Jack Benny 341216 Russia Through AKeyhole. (retro251)

Don and Jack talk about gift exchanging this Christmas. They are joined by Frank Black, Mary, and even Don Bestor. Jack shows off a little for his dad by playing violin, If I Had a Million Dollars. He talks about his orchestra days in the Barrette theater in Waukegan, and some of the folks he played with. All have gone on to be famous in their fields, whether he really played with them or not. Jack’s violin playing is passable, only a deliberate squeak or two. His singing ability isn’t so much, and gets booed.

Frank Parker’s song is clipped. Jack introduces the night’s play, Russia Through a Keyhole. The next number is also snipped. The record gets pretty skippy. Jack is on a quest through Russia, in pursuit of his girlfriend, Mary. Running gags include being refered by Jake. A throw back to the previous week, and to a tallent agent by that name. The recurring joke about hair makes a return.

Bonus Tracks:
Phil Harris. 1932. The Vamp.
Graham MacNamee delivers a few Letters from Listeners.
Bob Howard. 1935. If the Moon Turned Green.