingstone writes a play about The North-West Mounted Police.
January 24, 1954 - After a look at the home life of Bob Crosby, Jack Benny and the gang dramatize the Robert W Service poem "The Shooting of Dan McGrew".
References include "Santa Baby" by Ertha Kitt, the end of the Chlorophyll fad, and the game of Scrabble. Plus a Lucky Strike commercial by the poet Ogden Nash.
January 17, 1954 - This episode begins with Jack Benny and the gang have lunch at the drug store and ends with Jack fighting a parking ticket in court,
References incule Terry Moore's ermine bathing suit, golfers Fred Wanpler, Lloyd Mangrum, Sam Sneed and Ben Hogen, musicians Bing Crosby, Liberace, The Bell Sisters, The Ink Spots, The Fred Waring Choir, and Teresa Brewer with her song "Ricochet Romance". Plus the movie "The Eddie Cantor Story", detective Boston Blackie, and Mandrake the Magician.
January 18, 1942 - This episode was broadcast two days after the sudden death of Jack Benny's co-star Carole Lombard. The episode is all music.
"In respect to Carole Lombard, his co-star in "To Be Or Not Be", an Alexander Korda-Ernest Lubitsch film, to be released through United Artists, Jack Benny cancelled his Jan. 18 broadcast of the NBC Jack Benny Show, sponsored by General Foods (Jell-O). Although no specific explanation was given, the show was replaced by a musical program, featuring Mahlon Meerick's orchestra, Dennis Day, soloist, and the Sportsman's Quartet, vocal group. Don Wilson announced. Miss Lombard was scheduled for a guest appearance on the Jan. 25 Jell-O program." -Broadcasting Magazine
January 9, 1944 - Jack Benny picks up his new pet Camel. The camel is played by a young Stan Freberg in his only appearance on the Jack Benny show. This is also the last episode with Jack's pet polar bear.
References include bodybuilder Charles Atlas, comedian Fred Alle, and the Draft catagories 4-F (Not qualifyied for military service) and 4-H (Deferred for reason of age, 38-44).
December 26, 1954 - The day after Christmas and Jack Benny visits Dennis Day who has a cold. Plus the unedited master recording for this episode survives and includes a couple of cut jokes and behind the scenes banter.
References include "This is Your Life", "Robert Montgomery Presents", Louella Parsons, and John L Lewis.
December 14, 1941 - Horseradish, a ride in the Maxwell, a bird on a stick. Jack Benny is Christmas shopping for Dennis Day. This is one week after Pearl Harbor and the mention the blackouts that followed. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 1942 - Command Performance featuring Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Harriet Hilliard, The Andrews Sisters, Spike Jones, Bing Crosby, Kay Kaiser, Ginny Simms, Ethel Waters, Charles Laughton, Edger Bergan and Charlie McCartney, Dinah Shore, Fred Allen and Jack Benny.
December 7, 1941 – The day of the Pearl Harbor attack that would lead to the United States’ entry into WWII. This is a continuation of the previous episode in which Jack Benny plays Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They also mention socialite friends Brenda Frazier and Cobina Wright Jr.
November 28, 1954 - Jack Takes Dennis to the Psychiatrist. Meanwhile it's the sportsman quartette's birthday.
References include the chidren's television host Pinky Lee, the Aurthur Murray dance studio, ballet dancer Nijinsky, the sound barrier, the LA Times and Nat "King" Cole.
November 23, 1941 - Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Jack Benny invites his cast to his house for dinner including Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson and his wife Peggy, and Phil Harris and his new wife Alice Faye. Dennis is in blackface helping Rochester serve the meal.
References include Miles Standish, Chipped Beef, Hedy Lamarr, Humphrey Bogart, and gossip columnists Louella Parsons, Harrison Carroll, Jimmy Star, Herb Stein, and Sidney Skolsky.
November 16, 1941 - He fumbled the ball. Jack Benny tells Don Wilson about his latest hunting trip, Phil Harris plans to be in a play of the pilgrim historical fiction story "The Courtship of Miles Standish", Dennis Day asks Jack about the NBC 15th Anniversary special from the night before, and Mary Livingstone plays a football player in the skit. The football announcers are Frank Nelson and Arthur Q. Bryan (the voice of Elmer Fudd). References includemovie "Ah Wilderness!", Commodore Dewey taking Manila Bay, plus a host of movie stars.
November 16, 1941 - He fumbled the ball. Jack Benny tells Don Wilson about his latest hunting trip, Phil Harris plans to be in a play of the pilgrim historical fiction story "The Courtship of Miles Standish", Dennis Day asks Jack about the NBC 15th Anniversary special from the night before, and Mary Livingstone plays a football player in the skit. The football announcers are Frank Nelson and Arthur Q. Bryan (the voice of Elmer Fudd). References includemovie "Ah Wilderness!", Commodore Dewey taking Manila Bay, plus a host of movie stars.
November 9, 1941 - Football Game. Jack Benny is making a movie (To Be Or Not To Be) with Carole Lombard and director Ernst Lubitsch. Phil Harris brings his pal, Leo Durocher, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
References include Fred Allen, John Barrymore's profile, Bing Crosby, Jimmy Dorsey, Alexander Korda, Al Smith and more.
November 9, 1941 - Football Game. Jack Benny is making a movie (To Be Or Not To Be) with Carole Lombard and director Ernst Lubitsch. Phil Harris brings his pal, Leo Durocher, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
References include Fred Allen, John Barrymore's profile, Bing Crosby, Jimmy Dorsey, Alexander Korda, Al Smith and more.
September 1954 - This is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the Jack Benny radio show. I mixed the most interesting parts from the rehearsal on September 9, 1954 and the pre-edit master recording for the episode on September 26, 1954. It features deleted scenes, notes and chatter.
You can listen to the finished Broadcast recording here: ThisDayBenny.com/is-the-show-on-the-air-ap-gypsies
October 24, 1954 - Jack, Dennis and Don got to The Drive-In, after Jack Plays gin rummy with Rochester.
References include flying saucers, Ronald Colman, and candy like Oh, Henry! bars and Tootsie Rolls,
October 19, 1941 - On the train to Los Angeles.
References include Fred Allen in a bathing suit in a radio guide magazine, Bob Hope, Spencer Tracy, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstien, Scottish singer Harry Lauder, and etiquette expert Emily Post.
October 12, 1941 - Jack Benny and the gang read reviews of last week's opening program as they wrap up thier short trip to New York.
References include Daryl F Zanuck, the Lewis/Nova fight, Mickey Owens dropping the ball at the world series, Errol Flynn's fight with a columnist, Braodway plays, penguins in the Radio City Building.
October 4, 1941 - Jack is about to start the new season, but is very nervous. Phil is in love with his new wife Alice Faye and Mary tell the story of going to Ebbets Field to watch the Brooklyn Dogers and New York Yankees in a World Series game.
References include Olsen and Johnson, Joe Louis and Lou Nova boxing match, Roseland Ballroom, and ballroom dancer Yolanda.
January 16, 1949 - Jack's Scrapbook
Ronald Colman dreams he is Jack Benny and Jack is him.
References include the bug California snowfall, the Rose Bowl Queen, songs "slow Boat to China", "Nature Boy", an "California Hear I Come", Ferde Grofé and "Pennies from Benny", a touring vault for the March of Dimes
January 16, 1949 - Jack's Scrapbook
Ronald Colman dreams he is Jack Benny and Jack is him.
References include the bug California snowfall, the Rose Bowl Queen, songs "slow Boat to China", "Nature Boy", an "California Hear I Come", Ferde Grofé and "Pennies from Benny", a touring vault for the March of Dimes
February 1, 1948 - Jack and Mary See Ronald Colman's Movie.
References include Dennis's wedding, Dorothy Dix advice column, USC football, Schlitz beer, Herbert Hoover, General Eisenhower, Tom Breneman, Hawaii travelogue, Ciro's nightclub with Xavier Cugat and Jerry Lester, celebrities like Lana Turner and Frank Sinatra.
February 1, 1948 - Jack and Mary See Ronald Colman's Movie.
References include Dennis's wedding, Dorothy Dix advice column, USC football, Schlitz beer, Herbert Hoover, General Eisenhower, Tom Breneman, Hawaii travelogue, Ciro's nightclub with Xavier Cugat and Jerry Lester, celebrities like Lana Turner and Frank Sinatra.
November 9, 1947 - The Corner Drug Store, Denny Day does a funny Ronald Colman impression. The REAL Ronald Coleman is also in this episode in one of the funniest scenes ever!
References include Norman Krasna (with a call back to Mel Blanc's woody woodpecker laugh), Phil Haris' Fitch Bandwagon show, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, Dick Tracy and Mumbles, Roy Rogers and Trigger, and Ronald Colman's movie Random Harvest.
November 9, 1947 - The Corner Drug Store, Denny Day does a funny Ronald Colman impression. The REAL Ronald Coleman is also in this episode in one of the funniest scenes ever!
References include Norman Krasna (with a call back to Mel Blanc's woody woodpecker laugh), Phil Haris' Fitch Bandwagon show, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, Dick Tracy and Mumbles, Roy Rogers and Trigger, and Ronald Colman's movie Random Harvest.
April 27, 1947 - Leaving for Chicago with the Colmans. Jack Benny is getting ready for his stage tour and tickets for his program for Ronald and Benita Colman.
References include the controversy over Fred Allen. He had been cut off by the NBC censors for a joke last week. In the episode they mention Adagio acts, Fred Astair's dancing, Barry Fitzgerald, Tommy Manville, Norman Krasna, the Florsheim shoe company, and the Texas City disaster.
April 27, 1947 - Leaving for Chicago with the Colmans. Jack Benny is getting ready for his stage tour and tickets for his program for Ronald and Benita Colman.
References include the controversy over Fred Allen. He had been cut off by the NBC censors for a joke last week. In the episode they mention Adagio acts, Fred Astair's dancing, Barry Fitzgerald, Tommy Manville, Norman Krasna, the Florsheim shoe company, and the Texas City disaster.
April 21, 1946 - Aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga Navy aircraft carrier docked in the San Francisco Bay, a week and a half before it left for Bikini where it would sink in an atom bomb test that summer.
References include Fred Allen, dehydrated powder eggs, and galley slaves.
April 14, 1946 - Jack Benny's Violin Practice Interrupts Ronald Colman's Rehearsal.
Refereances include the song "One-zy, Two-zy", gossip reporter Louella Parsons, France's debt to the United States, and lines for nymons, butter and vaccinations.
April 14, 1946 - Jack Benny's Violin Practice Interrupts Ronald Colman's Rehearsal.
Refereances include the song "One-zy, Two-zy", gossip reporter Louella Parsons, France's debt to the United States, and lines for nymons, butter and vaccinations.
February 3, 1946 - Jack Attends Isaac Stern Concert with the Colmans and the winning poem for the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny Contest".
*Note: This episode was the very first episode of the podcast. This is an updated intro.
January 27, 1946 - Fred Allen Announces Contest Winner. Jack Benny has a nightmare about having to give away $10,000 in prises for the I Can't Stand Jack Benny contest. Phil Harris sings "One-zy, Two-zy" with his daughter.
References include the sending of a radar signal to the moon, the phrase "Dutch Treat", movies "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Lost Weekend", plus Margret O'Brien and Boris Karloff.
January 20, 1946 - Jack Benny and the gang again spoof the musical "State Fair".
Refrences include Mayor LaGuardia, Harry Truman, Betty Grable, Gabriel Heater ("Ah, There's good news tonight."), Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
January 13, 1946 - State Fair Rehearsal - Rochester drives Jack Benny and Mary to the studio where they run into Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy (impersonator) and rehearse their version of the movie "State Fair".
References include war hero Pappy Boyington, violinist Joseph Szigeti, radio's Lum and Abner, actresses Barbra Stanwyck, and Betty Grable, movies "The Lost Weekend", "The Bells of St Mary's" and "Spellbound", songs "Stardust", "Chickery Chick", and "Oh You Beautiful Doll".
January 13, 1946 - State Fair Rehearsal - Rochester drives Jack Benny and Mary to the studio where they run into Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy (impersonator) and rehearse their version of the movie "State Fair".
References include war hero Pappy Boyington, violinist Joseph Szigeti, radio's Lum and Abner, actresses Barbra Stanwyck, and Betty Grable, movies "The Lost Weekend", "The Bells of St Mary's" and "Spellbound", songs "Stardust", "Chickery Chick", and "Oh You Beautiful Doll".
January 6, 1946 - At the Rose Bowl game Jack Benny made a bet with Phil Harris, but will he pay it? This is the end of the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny Because..." contest and the first episode with the hot dog man who we later come to know as Mr. Kitzel. Plus references to "Mutany on the Bounty", Abbott and Costello, Stokowski, Tarzan, Rinse-O and Coca-Cola.
December 16, 1945 - Hello Louella. Gossip Columnist Louella parsons has a cameo. Jack benny gets a lot or mail for the "I Can's Stand Jack Benny" contest. It will be judged by Fred Allen, Peter Lorre and Goodman Ace.
References include songs "Melencholy Baby", "The Sheik of Araby" and "I'm Glad I Waited For You". The two-way stretch refers to real rubber used in womens undergarments after the war. Plus Tommy Manville, Van Johnson, and the poem "The Ballad of Yukon Jake" by Edward E. Paramore Jr.
December 9, 1945 - Jack is invited to the Colman's for dinner. This is the first episode with Ronald and Benita Colman and the second episode of the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny Because..." contest.
References include the Fred Allen Show's character Senator Claghorn, the movie "The Man Who Came to Dinner", the books Charles Darwin's "Origin of the Species", and H.G. Wells' "Anatomy of Frustration" and "The Outline of History". Plus a couple of excerpts from Jack Benny's memoir "Sunday Night at Seven".
December 2, 1945 - Jack Benny's publicity agent comes up with the idea for a new contest. Listeners are invited to write in and finish this sentence "I can't stand Jack Benny because..." in 50 words or less.
November 25, 1945 - Jack Benny is still dealing with all the trouble his publicity agent has caused, but this is only the begining. Plus an appearance by Cass Daley of the Fitch Bandwagon. References include Dick Tracy (Itchy stuck in the tunnel), the movie "Spellbound", the song "Sweet Leilani", used car dealers The Smiling Irishman and Madman Muntz, and Boris Karlof on Fred Allen's radio show.
This is a preview of the new audiobook of "Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy" by Kathryn H Fuller-Seeley.
Each month the This Day in Jack Benny Patreon feed will be releasing another chapter from the book. Plus patrons will also be able to hear a Jack Benny related old time radio BONUS episode each month.
Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/thisdaybenny
Buy a hard copy of the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Benny-Golden-American-Radio-Comedy/dp/0520295056
May 31, 1953 - Jack Benny listens to the Indianapolis 500 race on the radio.
References include jailbreaker Willie Sutton, actors Jimmy Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Humphrey Bogart and George Montomery (Fort Ti 3D), director Mervyn LeRoy (Quo Vatis), and the catchphrase from the Jackie Gleason show's The Homeymooners "One of these Days...pow! Right in the kisser."
May 17, 1953 - Jack Benny takes the plot of the movie "Flight to Mars" and the characters from the TV show "Space Patrol" to do his own science fiction play "I Flew to Mars in a Space Ship".
Reference include the MC convertible, "The Girl Next Door" with Dennis Day and more!
May 3, 1953 - From San Francisco, Jack Benny's guest is Gisele McKenzie.
References include the TWA airline, the songs "The Doggie in the Window" and "Pretend", actresses Ava Gardener, Lana Turner and Marilyn Monroe.
May 4, 1934 - In this episode they talk about the Kentucky Derby and do a hillbilly feud play.
They mention the songs "Carioca", "Cocktails for Two", "Shim Sham Shimmy", "Uptown Lowdown", "The Hills of Old Kentucky" and "Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore". Movies "Cavelcade", "Mata Hari", and a loose reference to "To The Last Man". Plus explorer Admiral Byrd, silent film actor Fracis X Bushman, newpaper sports writer Damon Runyon, and bridge jumper Steve Brodie.
April 25, 1948 - Jack Dresses as Charley's Aunt and Don brings opera singer Dorothy Kirsten to join the Sportsmen quartet. References include the Marylin Monroe movie "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!", songs "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover" and "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody", and producer George Jessel.
April 11, 1948 - Murder at the Racquet Club Part One. Jack goes to Palm Springs and meets silent film star Charles Farrell and Academy Award winner Paul Lukas.
References include the movies "April Showers", "The Naked City" and "The Last of The Mohicans", and actress Greer Garson.
April 11, 1943 - Jack returns to the show after illness. Orson Welles has been filling in for the past four weeks. References include a washing machine ringer, an electric heating pad, the racehorse Whirlaway, the old song "Sweet Adeline", W. C. Fields, Claudette Colbert, and Alice Faye (starring in "Hello, Frisco, Hello").
April 4, 1943 - Little Red Riding Hood with guest host Orson Welles filling in one last time for Jack Benny.
References include radio's Lum and Abner, the poem "Trees", Burlesque's ball of fire Betty Rowland, Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", "Hamlet", and "The Merchant of Venice".
March 28, 1943 - Host Orson Welles Murder at Midnight. Orson Welles fills in for Jack a third time and does a murder mystery. References include radio comedians Fred Allen and Red Skelton, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, the painting "Whistler's Mother", and actress Heddy Lamarr. Goodnight Doll.
March 21, 1943 - Host Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and takes cast to his movie. References include the comedy team of Abbot and Costello, rain in California and the Tournament of Roses.
March 14, 1943 - Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and Phil Harris returns to the program after three months in the merchant marines. References include the actress Rita Hayworth, and singer John Charles Thomas.
March 7, 1943 - George Burns and Gracie Allen Sub For Jack. With Jack Benny sick Don Wilson calls of Jack Benny's personal friends George and Gracie, along with thier cast Bill Goodwin, Herman the duck (Clarence Nash), Tootsie Stagwell (Elvia Allman) and Paul Whitman and his orchestra.
References include Mayor La Guardia, Walter Pidgeon, Artie Shaw and Toscanini.
Listen after the program for a clip from The Burns and Allen Show "Concerto For Index Finger" where Gracie plays Carnegie Hall.
February 28, 1943 - Kit Carson Benny with Bob Crosby. Broadcasting from Fort Custer, Michigan Jack Benny learns Judo from the military police in training.
References include the movies "Kit Carson", "Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman" and "the Meanest Man in the World".
February 27, 1938 - Jack Benny and his cast are joined by Andy Devine to conclude their version of the movie "Submarine D-1".
References include Barbra Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, race horse Pompoon, attorney Clarence Darrow, violinist Jasha Hiefetz, and radio shows Professor Quiz, Lum and Abner, Jimmie Fidler, and Fred Allen,
February 20, 1938 - A parody of the movie "Submarine D-1" plus they talk about Jack Benny's age after his birthday this week. They also discuss Jack's appearance on the radio show "Good News of 1938".
References include Popeye the sailor, the Albany night boat, movie starts Virginia Bruce, Freddie Bruce and George Arliss.
February 9, 1941 - Back From New York. The Sponsor Likes Herbert Marshall. References include Phil Harris' new song "That's What I Like About The South", movies "The Mark of Zorro" and "The Letter", announcer Harry Von Zell, and Fred Allen.
February 2, 1941 - The Jack benny Program without Jack Benny. Herbert Marshall Hosts the Show. References include Fred Allen, and the kissing game called post office.
January 24, 1943 - Jack Benny talks with his guest bandleaders, the McFarland twins, about the DC housing shortage. The skit is a repeat of the Mr. Smith Goes to Washington spoof from March 10, 1940.
References include W.C. Fields, Fred Allen and an atomizer.
January 17, 1943 - Guest stars Oscar Levant and Joe Besser help Jack the the gang do a spoof of the game show Information Please. Meanwhile Jack is getting ready to play the violin at Carnegie Hall.
References include the wage ceiling, Benzedrine, "The Powers Girls", singers Jarmila Novotna, Ezio Pinza, Gladys Swarthout, John Charles Thomas and young violinist Isaac Stern.
January 14, 1945 - Mrs. Nussbaum's Restaurant with special guest Fred Allen.
References include the stage shows "Bloomer Girl", "Laffing Room Only", "Mexican Hayride", "The Voice of the Turtle" and "Harvey" starring comedian Frank Fay. Plus singer Frank Sinatra, soap opera "John's Other wife" and Mayor Laguardia.
January 7, 1945 - Leaving for New York Jack Benny and the gang meet at the train station. This is the debut episode of Jack Benny's vault, the racetrack tout, and Mel Blank's train announcer who always announces "Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga".
References include Van Johnson and Barbra Stanwyck and "The Trolley Song".
December 24, 1950 - The Beavers come to Jack's for Christmas Dinner. Don Wilson dresses as Santa, Frank Remley (played by Elliott Lewis) joins Phil Harris.
References include Red Skelton, Hudson Motors "Step-down" cars, The Faye Emerson Show, and Phil Harris' song "The Thing".
December 17, 1950 - Jack Buys Golf Tees For Don
References include Kukla Fran and Ollie, Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century, The Ed Sullivan Show, Martin Kane Private I, Faye Emerson, Clark Gable, Victor Mature, Burt Lancaster, Admiral Bird, and the Phil Harris song "The Thing".
December 6, 1942 - Phil Harris' last show before joining the Merchant Marines.
They References include Captain Kidd, Joan Bennett, Ann Sheridan (George Washington Slept here), Emperor Hirohito, and President Roosevelt's plan that no American make more than $25,000 after taxes.
November 29, 1942 - Going after Rommel. In this episode Jack Benny and the gang are broadcasting live for a group of soldiers.
References include Spike Jones (Der Fuhrer's Face, Sheik of Araby, Love in Bloom), Dennis Day in the movie "The Powers Girls", shipbuilder Henry Kaiser, and Nazi General Erwin Rommel.
November 29, 1953 - Jack Buys a Turkey.
References include Phil Harris, Bing Crosby and his Minute Maid Orange Juice sponsorship, Mel Blanc the voice of Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker, Dinah Shore, Jimmy Wallington, Harry Von Zell and Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound.
November 18, 1945 - Broadcasting From Birmingham hospital in Van Nuys, California. Prize fighter Joe Louis returns.
References include Phil Spitalny and his all girl orchestra, Dr. Kildair and Dr. Gilespie, dancing the jitterbug, point rationing on butter and clothing made from milk wool.
November 11, 1934 - In this early episode Jack Benny plays the Chinese detective Charlie Chan from the film series of the same name.
References include the record breaking streamline train, California Governor Frank Merriam, Popeye the sailor, Babe Ruth visiting Japan (ballplayers Dizzy Dean, Daffy Dean, Hack Wilson and Frankie French), Senator Huey Long getting a black eye, boxers Max Baer and Jack Dempsey, comedian Lou Holtz, the Marx brothers (Harpo in particular), the song "Carioca", orchestras Fred Waring and his Pensilvanians, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, Abe Lyman's Californians, and movie stars John Barrymore, Mirna Loy, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins. Not to mention mention "Charlie Chan in London".
November 2, 1947 - Jack Benny and the gang do their version of the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall movie Dark Passage where an escaped convict gets plastic surgery to change his face.
References include Tom Breneman's Breakfast in Hollywood radio show, comedians Bob Hope and Fred Allen, Orson Welles, playwright Norman Krasna, and the new style in skirts (they're wearing them long again).
October 28, 1945 - $85,000 Bet. After dreaming of an eighty-five thousand dollar bet last week, Jack gets held-up in this episode.
References include news commentators Erskine Johnson, Gabriel Heater and H.V. Kaltenborn, child star Margret O'Brien, actress Ingrid Bergmen, soap opera Stella Dallas, the song "My Dream Are Getting Batter All The Time", WWI General Pershing, Diamond Jim Brady, Julius Caesar.
October 21, 1945 - Jack Dreams of the Race Horse 'Texas Sandman'.
References include, Charles Boyer, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fred Allen, Claudette Colbert, Lana Turner and Turhan Bey, movies "The House on 92nd Street", "Mildred Pearce" and "Double Indemnity", WAACs, Admiral Halsey, and Tokyo Rose.
October 26, 1952 - Louella Parsons is back to write a gossip article on Jack Benny. This is a recycled script from April 2, 1944.
References include Johnny Ray singer of "The Little White Cloud That Cried", Florence Chadwick who swam the English Channel, movies like "Francis Goes to West Point", exiled King Farouck of Egypt, and the presidential campaign with Ike Eisenhower and Richard Nixon vs Adlai Stevenson.
October 19, 1952 - Jack Buys 20th Century Fox. Producer Darryl F. Zanuck of 20th Century Fox is the guest star and Jack dream he is the head of a movie studio himself.
References include Campbell's Soup, Jack Warner of Warner Brothers, Howard Hughes of RKO, Errol Flynn, Ronald Colman, Lassie Come Home, and the song "Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po Po)".
October 15, 1952 - Jack Catches His Nose in a Gopher Trap. Mel Blanc does the chattering of the gopher. Then Jack goes shopping for a new television set.
References include the song "Wish You Were Here" by Eddie Fisher, Spike Jones, Marion Davies, the Yankees World series win, Chlorophyll tablets that fight bad breath, Vigero plant food, and Bugs Bunny's catchphrase "What's Up Doc?".
October 5, 1952 - Jack Benny plays a newspaperman.
References include game 5 of the World Series with ballplayers like Phill Rezzuto and Jackie Robinson, Albert Einstein, Milton Berle, Rocky Marciano, Ty Cobb, The New Follies at the Burbank Theater, and the songs "Cry" by Johnny Ray, "Kiss of Fire" by Georgia Gibbs, and "Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po Po)" by Guy Mitchell.
October 25, 1942 - In this episode Jack Benny and the gang do their version on the movie "Tales of Manhattan" starring Charles Boyer, Charles Laughton and Edward G Robinson.
References include the Fred Allen radio show, the Kate Smith radio show, gasoline rationing and Berma-Shave.
October 4, 1942 - Jack Takes Two Cadets To Barbara Stanwyck. Don still calls the new sponsor "Grapes Nuts Flakes", they again listen to their favorite soap opera "The Heartaches of Sally Sutton" Jack is getting ready to give the Maxwell away for scrap in support of the war effort.
References include Bromo-Seltzer in the blue glass bottles, coal minor's union man John L Lewis, Red Cross blood donation, bandleader Paul Whitman, and the song "Jingle Jangle Jingle".
October 4, 1942 - Jack Rounds up the Gang in the Maxwell. It's the first show for Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes.
In this episode they mention the "Share Your Car" campaign. Jack's toupee is compared to the iconic hair of Veronica Lake. Jack sings ("I Got Spurs That) Jingle Jangle Jingle" plus Fibber McGee, the Aldrich Family, Bing Crosby and soap operas.
January 6, 1935 - Jack Talks with Don and Mary about their New Year's Eve celebration then do their version of "The Count of Monte Cristo".
References include Mickey Mouse, Popeye the Sailor, playwright George Bernard Shaw, boxer Gene Tunney, and Gimbel's department store.
February 27, 1949 - Jack Has a Music Lesson. Guest star Claude Rains comes to try and get out of appearing on The Ford Theater with Jack.
References include "Rope and Sand", The Life of Riley, Abbot and Costello, Milton Berle, Monty Woolly, Pyramid Club, Bill Spitalny and his all-girl orchestra and more.
February 20, 1949 - Jack Benny is planning to do his movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight" on The Ford Theater radio program. Jack Warner of the Warner Brothers Studio calls to try and talk him out if it.
References include Al Jolson, Sam Goldwyn, William Paley, Clark Gable, Jane Russell, movies "The Adventures of Don Juan", "Life with Father", "Key Largo", "John Loves Mary", "Johnny Belinda", and "The Treasure of Sierra Madre" and the song "The Dance of the Hours".
February 13, 1949 - It's Jack Benny's birthday and everyone sings Happy Birthday except one guy in the audience.
References include, Eddie Cantor, Errol Flynn, King Midas, Honest John's used cars, Pyramid Clubs, the songs "Buttons and Bows" and "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean".
February 6, 1949 - Don Wilson signs his contract, Claudette Colbert and Vincent Price guest star in a re-working of the October 20, 1940 episode. References include a pyramid club.
January 30, 1949 - Don Wilson still won't sign his contract. Meanwhile Phil Harris is in Washington DC to entertain at the president's inaugural ball.
References include the southern California snowfall, Operation Haylift, the radio show Your Hit Parade, Dennis Day's record "Tarra-Ta-Larra Ta-Lar", Tyrone Power's wedding, Artie Shaw, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Milton Berle, and Amos n Andy.
January 23, 1949 - Don Won't Sign His Contract.
References include the southern Californian snowfall, President Truman's inauguration, Jasha Heifetz, Barbra Stanwick, Don Ameche, movies "Johnny Belinda" and "Mother Wore Tights" and disk jockeys.
October 18, 1942 - Jack Benny donates his old car The Maxwell for the scrap metal drive in support of the war effort.
References include Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, ship builder Henry Kaiser and revolutionary war hero Paul Revere.
March 12, 1950 - Jack Benny's daughter Joan makes a guest appearance in this episode where Jack Benny enters a radio contest.
Phil Harris talks about his upcoming movie "Wabash Avenue" starring Betty Grable
They mention Lever Brothers company, Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Aly Kahn and Rita Hayworth. Songs "Time on My Hands", I Can Dream Can't I", "The Cry of the Wild Goose", "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts", "M-O-T-H-E-R" and crooner Vic Demone. Plus Blondie and Dagwood, Tanforan racetrack, and the puppet kids show "Time for Beany".
Podcast host John Henderson and his wife Stephanie talk about the podcast and the recent passing of Jack Benny's daughter Joan Benny.
October 15, 1950 – In real life Jack Benny is married to Mary Livingstone, in this episode Jack Benny dreams he is married to Mary. the special guest is their real life daughter Joan Benny. In the episode they mention True Story Magazine, The American Legion Convention, Dick Tracy, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper and Danny Kaye.
May 29, 1949 - Jack Benny introduces all of the members of his cast and writers. Dennis sings his new song "Three Wishes" and guest Margret Whiting sings "Baby, It's Cold Outside (for a Lucky Strike)" with the Sportsmen Quartet. Jack compliments Mel Blanc on his new record "Big Bear Lake".
References include ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and her dummy Judy Splinters, Simonize car wax, the movie "Take me out to the Ball Game", the song "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" and Jack Benny's short film for the Opportunity Bond Drive "The Spirit of '49".
November 5, 1950 - On the train to Los Angeles Jack benny and the gang are playing 20 questions.
References include the midterm elections, Irene Dunn, Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart, movies "The Glass Menagerie", "The Miniver Story", "the Horn Blows at Midnight" and "I'll Get By", and the song "Good Night Irene".
May 27, 1945 - It's the last show of the season before Jack Benny goes on his USO tour in Europe with harmonica player Larry Adler and singer Martha Tilton. Plus bonus portion of June 28, 1945 broadcast of that USO show.
References include Winston Churchill's "blood, toil, tears and sweat" speech, Charles Boyer, Fred Allen returning to radio, radio soap operas and the summer replacement Wayne King and his Orchestra.
May 18, 1934 - Jack Benny takes a taxi to the studio where Frank Parker invited him to dinner with his very musical family.
References include General Pershing, boxer Primo Carnera, Harry Lauder, "The Rise of the Goldbergs" radio show, Gretta Garbo, William Powell, Clark Gable, Boris karloff, Frank Buck's "Wild Cargo", the song "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No 2, the opera "Lucia Di Lammermoor", and the singer Enrico Coruso.
May 10, 1953 - Broadcasting From San Francisco Jack Benny and the gang (including writer George Balzer) talk about the sights of the city and meet California Lieutenant Governor Goodwin Knight.
References include "Your Mother and Mine" from Walt Disney's Peter Pan, Souther Pacific Railway's trains "Daylight Limited" and "The Lark", President Eisenhower, Bing and Bob Crosby and Anson Weeks and his orchestra.
May 9, 1937 - Mother's Day Program. Just after the the Kentucky Derby Jack benny and the gang discuss the winning horse War Admiral.
References include Donald Duck, the wrestler Man Mountain Dean, burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, comedy team Stupnaigle and Budd, Fred Allen, actresses Jean Arthur and Jean Harlow, bandleader George Olsen and singer Ethel Sutta.
April 27, 1952 - Jack Benny becomes his cowboy alter ego Buck Benny, to do his version of the new western movie "Bend in the River". The star of that movie, Jimmy Stewart, shows up to play his part.
References include the violinist Isaac Stern, Johnny Ray who sings "The Little White Cloud That Cried", exotic animal hunter Frank Buck and Gillette razor blades.
April 23, 1944 - Broadcasting from Vancouver BC, Canada. Jack talks to the mayor and Mary talks about growing up there. Dennis Day says goodbye. This is his last episode before leaving for the Navy for two years. References include W.C Fields.
April 16, 1944 - The Bob Hope Show Parody. Jack benny and the gang are broadcasting from Stockton Airfield in San Joaquin county.
They mention Jack's movie "Charlie's Aunt", bandleader Tommy Dorsey, Mel Blanc character Private Sad Sack, gas coupons, and an in depth look at the Bob Hope radio show including cast members Fransis Langford, Professor Colona, Vera Vague and the Pepsodent ad featuring 'poor Miriam'.
April 2, 1944 - Louella Parsons about Jack's movie. Gossip columnist Louella Parsons is expected to visit for an interview with Jack benny (and promote her book "The Gay Illiterate".
They mention Jack Benny's USO tour in Africa, Jimmy Star's book "The Corpse Came C.O.D.", movie stars Gary Cooper, Hedy Lamarr, Lionel Barrymore, Spencer Tracy, W.C. Fields, Claudette Colbert and the fictional villain Fu Manchu.
BONUS EPISODE
The Easter Story
Son of Man: A Passion Play
CBS Radio Theater
Introducing: Bible Broadcasts
A podcast featuring vintage stories, hymns, and gospel songs from the golden age of radio (1930 – 1950). Featuring Old Time Radio Shows that dramatize the stories of the Bible.
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April 1, 1945 - Jack Benny has received the honorary title of "Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska" and it's going to his head. Then he tells the story of how he found Phil Harris in 1935. We also find out how his met he girlfriend who sings "My Melancholy Baby".
March 19, 1944 - Dennis dreams he has his own show. Barbara Stanwyck is the guest star.
References include the Merry Mac's hit song "Mairzy Doats", Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Henry Morgenthau, Paul Lukas, Dorothy Lamour, Nelson Eddie and Jeanette MacDonald, Gypsy Rose Lee and more.
March 14, 1954 - A recycled script from November 5, 1950. On the train to Los Angeles Jack benny and the gang are playing 20 questions.
They mention actors Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stuart, Gary Cooper and Walter Pigeon. They reference the commercial jingles "How are you fixed for blades" and Pepsi cola. They mention Jack's January TV episode with Liberace, and more!
March 14, 1937 - From the Hotel Peirre in New York Jack benny Faces off against Fred Allen in the Fight of the Century! Plus Mary Livingstone Sings.
References include the songs "There's an Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlor" and "A Fine Romance", Ben Bernie, Guy Lombardo, Bing Crosby, Laurence Tibbitt, Noel Coward, Clark Gable, Robert Tayor, Lionel Barrymore, Andy Devine, Boris Karloff, Ripley's, and the Anheuser Bush Brewery.
March 7, 1937 - Broadcasting from New York City at the height of the Benny / Allen feud, the boy who started it all, 10-year-old violinist Stuart Canin is a guest.
February 12, 1950 - Jack Benny and the gang are in New York so the Ink Spots fill in for the Sportsmen quartet.
Fred Allen has been off the air for a year and Jack gets the original cast to come and reprise their roles from Allen's Alley.
February 8, 1942 - Jack is upset because Fred Allen has moved to Sundays.
Clip from the song "I'm In Love With The Sound Effects Man" by the Kingsmen from and episode of Fibber McGee and Molly (later recorded by Spike Jones). They mention Gene Autry, Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Abbott and Costello, Phil Baker, and The Great Gildersleeve.
February 14, 1937 - Jack Benny celebrates his birthday. Radio bandleader Ben Bernie shows up and offers to lend Jack his violin so that he can play "The Bee" and settle the feud with Fred Allen.
They mention The Townsend Plan, the movie "Wake up and live", Prudence Penny cooking school, Little Orphan Annie, the songs "Thanks a Million" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Aint Got That Swing)".
February 2, 1937 - After hearing 10-year-old Stuart Canin play Schubert's "The Bee" on The Fred Allen Program, Jack Benny is Ready to play "The Bee" himself. Leading to The Stolen Violin.
They mention the movie The Good Earth, Jack's movie College Holiday in which he plays "Love in Bloom", and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
January 31, 1937 - Phil Harris's sister Lucy Belle visits the studio. Nightmares of Fred Allen. Jack Benny will play 'The Bee' next Sunday.
References include the Red Cross disaster work in great Ohio river flood. Actors Fred MacMurray, Fred Stone, George Burns, Fred Astair, child actor Jackie Cooper and Robert Taylor who was starring in the movie "Camille".
January 24, 1937 - Jack Practices The Bee. The feud between Jack Benny and Fred Allen is ramping up. Then the gang heads over to Phil Harris' house to meet Phil's southern mother and sister.
January 15, 1950 - Fred Allen is the guest star on The Jack Benny Program, but he is late. This was during the time when The Fred Program was not on the air.
They reference Phil Harris' show on NBC and Don Wilson's "Dreer Poosen" flub. They also mention Groucho Marx, Milton Berle, Mory Amsterdam, and Danny Kaye who was starring in "The Inspector General". Plus, Los Angeles Golf Open with Ben Hogan and Sam Sneed, the New York water shortage, Beeman's Pepsin chewing gum, the Miss America pageant and the song "Some Enchanted Evening".
January 2, 1949 -Jack has the jitters for his first broadcast on CBS after moving from NBC. Jack runs into Amos and Andy looking for CBS president William S pailey.
They spoof the song "Slow Boat to China" (written by Frank Lesseer), and reference the song "Buttons and Bows". With Jack moving to CBS he does guest appearances on programs like Suspense and Gene Autry's Melody Ranch. They promote a number of other CBS shows: Lux, Sam Spade, Spike Jones, "My Friend Irma", "Life with Luigi, and Your Hit Parade with Frank Sinatra. They also mention Hetty Lamarr, Jerry Colona, Al Pearce and Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy who was retiring from radio...until next year.
December 26, 1948 - The last show for NBC. Jack Benny will be switching to CBS next week. He was doing quite a bit of promotion including appearances on other radio shows like "Lux Radio Theater".
In this episode they mention Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Guy Lombardo and the song "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth". They reference the ad agency Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn. They also mention the movie "Portrait of Jennie", the swimming movie star Esther Williams, and boxers Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer.
December 19, 1948 - The classic Christmas shopping episode where Jack Benny goes to a department store to buy a wallet for Don Wilson.
References include the movie "Elephant Boy" starring Sabu, actor Ronald Colman, actress Heddy Lamarr, poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Nick Kenny, Bendix washer, and the novelty Christmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".
December 25, 1948 - Command Performance featuring Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Herbert Marshall, Jimmy Durante and more!
December 5, 1943 - Jack Benny has a new car after getting rid of the Maxwell and has to go in for a driver's test.
They mention radio stars Dinah Shore, Red Skelton and Fred Allen. Plus, Esquire magazine and a FHA loan.
November 3, 1946 - Jack Benny tries to break his contract with the Sportsmen quartet. They mention the movies "The Killer", "Margie" and "Breakfast in Hollywood" starring Tom Breneman. They also sing the song "Shine on Harvest Moon". Plus the Lord Calvert Whiskey ads featuring The Men of Distinction.
October 24, 1948 - Jack Benny invites Ronald and Benita Colman over for dinner and they try to think of an excuse to get out of it.
They mention the residence of the English Prime Minister at number 10 Downing Street, Toni home perm, the song "It's Magic" and the movies "My Son, My Son", "Oliver Twist", and Lassie in "Hills of Home".
October 11, 1948 - Rochester reads Jack Benn's diary where he talks about his recent trip to Europe. He still hears the Swiss Alps echo. Then they listen to the 1948 World Series.
References include Dr. Scholl's foot eazers, Toni home permanent, Emily Post, Gary Cooper, William Powell, Artie Shaw, Spike Jones, Bob Hope, pitcher Satchel Paige.
October 3, 1948 - Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris and Alice Faye are back from their summer trip to Europe.
They mention Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Danny Kaye, Barbra Stanwyck in "Sorry Wrong Number", and presidential candidates Harry S Truman and Thomas E Dewey. Also listen for a gag about the Elks Lodge elk's tooth.
November 9, 1952 - In this episode Jack Benny goes to the doctor (Frank Nelson) to get a vitamin shot and runs into Bugs Bunny.
In the episode they mention 92-year-old "Grandma Moses".
October 18, 1936 - Jack Benny has a new movie out called "The Big Broadcast of 1937". Then they continue with a comedy version of the drama "Anthony Adverse".
In the episode they mention animal trapper Frank Buck, movie stars Robert Taylor, Clark Gable and Gretta Garbo, bandleader Paul Whiteman, and songs "Jingle Bells" and "Madamoiselle from Armentiers (Hinky Dinky Parlez Vous)".
November 20, 1955 - Johnny Carson guest stars on the Jack Benny Television Program. Plus Don Wilson, Rochester and Dennis Day.
Intro featuring John Henderson, Buck Benny, Kathy Fuller-Seeley, and Terry Phillips.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/l9xAAa9fL4g
October 11, 1936 - Jack Benny and the gang spoof the major motion picture "Anthony Adverse". At least the first half of the movie.
In the episode they mention The NY Giants World Series loss, radio programs Little Orphan Annie, Manhattan Merry Go Round, Phil Baker, Eddie Cantor, Amos 'n Andy, plus movie stars Carole Lombard, Robert Taylor, Joan Bennett, and Claudette Colbert.
October 13, 1946 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone walk to the studio and run into Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.
References include post-war meat and soap shortages, the honorable discharge lapel button (AKA Raptured Duck), news commentator Gabriel Heatter, Game 6 in the World Series, Hedy Lamar's baby, Bing Crosby, and Fred Allen.
October 6, 1946 - Jack Benny is celebrating 15 years on the radio! Like last year, he is tuning in to the Word Series.
In this episode they mention Russian diplomats Gromyko and Molotov, the song "Thy Gypsy", actresses Ingrid Bergman and Betty Grable, bandleader Harry James, radio programs "The Charlie McCarthy Show", and Fred Allen.
October 3, 1954 - A special presentation of the master tape recording of this episode plus selected portions of the rehearsal.
In this episode they play a jingle written by Jack's arranger Mahlon Merrick. It was the theme song to the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports called "Look Shark / Be Sharp March".
They mention Irving Berlin's song "No Business Like Show Business". They also mention a couple of new CinemaScope movies, "The Egyptian" and "The Garden of Evil".
September 30, 1945 - It's daylight savings and Jack Benny is back from his USO tour and ready for a new season.
Jack mentions his summer replacment, Wayne King, Phil Harris' song "That's what I Like About The South", radio programs like The Great Gildersleeve, Cass Daley, Kay Kyser, Edger Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, Fred Allen, The Lone Ranger (Al Jennings Lawsuit), John's Other Wife and Porche Faces Life, plus L.A. used car dealers The Smiling Irishman and Madman Muntz.
February 21, 1937 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone had starred in this week's episode of the Lux Radio Theater in a play called "Brewster's Millions".
References include Irene Dunn in "Theadora Goes Wild", Cathrine Hepburn, Sarah Burnhardt, Goody Ace, Jack Pearl, Phil Baker, Walter Winchel and Ed Sullivan.
January 17, 1937 - The Jack Benny / Fred Allen feud continues with Fred claiming that Jack's violin only had two strings. Plus Jack and the cast continue the Buck Benny saga with a special guest star - Universal Pictures western star Buck Jones.
Plus Andy Devine. and references to William S Hart, Harry Cooper the golfer, and movies "The Good Earth", Mr.Deeds Goes to Town, and "After The Thin Man".
January 10, 1937 - After Jack Benny's little comment last week, Fred Allen really ramps up the feud on his show by asking each of his amateur guests about Jack's violin playing.
Jack Benny also hosted the Paramount Silver Jubilee for Adolph Zukor. They mention Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Fred MacMurray and Mary Boland. Plus some older terms - "fright wig" and "setting-up exercises".
January 3, 1937 - The first episode of the Jack benny-Fred Allen feud begins with a simple comment tagged on to the end of this episode.
Plus the first episode with The Knocking Man played by Harry Baldwin and references to Clark Gable, radio character comedian Bob Burns and Jack's movie "College Holiday".
December 27, 1936 - Before another instalment of the western serial Buck Benny Rides Again, Jack Benny talks about the scarves he got for Christmas and Mary Livingstone reads a letter from her mother.
References include Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Stoopnagle and Budd, Jessica Dragonette, Rubinoff, Jack Pearl, The Easy Aces, Benny Rubin, The Hall Johnson Choir, Ed Wynn, Bing Crosby, plus Jack's movie College Holiday, and the songs "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "The Old Grey Mare".
December 13, 1936 - This is the first episode of Jack Benny with Andy Devine the western movie sidekick.
References include the book Pollyanna, actress Carole Lombard, character actor Charles Laughton, comedic actor Edward Everett Horton and western silent film actor William S Hart.
December 6, 1936 - In this episode Jack Benny takes a break from his Buck Benny western serial (or does he) to present a drama called Money Ain't Everything.
References include the upcoming technology of television, bandleader Paul Whiteman, actress Loretta Young and wrestler Ed "Strangler" Lewis.
November 29, 1936 - Phil Harris has been getting phone calls from movie stars like Carole Lombard and Jack is jealous. Then part three of the western drama Buck Benny Rides Again.
References include Mae West, Gretta Garbo, George Arliss and the fictional character count Dracula.
November 22, 1936 - Jack Benny talks about his recent trip to Palm Springs and Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone and Kenny Baker talk about their plans for Thanksgiving. Then they do part two in the "Buck Benny Rides Again" saga.
They mention actresses Carole Lombard and Ginger Rogers, adventurer Frank Buck, movie theater "bank nights", and the book "Gone With The Wind".
November 15, 1936 - In this early episode it's singer Kenny Baker's first anniversary as part of the J-E-L-L-O cast. We head out west for the first in the Buck Benny cowboy saga.
In this episode they mention the comedy team Burns and Allen, the song "I'm an Old Cowhand", and Abraham Lincoln.
John Henderson's wife Stephanie joins him for a chat about Jack Benny and the future of the podcast.
https://thisdaybenny.com/
June 27, 1937 - The last show of the season and the bandleader Johnny Green returns to the Jack Benny Program to visit. He is a noteworthy piano player and shows off as he plays a duet with Jack on the violin.
References include Kenny Baker's movie "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air", Bing Crosby, Carol Lombard and Clark Gable, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Charlie McCarthy the dummy, The Queen Mary ocean liner.
June 6, 1954 - It's the last show of the season and Jack Benny is getting ready for a personal appearance in Dallas.
They mention the Irwin Allen documentary "The Sea Around Us", the book and movie "The Cain Mutiny", silent film stars Lon Chaney and Charlie Chaplin, the game show "What's My Line?, and Bing Crosby singing "Come On-A My House".
June 4, 1944 - The last episode sponsored by Grape Nuts Flakes. Dennis Day is gone to Naval training and Phil Harris sings "G.I. Jive".
Plus songs "A Slip of the Lip Can Sink a Ship", "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning", and Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye.
They mention a number of radio comedies and the soap opera John's Other Wife. And the actor C. Aubrey Smith.
June 1, 1941 - Jack Benny is in his old WWI Navy uniform as he broadcasts from the San Diego Naval Training Center.
They mention Jack's upcoming movie directed by Archie Mayo, actress Ann Sheridan, the Civil War battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack, and a Lavalier necklace.
May 26, 1946 - Ed Sullivan stops by the broadcast while Jack Benny is in New York to give him an award.
They mention the women's clothing storew S. Klein, actress Joan Crawford, the railroad and coal strikes, newspaper comic Dick Tracy, communist Russia, comedian Fred Allen, and Dave Rose, the composter of a song dedicated to Jack Benny called The Waukegan Concerto.
May 19, 1946 - Jack Benny and his cast are in New York, the home of Fred Allen. In a flashback, Fred asks Jack onto his own program for next week. This week Fred's guest will be Phil Harris,
In this episode they reference mayor O'Dwyer, President Truman, the coal and railroad strikes, singer John Charles Thomas, comedian Jerry Colona, and Danny Kaye's running joke "Oh really? No, O'Riley".
May 5, 1946 - Jack Benny is visiting Chicago on Mother's Day. It was the middle of a coal strike lead by John L Lewis. They mention Marshal Field's Department store, Charles Boyer, Georgie Jessel, the song "Keep the Home Fires Burning", and The Quiz Kids.
May 5, 1946 - All aboard the Super Chief train to Chicago!
In this episode they mention Listerene toothpaste, Esquire magazine, Pablum. Fred Allen, the Queen for a Day radio show, the trolley strike and more.
April 28, 1946 - Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day and Phil Harris go to see Danny Kaye's new movie "The Kid From Brooklyn".
References include the zany bandleader Spike Jones, violinists Fritz Kreisler and Jasha Heifitz, teen actors Freddie Bartholomew and Shirley Temple, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Crosby and Hope, Diamond Jim Brady more!
April 22, 1951 - Jack Benny and the gang go to the circus including the side show and the tunnel of love (after visit from the I.R.S. part 3).
They mention Dennis Day's upcoming movie and the radio show My Friend Irma.
April 8, 1951 - The IRS agents that visited Jack Benny in last week's episode return, and then visit Ronald and Benita Colman.
They mention penny loafers, The Aurthur Murray Dance Studio, and the vitamin enriched drink Hadacol.
April 8, 1951 - In this episode Jack Benny is worried because the I.R.S. called to say they are coming over to talk to him about his tax return.
They mention Dennis Day's records (Mister and Mississippi was his next single), the game show 20 Questions, and handsome Hollywood actors of they day.
April 6, 1947 - It's Easter Day! Jack Benny and the gang talk about their Easter activities.
Meanwhile, comedian Bob Hope was giving away cars with a contest on his radio show. Also on the radio you could hear Phil Harris' show, Dennis Day's show, and To Brennaman's Breakfast in Hollywood. From the movies; Van Johnson, Gary Cooper, Frederick March, Ray Maland, Shirley Temple, Carmen Miranda, and 10-year-old Margret O'Brien. They also mention silent film star Theda Bara.
Songwriter Hoagy Carmichael and movie producer Samuel Goldwyn.
March 23, 1941 - In this episode Jack Benny and the gang spoof the hillbilly movie "Tobacco Road", but Don Wilson is upset because Jack forgot his radio anniversary. Plus the return of the Guadalajara Trio.
March 19, 1950 - Jack Benny plays the Kirk Douglas part in the movie "Champion".
Plus they mention Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Oscar nominees Broadrick Crawford, Richard Todd, Gregory Peck, and John Wayne. And they reference the tennis player "Gorgeous" Gussie Moran.
March 16, 1941 - On this episode of The Jack Benny Program they have just returned from vacation and discuss Palm Springs' Prices. The Guadalajara Trio return to get paid. They mention Ripley's Belive it or Not, the song "There I Go", the half-dollar (with the Eagle and the latin phrase E Pluribus Unum, and Jack's new arm muscle is compared to the box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
March 9, 1941 - The Jack Benny Show is broadcasting from Palm Springs with special guests Peter Lorie, character actor Charles Butterworth, the silent film actor Charles Farrell and the Guadalajara Trio.
They mention local spots like The Doll House restaurant, Rogers Stables and the Racquet Club resort. Plus references to the movies Western Union, Mr. Moto and Ktty Foyle, and the song "The Shiek of Araby".
February 23, 1941 - Broadcasting from Palm Springs Jack Benny talks about the place where he's staying, the T.P. Motel. They mention the western film series Hopalong Cassidy and the poet Henry W Longfellow. Plus The Knocking Man stops by, as portrayed by Harry Baldwin.
February 16, 1947 - Jack's Birthday party with Isaac Stern the violinist, actor Ronald Colman and his wife Benita.
Actress Lorraine Day recently married baseball coach Leo Durocher after divorcing her previous husband. She had filed for divorce in the California, but the judge ruled that she couldn't re-marry for a year. So she went to Mexico instead. The California judge still insists that her divorce is not valid when she is in California.
February 9, 1947 - In this episode Jack Benny and his gang mention previous bandleaders on the show, Jack is once again visited by his guardian angel from "it's a Wonderful Life" and they spoof the news commentator H.V. Kaltenborn.
Plus Headless Valley, Sally Rand's Baloon dance, The Best Years of Our Lives, Margret O'Brien and more!
Winter 1934 - This is a very early episode of Jack Benny with poor sound quality. They mention Eddie Cantor and the movie "Little Women" with Katharine Hepburn.
January 26, 1947 - Jack Benny is changing his name to something more dignified. Then they do a skit very loosely based on the movie "Margie".
In this episode they mention the new 1947 Studebaker with large rear windows, the novelty song "Open the Door, Richard", Rudolf Valention in "The Shiek", Charles Boyer and Humphrey Bogart.
January 19, 1947 - Most of this episode is recycled from March 1946, only with horror movie actor Boris Karloff. In the episode they reference the bandleader Spike Jones and the novelty song "Open the Door Richard".
January 18, 1948 - Jack Benny is in Denver for a March of Dimes fundraising event. They meet the governor and mention the mayor. It happened to be the same week as the National Western Stock Show which was also hosted in Denver.
In the episode they mention Slapsy Maxi Rosenbloom, Lady Esther cosmetics, Al Jolson, and Robert Taylor who was filling in on the Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show.
January 11, 1948 - Jack Benny is packing for his trip to Denver for a March of Dimes event. In the episode they mention radio comedian Judy Canova, Duz Soap, the movie "Ramona", the song "Near You", Shirley Temple who would soon have her first baby and Dinah Shore who just had her first baby. In a time before disposable diapers many people hired a diaper service to pick up old diapers and drop off clean ones.
January 5, 1941 - The ASCAP Boycott started in January and lasted until October of 1941. On the Jack Benny program they wrote original music for the opening of the show with funny titles. Plus the new electric razor.
December 22, 1940 - Christmas in New York and the premier of Jack Benny and Fred Allen's movie "Love Thy Neighbor" was earlier in the week. Kenny Baker is back for a guest appearance and a friendly rivalry with his replacement Dennis Day.
In the episode they mention Lindy's Restaurant, the comedy team Olsen and Johnson, stars Heddy Lamar and Lana Turner, former presidential candidate Wilkie, and the Rosalind Ballroom where you can rent a dance partner for 10¢ a dance.
December 15, 1940 - Just ahead of the premier for "Love Thy Neighbor", Jack Benny gets a bodyguard to protect himself from Fred Allen's goons.
In the episode they mention Carmen Miranda's hats, comedian Ed Wynn, stage plays, bandleaders the calendar of desserts.
December 11, 1938 - Jack Benny and the gang are in New York where Jack and Mary Livingstone go for Christmas shopping.
In this episode they mention the upcoming World's Fair, comedian Fred Allen, announcer Graham McNamee, playwright Noel Coward, dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, opera singer Giovanni Martinelli, plus Betsy Ross and Abraham Lincoln.
December 1, 1946 - It has been a few years since Jack benny's appearance on the game show "Take It or Leave It" and he still thinks he should have won the money. The host Phil Baker visits Jack in this episode. Plus they mention "The Count of Monte Cristo", Lassie, John L Lewis and Phil Harris' show.
November 24, 1946 - Jack Benny welcomes gangster star Edward G Robinson for their version of the movie "The Killers". References include Hollywood's Santa Claus Lane Parade, Eversharp razors, the gangster movie Little Cesar, and the songs "Rumors are Flying", "The Missouri Waltz", and "Holiday for Strings".
November 21, 1937 - In this episode they spoof the 1937 Ronald Colman movie "Lost Horizon" directed by Frank Capra. Plus they mention the swing dance called The Suzie-Q, adventurer Frank Buck, Eddie Canton (and his 5 daughters), and the Elk's Lodge.
November 10, 1946 - Jack Benny gets a haircut from Rochester. When the Sportsmen quartet come to do the commercial Jack fires and re-hires them.
They reference the singer Hildegarde, the song Stardust and the musicians union leader Petrillo. Movies "The Strange love of Martha Ivers", and the actress Merle Oberon. Radio shows Fibber MacGee and Molly, A Date With Judy, and The Phil Harris show. Plus Duz Soap, a fountain pen that can write underwater and Mary's Chizz Sweese flub.
October 27, 1946 - This old time radio episode of the Jack Benny Program is famous for the mistake that Mary Livingstone made when trying to say "Swiss Cheese".
They mention dance instructor Arthur Murry, musician union president Patrillo, ballplayer Hank Greenberg, and the fictional character The Mad Russian. They also mention the department store Eastern Columbia, the Native American baby carrier a papoose, a Lincoln quote "You can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.".
October 20, 1946 - Jack Benny does his version of that Murder Mystery radio program The Whistler. They also talk about the meat shortage and price controls, radio shows Truth or Consequences and The Fred Allen Show, the Eugene O'Neil play The Iceman Cometh, singers Al Jolson and Nelson Eddie and they do a whole bit on the breakfast cereal that makes noise, Rice Krispies.
Listen to the full episode of The Whistler on the podcast Theater of Thrills
October 15, 1950 - In real life Jack Benny is married to Mary Livingstone, in this episode Jack Benny dreams he is married to Mary. the special guest is their real life daughter Joan Benny.
October 9, 1938 - Jack Benny and the gang spoof the movie "Yellow Jack" in which Lewis Stone, Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce play Americans in Cuba looking for the cure to yellow fever. In the episode they mention the song "I've Got a Pocket Full of Dreams", the columnist Jimmie Fidler, and an ice skating carnival called "The Ice Follies".
October 2, 1938 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone talk about appearing on the radio show Lux Radio Theatre in the play "Seven Keys to Baldpate".
They mention newspaper popularity contests, dancer Bill Robinson, choreographer Busby Berkley, Scottish singer Harry Lauder, British prime minister Neville Chamberlain, and the movie "Yellow Jack".
December 8, 1940 - Jack Benny does his impression of Kit Carson.
Plus they mention Kay Kyser's new movie "You'll Find Out" and Jack Bnny's upcoming movie with Fred Allen "Love Thy Neighbor". They also talk about new electric clothes iron vs the old gas iron.
December 1, 1940 - This is a great follow-up to the previous episode! Jack Benny had suggested to Don that he call his wife before inviting company over, so Don leaves jack in the bushes in front of his house. While waiting to be let in Jack gets rained on and mugged.
In this episode they mention the Vapour Rub, a cigar humidor and a number of singing movie stars: Anne Sheridan, Dorothy Lamour, Maryt Martin and the singing cowboy Gene Autry.
November 24, 1940 - Don Wilson has just gotten married and invited the whole gang to meet his new wife Peggy. In the episode they mention the coal miners of Scranton PA, movie producer Darryl F Zanuck, movie star Hedy Lamar and the songs "Now I Lay Me Down To Dream (Of You)", "Dream Valley", "Two Dreams Met", and "I'll Never Smile Again".
November 3, 1935 - Before Dennis Day there was Kenny Baker. This is a fun early episode of the Jack Benny program where Jack goes to the barber, meets Kenny and spoofs a movie studio.
In the episode they mention the Joe Louis vs Max Baer boxing match, college football, playwright George Bernard Shaw's beard, gowns by Adrian, and the song "50 Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong". Plus Ricardo Cortez, Loretta Young, Constance Bennette, Kay Francis, Kathryn Hepburn and Shirley Temple.
January 18, 1953 - Jack Benny goes with Mary to an auction and Dennis Day's brother, James McNulty, made plans to marry actress Ann Blyth. Plus references to Lady Godiva, the song Mademoiselle from Armentieres, Roy Rogers, and Bob Hope.
February 22, 1953 - Kids of the Beverly Hill Beavers do their version of The Jack Benny Show! This is a re-used script from April 23, 1950.
In this episode they mention hula dancer Hilo Hattie.
January 11, 1953 - Jack Benny does a spoof of "Road to Bali", the new movie starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. The surprise guest star is Bob Hope. In the episode they also mention Jerry Colonna, and president elect Eisenhower just a couple of weeks before his inauguration.
November 17, 1940 - Jack Benny is co-starring in the movie "Love Thy Neighbor" with Fred Allen and Mary Martin. Jack goes to the studio to see the director and convince him to have the premiere in his home town of Waukegan, Ill.
November 10, 1940 - It's the week of the elections and in Beverly Hills jack benny had been elected dog catcher. Meanwhile, Jack and Fred Allen are making a movie and can't decide where to have the premier. The play this week is called "Murder at the Soda Fountain".
January 6, 1946 - At the Rose Bowl game Jack Benny made a bet with Phil Harris, but will he pay it? This is the end of the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny Because..." contest and the first episode with the hot dog man who we later come to know as Mr. Kitzel. Plus references to "Mutany on the Bounty", Abbott and Costello, Stokowski, Tarzan, Rinse-O and Coca-Cola.
October 27, 1940 - Mary is out sick, but Jack and the cast carry on with a football skit. They mention a number of historical facts, the self proclaimed wizard of credit Smiling Frankie Gordon, Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio's Blue Fairy and the Tom Collins cocktail.
October 13, 1940 - Phil Harris tries to collect on a World Series bet. Jack Benny, Don Wilson and Mary Livingstone read reviews of their first show including Ed Sullivan's review. And Rochester was elected honorary Mayor of Central Avenue. Plus references to conscription day, Helen Hayes, Oscar Levant, Gone With The Wind, Boomtown, The Grapes of Wrath,and Gulliver's Travels.
October 6, 1940 - Mary Kelley returns as The Blue Fairy (a spoof on Disney's Pinocchio). Plus they mention William Shakespeare's a "Midsummer Night's Dream" and the tap-dancing Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
June 21, 1936 - Don Wilson talks about how he will be the host of the JELL-O Summer Show starring Tim and Irene. The episode is a little bit short because of the way it was recorded on transcription disc. So to fill the time listen for two recordings of Phil Harris from the same time.
June 7 & 14, 1936 - Worried about his place at Paramount, Jack Benny decides to start his own studio called Bennymount. The guest stars are Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin, the writers of Jack's signature song "Love in Bloom". These recordings have pretty low sound quality and are missing portions of the episodes.
Plus unusual references like smoked glasses and an alligator pear.
June 3, 1951 - We all know Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Rochester, Phil Harris, Dennis Day and Don Wilson. But do you know the rest of the people behind the scenes?
Artie Auerbach - Mr.Kitzel
Bea Benaderet - Operator Gertrude
Sara Berner - Operator Mabel
Mel Blanc - Polly the parrot / Professor LeBlanc / Railroad Announcer / the Maxwell
Joseph Kearns - IRS agent / Ed the vault guard
Sheldon Leonard - Racetrack Tout
Frank Nelson - Yeeeessss!
Mahlon Merrick- Musical Arranger
Gene Twombley and Cliff Norton - Sound men
Sam Perrin, Milt Josefsberg, George Balzer, John Tackaberry, Al Gordon and Hal Goldman - Writers
Plus a story from the news: Bing Crosby was turned away from a swanky hotel because the clerk didn't recognize him and said he "looked like a bum".
May 27, 1951 - Jack goes for a doctor's check and runs into that Lucky Strike auctioneer Speedy Riggs. Plus writer Milt Josefsberg's story of the joke that was cut from the episode.
May 20, 1951 - This episode is a re-used script from May 2, 1948 with a few updates.
In this episode they mention the broadway musical Guys and Dolls, Guy Lombardo, Spike Jones, musician's union president James Petrol and gust star Bob Crosby.
February 13, 1938 - Just before his birthday Jack Benny was named as one of the top ten best dressed men in America along with movie star Clark Gable. Then actor Robert Taylor stops by and helps Jack with a love scene and ends up kissing Mary. Then they play a duet with Jack on violin and Robert on Cello.
May 8, 1938 - It's Mother's Day and Jack Benny considers himself the mother hen of the cast. This is a day after the Kentucky Derby. Manuel Talcott, the mayor of Jack Benny's home town of Waukegan, plays a character in the play.
In the episode they mention the WPA (Works Progress Administration), The Jones Family series of movies, Clark Gable, Loretta Young, and a cartoon short featuring Jack Benny called "The Big Birdcast".
May 1, 1938 - This week Jack Benny's Maxwell was in a race for old cars, the Fresno State College Hack Race. He lost to Fred Allen's entry.
In this episode they debate wether or not Jack Benny is considered a movie star. They mention Leo the MGM lion, movie producers Darrel F Zanuck and Adolf Zukor, the comedy team The Ritz Brothers, Screen gangster George Raft, Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies and Mickey, Donald and Pluto. Plus the 1927 boxing match known as "The Long Count".
And the great silent film comedian Harold Lloyd.
April 24, 1938 - Walt Disney's first feature film has just come out and Jack Benny is going to do his version of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" mixing in a bit of Edward G Robinson and his gangster movies. Plus they mention the Lone Ranger's catchphrase "Hi Oh Silver!" and the opera singer Lawrence Tibbett.
April 23, 1950 - Jack Benny's troop of kids The Beverly Hills Beavers do the show. Plus they mention Phil Harris' movie Wabash Avenue, and the wedding of then vice president Alben W Barkley.
April 16, 1950 - It's spring so Jack Benny decides to get his house painted. Last week he gave 50 cents away to a fellow that was down on his luck. This week he runs into the fellow again and we learn his name is John L. C. Savoni. In this episode they mention the song "Rag Mop" by the Ames Brothers. They also mention Senitor Joseph McCarthy and his loyalty oath against communism. Plus Bob Hope, Lana Turner, Gregory Peck, Ray Maland, and Humphrey Bogart.
April 12, 1953 - Jack Benny gets out of the shower and realizes he's been washing with a peeled potato instead of soap. Later a man comes looking for a missing heir to $5,000!
In the episode they mention the radio show Suspense, Gracie Allen, the opening song to the musical Oklahoma! "O What a Beautiful Morning" and the deodorant Stopette.
Poof! There goes perspiration
April 1, 1934 - This is an early episode in which Easter Sunday landed on April fool's Day. The guest star is Eddie Cantor.
March 29, 1942 - This episode is an unfortunate recycled script from the 1930s that was "updated" for the 1940s. The cast re-created a blackface minstrel show.
March 23, 1947 - After weeks without a proper quartet to sing the commercial Jack Benny is ready to swallow his pride and hire the Sportsmen Quartet back...if they can work out the contract details. In this episode they mention ladies sun suits, they typewriter, operatic singer John Charles Thomas, old time singer Al Jolson, violinist Jasha Heifetz, The Army Air Corps Song (Wild Blue Yonder), and they quote a line from the song Ol' Man River "Tote that barge, lift that bale".
Plus Jack Benny wonders if he can use Vigoro Complete Plant Food to get his hair to grow.
March 16, 1947 - After hosting the 19th Academy Awards Jack Benny talks about his experience. Having fired the Sportsmen he still needs a new quartet. He has found a replacement quartet. Dennis Day, Dick Haymes, Andy Russell and Bing Crosby.
March 13, 1947 - This is not a regular episode of Jack Benny. This is the 19th Academy Awards Ceremony hosted by Jack Benny. I have cut down the very long night into a fun highlight show with all of Jack Benny's segments in tact. If you have a bunch of extra time and would like to hear the full three hour ceremony you can listen for free here. Patreon.com/ThisDayBenny
March 9, 1947 - The third episode in a story arc where Jack Benny fires the Sportsman Quartet. Now he has to try to find a replacement. In this episode they mention movie actors Lena Horne, Margery Main, Steppin Fetchit, Bob Hope and Gary Cooper. They mention wacky bandleader Spike Jones, singer John Charles Thomas, guitarist Tony Romano and radio personalities Harry Von Zell and Al Pearce. Plus the movies "Nora Prentiss" and "The Beast With Five Fingers"!
March 2, 1947 - Part of a fun story arc! Jack Benny has fired the Sportsman quartet, but the sponsor is not happy.
In this episode they mention the story of George Washington and the cherry tree, The Jolson Story, The Hal Johnson choir, Bob Hope, the movie "Duel in the Sun", Mel Blanc and his many regular radio roles, and silent film star Francis X Bushman.
February 23, 1947 - Jack Benny mentions this episode specifically in this memoirs. He says the he was particularly proud of his timing in the phone call with the sponsor at the end of the episode. In this episode they mention Edger Bergan & Charlie McCarthy, DownBeat magazine, the Esquire girl, Bugs Bunny, Disney's The Song of the South, The Yearling, Lassie, and Nora Prentiss.
February 16, 1941 - Surprise! It's Jack Benny's Birthday and Herbert Marshall show up to celebrate. In the episode they mention gossip columnist Louella Parsons, and "Dish Night" where you got a free piece of china with your movie ticket.
February 2, 1947 - Frank Capra, the director of "It's a Wonderful Life" is the guest in this episode. Jack Benny thinks the movie's premise is silly until he meets his own angel that shows him where the Mary, Dennis, Don and Phil would be if Jack had never been born. Plus references to "The Bride and Groom Program" where real couples tell their love story, Fred Allen Program and two men who both claim to be the governor of Georgia.
January 30, 1938 - In this episode they mention the broadway play "Hurray For What!", the song "It's Delivery" and Benny Goodman. They also mention actors Robert Taylor and Fred MacMurray. But the main portion of the show is a parody of the movie "The Hurricane".
January 25, 1953 rerun January 23, 1955 - In this episode Jack Benny goes to his vault, past the alligator moat, to get money to bet on a horse at the track. At one point Mary quotes the Patti Page song "I Went To Your Wedding".
January 12, 1947 - Gracie wants to listen to Jack benny on the radio. George Burn and Gracie Allen come over. They mention singers Dick Haymes, Andy Russell, and Bing Crosby. Pianist Jose Iturpi, and opera singer Lilly Pons. Plus the books "Strange Fruit" and " The Razor's Edge". And finally, the radio soap opera Dr. Christian.
January 13, 1952 - In this episode of the Jack Benny program Jack is trying to get someone to make a record of the song that he wrote. He calls Dinah Shore and her husband George Montgomery.
January 5, 1947 - It's the Sunday after New Years Day and Jack Benny talks with Don Wilson about the Rose Bowl. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are the guests in a recreation of the movie "To Have and Have Not" where she says the often quoted line "You know how to whistle don't you...You just put your lips together and blow.".
December 30, 1945 - It's the end of the "Why I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest and the letters have been pouring in. Plus Don wilson sings his version of the song "It's Been a Long, Long Time" only about Lucky Strike Cigarettes.
December 18, 1949 - An unusual Christmas shopping episode. They mention the songs Mule Train and Dear Hearts and Gentle People.They also mention "Mr. Television" Milton Berle, Dancer Arthur Murray and the Hollywood Park Goose Girl.
December 7, 1941 - The day of the Pearl Harbor attack that would lead to the United States' entry into WWII. This is a continuation of the previous episode in which Jack Benny plays Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They also mention socialite friends Brenda Frazier and Cobina Wright Jr.
November 30, 1941 - Jack Benny plays both Jekyll and Hyde in this episode's spoof of the Spencer Tracy movie. They mention the song "Why don't we do this more often?". They also mention the movie Jack is filming the movie "To Be or Not to Be".
November 15, 1942 - From the Naval Air Station at Terminal Island Jack Benny and the gang perform for the men stationed there. Dennis Day brings his new girlfriend...movie star Dottie Lamour! Plus Popeye the sailor, WWI flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker, Phil Harris' song "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas", Veronica Lake, Hedda Hopper's hats and more.
November 8, 1942 - This episode has a bit of sound issues at the end. The beginning is pretty funny, so its worth a listen. Jack Benny is the newly elected sidewalk inspector for Beverly Hills. They mention "Kalamazoo" by Glenn Miller, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, campaign manager Jim Farley, and the fuller brush girl at the door. Plus Jack Benny was on Take it Or Leave It and a guest from Lum and Abner.
October 14, 1945 - After returning from a USO tour entertaining the groups with Ingrid Berman, Jack Benny invites her on his show to reprise her Oscar-winning role in "Gaslight". It was recorded for a live audience of newly liberated WWII prisoners of War.
November 5, 1944 - This episode of the Jack Benny Show features guests Amos and Andy, Mrs.Nussbaum, and Mentalist Jack Dunninger. This is the first episode with Larry Stevens. Plus references to Charles Boyer in Gaslight, Peter Lorre, Van Johnson and mens sock garters.
October 31, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang go to the Andy Devine Farm for a Halloween party. They mention Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy and they talk about the speech Jack Benny gave at the testimonial dinner for Eddie Cantor's 25th anniversary in show business.
October 26, 1941 - Jack Benny wants to play the most dramatic role in "Dive Bomber", the movie starring Errol Flynn, Fred MacMurray and Ralph Bellamy. Plus they mention "Arsenic and Old Lace" a dark comedy on the broadway stage.
October 16, 1938 - The JELL-O Program starring Jack Benny is moving to the new NBC studio. This is the last episode in the old studio. In it they mention the old age pension plan that they hoped would get the US out of the depression called the Townsend Plan.
October 8, 1944 - Frank Sinatra is a guest on this episode. His hit at the time was "Sunday, Monday or Always". They mention the teenage girls who were fans of music like Sinatra known as Bobby Soxers. We also talk about spanking, and war time rationing with stamps and tokens. Plus "Sympathy spelled backwards is Yhtapmys. Yip, Yip, Yatapamiss!" a parody of Serutan.
October 1, 1944 - In this wartime episode Jack Benny compares himself to General Patton. Jack is just back from a USO tour. Dennis Day has joined the Navy and Phil Harris was the replacement host for "Kay Kaiser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge". Plus Dick Tracy characters Flattop, Gravel Gerdy, The Brow and the Summer Sisters. Plus references to Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Boris Karloff and surprise guest Fred Allen!
September 28, 1952 - In this episode Jack Benny plays Gary Cooper's character in their version of the western "High Noon". Dennis Day started using Chlorophyll Toothpaste. and Jack Benny had his picture in the Radio Guide.
September 26, 1954 - A really fun episode from 1954. They mention radio shows from the 1920s - A&P Gypsies conducted by Harry Horlik and Sam 'n' Henry (later known as Amos 'n' Andy). They mention "The September Song", Rheingold the dry beer, and Bing Crosby's stock in the Pittsburg Pirates.
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
September 14, 1934 - School Days
September 21, 1934 - Boxing Match
October 14, 1934 - First Episode fro JELL-O
October 21, 1934 - Grocery Store
September 20, 1953 - Jack and the gang do their version of Gary Cooper's new movie "Return to Paradise". They mention Ralph Edwards' This is Your Life, miners union president John L Lewis, president Eisenhower, Tallulah Bankhead, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardener. Plus, Mary Livingstone on the cover of Women's Home Companion magazine.
John Henderson, host of the This Day in Jack Benny podcast talks with Jack Benny's oldest grandson Mike Rudolph. He talked about how his granddad would play the violin for him as a baby. As a kid Jack would take him baseball games and met the players. He took him on tour to places like Las Vegas where he would sit backstage and hang out. His grandmother (Mary Livingstone) would sleep in late and Mike had to be quiet. George Burns confused him. The stories are too numerous to fit here. Enjoy!
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April 20, 1952 - This episode was broadcast from the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. They mention Navy related things like the F9F fighter jet and WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Plus, the Poodle HairstyleGuy Lombardo and the song "Shrimp Boats".
March 30, 1952 - Broadcasting from the Naval Training Centre in San Diego It's the Jack Benny Program. In this episode Jack recreates his time in the Navy. They mention the Navy's theme song "Anchors Aweigh" and the Essex aircraft carrier. Plus Hopalong Cassidy and the drug APC (Aspirin Phenacetin Caffeine) for headaches and colds.
May 25, 1941 - Phil Harris is back from his honeymoon with Alice Faye, so Don Wilson does a play called "The Life of Philbert Harris" loosely based on his life. Plus Regular Fellers, Lindy's restaurant, Abe Lyman, Meredith Wilson Kenny Baker and Hair Tonic. Thomas E Dewey comes for a promotional segment raising money for the USO.
Listen to my interview with Jack Benny's Grandson Mike right Now! As a thank you to those who support this podcast on Patreon I an releasing my interview early.
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February 14, 1954 - Happy Birthday Jack Benny! In this EPISODE Jack turns 40…or does he?
April 27, 1941 - Listen for the mention of the greatest bandleader of all time Glenn Miller. In the skit they go to the movie theater and "The Road to Zanzibar" is on the Marquee.
This episode uses parts of an old script. The sound quality is also quite poor. You might want to listen to December 4, 1938 or May 2, 1948 instead.
March 30, 1941 - Jack benny works in his garden and has trouble with his writers. This episode mentions Frank Buck the animal collector, Luther Burbank the botanist, a "Mickey", Bromo-Seltzer and Don Wilson's western movie The Round Up.
February 8, 1941 - This is an episode of a fundraising broadcast called America Calling in support of Greek forces fighting the invading Axis forces. Bob Hope and Jack Benny host many celebrities including Shirley Temple and Mickey Rooney.
Summer Fun in '41
January 12, 1941 - In this episode Jack is late with no script. His writers are not worried. This is a very funny episode on a whole different level. References include Popeye cartoons, Jazzbo ties, Presidential candidate Wendell Wilkie, and the New York Rangers hockey team. Plus, listen for an interesting look at the phrase "Long time, no see". And a robot!
Podcast host John Henderson's wife Stephanie takes over the show to interview John about Jack Benny and making This Day in Jack Benny.
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June 5, 1938 - Its just after Decoration Day (Memorial Day). Jack Benny is making a movie for Paramount Pictures, but he's not happy with their plan to make him do his own stunt. They mention the movie "Her Jungle Love", Christmas Night (Nuit De Noel) perfume, The Camp Fire Girls, and the Ouija board. But most of the episode is spent finishing their play of Tom Sawyer.
May 29, 1938 - Jack Benny plays bothe the school teacher and Tom Sayer from Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Rochester sings "Love, Your Magic Spell is Everywhere". They mention the movies "The Awful Truth", "In Old Chicago", and "Artists and Models Abraod". Andy Devine is Mayor of Nan Nuys, California. Finally, The Albany Night Boat was a riverboat from New York City to Albany. Couples would board for the overnight trip, leaving the night boat with a reputation.
May 22, 1938 - Jack Benny is on a diet. Andy Devine stops by having just been named Mayor of Van Nuys, California. They play kids in their version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Plus references to George Arliss, Shirley Temple and Joan Bennette, and Myrna Loy.
May 22, 1955 - This is the very last episode of The Jack Benny Program on the radio. The Jack Benny television show would continue for 15 more years. This episode features Mel Blanc and Twombly the sound effects man. Plus they reference to Jackie Gleason in "The Honeymooners".
May 15, 1949 - Mary is sick. Phil asks Jack to borrow $2,000 and so he visits the vault. Jazz composer Hoagy Carmichael stops by. Then Jack is off to his violin lesson. References include the newly ended Soviet Blockade of West Berlin, NY Giants manager Leo Derocher, comedians Fred Allen and Milton Berle, Bank of America founder A.P. Giannini, and "The Horn Blows at Midnight".
May 9, 1954 (Rerun May 8, 1955) - Jack and the gang go to the beach on Mother's Day weekend. References to Vice President Nixon, "Riot in Cell Block 11", Johnny Weissmuller, Robert Taylor, Joe Dimaggio's marriage to Marilyn Monroe, Catalonia Swimwear, Papermate Leak-proof Pens and the hip saying "Dig that crazy kid".
May 2, 1937 - Was you there Charlie? Oh, You Nasty Man!, So-o-o-o This'll Kill Ya Graham, Tally-ho-o! what do these odd saying mean? Find out in this episode.
April 24, 1949 - In this episode they mention restaurant owner Mike Romanoff, Gypsy Rose Lee and the bubble dance. Jack Benny decides it's time to trade in his old Maxwell for a new car. Will he get the new Nash with the twin bed?
April 9, 1950 - This is a famously good episode (many collections label it "Jack gives 50 cents to a bum"). Frank Fontaine plays the homeless man as well as Winston Churchill, Cary Grant and Spencer Tracy.
April 11, 1954 - BONUS EPISODE - On the Jack Benny television program the guests are George Burns and Gracie Allen. But Gracie is late o Jack dresses up as Gracie and does her routine.
April 11, 1954 - A short history of the Jack Benny radio show before the episode starts. Jack hasn't received a new contract from the sponsor to renew the show for another year. In the episode they mention Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Abbot & Costello and the jingle for Papermate pens. Plus Amy Vanderbilt appears in the commercial, Lucky Strike cigarette in hand, to promote her new book on etiquette.
April 4, 1954 - Rochester is Spring cleaning, Dennis wants to join the Navy and Jack sits down to read a book. In the book Jack plays a psychiatrist and Mel Blanc thinks he is a refrigerator.
March 27, 1949 - Jack Benny and the gang are spring cleaning when they get a phone call from Ozzie Nelson and Harriet.
March 17, 1940 - Orson Welles is guest star in the prime of his career! He teaches Jack Benny how to act in dramatic roles in hopes of winning an Oscar. The first dramatic role Jack will perform is grunting as Quasimodo in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
March 10, 1940 - The skit in this episode is their version of Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" with Jack Benny in the role Jimmy Stewart played on the screen.
March 4, 1940 - Back from his ski trip, Jack Benny tries to do his show but keep getting interrupted. They talk about the Oscars, Andy Devine stops by, and Gracie Allen comes to campaign for her joke presidential run.
February 25, 1940 - The last part in the Yosemite series of the Jack Benny Show. Jack is laid up in bed after a skiing accident last week. Plus they reference the Pulp Magazine stories and the youth fiction book series "The Rover Boys".
February 18, 1940 - In the only serial of it's kind on the JELL-O Program, Jack Benny and the gang finally arrive in Yosemite to ski. Jack has been boasting about his skiing abilities, but now faced with the danger he tries to avoid the slopes.
February 11, 1940 - Jack and the gang are driving to Yosemite. Jack is compared to racer driver Barney Oldfield.
February 4, 1940 - This is part of a rare mini-series in the Jack benny Show. Jack and the gang have just finished a live show in Oakland, CA. Then they are on their way to Yosemite. They mention millionaire playboy Tommy Manville.
January 28, 1940 - Jack Benny and the gang are on location in Oakland, California in support of The March of Dimes raising money to fight Infantile Paralysis (Polio).
January 21, 1940 - Jack is trying to get his girlfriend, Gladys Zybysko on the phone. Z-Y-B-Y-S-K-O
January 14, 1940 - Jack Benny plays the violin so it's only natural that he would spoof the violin movie Intermezzo with Leslie Howard and Ingrid Bergman.
January 9, 1949 - It snowed in LA. Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone are having lunch at the restaurant for famous people "The Brown Derby". They run into Jimmy Stewart.
January 2, 1944 - Fun banter at the beginning of the episode as always. After Dennis Day's song they look back on 1943 with the allegory of The World Series: The Axis vs The Allies.
December 25, 1949 - This episode was broadcast live on Christmas day. They flash back to Christmas Eve where Jack Benny is putting lights on his Christmas tree. Stay tunes after the show for a portion if the Phil Harris show where Jack dresses up as Santa.
December 15, 1946 - Jack Benny tries to exchange the gift of shoelaces that he got Don Wilson for Christmas. Mary Livingstone is replaced last minute and Phil Harris and Dennis Day have their own shows. Plus the Silex Coffee Maker and the new 1947 Studebaker Starlight Coupe.
December 8, 1946 - The first of the classic Jack Benny Christmas shopping episode with Mel Blanc. They later took this basic concept and made it into a timeless Jack Benny television episode.
December 4, 1938 - Live from New York! They mention Mayor La Guardia, Grover Whelan, and Fred Allen. Jack Benny investigates a murder at the movie theater for the skit in this episode. Plus, ladies hats are in fashion.
November 25, 1951 - Dennis Day's movie "Golden Girl" is in theatres. It was a scary time for the movies. With the popularization of TV it seemed that movies were doomed. Why go out when you can watch a show at home? Jack Benny was on television, but not every week. Plus, references to stage comedians, popular magazines and hospital insurance.
November 17, 1946 - Guest Ronald and Benita Coleman live next door to Jack Benny in the show. This episode has another guest, Leo Durocher, loud-mouth manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
November 7, 1943 - Jack Benny and the gang dodge aircraft tests on location at the Marine Corps Air Station in Mojave, California.
November 1, 1953 - Jack benny gets a call from an all-night DJ. They mention 86 year old bodybuilder Barnarr MacFadden, Brew 102 Beer and Mary Livingstone does an impression of Marilyn Monroe. This episode was later done for TV.
October 30, 1938 - Jack Benny is broadcasting from a new NBC studio. Big Crosby's "Pocket Full of Dreams" is a hit song. Sally Rand dances with a bubble in the movie "The Sunset Strip Case". Meanwhile in Russia, Stalin rule of terror is at it's height.
October 20, 1940 - FDR has announced the first ever peace time draft. Jack Benny goes to trade in his old Maxwell for a new Packard Convertible.
October 17, 1948 - "Sorry Wrong Number" is the most acclaimed radio drama of all time! In this episode Barbra Stanwick guest stars to re-create the role she plays on the big screen. Then Jack Benny gets his own wrong number.
October 4, 1936 - It's the first show of the season and the first ever episode with Phil Harris. During the break the JELL-O program was taken over by Don Wilson! Plus references to Shirley Temple, Fred MacMurray and a record-breaking transatlantic flight.
September 27, 1953 - Listen as Mel Blanc does the jingle for Papermate Pens as Polly the parrot. With references to Liberace, Benny Goodman, Lady Esther Cosmetics, The Bob Crosby Television show and the Jack Benny Television Show. Plus a weighing machine, a phone booth and Los Angeles Smog.
September 23, 1951 - Jack Benny does his version of the Gregory Peck movie "Captain Horatio Hornblower". Plus they talk about popular music like Rosemary Clooney's "Come On-A My House" and Nat King Cole's "Too Young".
September 16, 1951 - Jack Benny is back from his tour entertaining the troops in Korea along with Errol Flynn and a host if others. Plus references to Dagmar's Canteen, and Disney's Alice in Wonderland.
September 14, 1952 - The first show of the season. Phil Harris has been replaced by Bob Crosby.
John Henderson talks with filmmaker, movie podcaster and Jack Benny fan Zach Eastman about the Jack Benny Movies from To Be or Not To Be (1942) to The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945).
John Henderson talks with filmmaker, movie podcaster and Jack Benny fan Zach Eastman about the Jack Benny Movies from Transatlantic Merry Go Round (1934) to George Washington Slept Here (1942).
October 20, 1940 - Jack Benny was the guest star on "The Gulf Screen Guild Theater" radio show with Claudette Colbert and Basil Rathbone.
John Henderson talks with Chuck Schaden, from SpeakingOfRadio.com and who interviewed Jack Benny for "Those Were The Days", an Old Time Radio nostalgia broadcast started in 1970.
June 19, 1940 - Jack Benny is a guest on Town Hall Tonight, Fred Allen's radio show. Everyone at this time knew that Fred Allen and Jack Benny hated each other (as a gag on the radio). In this episode Jack and Fred pretend not to recognize each other as they make cutting jabs.
Dan Einstein talks about the Jack Benny Collections at the UCLA Film and Television Archive. Plus Jeanette Berard from the Thousand Oaks Library American Radio Archive talk about their collection of Jack Benny Scripts.
January 19, 1940 - Bob Hope, Baby Snooks, Fibber McGee and Molly and Jack Benny team up for this variety program to promote Radio Guide Magazine's new explanation into movies.
Larry Gassman from The Society To Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety and Comedy talks about the good old days of old time radio nostalgia, plus meet-ups, conventions and OTR celebrities!
January 30, 1940 - Jack Benny appears with Eddie Cantor on The March of Dimes special Committee for the Celebration of the President's Birthday. The program was in support of the fight against polio. Plus an interview with Jack's writers, producers and the guy who plays "The Knocking Man".
John Henderson interviews Elva Green about the book she wrote about her father Eddie Green. The book is called "Eddie Green: The Rise of an Early 1900s Black American Entertainment Pioneer". We also talk about Rochester and her family's personal connection.
November 21, 1940 - Jack Benny is the guest on The Maxwell House Coffee Time featuring Baby Snooks and Daddy.
Part 2 of my interview with Steve Darnall of Nostalgia Digest magazine. We talk all about the Jack Benny supporting characters. Plus vintage clips!
Part one of an interview with Steve Darnall of Nostalgia Digest a magazine about old things vintage, from old radio to classic Hollywood and more.
December 17, 1940 - Jack Benny and Fred Allen Star in the movie Love Thy Neighbour. This is a radio preview of the movie.
Jack Benny was guest star on Orson Welles' dramatic program The Campbell's Playhouse for the play "June Moon".
John Henderson talks with Ben Dooley of Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear about his live adaptations of old time radio shows.
The Jack Benny show was on hiatus during the summer, so podcast host John Henderson it interviewing some great guests. It's the summer Jackstravaganza preview. This year look forward to Ben Dooley, Steve Darnall, Caleb Daven, Elva Green, Larry Gassman and Dan Einstein. Plus learn about Forever 39 The Jack Benny Story
Paramount is on the air with Jack Benny in "Artists and Models" and Mary Livingstone in "This Way Please". Listen to these extended movie previews.
June 25, 1939 - From Jack Benny's home town of Waukegan for the opening of his movie "Man About Town". They mention Palm Beach suits, racoon coats, Marcelled hair, Tarzan, The Glow Worm song and The Aldrich Family.
June 20, 1937 - This is the very first episode with Rochester! In the episode they mention Albert Einstein, WC Fields, and the Maxwell House Showboat.
June 20, 1948 - From Cleveland with guests Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell and pitcher Bob Feller. It is an uproarious episode with a great crowd.
June 13, 1937 - Andy Devine is in this early Jack Benny episode talking about his upcoming movie with Bing Crosby. They also mention Fred MacMurray, Gary Cooper and Marlene Detrick. But the star is Mary Livingstone and her first (and possible last) movie "This Way Please".
June 13, 1948 - The Jack Benny Show is #1! The Hooper Ratings listed the top rated radio shows based on millions of telephone interviews through the year. This episode is from Detroit and they mention a number of cars including the 1948 Cadillac, the vehicle to start the tail fin craze.
Don Wilson's weight is also discussed in this episode.
June 11, 1939 - Jack first does a parody of gossip columnist Jimmy Fidler. He mentions a number of old Hollywood stars including youngsters like Mickey Rooney and Bobby Breen. Plus The Cisco Kid, Dr.Kildair, Charlie Chan and most of all Sherlock Holmes.
Also this day, from "Seein' Stars" in the Sunday comics June 11, 1939
June 6, 1948 - A fun train station episode. Mel Blanc does Porky pig and his famous woody woodpecker laugh. And we explain what "Which Twin Has The Toni?" means.
June 4, 1939 - Jack Benny is compared to dramatic actors Paul Muni and Spenser Tracy. But it's really just a rib. Jack Benny is Sherlock Holmes in the preview to "The Hound of the Baskervilles".
May 31, 1942 - After 8 years with JELL-O the Jack Benny Show is changing sponsors (it's still the parent company General Foods). They are doing a clips show or "A Cavalcade of Last 8 Years with JELL-O".
Clips include: How Jack met Rochester, Buck Benny Rides Again, Andy Devine, Jack saves Fred Allen's life, Lost Horizon, Dennis Day's first appearance, Mary's mother, Carmichael the Polar Bear and the gas man, Mr. Billingsley, Don's wife, and the New Year's Eve fantasy.
May 28, 1939 - Not only to they spoof the movie "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell", they also talk about Jack Benny's movie "Man About Town". Plus the FBI director J. Edger Hoover.
May 21, 1944 - Jack Benny and the gang discuss split personality, and later Jack realizes he has a split personality. They reference the death of Flattop from the Dick Tracy comic strip.
Plus Phil Harris and his wife Alice Faye just had a baby. Jack turns on the radio and hears a commercial for "Sympathy Cough Syrup" (very funny spoof).
May 21, 1939 - In this episode of the Jack Benny program, Phil Harris inflicts the worst torture imaginable on Jack...baby talk! Plus we learn about Eleanor Roosevelt's radio show and the NY World's Fair. Plus the second half of "Gunga Din".
May 14, 1944 - Jack at the gang are at Camp Adair, Corvallis, Oregon performing for the infantry.
Don starts off the episode by listing other programs you can hear through the week:
Monday - Cavalcade of America
Tuesday - Bob Hope
Wednesday - Eddie Cantor
Thursday - Bing Crosby
Friday Amos 'n Andy
Saturday - Truth or Consequences
Sunday - Jack Benny
May 14, 1939 - It's mother's day and Jack Benny and the gang spoof a movie in the theatres about a water bearer in British occupied India called "Gunga Din" part 1.
May 9, 1948 - Ronald Coleman's Oscar is finally returned...or was it ever gone? They reference the Pilgrims (listen for a funny clip of Abbot and Costello from 1948). Bare midriff's are in fashion. The first villain pro-wrestler on television, Gorgeous George. And they mention Little Orphan Annie.
May 7, 1939 - Jack Benny makes a Kentucky Derby Bet. Then they do a skit as horses. Phil Harris is also teased for talking in baby talk when he sang the hit novelty song "Three Little Fishes".
May 2, 1948 - Guest Star Frank Sinata. That skinny kid won an Oscar for "The House I Live In" in 1945 and was currently in the movie "Miracle of the Bells". Not to mention the fact that he had his own radio show "Your Hit Parade". This week the negotiate a price for him to sing on The Jack Benny Show.
April 30, 1939 - It's Jack Benny's 7th Anniversary in Radio. At the time there where also two World's Fairs going on. One in New York, the other in San Francisco. Listen also for quick references to drive-in movies and "Lloyds of London" and Esquire Magazine.
April 26, 1942 - Jack Benny and the gang are at the new NBC building in San Francisco. Listen closely and you will hear them mention 7-Up, Red Skelton's catchphrase "I Dood It", and "Havanna Nights". They also do a western skit called Jack Hawkin's Revenge.
April 23, 1939 - On the set of Jack's movie "Man About Town" we meet Guests Binnie Barns and Mark Sandrich with a cameo by Claudette Colbert...all performed in the radio studio by the regular cast with bit players doing the celebrity voices.
Meanwhile, Rochester tries to collect on the bet he made with Jack Benny after the Joe Lewis boxing match. And they subtly take a jab at Chamberlain and his Munich Agreement with Hitler.
April 19, 1942 - Don's play about JELL-O stars Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone and Dennis Day. Plus Jack steals a joke from his corny sound man and much more!
April 16, 1939 - Phil Shoots the movie "Man About Town" behind Jack's back. Bob Hope makes a quick reference to The Jack Benny Show on his program. This is one day before a big boxing match with the champ Joe Louis. Phil Harris and Dorothy Lamour.
April 18, 1954 (Re-run April 10, 1955) - A great Easter episode of the Jack Benny Program. Listen for a clip of Bob Crosby on his show "Club 15", the south pole explorer Admiral Byrd, the Statler Hotel, penny scales, and the Judy Garland / Fred Astaire film "Easter Parade".
April 9, 1939 - Jack Benny recruits his cast to play nurses in a parody of the movie Four Girls in White. They also mention Gunga Din, The Story of Louis Pasteur and The Dead End Kids.
April 4, 1948 - The Ink Spots are filling in for the Sportsmen. Jack Benny was robbed of the Oscar statue that he borrowed from Ronald Coleman in that famous "Your money or your life" episode. So Jack wants to borrow Bing Crosby's Oscar.
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The Lucky Strike Program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson
"Your Money or your life!"
...
"I'm thinking it over!"
April 2, 1939 - Rochester sold Carmichael the polar bear to a pawn shop. Kenny Baker tries some April Fool's Day gags even though it's a day late. They also talk about the news that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard got married.
March 28, 1948 - This is the most well-known episodes of the Jack Benny Program because it includes his most famous joke. And it is a very funny episode where Jack goes to visit his next door neighbor, the classy Ronald Coleman. Jack convinces Ronny to borrow his Oscar!
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The Lucky Strike Program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson
"Your Money or your life!"
...
"I'm thinking it over!"
March 26, 1939 - Fred Allen claims Jack Benny is an imposter named Maxwell Stroud. Newspaperman Ed Sullivan comes to check the story out.
March 21, 1948 - In this episode of the Jack Benny Program there is a subtle reference to the McCarthy era Red Scare. But most of the episode is spent talking about the 20th Academy Awards in which Ronald Coleman won the Best Actor Oscar for "A Double Life".
March 19, 1939 - Jack Benny has the measles and is at home sick in bed. Phil takes over. It's very funny. In the preface we talk about the early days of radio.
March 15, 1936 - One of the better early episodes of Jack Benny. Broadcasting from Washington DC they talk politics and banter. Then Jack goes to a banquet at the French Embassy. Plus the comic strip "Bringing up Father", and my favorite 1936 cartoon where the gong show host is Jack Bunny "I Love to Singa".
March 12, 1939 - Don Wilson celebrates his anniversary. Jack Benny got polar bear for his birthday and it is sick.
March 8, 1953 - Jack and the gang parody the movie "The Snows of Kilimanjaro". Plus Buck Rogers was re-released, Hank Williams has a hit song, and Marilyn Monroe's famous calendar.
March 5, 1939 - Just after "The Richest Horse Race in the World" the Santa Anita Handicap, Jack and the gang discuss the bets they placed. Then they continue their 2-part play Jesse James.
March 2, 1941 - The Jack Benny show is on location in Palm Springs. They spend some time swimming then go on a hike with an "Indian" guide to Taquitz Falls. Let's just say the true history of the Navajo people is much more dynamic than the joke characterization in this episode.
February 26, 1939 - Jack Benny and Fred Allen are at it again. But Jack still has time to put on his rough and tough cowboy voice as Jesse James. The episode takes place just after the Academy Awards when Spencer Tracy won the Best Actor Oscar for "Boys Town" which won Best Picture.
February 20, 1944 - Special guest star Groucho Marx visits Jack at his home. Then, in a bonus segment Jack visits Groucho on his program sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
February 19, 1939 - Jack Benny's new polar bear gets a name. It's also Oscar season for films made in 1938. Who will win for Best Actor - James Cagney, Spencer Tracy...or Jack Benny??? We also talk a bit about the stereotypical views of Chinese immigrants and Boris Karloff's portrayal of Mr.Wong in a series of movies of the time.
February 15, 1953 - Bing Crosby joins his brother Bob (now a regular member of the Jack Benny Show cast) in Palm Springs, Jack was also a guest on Bing Crosby's show that week.
February 13, 1955 - Happy Birthday Jack Benny! In this episode they let Jack's real age slip, but he still insists he's 39. They also make reference to the Good Humor man and The Jackie Gleason Show which would soon become the classic 39 episodes of The Honeymooners.
February 8, 1953 - A lively episode from Palm Springs! Mel Blanc does his now famous impression of an English Horse.
February 5, 1939 - Jack Benny does some boxing practice just in case his feud with Fred Allen comes to blows. They reference Tarzan and "Oliver Twist" and the Queen Mary, a ship which took some time at dock for repairs that year.
January 30, 1944 - The Mills Brothers song "Paper Doll" was at the top of the charts. In this episode Jack Benny is promoting his upcoming movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight" by visiting the studio lot. It is a whole lot of fun. Too bad the movie would end up bombing at the box office.
January 29, 1939 - Jack Benny is in the midst of this feud with Fred Allen. In this episode the reference the Western movie series "Hopalong Cassidy" which ran through they 1930s and 1940s. They also make a few very old references. The comedy recording "Cohen on the Telephone" from 1913 (and 1916) and the real life exotic dancer and WWI spy Mata Hari.
January 25, 1948 - Jack Benny has not his real name. His real name was was Benny Kubelsky. In this is a very fun episode where the cast is on a train home after a trip.
January 22, 1939 - They make a very early reference to television in this episode. But it's mostly about Jack Benny telling how he saved Fred Allen's life back in the days of Vaudeville. There is an obscure reference to the animal stage act "Fink's Mules".
January 19, 1936 - "JAIL-O again" Jack is in Jail for speeding. Unfortunately the audio quality is really bad. So instead...
January 19, 1941 - Jack spoofs the James Cagney boxing movie "City of Conquest" plus they talk about him getting his feet in the forecourt of Grumman's Chinese Theater.
January 15, 1939 - On Jack's Screen Guild Performance with Joan Crawford he tries to prove he can make love on screen as well as any other actor. The Cast doesn't buy it. Plus a fun sitcom style opening with Jack ordering lunch at the local diner. A great episode!
January 10, 1954 - The episode celebrates Jack Benny's announcer Don Wilson with a joke biography. That day a real biography of Jack appeared in Parade Magazine. Also on news stands you could read the latest gossip on Zsa Zsa Gabor.
January 8, 1939 - This is the second time Jack and they gang performed this parody of Snow White on the air. It is a lot of fun. Listen after the episode for a clip from the Screen Guild Show starring Jack Benny from that same night.
January 7, 1940 - Barbra Stanwyck guest stars to reprise her role in "Golden Boy", only things don't go exactly as planned. This is also just after the 1940 Rose Bowl. Jack won a bet with Phil Harris and he is giddy about getting paid off. A great episode!
December 31, 1939 - Gladys Dissapoints Jack on New Year's Eve. This episode has a few old references. Alexander Woollcott was an author and critic. Sally Rand was a Burlesque dancer, and Ginger Rogers was an actress. This is a light hearted and fun episode.
December 28, 1947 - This is a sort of year in review for 1947. Princess Elizabeth gets married. The new look in fashion is a style that includes longer shirts. Perry Como's "Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba" is a hit as well as Phil Harris' "That's What I Like About The South". In This episode of the Jack Benny Show they do a fantasy skit personifying the year 1947 as an old mat at the end of his year. The New Tenant is a young 1948. Listen after the show for a selection from Phil Harris' other Show "The Fitch Bandwagon."
December 24, 1939 - It's Christmas Eve and Jack invites the gang over. This is in 1939 at the end of the Great Depression. Listen after the show for a Christmas clip from The Aldrich Family.
December 23, 1945 - Newsreel of Christmas shopping for dolls and hobby horses in 1945. The US is working on withdrawing troops from Europe after WWII. In this episode Ronald Coleman has a touching speech about Christmas after wartime.
December 17, 1939 - The Jack Benny Program was broadcast live each week, so they did it twice. Once for the east coast time zone, once for the west coast time zone. There are two versions of this episode, listen to what changed from one to another.
October 9, 1949 - Mel Blanc sings does his Al Jolson impression "Neyyyaa" singing along with the Sportsmen quartette. He also just made a record imitating Jolson singing "Toot-Toot-Tootsie Goodbye". Meanwhile Jack is recoverying from nose surgery and accidentally impersonates the Fisk Tire boy.
December 10, 1939 - Jack finishes the Murder on the Gridiron episode which is less gridiron and more murder mystery. They have some great double-talk nonsense voices. They also mention the movie "The Private Life of Henry VIII" starring Charles Laughton.
December 5, 1954 - This is the last of the great Christmas Shopping episodes on The Jack Benny radio show. Jack Buys oil paints for Don for Christmas. Dennis Day had many vinyl records.
December 3, 1939 - Jack Benny AKA Buck Benny the cowboy joins other western stars for the Santa Claus Lane Parade. Meanwhile in cinema, Spencer Tracy won the Oscar that year for "Boys Town". The skit in the episode is part one of "Murder on the Gridiron" where they spoof college football.
November 27, 1949 - Dis you know Ricardo Montalban & Esther Williams sang the first recorded version of the holiday hit "Baby, It's Cold Outside"? Or was it Red Skelton? In this episode Jack spends and evening playing bridge. How could something so average wind up so crazy?
November 26, 1939 - References in this episode include Earle Liederman, a strongman on the vaudeville stage who sold a mail-in bodybuilding course. The Tyrone Power movie "The Rains Came" (1939) and the movie "The Devil is a Sissy" (1936). Plus Jack and the gang talk about his Thanksgiving party and they go duck hunting with Andy Devine.
November 21, 1943 - Happy Thanksgiving from the front lines! The war is on which means the rationing of meats, but Jack is still able to get turkey. Then he dreams he is a turkey. Plus Jack plays violin as a guest on the USO broadcast "Soldiers in Grease Paint".
November 19, 1939 - The year with two Thanksgivings. President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving from the last Thursday of November one week earlier and the nation almost lost it's mind. Some stays stayed with the old Thanksgiving time, some the new, some both. Jack Benny and the gang celebrate the holiday in this episode.
November 16, 1947 - Cleaning Jack's Den before Jack goes to the DMV to get his Driver's License. Movies in '47 included "Forever Amber" and "The Egg and I".
November 12, 1939 - Jack Benny has a toothache and goes to the dentist. Dr.Frank Nelson. What could be more torture? Only Fred Allen and his sponsor Ipana Toothpaste.
November 1 & 8, 1936 - Clips from a few episodes of the Jack Benny Program from 1936. It's also election week Landon vs FDR.
November 5, 1939 - It's s spoof of the movie "The Women" with Jack Benny, Phil Harris and Don Wilson as the women.
A podcast of the greatest Old Time Radio ever, The Jack Benny Program! Starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson. The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever. An OTR podcast
Read more at http://thisdaybenny.com
November 4, 1951 - Listen after the episode for a clip from Jack's TV show that day. Harry Shearer is well known as the voice of Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Smithers, Otto, Kent Brockman and many more. His very first job in entertainment was on The Jack benny Program.
October 29, 1939 - Happy Halloween! This episode of the Jack Benny program takes place at a masquerade party and it's no surprise that Don Wilson is dressed like a bowl of delicious JELL-O. Plus, before the show we take a trip to The San Fransisco World's Fair of 1939-1940 and learn about the swing version of "The Mikado".
October 26, 1936 - Jack Benny stars in "The Big Broadcast of 1937". They talk about the movie "Anthony Adverse", and the star-studded "Romeo and Juliet". Plus a brief answer to the question 'what are minstrel shows?'.
October 22, 1939 - This episode spoofs the movie "Stanley and Livingstone", no relation to Mary Livingstone. And Kay Kaiser from the movie "That's Right You're Wrong" is a guest.
October 19, 1947 - Jack Benny is out golfing. Mel Blanc is still looking for a job doing his Al Jolson impression. References to Fibber McGee and Molly, the song "My Blue Heaven", and golfers George Fazio, Lou Clayton, and Artie Steppens.. Plus the Maxwell, Dennis Day, Mary Livingstone, Rochester, and Phil Harris. This episode has some great moments!
October 15, 1939 - Disney's Cinderella features Verna Felton as the Fairy Godmother. But long before she sang "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" she was Dennis Day's mother on the Jack Benny Show.
October 9, 1949 - What?! Jack Benny suddenly stopped being cheap and became the soul of generosity? He give Mel Blanc a raise, he offers Rochester spending money and the night off, and he buys himself a yacht.
October 2, 1949 - They mention vaudeville performers like Al Jolsen and The Avon Comedy Four, Jack Benny is cheap. That is until one day while taking inventory of his cupboard he gets hit on the head with a large can of tomato juice.
October 4, 1953 - Baseball manager Leo Durocher AKA "Leo the Lip" watches the Yankees vs Dodgers 1953 World Series with Jack Benny. Bob Crosby discusses his brother Bing Crosby. Plus Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day and Don Wilson.
October 8, 1939 - Aldrich Family was the summer replacement show. This is the first show of the new season and the first episode ever with Dennis Day. Find out why the previous singer, Kenny Baker, left the show. Hint: It wasn't about the money.
September 29, 1946 - Jack is humming the hit song of the day "South America, Take it Away" by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. Jack is upset Phil and Dennis have their own shows ("Fitch Bandwagon" and "A Day in The Life of Dennis Day")
September 25, 1949 - Jack Benny visits the CBS studio to start a new season on the radio and runs into ventriloquist Edger Bergen and his pal Charlie McCarthy, Red Skelton and Amos n Andy.
September 21, 1952 - Jack Benny and Rochester do their own version of Abbot and Costello's famous bit "Who's on First?". Plus Shopping in Scotland with Jack and Mary. and Bing Crosby's less famous brother Bob.
September 18, 1949 - Mel Blanc is remembered as "The man of 1,000 voices" in this episode he is begging Jack Benny to let him do a voice, any voice on his program.
September 13, 1953 Television Episode (Audio Only) with Marilyn Monroe in her first ever television appearance.
September 11, 1949 - Deep sea diver sets world record in an iron ball. What does that have to do with Mary's sister Babe? Jack Benny has such great supporting players that Jack himself is able to appear in only 4 minutes of this whole EPISODE from 1949
September 13, 1953 - Jack Benny and the gang are back from vacation. They joke about Liberace's gleaming white teeth. And this is the radio episode that aired just before the Marilyn Monroe TV Episode.
September 10, 1950 - Alan Young was known in 1950 as the star of TVs "The Alan Young Show". Today He's known as the star of Mr.Ed and the voice of Scrooge McDuck on Duck Tales. He passed away in May of 2016 at the age of 96.
Jack Benny stars in Suspense. Also first episode of a new podcast called "Theater of Thrills", Subscribe here: http://theaterofthrills.libsyn.com/rss
August 31, 1934 - Jack Benny's old time radio show is really old this time. This is an early episode so it is quite interesting. References include the movie "The House of Rothschild", Mae West, Gretta Garbo and her big feet.
Tim Newell has played Jack Benny in a one man stage play called "Mr.Benny" for years. We talk about who Jack Benny was, why he was so funny and how to become the man on stage.
August 24, 1934 - The skit in this episode is a spoof on "The House of Rothschild", a 1934 movie about Jewish bankers. The episode also references singer Sofie Tucker, comedian Joe Penner and Hal Roach's "Our Gang" short film comedies, better known as "The Little Rascals".
I talk with my younger brother, Jeff Henderson, about playing the violin as a kid, getting scared out of our minds listening to Suspense, and Jack Benny Show.
Laura Leibowitz (formerly Laura Leff) is the founder and president of the International Jack Benny Fan Club. In this interview we talk about meeting Phil Harris and interviewing Dennis Day, plus we talk about fans, and colorization.
Truth or Consequences was a quiz stunt radio show starring Ralph Edwards. In 1947 he had everyone asking "Who is the Walking Man?". Now, 70 years later, everyone knows the answer... Jack Benny.
We continue our conversation with Kathy Fuller-Seeley. Kathy is a professor of media history at UT Austen. She is writing a book called Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy and in the process has obtained and read nearly all of the scripts to the lost episodes. This is part 2 of 2.
It's De-Lovely - Orchestra
You Do The Darndest Things Baby - Mary Livingstone
Good Night My Beautiful - Dennis Day
Clancy Lowered The Boom - Dennis Day
Make With The Kisses - Phil Harris and Mary Livingstone
Night and Day - Kenny Baker
Button Up Your Overcoat (Lucky Strike) - The Sportsmen
One-sy, Two-sy - Phil Harris & Daughter
April Showers - Dennis Day
Love Love Love - Phil Harris and Mary Livingstone
You Belong To My Heart - Larry Stevens
I Was Speaking of the Devil - Orchestra
Love In Bloom - Bing Crosby
Kathy Fuller-Seeley is a media history professor at University of Texas at Austin and a Jack Benny fan club member. She is currently writing book called Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy. This is Part 1 of 2.
July 20, 1934 - A real episode of the Jack Benny Program. A real early episode. Not the best sound quality. At least Mickey Mouse is mentioned in this episode. I can't wait for the new season in the fall.
I talk to my Grandmother about listening to Jack Benny on the radio at age 5 and watching him on TV as a teenager. Plus Inner Sanctum Mysteries, Lux Theater, the vault, Guildersleve, smoking Lucky Strike, Jennifer Aniston, Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga.
The Jack Benny / Fred Allen Feud started with an ad lib in 1936 and continued until Allen's death in 1956. These are some one the highlights!
Jim Bennie is the man behind the Tralfaz Blog. He is a very knowledgeable fan of Jack Benny along with many other old time media, especially the classic cartoons.
Love in Bloom - Al Bowlly
How Could You - Orchestra
Never in a Million Years - Kenny Baker
That's What I Like About The South - Phil Harris
Too Romantic - Dennis Day
An Irishman Will Steal Your Heart Away - Dennis Day
Pickle In The Middle - Larry Stevens
Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish - Orchestra
I've Got A Pocket Full of Dreams - Phil Harris
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off - Andy Devine & Mary Livingstone
Love Walked In - Kenny Baker
Won't You Marry Me Now - Mary Livingstone & Phil Harris
Mighty Like a Rose - Jack Benny & Robert Taylor
The Jack Benny Program took the summer off so here on the Podcast we will be doing special programs to fill the summer. This episode is a preview of what you can expect. Including the all music episodes, interviews with Blogger Jim Bannie, author Kathy Fuller-Seeley, and more!
Spring 1933 - This is an episode put together from April to June surviving episodes of 1933, plus a radio broadcast of Phil Harris from 1933. Enjoy!
June 27, 1948 - Jack Benny was the Guest on Fred Allen's program, packing for his trip to Europe. Meanwhile the Republican Nation Convention is underway, and Boxing was a big deal with Joe Lewis taking the title.
June 26, 1938 - They talk current events including the Spanish civil war and war between China and Japan, the lone Ranger, and gossip columnist Louella Parsons. Kenny Baker is out of the country so Phil sings a song and so does Mary (with Jack joining in).
June 19, 1938 - What is a chinstrap? Which cartoon short was playing at this time? This plus Kenny Baker, Phil Harris, Mary Livingstone and the whole gang join Jack Benny for another fine episode!
June 18, 1939 - Kenny Baker was starring in the film adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado". This is the last episode of the 1939 season. It's Father's Day and Jack gives a farewell to his listeners and the cast until the fall.
June 16, 1940 - A jam-packed episode with a theme song sitcom segment, Dennis Day's mother, and special guest star "Henry Aldrich".
June 12, 1938 - An early episode, not quite as funny, but extra interesting. Jack Benny visits the set of his upcoming movie "Artists and Models Abroad". Joan Bennett is the guest star.
June 9, 1940 - The songs "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Playmate" are referenced. There are also plans for the movie "Love Thy Neighbor" with comedian Fred Allen. But, with this being the the 2nd last episode of the season, most of the show is Jack discussing his plans for vacation. Spring of 1940 was also toward the beginning of WWII.
June 2, 1940 - JELL-O has renewed the Jack Benny Program for another year, Rochester buys a racehorse on the installment plan, Mary dreams about movie star Robert Taylor, oh yes, and a hillbilly skit to promote JELL-O.
June 1, 1952 - It's the season finally! Jack Benny's movie "Charlie's Aunt", Marilyn Monroe's movie "Niagra", the soap opera "Stella Dallas", Wheel of Fortune, and a big fire at a Hollywood movie studio are all mentioned in this episode.
May 26, 1940 - Mr. Mortimer's Party, formal dinner for sponsor...with no JELL-O for dessert. Very Funny episode. Meanwhile on Burns and Allen, Gracie Allen's campaign for president was in full swing. Plus, they mention the Cisco Kid.
May 24, 1953 - Who was the Heavyweight Champion of the world in 1952? What is the Mystery of the House of Wax? Why does this episode of the Jack Benny show sound so similar for one from the '40s? Listen to this episode of Old Time Radio.
May 19, 1940 - Mary plays a trick on Jack by pretending Dennis is related to the sponsor. The skit is a spoof on a forgotten Technicolor movie "Northwest Passage" with Spencer Tracy.
May 18, 1952 - Imagine if any of the candidates in the current political race had a cartoon elephant leading the charge, and the candidate was described as "Hep". Listen to the campaign referenced in this episode of The Jack Benny program. Plus Ma and Pa Kettle.
May 15, 1938 and early episode with some fun banter at the beginning and a murder mystery skit at the end. Plus Horse racing and guest Bing Crosby.
May 5, 1940 - Jack Benny does his impression of Fred Allen with a clothes pin on his nose.
May 12, 1940 - Mother's Day was on May 4th. Jack Benny and the cast have been in New York and are now on their way back to LA. They take an airplane.
May 2, 1932 This is the very first episode of the Jack Benny Program and the only episode from 1932 that has survived!
April 28, 1940 In New York. The first episode since the opening of Jack's Movie Buck Benny Rides Again. Fred Allen had Rochester on as a guest on his show this week too.
November 9, 1947 - Denny Day does a funny Ronald Coleman impression. The REAL Ronald Coleman is also in this episode in one of the funniest scenes ever!
April 21, 1940 Live from the Ritz Theater for the release of Jack Benny's movie "Buck Benny Rides Again". There is talk of the Broadway show "Hellzapoppin" which is zany and crazy!
A hilarious appearance of Jack Benny on the Quiz Kids, which is just what it sounds like, a trivia program for smartypants youngsters.
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program. Each week on 'This Day in Jack Benny' your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever. An OTR podcast.
A podcast of the greatest Old Time Radio ever, The Jack Benny Program! Starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson.
April 14, 1940 - Calling all adventure fans! Calling all Dick Tracy Fans! A fun episode on location with all your favourite cast members, plus their mothers and a host of one-off characters.
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program. Each week on 'This Day in Jack Benny' your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever. An OTR podcast.
A podcast of the greatest Old Time Radio ever, The Jack Benny Program! Starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson.
April 13, 1947 Jack talks about his picture in Newsweek. Also so much old time music.
The Luck Strike program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly, Don Wilson
April 7, 1940 - Jack Benny is about to release his new movie "Buck Benny Rides Again" so he is bringing back his old Buck Benny skit for the radio show.
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program. Each week on 'This Day in Jack Benny' your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever. An OTR podcast.
A podcast of the greatest Old Time Radio ever, The Jack Benny Program! Starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson.
April 13, 1952 with a clip from April 13 1934. Those early episode are hard to listen to because of the sound quality, but if you can make out what they are saying its quite funny
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The JELLO program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
March 31, 1940 - The Jello Program starring Jack Benny! Jack was also on Orson Wells' program that week in a mostly dramatic play called "June Moon". But most of the show is a spoof of Walt Disney's Pinocchio which came out the previous month, February 1940. The Blue Fairy was played by a woman Jack almost married, Mary Kelly. Of course he ended up marrying Mary Livingston instead.
March 31, 1946 - This episode of The Jack Benny show is being broadcast from March field with a passionate crowd of soldiers.
March 24 1940 - Happy Easter! This week is also the anniversary of Jack Benny's breakthrough radio appearance on Ed Sullivan's program. This episode features some talk about Fred Allen, last week's Hunchback play, a play "written by Don Wilson" and a look at next week's play Pinocchio.
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The JELLO program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
March 24, 1946 A clip from the long running radio soap opera "Life can be beautiful" plus this funny episode featuring a special guest.
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The Lucky Strike Program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
March 17, 1946 - Dennis Day is back after two years serving in the Navy. In this episode of the Jack Benny Program they parody Allen's Alley from the Fred Allen show. This is an Old Time Radio spoof of an Old Time Radio show. OTR
The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, Mr.Kitzel and yDon Wilson
March 16, 1952 - It's one day before St Patricks'd Day and Dennis Day is as Irish as can be. This is also just 10 days after President Harry Truman gave a speech asking congress for nearly $8 Billion.
Another great Old Time Radio Show OTR. The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly, Don Wilson.
March 10, 1946 Ray Maland who would win the Oscar for "The Lost Weekend" (1945) guest stars on the Luck Strike Program starring Jack Benny. They spoof the movie and have a lot of fun with the success of the film.
March 9, 1952 Jack gets ready for the fourth show of the second season of his TV show, which would air later that night on CBS with guest stars George Burns and Gracie Allen. It's the Old Time Radio show "The Lucky Strike Program".
March 3, 1946 - This episode features Frank Nelson the YEEESSSS! guy as a real estate agent. But the show really pick up when Jack gets to the studio and meets the gang.
This Day in Jack Benny podcast plays episodes from the funniest Old Time Radio show ever! The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Larry Stevens, and yours truly, Don Wilson
The Lucky Strike Program Starring Jack Benny! The March 4, 1934 Episode of Jack Benny sounds like they are doing the show under water. They aren't, it's just really old. I open this podcast with a couple clips, then switch to the March 4, 1951 episode. Jack goes to the Dentist.
Old Time Radio (OTR)
February 24, 1946 - The Jack Benny Program from Palm Springs. The Hot Dog Man (who would later be called Mr.Kitzel) is featured as Jack and Mary roam the streets before showing up late for their own show. Phil Harris has got it coved. :)
Jack has a bone to pick with Esquire magazine. Listen to my intro to see what else was featured in that issue from 1946.
Seabiscuit was a popular race horse in the 1930's and 1940's. In this episode we feature the actual horse race from 1937, the day before this episode of the Jack Benny Show. Plus Jack's excuses are up, will be play "the Bee" on his violin? What about Fred Allen?
February 17, 1946 - This episode of the Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny is titled "Rochester Lost at Sea...Briefly" and he really was. The story of Rochester is really an aside. Listen also for a clip from Fred Allen's new movie. And by NEW I mean 1945. Old Time Radio (OTR)
February 16, 1936 & April 19, 1936 - The Jello Program starring Jack Benny. This old Time Radio episode is REALLY old, 80 years ago. Many of the recording from that year have been lost to history. Only about 10 minutes of the episode "Drug Store" has survived. The same is true for the episode "I've Got a Heavy Date" two month later.
The two episodes have been seamlessly edited together to create one full episode (although this is still a bit of skipping). It's still a funny OTR episode.
February 14, 1954 - It's Valentine's Day, which is also Jacks birthday. This is one of the more famous episode of the Jack Benny Program. This Day in Jack Benny 62 year ago today.
February 7, 1937 - An episode of the Jello Program starring Jack Benny. Will Jack ever play "The Bee" on his violin? Last week he was sick and rival Fred Allen is taunting him.
February 10, 1946 - Eddie Cator was a singer of outrageous novelty songs in the 1920s, like "Yes! We have no Bananas" and "If You Knew Susie". He was the guest star This Day in Jack Benny in 1946 on the Lucky Strike Program.
February 6, 1938 - This is an episode of the Jello Program starring Jack Benny in which they mix up the format. Jack is late, and hilarity ensues! Another great episode from the greatest OTR (old time radio) show.
February 12, 1939 - Download this episode and listen to in on February 12 for maximum enjoyment!
This Day in Jack Benny with John Henderson. This is an episode of The Lucky Strike Program staring Jack Benny. Old Time Radio (OTR).
Feb 3, 1946 Concert with the Colemans and the winning poem for the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny Contest". :)
"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"