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A compilation of a few classic and pivotal moments from the Jack Benny show, all about Jack Benny’s birthday.
The Retrobots pitch in with Keith as we look at the beginnings of the birthday fun, starting in 1934. We see that on a rare occasion, Jack actually revealed his true age. A common thread through the history of Jack’s Valentine Day birthday was that he loved to send and recieve telegrams. He made it a recurring event in his shows to recieve telegrams and cards, for the most humorous impact to be sure.
Jack made fun of his appearance, and how well he looked. Or didn’t. His early jokes about living right and looking good, evolved into his later shows spent on vacation in the resort town of Palm Springs. He could relax, get tanned, and enjoy the rugged outdoor life.
Finally, a memory is shared by one of his writers, George Balzer, and the reason why we featured this classic episode from 02-11-1951. How Palm Springs Was Founded. It seems to sum up all the fun that Jack had on his birthdays.
In the feature:
The cast visit Palm Springs for Jack’s birthday, and talk about the high prices, and bookings that are too hard to find. Where is everybody staying? Jack has sent cryptic invitations to the cast, just to drop hints at the gifts that he’d really like to get. Dennis Day sings, To Think You’ve Chosen Me.
Jack teases Phil’s band about their jail records, and personal integrity. What kind of cryptic birthday message might be found on Phil’s invitation? Mr Kitzel enters with his latest marital problems, and getting bad driving directions. Dennis has his joke about Esther Williams cut short, and Mel Blanc pops in to figure out his birthday invitation,
With the birthday antics over, jack presents a play, How Palm Springs Was Founded. Don reads a few facts about the event, then we join Tex Benny and Curly Harris who are lost in the desert. Dennis is a rhyming Mexican who introduces the commercial song with the Sportsmen.
Tex and Curly wander around the desert, but have they found Palm Springs, or a mirage? Charlie Farrel, current mayor of Palm Springs has a bit part, and points our heros to the local salloon. Tess the salloon girl tells about all the crooked gambling, but it won’t keep Tex and Curly from trying it out.
Bonus Track:
None today, just a lot of Jack Benny birthday fun.
