This Day in Jack Benny
Comedy
About
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"
Episodes
- The Automat
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. Ref…
- Rancho Benny (Basic 7 Foods)
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…
- Going to the Zoo
On May 11, 1952, Jack Benny brings the Beavers to the zoo, with Roy and Rochester occupied with cleaning duties for Mother's Day. The episode includes references to Johnny Ray, Ike Eisenhower, Senator Estes Kefauver, Tarzan, and Clyde Beat…
- At the Ball Game (Jimmy Durante)
This Day in Jack Benny episode "At the Ball Game" revisits May 4, 1952, featuring Jimmy Durante. Jack and Mary attend a baseball game, with mentions of President Truman's televised tour and various songs.
- Swimming Pool (Loretta Young)
The episode "Swimming Pool" from "This Day in Jack Benny," dated April 18, 1943, covers the opening of Jack Benny's swimming pool for the season. Guest Loretta Young delivered a Public Service Announcement advocating for War Bonds.
- Seance (Who Stole the Ding Dong?)
This episode of This Day in Jack Benny, titled "Seance (Who Stole the Ding Dong?)", covers an event from April 25, 1954. The seance at Jack's home referenced the song "Somebody Bad Stole de Wedding Bell," the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blonde…
- A Yank at Oxford
On April 10, 1938, Jack Benny talks about building a house in Beverly Hills. The discussion references Anthony Eden, Fred Allen, the song "A Cup of Coffee a Sandwich and You", and the movie A Yank at Oxford.
- Don Wilson on Eddie Cantor Show (BONUS)
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 "Go…
- Happy Easter (Eclipse)
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.
- Alan Ladd
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.
- How Jack Found Rochester
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…
- Haunted House/Western
March 11 & 18, 1934 - Jack sleeps in a haunted house and the cast does an Arizona western play.
- Mad About The Oscars
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 B…
- The Whistler (Washington DC)
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…
- House in Palm Springs (I Think)
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 Cros…
- Surprise Birthday Party
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.
- Musical Tribute to Jack Benny
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.…
- Testimonial Dinner (10th Anniversary)
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 Jesse…
- Salute to Jack Benny (10th Anniversary)
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!
- Elephant's Graveyard (Deleted Scene)
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, sanfo…
- George Burns and Jack Benny are Gypsies (Bonus)
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 rec…
- New Year's Fantasy (1950 In Review)
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 Sina…
- Trimming the Christmas Tree
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 Nig…
- Frank Sinatra In Person (BONUS)
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.
- Going Christmas Shopping (Sinatra)
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.
- Christmas Shopping (Gold Cufflinks)
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 M…
- Turkey Court (Banned in Boston)
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.
- Biopic of Jack Benny
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 Roon…
- Madame Zombie (Screeno)
November 13, 1938 - Jack steals a girl from Phil Harris. Jack and Mary go see a fortune teller. References include Screeno.
- All American (Tony Curtis)
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 Wi…
- The Don Wilson Story (Mr. Anthony)
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.
- Lost Golf Ball (Ghost Dance)
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 Sports…
- House For Sale
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 D…
- Sun Valley Vacation (Freedom Train)
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…
- Jack Paar Show Guest Jack Benny (BONUS)
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 Vi…
- Stop or Go (BONUS)
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.
- Suspense: A Good and Faithful Servant (BONUS)
June 2, 1952 - Jack Benny Stars in this episode of Suspense where he plays a faithful clerk who tries to steal $50,000.
- Bing Crosby Show with Jack and Mary (BONUS)
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 Halls of Ivy (BONUS)
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 Bil…
- Paramount Silver Jubilee (Bonus)
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!
- The Golden Touch (BONUS)
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!
- Rehearsal with Kids (BONUS)
Recorded February 15, 1953 - This is the rehearsal for the episode aired February 22, 1953 where the kids impersonate the Jack Benny show.
- What's My Line? Mystery Guest Jack Benny (BONUS)
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 M…
- Phil Harris fills in for Kay Kyser (BONUS)
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!
- Benny Wrong Number (BONUS)
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".
- King For A Day (BONUS)
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, Dunca…
- George Burns Goes to College (BONUS)
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.
- Ah, Wilderness!
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 B…
- Phil Harris and Jack Benny Interviewed 1946 (BONUS)
In the spring of 1946, Phil Harris and his wife Alice Faye were interviewed on the Chicago radio show of columnist Nate Gross. A week later, Jack Benny was the guest on the program. Here are both 15 minute episodes!
- Dennis Day Reads Snow White (BONUS)
Dennis Day narrates Read-Along Records: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1949) Snow White and Sneezy (1952) Snow White and Dopey (1952)