Jack Benny – Special: USO Tour In Egypt. 430913

A special presentation. Jack Benny had spent the Summer touring Africa for the USO. Transcribed from somewhere near Cairo Egypt, and making use of soldiers to stand in for various cast members. His temporary announcer, Fred and Jack joke about seeing the sights, and doing some tourist shopping in Egypt. Also about the pyramids, Sphinx, mummies and the like.,

Larry Adler, proclaimed as the worlds greatest harmonica player, joins the chat. which turns to trying to speak the Egyptian language. Larry plays, Begin the Beguine. Jack makes time for a sponsor break. It’s a spoof break, since his broadcast is done live for the troops, and via AFRS which has never allowed commercials.

Jack announces a co-star, Anna. Larry gets some cracks in to tease Jack. Anna compares Jack to her leading man in her recent film. Winnie Shore, a traveling singer with Jack gets ready to sing, Woman in Red. Right after he reads a letter from Mary.

Next, Jack goes to a real Egyptian Bazaar with Larry to shop for souvenirs. With the shortage of gasoline back home, Jack decides to buy a camel. Jack introduces the war correspondent who covered the surrender of Italy the previous week. Though the show seems to go on, time runs out, and an announcer signs the show off for American listeners.

Trivia Alert: In the months to come, the following January, on the show Jack will receive a special delivery. His camel. The camel joins his collection of other exotic pets including an ostrich, and Carmichael the Polar Bear.