Jack Benny – Retro Radio Podcast: Recent Episodes
Keith Heltsley
Jack brags to Don about his latest film appearance and the brilliant performance he gave in The Big Broadcast of 1937. However, Mary quickly chimes in with her own opinion,…
It’s time to hear from the man the whole world has been waiting for: Jack Benny! Spirits run high as Don Wilson and Jack joke about their recent vacations. Mary…
Jack is tired of the same old thing week after week. Don suggests a few cures for the run-down feeling. Mary talks about her health, and seeing her doctor. She’s…
The last show of the month, and of the season. In the opening teasing with Jack, and through the show you’ll notice there’s a stand in voice for Mary. Dennis…
It’s the end of the 1949 season, and as a bookend for the year, Jack takes time to give credit and honors to all of his cast members and writers.…
Rolling back the clock a few days, we find Rochester doing some house cleaning when his work is interrupted by his gal Suzy. Jack is in the other room, giving…
Jack is at home, getting ready for the big Easter Parade. Rochester comments on the preparations as Jack finishes getting dressed. Jack is looking fit and trim, and steps on…
in Jack’s home, Rochester sings as he does the spring cleaning. We discover an unfortunate love affair between Polly and his feather duster. Mary arrives to share a letter from…
Jack Benny and Bob Hope team up for an unforgettable, chaotic double date! When Dennis Day falls sick, Jack twists Bob Hope’s arm into filling in for a picnic with two local telephone operators, Mabel and Gertrude. From comparing the comedic duos' kissing styles to dealing with frogs, network rivalries, and near-drowning mishaps by the pond, the date is pure classic comedy gold.
Flashback to the day before at rehearsal. Jack is critical of Bob Crosby’s band members. Jack begins to worry when Don points out that his contract hasn’t been renewed yet.…
Jack is to do another TV show, but first he and Rochester are at home, trying to fill out Rochester’s income tax form. Jack lends a hand with the line…
we open with Jack Benny lecturing Rochester about the need to conserve gasoline and maintain vehicles well for the war effort. Jack is introduced for the last Jell-O episode, and…
him from Camp Callan California Jack receives a nice and hammy introduction. Don sets out to prove that his military audience thinks he’s great. Mary makes a poetic ending and…
Jack is teased about giving the whole cast a lift to the military base and is Maxwell. He collects gas money for the trip from Don. Mary arrives to get…
Jack has been appearing in Detroit all week, and when he is absent from the radio studio, we cut to the theater where he puts on his stage show at…
Don introduces Jack and teases him about being dizzy. Jack tells a story about flying a kite as a child. Mary Livingston arrives to the applause of the soldiers. She…
Don Wilson rolls back the clock so we can join Jack Benny and the cast on the set of Jack’s new movie. Jack interrupts Rochester as he sings and cleans…
from the new NBC building in San Francisco, Don introduces Jack in the new studio amid sound check interruptions. They talk about the elegance of the staff in uniform. They…
Don Wilson rolls back the clock and we joined Jack and again grabbing a sandwich at the local lunch counter. Jack and Mary joke about menu selections, and service by…
from camp Hahn California, Don implies that Jack rode a bicycle all the way. Jack goes with the gag, and his tandem bicycle partner Myrtle. Mary arrives to talk about…
Don teases Jack about the recent accident he had during the Easter parade. Despite wardrobe malfunctions, Jack still gets compliments. Phil Harris enters. Does his fashion said match up to…
the show opens with Jack and Rochester still looking for his golf ball from last week. Mary arrives to rush them off to the studio after a week of their…
without further ado we bring you a man who uses this time of year to change from his long underwear. Jack describes how peppy he feels now that spring is…
instead of introducing Jack, Don introduces their Irish tenor, Dennis Day. Dennis turns up the Irish when he tells a story about Pat, Mike and a parrot. As Jack tries…
broadcasting from Marine Corps Base, San Diego. After a big buildup for the Marines, Don introduces what Jack thinks a Marine is. Don brings up Jack’s service in the previous…
as Don prepares his customary introduction, Barry Livingston interrupts. She tells how Jack is anticipating winning an Oscar award this year. Even Dennis reports on how upset Jack is in…
in honor of George Washington’s birthday, Don Wilson compares him to Jack Benny’s war record. Jack gets annoyed when Don claims that he is Older Than Fred Allen. Mary Livingston…
Don announces to the studio audience that yesterday was Jack’s birthday. We roll the clock back to see what happened in Jack’s house yesterday. Rochester sings as he does housework.…
Don lets us know that daylight savings time goes into effect tomorrow, and here comes a man who has to deal with the changes, Jack Benny. Is Jack managing to…
Don gives tribute to the man who makes the show happened, Virgil Reimer, the sound effects man (Frank Nelson). Jack springs his own surprise, he threatens to fire Don. Jack…
Mary and Dennis informed Don that Jack has not arrived yet. He’s on the telephone to talk to his lawyers. Mary opens the door so we can listen in on…
This is a rare episode where Jack Benny does not appear. After the tragic passing of Carole Lombard, wife of Clark Gable and recent costar in Jack Benny’s latest film,…
Don Wilson introduces the eminent authority on aviation and flying, Jack Benny. Jack brags to the soldiers at Marshfield about his part in inventing the airplane. Mary arrives to tease…
Don Wilson rolls back the clock, and we join Jack in Rochester as he prepares for the new year celebrations. Jack learns the bad news about how Rochester lost his…
Jack and Don joke around about gray hair. Then Phil enters to get his hair joked about as well. Jack makes a crack about giving Phil the bird. Mary and…
As Don takes the show to Jacks house, there seems to be trouble. Professor LeBlanc has jumped into traffic at the thought of giving Jack a violin lesson. Once he…
After the busy and exciting events of doing the weekend broadcast, Monday is Jacks Day to relax. Rochester tries to make Jack comfortable at home, even to the point of…
The scene is set in the apartment of a department store salesman as he wakes, and faces the day. After waking from his nightmare, his wife offers Som assurance. Meanwhile…
In Jack’s house, Rochester has a little trouble with Polly the Parrot before Jack gets home. Jack is a little upset over the anticipated visit of Dennis. Jack has a…
Don summarizes the events of last week’s show, then the flashback takes us back again. Jack grumbles, and coughs as nurse Rochester takes care of him. Mary comes over to…
Don implies that Jack is old during his introduction. Bob Crosby wants a ticket for the show for his brother Bing. Dennis talks about his winnings in a raffle, and…
Flashback to the day before in the drugstore. As Jack reads the paper, he is harassed by the waitress, and tries to jot down a joke for the show. When…
Don flashes back to last year, on the day after Halloween. Rochester talks to Jack about rowdy kids in the neighborhood, and Halloween pranks. Don and Jack talk about Polly’s…
Don flashes back to the night before. It’s the night for big parties in Beverly Hills. As the party rages at the Coleman’s house, Jack wonders why he hasn’t been…
Jack is at home, trying to stir up something for breakfast. When he needs help with breakfast, Jack has to wake Rochester up. On the way to answer the door,…
As Rochester cleans house, he finds Jack’s diary laying around. Through it, he gets a few candid glimpses of Jack’s recent trip to Europe. As Rochester prepares for the World…
Having just spent the Summer away on a USO tour to Africa, flashback to the moment when Don and Mary meet Jack at the airport. With all that brutal touring,…
The Tea Party? Don’t worry, there’s no politics, just fun. Guest announcer Pat Weaver and Jack joke about local features of Boston, where the show is broadcast from today. Kenny…
In a rush to make the last day in the studio for the season, Jack and Don take a cab, they are joined by Mary, and Phil at the drugstore…
The last of the season is winding down, and Jack talks about how the months fly by. What about a vacation in Hawaii, where the seasons are all the same?…
Jack comes out with compliments on Johnny Greens performance. Then a telegram arrives for Jack from a fan. The mother wants to learn more about Jack’s life, so it will…
Lum and Abner – Abner Wants To Start Trading Merchandise. 350304 Horlicks: Some products are just far better than others. For 50 years, Horlicks has Now, what’s happening in Pine…
Don gives a flowery, springtime introduction to Jack Benny. Mary is on hand to add to the conversation about the flowers and Jack’s Garden. We find out that Carmichael the…
Lum and Abner – Jot’ em Down Store Reopens. 350226 Horlicks: Your druggist has your highest health concern at heart. That’s why Horlicks is found, and recommended by drugstores everywhere.…
Don introduces the scene from last Sunday Jack and Mary enter a taxi. They discussed the fund they had in the nightclubs. Jack’s Playboy lifestyle has been placed on a…
Opening with a musical selection, or two, the listening audience awaits the radio connection to be made. Joining Jack who is still in New York, getting ready to blow out…
after being introduced Don and Jack discuss the success of his latest picture. Mary arrives to set the story straight. He has been working as an usher in order to…
Don introduces a man who was greeted by thousands of loyal fans. Jack arrives at his destination, his so tell and then to his studio audience. He brags about his…
Preparing for his big movie premier, Jack gets packed for the trip to New York. Rochester sings as he works, and reveals secrets on Jacks fashion techniques. Mary Livingstone arrives…
With Spring bursting out all over, Don introduces a man who is still wearing his longies. Phil Harris pokes fun at Jack’s underwear, and when Mary arrives, she talks about…
A new star has bloomed over the horizons, as Don introduces the star of the new feature, June Moon. Jack tells about his ordeal in being on Orson Welles recent…
To review, Don teases Jack about his acting lessons with Orson Wells last week. Phil Harris and Dennis Day arrive to hear the review by Ed Sullivan in the newspaper.…
Jack is out in the hall, talking to Orson Wells. Phil describes the purpose, and we eavesdrop on the phone call to learn of the coaching session to improve Jack’s…
For a change, as is his usual custom, Jack introduces Don in honor of his 17 years in broadcasting. Fat jokes pepper the sentiments. Phil Harris and Mary Livingstone enter…
Back in Hollywood after enjoying the winter sports in Yosemite, the cast teas Jack about his prowess on the slopes, and in doing it the hard way. Mary Livingstone, and…
After the previous 3 episodes, which take place in flashback over a span of a few days, fast forwards to Jack recovering in his hotel room, and Rochester reading him…
Audio is a bit on the mushy side, and the show starts already in progress. Just in time for a commercial and a clipped song from Frank Parker. Jack tries…
Don reviews the adventure thus far, as our cast of adventures made their way to Yosemite. Mary’s dark mood gets snippy while the rest try to sleep alongside the road.…
Poor quality. Audio starts out passable, but fades some. Jack has returned from his Chicago trip he mentioned in his previous show. He tells the cast about his birthday celebration.…
Flashing back to last week when our little band of merry travelers were on the way to Yosemite, Don gives the details, as both Jack and Mary add skeptical remarks…
Audio is poor, but worth a listen to hear a few moments of Jac’s early career on radio. I tweaked the audio to cut out some of the noise, but…
Rolling the clock back to the end of last week’s benefit for the March of Dimes, Jack and the cast share some behind the scenes moments. They critique their jokes,…
That fearless adventurer, the unsung hero of the program, Jack Benny is introduced. He tells about the trip with Rochester, and the Maxwell. Fending off howling wolves, surviving driving rain,…
Don’s glowing introduction gets interrupted, when Phil Harris lets him know, Jack isn’t here. Mary Livingstone says he’s in the hall, talking to his new girlfriend, Gladys, or at least…
Being the second week of leap year, Don introduces that man who hasn’t left in years… Jack Benny. He gets teased about getting older, when Mary and Phil enter. Taking…
The cast joke about the Rose Bowl game. Jack gloats over his bet with Phil Harris, but Phil isn’t nearly as grudging of a loser as Jack expects. Isn’t Jack…
Welcoming in the new year, Don and Jack joke about getting older. Calendars, issued by local businesses are a longstanding milestone of the season, and Jack talks about some notable…
Don whisks us to Jack’s home in Beverly Hills where Rochester sings as he trims the tree. How are Trudy the ostrich, and Carmichael the polar bear doing? Mary enters…
Mary talks with Jack about being at the Navy base as they drive to their destination. Remember that Jack’s Maxwell had previously been donated to the war effort. The car…
The war in Europe has just ended last Tuesday (May 8), and the spirits run high as Jack and Don comment on VE Day. Though Jack tries to brag about…
We travel to Jack’s house, where we find Rochester and Jack in the back yard at pool side. Mary joins the fun, and complains about being charged to swim. Larry…
We find Jack in his library, looking for some good reading. When he discovers Rochester’s diary. We are treated to some insights to gambling habits, and a good natured glimpse…
As a new year begins, Jack and his cast flashback to their trip to the Rosebowl game. Going against his stingy character, Jack surprises everyone when he springs for the…
Jack is teased about being the Peanut King, and vending machines that he owns. Mary enters to be teased about her fashion sense. Phil Harris enters to lay out the…
Audio is a touch on the fast side. Rochester and Mary talk about Jack being appointed as an Admiral. we find Jack in the bathtub with his fleet, and talks…
Entertaining for Army troops, Jack and Don layer on the military related jokes, and those related to military customs. Phil Harrisshows his humorous side as he talks about his new…
Don Wilson takes us to Jack’s house, where Rochester gets a breakfast ready for his boss. Phil Harris drops in and when the radio is tuned in, Frank Nelson, Mel…
At Jack’s house, Rochester and Mary help with getting his Christmas party ready. The cast are finalizing the “Why I Hate Jack Benny” contest, and have a few fan letters…
Getting ready to travel by train, Jack and Rochester joke around about packing. Jack seems to be plagued by a stalker who is following him from St Joseph. Mary arrives…
The show starts with a bit of a flip flop. Jack opens, and introduces Don wilson as the star of the show. what’s the story behind that? Did Jack lose…
In flashback, Don takes us back to a scene where Rochester sings as he cleans Jack’s home. Then Jack takes the stage to speak to the gathered troops where they…
Jack is celebrating his birthday as he makes the rounds on his circuit of military bases. Don teases Jack about his toupee, and tries to get Jack to admit his…
Or: Guests Binnie Barns, And Mark Sandrich. Since Phil and Jack are busy with their film, Don and Kenny proclaim to take over, but the scene fades to Jack and…
The Naval hospital is another base near New York. Jack brags about being from Waukegan, and his education. Being a Naval base, he also jokes about being drafted into the…
The sensation of the Easter Parade, Jack Benny, enters to joke about style, fashion, and Carmichael his Polar bear. The flashy fashions of Rochester and Phil are mentioned, and the…
Don brings us the man who held the ladder for Clark Gable to elope with Carol Lumbard, Jack Benny. The news of the celebrity wedding is the focus of jokes.…
Introducing that sophisticated humorist… Maxwell Stroud. Huh? It’s a joke, based on recent comments from Fred Allen on his show. Jack jokes with Don about Carmichael. Mary tells secrets on…
Don tells that Jack is at home with a cold. As he Kenny, and Phil handle the studio audience, we go to visit Rochester and Carmichael the polar bear as…
For a change, Jack introduces Don Wilson, who is celebrating his 15th year in radio,. How did he happen to get into radio? Phil tells about his own start in…
Don and Jack joke about the recent losses at the race track. Mary shares a secret about Jack’s $2 loss. Phil harris, and Kenny Baker join the horse racing jokes…
The Academy Awards have come and gone, but how is Jack taking it with his loss? Mary shares secrets to burst his bubble as to why he was the center…
Anticipating the upcoming Academy Awards, will our star stand a chance? Jack gets teased about his latest film, Artists and Models Abroad. Hasn’t anybody in the cast seen it? Mary…
Our own little cupid gets a happy birthday greeting when the audience sings to him. Jack talks about other people who were also born in February. Will he confess to…
The Waukegan Bomber, Kid Benny, weighs in for jokes about boxing and the latest round of jabbing from Fred Allen's most recent show. Mary tells secrets on Jack's attempts at exercising in his back yard. The fitness follies continue as Phil arrives, and demonstrates his fictional theme song for his fictional sponsor for his yet to emerge radio show. After an interruption, Phil plays, Umbrella Man.
We bring you a man who used to be a beautiful baby... Jack Benny. Don comments about a family photo album he saw at Jack's. How about the other cast members? Were they beautiful babies as well? Mary reveals some secrets from Jack's history. Kenny claims to not be all that pretty, but he was a smart kid. Phil is late, and the claim is that he's still upset over Jack's comments about getting his own radio show last week. Kenny sings, Penny Serenade.
A different announcer, possibly Frank Nelson, sets the scene in the corner drug store. We join Jack and Mary as they order sandwiches. Wacky soda jerks, and a pampered pekinese both serve to annoy Jack. Kenny Baker pops in, along with Don Wilson. Will there be time to eat, and weigh on the scales before the show starts? Phil plays some traveling music as the gang show up in the studio, Could Be.
Don announces that Don Juan, that answer to a maiden's prayer... Jack Benny. Is there an ulterior motive for the image of a lady's man? Phil enters to talk about sophisticated, blaze, women... er... make that blasé women. Mary is critical of the class of women that Jack has allegedly been dating. Even Kenny enters with woman trouble of his own. Jack gets right to announcing the play, but is interrupted as the cast challenge him for not announcing the play last week. Instead of dwarves, the guys will be gangsters, and Jack calls attention to the fact that Walt Disney is in the audience tonight. Kenny Baker sings, One Song.
Introducing that man who gave up partying, but Jack complains that Don is just ungrateful. Mary enters to see if Jack can tell what’s new about her. Dennis has a…
Don and Jack joke about the cold weather in New York, compared to sunny California. Jack gets in some wisecracks about his famous rival, Fred Allen. The rest of the…
Jack and Mary fight through the Christmas shopping crowds. As Jack tries to think of something special to get his sister Florence, he encounters unruly sales clerks, and spies on…
Jack is getting ready to leave for Texas to put on a show for the big charity game. As Rochester helps him pack, Don, Mary, and the cast members each…
At rehearsal Jack gets on the nerves of the cast as he complains over their poor performance on the previous show. Phil, Mary, and Dennis all get in their jokes…
With only 2 more shopping days till Christmas, Don introduces that fugitive from Gimbles basement. Responding with jokes about the vicious little old ladies out bargain hunting, Jack greets Mary.…
At home, Jack is joined by Phil and Dennis. The guys plan to spend the night playing cards. Mr Kitzel pops in for a few jokes, but he can’t stay…
In front of a military audience, Don teases Jack about his leadership ability,and a matter of slang. The jokes continue to reflect the culture of the Air Force training base.…
The busiest little man in Hollywood, Jack Benny, is a wreck. He has been doing Christmas shopping, and hanging out at parties, and tells Don about his new picture. Will…
Don greets Jack, with a big build up to start a new show in a new year. The gang review their new years celebrations. Jack and Mary were at Phil’s…
Mary sings as she helps Jack decorate his house for the big Christmas party. Jack trims the tree, and talks about the famous guests he invited. Also about Barbara, the…
`After the performance on last week’s show, Jack feels the need to call a meeting. One by one, Jack complains about Phil, Mary, and Dennis. Jack replays recordings from the…
Don talks with Jack about being a stand up guy, and one to not lose his temper. Does Jack have two sides to his personality? Mary and Kenny share their…
Rochester sings a spoof of Sidewalks of New York as he helps out in Jacks hotel room, by helping him with his luggage. Mary visits after getting over her cold.…
In Jack’s Beverly Hills home, he gets ready for his big Halloween party. Rochester, and Mary helps him out, as they tease him about his party supplies. Kenny enters to…
Much ado is made over performing the first show in their new home at the new studio. Jack gets interupted by a sight seeing tour that passes through. Phil plays,…
The cast is buzzing about the move to the new studio. Sentiments run high with Jack. When the cast poke fun at Jack’s sentimental side, he gets defensive, and shares…
As Jack and the cast make their appearances, they talk about how well the show went last week. Mary enters, and Jack talks about their date the night before. Mary…
In a preshow segment, the cast all get ready for the season opener. Both Phil and Kenny are seen off by their mothers. Mary gets a phone reminder from her…
We find Jack at his home taking a nap, with Rochester providing commentary as he watches his boss. Once he wakes up, Jack is visited by Phil, who tells about…
As Rochester cleans house, Jack is at the hospital after being so sick last week. In the process he finds Jack’s diary, and reads a passage. We learn of Jack’s…
After losing his memory last week, Jack has a generous demeanor instead of being stingy. Mary talks with her maid about Jack’s new outlook on life. She’s worried about Jack,…
Jack seems as stingy as ever as he and Rochester are at home, taking inventory in the pantry. Running gags appear from flubs made last week, and the topic of…
In recent episodes, Jack has had a memory loss, and in a fit of generosity and on a spending spree he put a down payment on a yacht. Now he…
It’s that time of year when the new radio season begins, and all your favorites begin making appearances again. Today we find Jack and Mary being driven to the studio…
As Don and Jack joke, Jack gets his feelings hurt, and makes a phone call to have Don fired. Phil and Mary enter, and Don points out that Mary just…
Don Wilson points the listener to join in on a Hollywood tour bus. Frank Nelson is the tourbus driver who points out various celebrities. As the bus passes by each…
In Jack’s home in Beverly Hills, he and Rochester clean out the refridgerator. A reporter phones Jack to confirm a story of the things that Fred Allen said about him,…
Flashback to just after last weeks episode. The cast finish the show, but Jack detains them to talk about their sloppy performance. He complains about Mary flubbing her lines while…
In Jack’s home in Beverly Hills, Rochester does the Spring cleaning as he sings some ad lib lyrics about Jack. They joke about love in the Springtime, and Polly’s love…
Don goes into flashback mode to Jack’s house where the gang are getting ready for Easter, and waiting for guest, Van Johnson to appear. Rochester goes to make a phone…
This show is missing the second half, which has the title bit about the drugstore. Here’s what’s in the show: Don comments on Jack’s recent birthday. Though he tries to…
Don raves about the success of Jacks first ever television show. Mary and Dennis enter to tease Jack about his television debut. Phil has some good words on the topic.…
Flashback time. Rochester and jack head to the race track, and begin the adventure with fun in the Maxwell. Jack comments on the scenery as they go motoring. Eventually they…
Don Wilson flashes back to about an hour before the broadcast. Jack complains to Rochester about the sandwich that he brought for him. Mary pops into Jacks dressing room to…
Jack Benny – Don Signs A New Contract. 490206. Mary gets the chance to open the show. The ongoing story is that Jack has Don held captive in his den…
It’s National Pickle Week, and Jack jokes about pickles with the cast. Mary is back, after bdeing sick last week. Mary slips in some doctor jokes. Phil complains about the…
Don wants a change from the usual opening, and wants to be announced by Jack, and switch parts. To add to the change, Mary and Kenny change parts. Kenny delivers…
Don flashes back to the day before where we find Rochester doing some Spring cleaning in Jack’s attic. The temptation is too great, and Rochester reads some old love letters…
In Jack’s home in Beverly Hills Rochester comments on Jack’s preparations he takes to get ready for his performances in television. Such exotic behavior. He’s joined by Polly before the…
At Jack’s house, Rochester makes comments behind Jack’s backas Jack finishes getting dressed for the big Easter Parade. Rochester finds Jacks diaray and reads a few lines from it. He…
Don introduces the latest tax payer and home owner of Beverly Hills. We learn about the termite condition in Jacks new house. His architect, Burgess, has gone overboard with dog…
Jack is at home,, and with the help of Rochester and Mary he is packing his bags for his flight to New York. He tries to be weight conscious about…
Jack Benny – In New York, Fred Allen, Kate Smith. 380327. From New York, Jack is introduced and talks with Harry Vonzell about filling Don’s shoes, Jack’s train ride cross…
Spring is in the air, and Jack talks to Don about the sure signs that it’s back. Phil arrives, and Jack breaks the news about the trip to New York.…
Jack feels that Don needs some help with his methods of doing the show opening. Though Jack thinks his job was an example of sincerity, Phil thinks otherwise. When Mary…
Jack Benny – Dons 15th Anniversary On Radio. 380306. As Don begins the introduction, Jack takes over with a nice word to congradulate Don for his 15 years in radio.…
Jack Benny – Jack Has A Music Lesson. 490227. Mel Blanc, as Jack’s violin teacher dreads approaching Jack’s house. Jack seems to have misplaced his violin, and asks Rochester for…