http://retro-otr.com Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Sun, 19 May 2013 12:42:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Keith Heltsley clean Keith Heltsley keith@heltsley.net keith@heltsley.net (Keith Heltsley) Podcasting to share family friendly entertainment through old time radio, and more. Clean, Entertainment, Old time Radio, Classic Radio, Vintage Radio, Family Friendly, Comedy, Drama, Audio Drama, Westerns http://retro-otr.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://retro-otr.com TV-G Illinois Daily http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-quiz-kids-contest-460512/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-quiz-kids-contest-460512/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 23:23:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19987 http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-quiz-kids-contest-460512/feed/ 0 1946,Chicago,Competitions,Dennis_Day,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mothers_Day,Phil_Harris,Quiz_Kids,Rochester,Travelling On the way to new York, the cast stop off in Chicago to do a show. Jack jokes with Don about the recent contest about Hating Jack Benny that ended just a couple months ago. With being so close to his hometown, On the way to new York, the cast stop off in Chicago to do a show. Jack jokes with Don about the recent contest about Hating Jack Benny that ended just a couple months ago. With being so close to his hometown, Mary enters to tease Jack about his friends and family from Waukegan. Phil enters to talk about the brown out in Chicago, and the drinking habits of the band. Dennis enters to add to the topic of the brown out. The quiz kids enter to chalenge Jack and the cast to a battle of wits, but first, Dennis sings, Sweet Mother of Mine. Before the contest begins, Rochester phones in with trouble with hotel accomodations. Jack is the quizmaster, and the cast face off with the kids. Each gives their credentials, and the area of their strong suit. With questions stacked so the kids get the hard ones, the cast still have a hard time with the easy question. The kids prove they can be both smart and funny, while the cast prove they can be funny and... well let's just stick with funny. Keith Heltsley clean 28:38 http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-leaving-for-chicago-on-the-train-460505/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-leaving-for-chicago-on-the-train-460505/#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 23:22:08 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19926 http://retro-otr.com/2013/05/jack-benny-leaving-for-chicago-on-the-train-460505/feed/ 0 1946,Books,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Mr_Kitzel,Packing,Rochester,Train_Station In preparing to travel to Chicago, Rochester helps Jack get packed up. Medication, clothes, and reading maerial. Elsewhere, we find Mary with her new maid, packing and making arrangements for the milkman and other such services. In preparing to travel to Chicago, Rochester helps Jack get packed up. Medication, clothes, and reading maerial. Elsewhere, we find Mary with her new maid, packing and making arrangements for the milkman and other such services. Mary is packing the same book as Jack, but what are the names of the three children in that story? At Phil's house, he gets a litle help from his daughter. Phil has the same reading material, and that running gag about those kid names takes yet another turn. We find Dennis talking with his mom about the trip, and that same book again. They also talk about Jack's contract with Dennis, before he sings. His song is snipped though. At Don's house, he says his goodbyes to his wife, and jokes about that same book, sort of. The audio skips a bit, but we land back with jack and Rochester as he heads to the vault for a little spending cash. At the train station the cast all converge, and Mel Blanc calls out the departures, while Frank Nelson works the conssession counter, and Kitzel has his ever present hot dog stand. The Colemans make a quick appearance to say a goodbye to jack. Note: Phil has his trunk full of bottles. A gag that imitated real life. One of Jack's writers is reported to be a heavy drinker... OK, more than one of Jack's writers were reported to be heavy drinkers. But one in particular is known to load his trunk up with booze, while carrying his clothes on his body. He just didn't want to be caught short of his usual supply. Also the girl who played Phil's daughter in the spots on Jack's show would also play one of his girls on his own show. Keith Heltsley clean 22:44 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-the-kid-from-brooklyn-460428/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-the-kid-from-brooklyn-460428/#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:25:45 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19776 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-the-kid-from-brooklyn-460428/feed/ 0 1946,Brooklyn,Collaboration,Critics,Danny_Kaye,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Films,Ghosts,Jack_Benny,Jealous,Mary_Livingston Don takes us back to the evening before, when Mary, Phil, and Dennis rave over the Danny Kaye movie they just saw, The Kid from Brooklyn. The compliments have Jack in a dark mood. Jack pokes fun at Danny's rapid fire, scat style singing style. Don takes us back to the evening before, when Mary, Phil, and Dennis rave over the Danny Kaye movie they just saw, The Kid from Brooklyn. The compliments have Jack in a dark mood. Jack pokes fun at Danny's rapid fire, scat style singing style. The gang split up, but Dennis walks with the brooding Jack, whose critique of Danny Kaye's films make Jack seem more than a little jealous over the new comedian's performance. Can Jack leap over a fire plug as easily as Dennis? Dennis goes his own way, just in time for Danny Kaye to show up on the sidewalk. Suddenly Jack spouts out the wonders of the movie. Danny isn't buying the false praise. The two soon become so engrossed in teaming up for a film, they overlook a crime in progress. Right on the sidewalk, Dann Kaye breaks out into song with his hit, Concerto for Tongue and orchestra. Later, Jack finds himself locked out of his house, and he tells Rochester about how he liked the movie. Rochester tucks himself in for the night, but Jack goes to the library to unwind. A phonograph record presents Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, and the commercial. With a theme in the film earlier involving ghosts, Jack reads a ghost tory. The normally timid person around spooky things, Rochester, tries to give Jack a scare. The spooky tale finds Danny Kaye, as disembodied voices haunting Jack. Is it for real, or is Jack going to remain in a state of denial. Danny Kaye's ghost tries his best to convince him. Keith Heltsley clean 25:27 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:29:18 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19754 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/command-performance-fred-allen-460421/feed/ 0 1946,Acting_Lessons,Comedy,Command_Performance,Fred_Allen,Ginny_Simms,Housing_Shortage,Portland_Hoffa,Rochester,Soap_Operas,Spoofs Fred Allen hosts, and chats with Ken Carpenter about an Elks tooth. Portland Hoffa enters with a word from her family, and her mom who is working for defense contractors. Ginny Simms sings, Come to Baby Do. - Fred Allen hosts, and chats with Ken Carpenter about an Elks tooth. Portland Hoffa enters with a word from her family, and her mom who is working for defense contractors. Ginny Simms sings, Come to Baby Do. Ginny talks to Fred about the housing shortage, and difficulty in finding a room to stay in. Fred flashes back to a scene in a hotel, and the hard time he got when trying to check into his room. Making a phone call to get help, Fred phones Rochester. Can Fred stay over while jack is out of town? Martha Mears sings, The Little Guy Who Looks Like You. Fred and Portland introduce Academy Award winner Paul Lucas. Fred talkds with Paul about acting, and Freds new movie that he's making. A short love scene gets a laugh, due to its absurb homosexual overtones. Fred makes fun of daytime serials. After a spoof commercial, a melodrama ensues. Portland joins in as Fred's wife, and Paul is their son. What wierd twists of love will wind its way through the heartgripping scenes? Ginny Simms sings, How Deep is the Ocean. Fred shares a parting word. Keith Heltsley clean 28:26 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-violin-practice-interrupts-ronald-coleman-460414/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-violin-practice-interrupts-ronald-coleman-460414/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:05:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19702 http://retro-otr.com/2013/04/jack-benny-violin-practice-interrupts-ronald-coleman-460414/feed/ 0 1946,Bonita_Coleman,Borrowing,Dennis_Day,Domestic_Disturbances,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Professor_LaBlanc,Rochester,Ronald_Coleman,Violin_Lessons Don starts out by having us drop in at Jack's house, where Professor LaBlanc gives Jack a violin lesson. With the lesson over, there's only the matter of paying his teacher. Along the way Jack is side tracked when the cast all enter the front door. Don starts out by having us drop in at Jack's house, where Professor LaBlanc gives Jack a violin lesson. With the lesson over, there's only the matter of paying his teacher. Along the way Jack is side tracked when the cast all enter the front door. What's up with Professor LaBlanc's pants? Or maybe down with them would be the better question. The cast all get ready for some fun in the sun, lunch, and lounging beside Jack's pool. Has he forgotten about the longsuffering Professor Lablanc? Dennis sings, Just You Wait and See. The gang all decide to go to the beach, but there's still the matter of paying for those violin lessons. After some foot dragging, and a chat with Rochester about the condition of the kitchen supplies, Jack has once again become distracted. Rochester heads next oor to borrow some butter, and we eavesdrop on Ronald and Bonita Coleman. Ronald gripes at Jack's habit of borrowing odd things from him. As Ronald practices a few dramatic lines, the noise of Jack practicing wafts through the air, causing Ronald to wonder if the cat needs to be let out? Or does it want in? The racket is enough to drive Ronald nuts, but ironically, Jack phones to complain to the Colemans about the noise from their aledged marital problems, disturbing his violin practice. The running gags don't stop as the matter of paying Mel Blanc arises again. The neighbors do a little dirt digging, and hand it over to gossip columnist Louella Parsons. Note: Phil comments that his jokes ought to win him a Summer show. He would do some guest shows for the Fitch Bandwagon over the Summer that would eventually lead to a regular series for him. Rochester teases Mel Blanc about having to wait for being paid since noon. He claims to be waiting since 1937, the year he joined the show. Keith Heltsley clean 28:36 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-i-stand-condemned-460324/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-i-stand-condemned-460324/#comments Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:13:20 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19447 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-i-stand-condemned-460324/feed/ 0 1946,Books,Counterfeiters,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Peter_Lorrie,Phil_Harris,Polly,Rehearsals,Rochester The whole gang is gathered for a rehearsal in Jack's library. Dennis is taken aback at the formal proceedings in the meeting that seem to have developed during his absence in the Navy. Is the formality of the rehearsal too much for the rest of the cast? The whole gang is gathered for a rehearsal in Jack's library. Dennis is taken aback at the formal proceedings in the meeting that seem to have developed during his absence in the Navy. Is the formality of the rehearsal too much for the rest of the cast? Rochester brings in the snacks, but that cash register bell keeps interrupting the rehearsal, and directions from Jack. Muffed lines get bigger laughs than the scripted ones, especially when Jack rolls with the flow to recover from them. Polly gives Jack a hard time as the sponsor message is presented. Dennis sings, What It Means to Me. When Rochester helps Jack get ready for bed, he decides to relax with a book from his library, if only he could settle on a title. Jack picks, I Stand Condemned, a story of the fickle finger of fate. Jack is in jail, where Frank Nelson is the warden. As he faces the electric chair, Jack goes into flashback mode to tell his story. Peter Lorrie makes an appearance and tries to steal Jack's cigarette lighter. Instead, Jack sells his clothes for huge amounts of cash. What's that all about? We look in at Jack's house where Mary, and his two boys get ready for school. Why is Peter Lorrie living with them? The stranger causes Jack to become wealthy, but he loses his wife and kids in the process. Jack realizes the secret, and kills his strange visitor at being duped into a counterfeit scam. Just what are his three sons names anyway? It depends on the gag. Keith Heltsley clean 28:36 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-dennis-returns-from-the-navy-460317/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-dennis-returns-from-the-navy-460317/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:49:53 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19441 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-dennis-returns-from-the-navy-460317/feed/ 0 1946,Dennis_Day,Fred_Allen_Spoof,Homecomings,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Return,Rochester What could be a better day for the Irish tenor, Dennis Day, to return to the show than St Patrick's day? Mary and Phil each enter with their Irish jokes. With being in the Navy for the past 2 years, has Dennis changed much? The telephone operators, What could be a better day for the Irish tenor, Dennis Day, to return to the show than St Patrick's day? Mary and Phil each enter with their Irish jokes. With being in the Navy for the past 2 years, has Dennis changed much? The telephone operators, Mabel and Gertrude gossip over the recent contest about, "Why I Hate Jack Benny." Is Jack really the sneaky type on a date, and what does that mean anyway? Since Dennis can't be reached, Phil plays a number, Who's Sorry Now. Dennis makes his big appearance, and shares a little about his time in the South Pacific. He tells how he was classified as an Ensign, the Navy's equivilent of a 2nd Lieutenant. Dennis sings, Danny Boy. To demonstrate to Dennis what the state of radio has been in the past 2 years, Jack puts on a spoof of Fred Allen. Mary spoofs Portland Hoffa as, Cleveland. On Allen's Alley, Senator Harris tells how he's a man of the West and hates all things East. Will he answer the question, "Who is the better comedian, Benny or Allen?" Titus Day puts on the rustic airs to tell about his reading list, and henhouse production. Mr Kitzel tells about his hot dog business. Who is his favorite radio comedian? Rochester Openshore shares a poetic word. The fun ends up.as Phil plays the show out Keith Heltsley clean 23:53 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-murder-at-lone-palm-460303/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-murder-at-lone-palm-460303/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:19:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19423 http://retro-otr.com/2013/03/jack-benny-murder-at-lone-palm-460303/feed/ 0 1946,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Murder_Spoofs,Palm_Springs,Real_Estate,Rochester,Westerns Jack reads the gossip column, and gets a kick out of the celebrity gossip. Except for the stuff written about him. Rochester joins in Jack's pondering buying real estate in Palm Springs. Will Jack actually be up for purchasing such expensive property? Jack reads the gossip column, and gets a kick out of the celebrity gossip. Except for the stuff written about him. Rochester joins in Jack's pondering buying real estate in Palm Springs. Will Jack actually be up for purchasing such expensive property? Frank Nelson is the real estate agent who is ready to give it a try. What kind of features might Jack be able to get for his money? The band playhs, The Sweetest Music this Side of the Yukon. But it gets partly garbled and snipped. In the studio, Jack tells the cast about his plan to buy property. Mary teases him about his golf game. After nore teasing about Palm Springs real estate, Jack introduces the play and assigns parts to the cast. It's to be a murder mystery, and Jack's swearing in ceremony for his deputies becomes the commercial. Larry Stevens has his song snipped. The play kicks off, Murder at the Lone Palms. The hard boiled spoof goes into high gear with puns galore. Inspector O'Benny is hot on the trail of a murderer, interupted by his real estate agent at inconvenient times. The clues all seem to point to Mary LaRue, but is there a secret hiding in the closet? Frank the real estate agent falss prey to Jacks frustrating resistence and goes mad. Will O'Benny get his killer? Will Jack Benny get that house for the price he wants? Stay tuned and learn the truth. Keith Heltsley clean 20:41 http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-rochester-lost-briefly-at-sea-460217/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-rochester-lost-briefly-at-sea-460217/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:25:38 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19296 http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-rochester-lost-briefly-at-sea-460217/feed/ 0 1946,Birthdays,Celebration,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Lost_At_Sea,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Rescues,Rochester,Worry Jack tells Don about his birthday bash he had earlier in the week. Of course, Mary enters to fill in the more embarrassing details. Phil is late so Mary reads his lines and corny jokes. Frank Nelson poses as a radio announcer to set up a running gag fo... Jack tells Don about his birthday bash he had earlier in the week. Of course, Mary enters to fill in the more embarrassing details. Phil is late so Mary reads his lines and corny jokes. Frank Nelson poses as a radio announcer to set up a running gag for the rest of the show. Larry Stevens sings, Let it Snow. Phil finally makes it and delivers his lines, but with an adlib or two of his own. Phil claims his writer he hired is an indian who also writes commercials, as Don demonstrates. At the invokation of Fred Allen by Phil, Jack goes on a spree to tease his comic rival. Phil plays, Sweetheart. The cast mention Rochester being lost at sea, and go into flashback. Professor LaBlanc gives Jack a violin lesson when the news comes in about the missing Rochester. Note: Jack Benny's humor is mostly crazy, made up stuff. Sometimes though it's topical, and relies on current events, news, and pop culture of the day. In the description of Rochester being lost at sea, it was no joke. Eddie Anderson really did go out fishing, and for 2 days wasn't heard from. Similar to Jack's portrayal at not learning of the event until after the fact, it actually did happen that way. He didn't know about it until the news flashes began to hit the airwaves. When Jack learned of it, he had his writers toss aside the script they were working on to write in the second half of this episode. Of course, for the show, Eddie Anderson peppered his real ordeal with jokes as he told of his adventure, but the relief the cast felt at having him back was definitely 100% real. Keith Heltsley clean 28:44 http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-contest-winners-names-announced-460203/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-contest-winners-names-announced-460203/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:58:32 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19185 http://retro-otr.com/2013/02/jack-benny-contest-winners-names-announced-460203/feed/ 0 1946,Balcony,Bonita_Coleman,Concerts,Contest,Don_Wilson,Isaac_Stern,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mix_ups,Rochester,Ronald_Coleman Rochester helps get Jack ready for a date with Mary. T hey talk about Jack's musical career as a concert violinist, or at least the one he might have had. Phil and the band play a few bars of travelling music, and we find Jack at Mary's house. - Rochester helps get Jack ready for a date with Mary. T hey talk about Jack's musical career as a concert violinist, or at least the one he might have had. Phil and the band play a few bars of travelling music, and we find Jack at Mary's house. The pair go to meet with world famous violinist, Isaac Stern, then go to find their seats for the show. Frank Nelson is an usher who gives Jack a hard time as he takes him to his balcony seat. Ronald and Bonita Coleman are spotted in the audience, and we eavesdrop in their conversation. Will they be bothered by Jack? Will they acknowledge him as he tries to get their attention? Mary defends herself against an unwanted flirtation, then Isaac Stern takes the stage to play. Ah... so that's what a real concert violinist ought to sond like. Listen to enjoy a mini concert of classical music. A Mendelson Concerto. Jack is overly vocal in calling out encores. Afterward, a mix up finds rRonald Coleman with Jack's overcoat, and a private look at Jack's addressbook. Also, the winning entry of the I Hate Jack Benny contest is read. ? Larry Stevens sings, Stars in Your Eyes. Keith Heltsley clean 29:48 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-contest-winners-460127/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-contest-winners-460127/#comments Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:27:33 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=19103 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-contest-winners-460127/feed/ 0 1946,Anxiety,Contests,Give_Aways,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Money,Phil_Harris,PPrizes,Rochester,Worry Don rolls back the clock to the night before, and we visit Jack as he is to give away the money for the winners of the contest. Rochester sends jack off to bed to worry about the monehy. Begin dream sequence, and voices trouble Jack's dreams. Don rolls back the clock to the night before, and we visit Jack as he is to give away the money for the winners of the contest. Rochester sends jack off to bed to worry about the monehy. Begin dream sequence, and voices trouble Jack's dreams. Mostly Mel Blanc portraying the voice of Jack's concerns. Back in the studio Larry Stevens sings, Symphony. Phil and Mary tease Jack about the give away. A flubbed line doesn't get much of a laugh, but Jack's adlib comeback does. The telephone operators get in on the fun when Jack tries to contact his publicity agent. Phil's daughter phones in to tell about her entry in the contest. The girl and Phil sing a song, Onsie Twosie. Steve Bradley arrives, he's Jack's publicity agent, but will he tell who the winner is yet? Get ready though, by remote, Fred Allen himself steps in to announce the winners. Keith Heltsley clean 28:31 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-rose-bowl-game-460106/ http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-rose-bowl-game-460106/#comments Sun, 06 Jan 2013 19:36:38 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18938 http://retro-otr.com/2013/01/jack-benny-rose-bowl-game-460106/feed/ 0 1946,Betting,Contests,Don_Wilson,Football,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,New_Years,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Rosebowl As Jack brags about his wild party life, mary tells the truth about his escapades. Even Larry Stevens sheds some light on Jack being the life of the party. Larry sings, It's a Grand Night for Singing. - Phil enters to tell about his New Years resolut... As Jack brags about his wild party life, mary tells the truth about his escapades. Even Larry Stevens sheds some light on Jack being the life of the party. Larry sings, It's a Grand Night for Singing. Phil enters to tell about his New Years resolution, and having a good time at parties. If you can remember it, you didn't have fun. The conversation turns to the results of the "I Hate Jack Benny" contest. The winner will be announced in an upcoming episode. Rochester phones in with news about the new English butler, and trouble with a fire. Phil and the band plays, Let It Snow. Phil keeps wanting to bet Jack on the Rose Bowl game, but in flashback we learn the trouble Jack had there with his girlfriend Gladys Zabisco. Mr Kitzel sells Jack a hotdog, and tosses in the jokes for free. Everybody seems to know Gladys. She must be a popular waitress at the diner. It makes Jack jealous though. Keith Heltsley clean 28:22 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-end-of-the-contest-451230/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-end-of-the-contest-451230/#comments Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:04:29 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18679 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-end-of-the-contest-451230/feed/ 0 1945,Contests,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mail,Mary_Livingston,New_Year,Phil_Harris,Publicity,Rochester The contest ended on December 24th, bt it will still take a couple of weeks to sort through the overwhelming results. Join Jack and Mary at home as they review some of the entries. Polly the Parrot and Rochester do their part to read mail, The contest ended on December 24th, bt it will still take a couple of weeks to sort through the overwhelming results. Join Jack and Mary at home as they review some of the entries. Polly the Parrot and Rochester do their part to read mail, and take part in running gags. Phil arrives and goes over some of the mail. Complaints arise over some of the Christmas gifts from last week. Will Jack ever teach Polly to say Happy New Year? Why is Don singing? Larry Stevens sings a tune. Steve Bradley, Jack's publicity man, arrives to talk about the prizes that will be awarded. Jack has to visit the vault to make a withdrawal. Despite parting with his cash, Jack gets an early visit from the little boy new year with a bright outlook on the optimistic year. Keith Heltsley clean 31:03 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-the-english-butler-451223/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-the-english-butler-451223/#comments Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:43:31 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=13138 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-the-english-butler-451223/feed/ 0 1945,Bonita_Coleman,Christmas,Contests,Don_Wilson,English_Butler,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Parties,Phil_Harris 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 to read. Jack corrects the eating habits of Don and Phil, 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 to read. Jack corrects the eating habits of Don and Phil, then the scene shifts to the Coleman's house. Ronald and Bonita Coleman complain about the latest antics of their neighbor. Phil plays some transitional music, then we find Jack in the middle of a violin lesson. Jack has a specially hired English butler to help with the festivities. Will the Coleman's be impressed by the effort Jack has tossed into his party? The jokes and small talk are broken only for Larry Stevens, who sings a closing medley of Christmas Carols. Keith Heltsley clean 28:53 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-hello-louella-451216/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-hello-louella-451216/#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:21:43 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18605 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-hello-louella-451216/feed/ 0 1945,Christmas,Contests,Frank_Nelson,Gossip_Columnist,Jack_Benny,Llewella_Parsons,Phil_Harris,Radio,Rochester Marching feet close in on the house where Jack Benny lives. What's the prade all about? Mailmen are delivering the entries in the contest to tell why people hate Jack. Inside, Jack talks with Phil about Christmas gifts. With mail piling up, Marching feet close in on the house where Jack Benny lives. What's the prade all about? Mailmen are delivering the entries in the contest to tell why people hate Jack. Inside, Jack talks with Phil about Christmas gifts. With mail piling up, it's hard to get to the door for some jabse from Frank Nelson. Larry Stevens has to bow out of singing, and Rochester joins the fun in the jokes about the mail. What's a frustrated Jack to do? After a brief musical interlude, Jack gets busy with making Christmas shopping lists. Phil gets a phone call from his daughter to talk about Santa, and Christmas. A child actress, of corse. Jack tries to tune in the radio but has trouble with the stations. Will he find the show that Don is on amid the crazy music, drama, and commercials? Maybe Jack will get some good gossip about him, rather than all the hate mail he has been getting lately. Lewella Parsons makes a radio appearance on Jack's dial. Note: The real life Baby Alice would be about 4 years old at this time. If she were starting school, it would have been in a preschool program of some kind. It wasn't always customary to have a kindergarten at most schools. With Mary out with laryngitis, Jack says a special goodbye at the show close. Keith Heltsley clean 25:38 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-last-moment-christmas-shopping-471221/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-last-moment-christmas-shopping-471221/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:25:47 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18651 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-last-moment-christmas-shopping-471221/feed/ 0 1947,Christmas,Dennis_Day,Department_Stores,Elliot_Lewis,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Mr_Kitzel,Phil_Harris,Racetrack_Tout,Rochester Jack talks to Rochester as they ride downtown for some Christmas shopping. What was Christmas like when Jack was a boy? Mary joins Jack in the store. Jack goes to the credit department to apply for a card. Elsewhere, Dennis is shopping for his parents. Jack talks to Rochester as they ride downtown for some Christmas shopping. What was Christmas like when Jack was a boy? Mary joins Jack in the store. Jack goes to the credit department to apply for a card. Elsewhere, Dennis is shopping for his parents. Phil sweet talks a Southern belle as he picks up a special gift for Alice. Phil and the band play a peppy tune. Jack and Mary encounter the race track tout, and Mr Kitzel as they shop for flowers and gifts. The Sportsmen pose as wind up toys to sing the sponsor's message. Elliot Lewis is the loud salesman at the perfume counter. Mel Blanc is the crazed salesman who goes off the deep end after remembering his ordeal last year when Jack tried to buy shoe laces. To close the show, Dennis sings a Christmas medley that includes: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Keith Heltsley clean 29:10 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jack-is-invited-to-the-colmans-for-dinner-451209/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jack-is-invited-to-the-colmans-for-dinner-451209/#comments Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:52:04 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18597 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jack-is-invited-to-the-colmans-for-dinner-451209/feed/ 0 1945,Competition,Contests,Don_Wilson,Invitations,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Pranks,Rochester,Ronald_Coleman The entries of the I Hate Jack Benny Because... contest have been pouring in. Join Jack and Mary as they read a few of the entries. Jokes about Jack's famous movie flop, A Horn Blows at Midnight creep in as Jack breaks the news about being invited to t... The entries of the I Hate Jack Benny Because... contest have been pouring in. Join Jack and Mary as they read a few of the entries. Jokes about Jack's famous movie flop, A Horn Blows at Midnight creep in as Jack breaks the news about being invited to the Coleman's for dinner. Rochester shares a few secrets about Jack's clothes. Larry Stevens sings, Lillie Belle. In the Ronald Coleman household, we learn how he feels about his neighbor. We also learn the dinner invitation was a mistake, but Ronald is too kindhearted to turn Jack away. Enjoy the fun as Jack shows off his socially inept side. Don closes with a reminder of how to enter the contest, and that Fred Allen will be the judge. Note: Phil has some fun with a letter from Senator Claghorn, a character from the Fred Allen show. Keith Heltsley clean 29:29 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jacks-christmas-party-andy-devine-431226/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jacks-christmas-party-andy-devine-431226/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:16:41 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=5605 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-jacks-christmas-party-andy-devine-431226/feed/ 0 1943,Butterfly_McQueen,Christmas,Christmas_Party,Gladys_Zabisco,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Rochester Jack Benny - Jacks Christmas Party, Andy Devine. 431226 - It's Christmas night, and Rochester gets the house ready for the big party. As he cleans, and sings, he is caught smoking one of Jacks cigars. - Jack Benny - Jacks Christmas Party, Andy Devine. 431226 It's Christmas night, and Rochester gets the house ready for the big party. As he cleans, and sings, he is caught smoking one of Jacks cigars. Mary and Dennis arrive and Jack gives the mistletoe a work out. Phil and the band make their appearance. Even Jack's writers show up. Phil gets the party going by playng, Ain't Misbehaving. Mary's maid, Butterfly McQueen gets dinner ready, but Mary and Jack go to the kitchen to offer some advice for serving dinner. Jacks wacky border, Mr Billingsley, gets in on the Christmas cheer. Dennis sings a medley including: Noel. Away in a Manger. O Come All Ye Faithful. Andy Devine shows up to round out the show. He hasn't been seen since last Christmas, and comes bearing a gift. Phil and Mary want to sing a song, but Jack wants to play violinn. The audience ruins a good joke by applauding. The whole cast join in on a sponser flavored version of Jingle Bells, although Jack manages to butcher a song on his violin as well. Minirva Pious phones in as Jack's mysterious girlfriend, Gladys Zabisco. She has to work, but makes a date for another night. When the cast disappear to give a burial to Jack's violin, Rochester has his chance to enjoy more of Jack's cigars. Keith Heltsley clean 28:28 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-steve-bradley-explains-the-contest-451202/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-steve-bradley-explains-the-contest-451202/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:19:02 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18521 http://retro-otr.com/2012/12/jack-benny-steve-bradley-explains-the-contest-451202/feed/ 0 1945,Contests,Give_Aways,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Publicity,Rochester,Zombie Mary and Don tells Jack about zombies. Frank Nelson is a reporter who wants to get the scoop on the contest that was mentioned last week. Will Jack actually give away $10k? Is his stingy behavior just a gag for the show? Mary and Don tells Jack about zombies. Frank Nelson is a reporter who wants to get the scoop on the contest that was mentioned last week. Will Jack actually give away $10k? Is his stingy behavior just a gag for the show? Phil enters to keep the discussion of the contest going, but nobody seems to know much about it. Still, the jokes on money and stinginess abound. Phil gets a phone call from home and we learn a few secrets about his homelife. Cute. Phil plays, Just Beyond the Rainbow. Everybody is chomping at the bit to learn more about the contest, even the telephone operators. The gossiping gals share secrets about Jack's lovelife. Rochester checks in with troubles about the milkman. The publicity agent, Steve Bradley shows up, and the contest is revealed. It's the I Hate Jack Benny Because... contest. What? Doesn't everybody like Jack? According to the agent there could be as many as 1000 million people who don't listen, and thus don't like Jack. Do you think people can get it all in with 25 words or less? If Jack has his way, the people could send in their entries on dollar bills. It's a real contest, so stay tuned. Prizes will be given in the form of Victory Bonds. , and Fred Allen will be the judge. Note: In the episode Jack claims that his rivalry with Fred Allen goes back to their vaudeville days. It actually began less than 10 years earlier. The girl who phones Phil is actually an actress, and though she isn't named, she is supposed to be little Alice. Jack and Mary get flustered, and flub lines in Dons commercial. Keith Heltsley clean 28:37 http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/jack-benny-from-birmingham-hospital-in-van-nuys-ca-451118/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/jack-benny-from-birmingham-hospital-in-van-nuys-ca-451118/#comments Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:07:31 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=18138 http://retro-otr.com/2012/11/jack-benny-from-birmingham-hospital-in-van-nuys-ca-451118/feed/ 0 1945,Bodyguards,Doctors,Frank_Nelson,Hospitals,Jack_Benny,Joe_Louis,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Phil_Harris,Rochester Playing to the military crouwd at the Birmingham hospital, Jack, Don, and Mary tailor their jokes tolife on the post. Jokes about doctors, and medicine are a theme. Phil enters with his characteristic loud entrance, Playing to the military crouwd at the Birmingham hospital, Jack, Don, and Mary tailor their jokes tolife on the post. Jokes about doctors, and medicine are a theme. Phil enters with his characteristic loud entrance, and jokes about his nightlife with the band. Larry Stevens reads a fan letter... sort of. Larry's song is snipped, and the military related jokes fade into a recap of Jack's recent ordeal with his burglar. Rochester phones in to report that Jack's robber had come back. He shares how brave he wasn't in the face of danger. Before Phil can get wound up for a band number, Joe Louis is back to show off his comedy muscles. Joe also gives a boxing lesson to Phil and Jack. After Phil's snipped number, Mary goes into flashback mode to tell about Jack's hospital stay recently. Frank Nelson is his doctor, and gives Jack an exam especially designed for a comedy sketch. A baby tosses in some strange twists to the medical results. Keith Heltsley clean 22:08 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-jack-gets-held-up-451028/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-jack-gets-held-up-451028/#comments Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:14:22 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17731 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-jack-gets-held-up-451028/feed/ 0 1945,Betting,Generous,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Publicity,Robbers,Rochester,Vault In the previous episode or two, Jack had been working with a publicity agent. Join in to review the stunts tha Jak has become part of to boost his ratings. Did he actually bet $85k on a horse race to tear down his miserly image? In the previous episode or two, Jack had been working with a publicity agent. Join in to review the stunts tha Jak has become part of to boost his ratings. Did he actually bet $85k on a horse race to tear down his miserly image? Radio news reports blast the hype about Jack that his agent has built up for him. Rochester leaks a few private tidbits to reporter, Mel Blanc. What actually happened at the track? Later at the studio, all the hype and news rumors have gotten around. His legend, and reports of his winnings are exagerated. Mary and Phil do their best to butter up the aledgely generous Jack. The cast is all present, including on and the telephone operators. Gertrude and Mabel gossip about Jack's love life. Larry Stevens talks about his honeymoon then sings, Out of Nowhere. Taking Jack to yet another publicity stunt, Rochester drops off Jack while he puts the car away. Waiting for him inside the house is burglar, Mel Blanc who demands Jack's ficticious winnings. Will Jack be forced to hand over the contents of his vault? Will the robber force his way past the dungeon like gates, and Ed, the Security Guard? Keith Heltsley clean 28:58 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jubilee-jack-benny-rochester-ep109-441025/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jubilee-jack-benny-rochester-ep109-441025/#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:17:45 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12041 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jubilee-jack-benny-rochester-ep109-441025/feed/ 0 1944,Blues,Ernie_Whitman,Erskine_Hawkins,Jack_Benny,Jazz,Jubilee,Military,Rochester,World_War2 Along with host Ernie Whitman, special guests help with the show today. Erskine Hawkins plays, Stella. Jack Benny takes the stage to talk with Ernie. Jack tells secrets on Rochester, and his love life. Rochester phones in to defend himself, Along with host Ernie Whitman, special guests help with the show today. Erskine Hawkins plays, Stella. Jack Benny takes the stage to talk with Ernie. Jack tells secrets on Rochester, and his love life. Rochester phones in to defend himself, and the absence of both himself and Jacks violin. Topics also include dice games. Erskine Hawkins plays, Bear Mash Blues. Or maybe from the sultry tones of the song it could be, the Bare Tones Blues? Jack is back to joke with Ernie, and help with the introductions. Effie Smith sings, Straighten Up and Fly Right. Rochester is on handwith wisecracks, and Jacks violin. Armed with his trusty fiddle, Jack whips out some jazzy ragtime riffs from a time gone by. Even for 1943. To cleanse the pallet, the Lou Mel Morgan Trio sing a perky, upbeat, smooth version of, Them There Eyes. Ernie lays out the jive talk to tell how to write in for making a request. Erskine Hawkins plays, Tuxedo Junction. Keith Heltsley clean 28:09 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-the-don-wilson-story-540110/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-the-don-wilson-story-540110/#comments Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:31:14 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17821 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-the-don-wilson-story-540110/feed/ 0 1954,Biography,Bob_Crosby,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,History,Honors,Jack_Benny,Rochester,Tributes For a change, Jack introduces Don. It's a special day to honor Don for his 20 years on the show. Bob Crosby and Dennis Day pop in with a couple wisecracks as a diversion. Dennis sings, That's Amore. Jack tries to announce his special sketch of Don's ... For a change, Jack introduces Don. It's a special day to honor Don for his 20 years on the show. Bob Crosby and Dennis Day pop in with a couple wisecracks as a diversion. Dennis sings, That's Amore. Jack tries to announce his special sketch of Don's life, but Rochester phones in with troubles at home. The play begins in Denver, Colorado and the blessed event of Don's birth. Jokes about Don's eating habits and rapidly growing size abound. We folow Don to his college years, and his preparation for a radio career. Catch a glimpse as Mr Willowby, played by Frank Nelson, is the case behind introdcing Don to Jack. Note: Dennis refers to being an incubator baby. The term was the catch phrase for what we call a preemie today. Premature babies were undersized and where placed in the incubator to continue to grow and get stronger. Keith Heltsley clean 25:35 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-gaslight-451014/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-gaslight-451014/#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:04:30 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17728 http://retro-otr.com/2012/10/jack-benny-gaslight-451014/feed/ 0 1945,Airplanes,Av,French,Ingrid_Bergman,Jack_Benny,Love_Triangles,Mel_Blanc,Military,Rochester,Spoofs,World_War2 Jack pokes fun at Don's unflattering introduction, and about the ocen near the military base. Marys entrance adds some punch for the military men in the audience. After Mary appeals to the men in the crowd, Phil enters to joke about his drinking habits. Jack pokes fun at Don's unflattering introduction, and about the ocen near the military base. Marys entrance adds some punch for the military men in the audience. After Mary appeals to the men in the crowd, Phil enters to joke about his drinking habits. A sergeant enters to get an interview from Jack, which leads into a flashback sequence. Rochester takes Jack to catch his plane to go overseas to entertain the troopsl, and gets some last minute instructions for housekeeping. Mel Blanc is the announcer for flight departures. Who knew they had planes leaving for Anaheim, Azuza, and Kucamonga? I thought it was only for trains. Learn more about the shows that Jack performed as he introdues harmonica player, Larry Adler. Larry plays, Begin the Beguine. Listen to Jack doing his French accent. Listen to Mary singing the jingle to the wrong sponsor. Rinso White. Check out Phil Harris stealing Jascks lovve scene. As the French love story spoof progresses, Ingrid Bergman stashes her multiple lovers together in the closet. Keith Heltsley clean 26:13 http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/jack-benny-rosebowl-480104/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/jack-benny-rosebowl-480104/#comments Sun, 30 Sep 2012 18:03:26 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17625 http://retro-otr.com/2012/09/jack-benny-rosebowl-480104/feed/ 0 1948,Dating,Don_Wilson,Football,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,New_Years,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Scalpers 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 tickets to the game. Before going, Mary jokes about her recent illness, 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 tickets to the game. Before going, Mary jokes about her recent illness, and the doctor that Jack referred her to visit. A joke that runs through the rest of the episode. With this being the cold and flu season, the Sportsmen are out with illness, but never fear, they are replaced by their wives just for today. As the big date to attend the game goes down, enjoy a glimpse of Jack on a date with Mary, scalpers, and fun with other cast members. There's even a trip in the Maxwell with Rochester to add a few laughs. What would a new years show be without a fedw drinking jokes with Phil Harris? Mr Kitzel sells a few hotdogs, before the bigf moment to enter the stadium arrives as the show comes to a final punch line. Keith Heltsley clean 29:42 http://retro-otr.com/2012/08/jubilee-430809-ep039-five-charioteers-rochester-l-millander/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/08/jubilee-430809-ep039-five-charioteers-rochester-l-millander/#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:00:36 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=2684 http://retro-otr.com/2012/08/jubilee-430809-ep039-five-charioteers-rochester-l-millander/feed/ 0 1943,Butterfly_McQueen,Comedy,Ernie_Whitman,Jazz,Jubilee,Judy_Carol,Military,Rochester,World_War2 ernie Witman hosts, and introduces Lucky Millander as he plays. Next, the Charioteers read from the mail bag, then sing, Red River Valley. Butterfly McQueen talks to Ernie briefly before Judy Carol makes her appearance. ernie Witman hosts, and introduces Lucky Millander as he plays. Next, the Charioteers read from the mail bag, then sing, Red River Valley. Butterfly McQueen talks to Ernie briefly before Judy Carol makes her appearance. Butterfly is eager to meet Rochester when he arrives later. Judy Carrol sings, Stormy Weather. Lucky plays, St. Louis Breakdown. Rochester talks to Ernie about his valet... Jack Benny. Then sings, Consequence (joined by Judy Carol). Just not long ago, Rochester made an appearance where he sang with Lena Horne. In my opinion she did a much better job, although Judy isn't any too shabby either. Ernie introduces Rochester to Butterfly McQueen. Using her feminine charms, she tries to lure Rochester in, but he isn't going for it. Lucky Millander dips into the mail bag then plays, Cherokee. As Ernie signs off, Butterfly returns with a report on her exploits with Rochester. Keith Heltsley clean 30:26 http://retro-otr.com/2012/06/jack-benny-from-terminal-island-440206/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/06/jack-benny-from-terminal-island-440206/#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:41:04 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=17034 http://retro-otr.com/2012/06/jack-benny-from-terminal-island-440206/feed/ 0 1944,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Military,Navy,Phil_Harris,Recruiting,Rochester,Training,World_War2 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 that Rochester drives isn't talked about, but it's a converted yellow cab. 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 that Rochester drives isn't talked about, but it's a converted yellow cab. Topics that are joked about include the local attractions of the base. Particularly about a fish cannery, a draw bridge, and about the area being a testing ground for P38's. The pesky planes buzz low with expert comic timing through the show. Mel Blanc is the gate guard, but he lets Jack on the base anyway. Tuning in the radio, Jack listens to Don and Phil teasing each other, and Dennis sings, My Ideal. Now on stage, Dennis tells Jack that he wants to change his name to Hassenpfeffer. Why? Don't ask, it's one of those crazy things that Dennis says. Jack tells how he was a sailor in the previous war. Mary and Phil sing, Talk Me Into It Baby. Flashback to the first world war, and we find Jack in the recruiters office. Mel Blanc helps out in reliving those moments when the 16 year old Jack joined up. Frank Nelson and Dennis Day also pitch in as we follow Jack through his induction physical. Keith Heltsley clean 29:10 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-jack-is-going-to-san-francisco-450513/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-jack-is-going-to-san-francisco-450513/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 18:49:56 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16608 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-jack-is-going-to-san-francisco-450513/feed/ 0 1945,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Mothers_Day,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Train_Station,War_is_Over 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 his own military accomplishments, Mary bursts his bubble. Larry Stevens plays along with Jack's bragging, 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 his own military accomplishments, Mary bursts his bubble. Larry Stevens plays along with Jack's bragging, then he sings, There's a Happy Land Somewhere. Phil enters, and jokes about various bans and shortages being lifted. It's Mother's Day, and Mary gets a phone call from her mom. Jack leaves to get packed for his trip to San Fransisco, and Phil plays some travelling music. At home, Rochester helps with the packing. Jack takes a trip to his vault for some mad money for his travelling needs. Now it's off to the train station to meet up with the rest of the gang. Frank Nelson is the information booth clerk. And of course, Mel Blanc as the train announcer. PS: The show was either running long, and the last sketch was shortened to fit. Or the show was running long, and the last sketch was tossed at the last minute to fill the time. Not much to it. Keith Heltsley clean 30:04 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-how-jack-found-don-450506-i/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-how-jack-found-don-450506-i/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 17:31:05 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16544 http://retro-otr.com/2012/05/jack-benny-how-jack-found-don-450506-i/feed/ 0 1945,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Pools,Reporters,Rochester,Swimming 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 Stevens sings, More of You. Phil enters, but turns down the job as life guard. 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 Stevens sings, More of You. Phil enters, but turns down the job as life guard. Instead he announces a celebrity night at the club where he has been playing. Phil plays some transitioning music, Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby. Joe Kearns the newspaper reporter is back. This time he wants the story of how Jack and Don met. Flashback time. Jack claims to have been sponsored by a corset company, and with Mary and Phil he goes to talk with the sponsor. None of which is close to true, but makes for funny jokes. In interviewing announcers, Mel Blanc tries out a few voices including Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and his hiccupping voice. What was it about Don that caught Jack's attention over other announcers? Listen and learn. It may not be true, but it'll at least be entertaining. Larry is back for another song, Over and Over Again. Keith Heltsley clean 27:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-first-performance-of-professor-lablanc-450429/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-first-performance-of-professor-lablanc-450429/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:49:54 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=16231 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-first-performance-of-professor-lablanc-450429/feed/ 1 1945,Diary,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Performance,Professor_LaBlanc,Radio,Rochester,Violin 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 of asking Jack for a pay raise. Larry Stevens sings, Sleigh Ride in July. 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 of asking Jack for a pay raise. Larry Stevens sings, Sleigh Ride in July. Mel Blanc arrives and makes the first ever appearance of Jack's longsuffering violin teacher. Jokes about music, violins, and frustrations that everythingthat Jack plays sounds alike. Phil Harris joins in with the fun, then plays a brief musical interlude. Jack's lessons continue, and Don slips in a word for the sponsor. Taking a break from Mary, Phil, and the gang, Jack takes a walk with his violin. Where's he going? What's he doing? Does it involve his violin in some way? The cast all speculate on these questions, then turn on the radio. Confusing messages about rationing are aired, as are wierd commercials, and radio announcer Frank Nelson let's Jack play his instrument on the air. In closing Jack shares an encouraging word over the end of the war in Europe, and the continued fighting in the Pacific. Not to mention his personal thought of his violin performance. Keith Heltsley clean 28:19 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-from-torney-hospital-in-palm-springs-450408/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-from-torney-hospital-in-palm-springs-450408/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:55:44 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15812 http://retro-otr.com/2012/04/jack-benny-from-torney-hospital-in-palm-springs-450408/feed/ 0 1945,Butlers,Dreams,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Palm_Springs,Phil_Harris,Rochester,William_Powel,World_War2 Jack is teased about being the Peanut King, anfd vending machines that he owns. Mary enters to be teased about her fashion sense. Phil Harris enters to lay out the corny jokes about his being late. Mel Blanc even gets a word in when he complains about ... Jack is teased about being the Peanut King, anfd vending machines that he owns. Mary enters to be teased about her fashion sense. Phil Harris enters to lay out the corny jokes about his being late. Mel Blanc even gets a word in when he complains about losing money in Jacks vending machine. Phil plays, Everytime I Fall in Love, but Jack has to cut him off after only a few bars. Jokes turn to acting, and Jack's new movie, the Horn Blows at Midnight. Jack gets sensitive and storms out, which is the cue for Phil to go into another song, Saturday is the Loneliest Night of the week. At Jack's house, Rochester has to deal with the disgruntled Jack. Can Rochester soften up his boss enough to ask for the night off? Tuning into the radio, Jack discovers the cast hav turn the show into a quiz show. Although Larry Stevens takes time to sing, This Heart of Mine. Followed by, Goodnight Sweet Dreams Sweetheart. Jack is still pouting over the lack of loyalty from his cast. Maybe a nap will help? He dreams that he has a high class butler, wiliam Powell. will Jack's life be any better off? It takes Rochester waking him to rescue Jack from his crazy dream. Keith Heltsley clean 29:04 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-murder-mystery-450325/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-murder-mystery-450325/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:42:16 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15554 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-murder-mystery-450325/feed/ 0 1945,Alan_Ladd,Best_Dressed,Captain_OBenny,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Military,Mystery 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 nightclub. Mary arrives and shares a letter from her mom, 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 nightclub. Mary arrives and shares a letter from her mom, and word on the beautiful Spring weather. Through it we learn that Mary has been voted the best dressed woman in Hollywood. Larry Stevens sings, but the number gets cut. Jack gets his dander up when he thinks Fred Allen is in the Hallway, but when it's Alan Ladd, will Jack be so tough? After a little audio glitch where Phil's tune is snipped, Jack gets ready for one of his murder mysteries. Captain O'Benny deals out the parts, and right after Rochester phones in to tell about a car accident, the play begins. The Woman in the Window, or... It's a Good Thing the Venetian was Blind. Alan Ladd pitches in as the hard case who Capt. O'Benny has to hunt down amid a flurry of zany jokes from the voice tallents of Frank Nelson and Mel Blanc. Keith Heltsley clean 23:00 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-tv-program-marilyn-monroes-tv-debut-honolulu-trip-s04e01-1953-retro388/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-tv-program-marilyn-monroes-tv-debut-honolulu-trip-s04e01-1953-retro388/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:51:54 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15623 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-tv-program-marilyn-monroes-tv-debut-honolulu-trip-s04e01-1953-retro388/feed/ 0 1953,Cruises,Dreams,Hawaii,Honolulu,Jack_Benny,Marilyn_Monroe,Rochester,Ships,Soundtracks,Television,Travelling To be clear, this is just the audio track from the TV show, and I edited it down to trim off some of the opening, closing, and a few moments where the audio didn't have much going on due to the use of sight gags, To be clear, this is just the audio track from the TV show, and I edited it down to trim off some of the opening, closing, and a few moments where the audio didn't have much going on due to the use of sight gags, and didn't convey well to an audio format. Fortunately, if you would like to see the entire, unedited version, just google the show title, or search for it directly on youtube.com. It's free, and you'll probably find a few dozen other of Jack's shows from television there as well. In the clips I offer, we find Rochester having to account for his whereabouts while he and Jack were vacationing on Hawaii. Then onboard ship, Jack has a run in with his fellow shipmates, thinking a celebrity is being interviewed onboard. Later he falls asleep to dream of Marilyn Monroe. She flirts with him, and even sings to him before reality sets in again. Bonus tracks: Bing Crosby. 1953. Changing Partners. Cab Calloway. 1953. I'll Get By. Keith Heltsley clean 24:05 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-from-hollywood-the-train-station-450304/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-from-hollywood-the-train-station-450304/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:12:22 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=15118 http://retro-otr.com/2012/03/jack-benny-from-hollywood-the-train-station-450304/feed/ 0 1945,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Tours,Train_Station,World_War2 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 to lend her teasing, and has a letter from her mom. Larry Stevens sings, 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 to lend her teasing, and has a letter from her mom. Larry Stevens sings, Goodnight Sweet Dreams. Phil Harris arrives and Jack teases him about his guitarist, Frank Remley. When Jack gets a bill for their hotel, he goes over the expenses. To get enough ready cash, Jack heads to his vault. Phil plays some travelling music, and it's off to catch a train. With the Maxwell previously called into military service in a scrap drive, Jack and Mary drive to the train station in her car. It must be hers since Jack's replacement wheels is a transformed taxi, ant the jokes about cab fare are absent. Mel Blanc announces the train departures. Frank Nelson is a traveller who gets Jack confused with someone else, and an information desk clerk. PS: As Jack switched sponsors from Grape Nuts to Lucky Strike, and in these later war years, he developed recurring gags that would later be famous. The train station scenes date back to the late 1930's, but would become more polished as years go on. Today's episode may not be a prime example, but we get a look at some of the evolution of characters. Keith Heltsley clean 28:24 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28-2/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28-2/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:06:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14984 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28-2/feed/ 0 1945,Blues,Eddie_Anderson,Ernie_Whitman,Jazz,Jubilee,Kitty_Kallan,Military,Piano,Rochester,World_War2 Everybody's favorite supersized host is back, as Ernie Whitman calls on Harry James. Playlist The Harry James band plays while Kitty Kallan sings, I'm Beginning to See the Light. Eddie Haywood plays his piano to the tune of, Sweet Lace. Everybody's favorite supersized host is back, as Ernie Whitman calls on Harry James. Playlist The Harry James band plays while Kitty Kallan sings, I'm Beginning to See the Light. Eddie Haywood plays his piano to the tune of, Sweet Lace. Followed by, Begin the Beguine. Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson arrives to talk about his assistant, Jack Benny. Rochester sings, Accentuate the Positive. Harry James plays, Night and Day. The Kallan Trio plays, California Skyline. The Kallan Trio is back with, I Wonder. Harry James plays, One Way Ticket on the 927. Keith Heltsley clean 30:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:06:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14984 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jubilee-harry-james-kitty-kallen-4502-28/feed/ 0 1945,Blues,Eddie_Anderson,Ernie_Whitman,Jazz,Jubilee,Kitty_Kallan,Military,Piano,Rochester,World_War2 Everybody's favorite supersized host is back, as Ernie Whitman calls on Harry James. Playlist The Harry James band plays while Kitty Kallan sings, I'm Beginning to See the Light. Eddie Haywood plays his piano to the tune of, Sweet Lace. Everybody's favorite supersized host is back, as Ernie Whitman calls on Harry James. Playlist The Harry James band plays while Kitty Kallan sings, I'm Beginning to See the Light. Eddie Haywood plays his piano to the tune of, Sweet Lace. Followed by, Begin the Beguine. Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson arrives to talk about his assistant, Jack Benny. Rochester sings, Accentuate the Positive. Harry James plays, Night and Day. The Kallan Trio plays, California Skyline. The Kallan Trio is back with, I Wonder. Harry James plays, One Way Ticket on the 927. Keith Heltsley clean 30:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-what-if-jack-benny-was-never-born-470202-retro380/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-what-if-jack-benny-was-never-born-470202-retro380/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:40:46 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14823 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-what-if-jack-benny-was-never-born-470202-retro380/feed/ 0 1947,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Frank_Capra,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Movies,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Sportsmen,Wonderful_Life In Jack's home, Don visits Rochester and we learn about Jack taking Mary out to the movies. They have jjust seen It's a Wonderful Life, but Jack finds it hard to believe that an angel could make it so a person was never born. In Jack's home, Don visits Rochester and we learn about Jack taking Mary out to the movies. They have jjust seen It's a Wonderful Life, but Jack finds it hard to believe that an angel could make it so a person was never born. What would life be like for the cast if Jack were never born? At home, Jack finds a stranger in his house. It's Victor Moore, the angel from the film Jack just went to see. The angel is on a mission and Jack learns that he has no butler, but that's only the beginning. He learns that Mary still works for the May Company, Dennis Day works for Fred Allen, and a voice impersonater standing in for Fred is pleased to meet Jack because there has never been a feud between them. Don and the Sportsmen run a tobacco plantation. (Hey, they had to work in the sponsor in here somewhere). Phil Harris still works in his nightclub. Isn't there anybody who can help Jack prove that he was really born? In the end, Jack gets his life back, and for better or worse, the cast are restored to their place in life with him. Bonus Track: Jack Benny. 1937. Jack complains about Fred Allen and defends his violin playing. Keith Heltsley clean 33:55 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-birthday-from-glenview-nab-illinois-450211/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-birthday-from-glenview-nab-illinois-450211/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14704 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-birthday-from-glenview-nab-illinois-450211/feed/ 0 1945,Aging,Aircraft_Carriers,Birthdays,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Navy,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 age. Even Mary can't squeeze out his real age, which though he claims 36, 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 age. Even Mary can't squeeze out his real age, which though he claims 36, he's actually 51 this year. Larry Stevens gets in a few jabs at Jack's expense before singing, but his song gets snipped. The birthday jokes continue when Phil presents a gift from him and all the band. What's the racy message included inside? Listen and learn. Jack talks about all his old childhood friends who'll be at his party. Rochester phones with travelling plans to their next gig in St Joeseph, Missouri next week. Phil plays some travelling music, Hollywood Canteen. Jack announces the play: Boy Was I Seasick, or You Can't Take It With You. Jack plays the part of a Naval Captain on the open sea when his sealed orders are opened. Jokes about aircraft carriers and general Navy life are the theme. Trivia: In real life, Jack was in the Navy in the past World War, Dennis was currently serving in the Navy, and Phil enlisted with his entire band in the Merchant Marine for the duration of the war. Keith Heltsley clean 21:42 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:09:21 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14568 http://retro-otr.com/2012/02/jack-benny-from-st-albans-naval-hospital-in-new-york-450204/feed/ 0 1945,Dating,Fred_Allen,Jack_Benny,Lary_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Movies,Navy,Phil_Harris,Portland_Hoffa,Rochester 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 Navy. In the last war, of course. Phil enters to joke about Navy doctors. 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 Navy. In the last war, of course. Phil enters to joke about Navy doctors. Larry Stevens sings, Irish Lullabye. Mary enters to tell about kissing the sailors. Jack and the gang plug his latest film, Hollywood Canteen, but Jack ends up in flashbvack mode to relive his disastrous evening the day before. Rochester helps Jack with his bvath, and getting dresseds. When Mary stops in Rochester tells her about his new girlfriend. Phil plays some travelling music, and we find Jack with Mary at the theater where he brags some more about his movie. Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa make their appearance to heckle Jack. Get ready for a faceoff inside the theater. Will a fight break out? It's just not going Jack's way tonight. In epilog, Jack supports the new rationing changes. Keith Heltsley clean 28:43 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-from-mitchell-field-450128/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-from-mitchell-field-450128/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:41:31 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14324 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-from-mitchell-field-450128/feed/ 0 1945,Ann_Sheridan,Dating,Don_Wilson,Gladys_Zabisco,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Military,Navy,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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. Mary sets Jack straight on military slang, 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. Mary sets Jack straight on military slang, and comments about soldiers chasing girls in the snowy weather. She gets surprised to lern that Larry Stevens has been double dating with Jack. Larry sings, Evalina. Jack is suddenly worried over his draft board, and fitness for duty. Phil arives to brag about his prowess with the wACS. Rochester phones in from the hotel room about a reporter from Look Magazine. Jack is teased about his age, stinginess, and writers. Phil plays, Good Grief. Phil claims he has to leave to go out with his wife Alice, and ann Sheridan, which makes Jack change his plans for nightlife on the base. He also gets teased about his fictional girlfriend, Gladys Zabisco. Ann shows up, and Jack is upstaged when Ann and Mary gossip about style and fashions. when Phil gets a showstopping kiss, Jack tries the same tactic, but it doesn't work so well. He ends up with Mrs Noosebaum. Can Jack bail out, and go out with Mary instead? I think his bridges have been burned. Keith Heltsley clean 29:29 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-jacks-visit-to-the-empire-state-building-450121/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-jacks-visit-to-the-empire-state-building-450121/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:31:10 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14213 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-jacks-visit-to-the-empire-state-building-450121/feed/ 0 1945,Bills,Cabbies,Don_Wilson,Empire_State_Building,Hotels,Ice_Skating,Jack_Benny,Larry_S,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc 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. The gang joke about Jack's hotels that he has stayed in. 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. The gang joke about Jack's hotels that he has stayed in. Interuptions to the day of ice skating and visiting the Empire State building keep coming when Larry Stevens enters to sing his song, Strange Music. Jack plugs some charity appearances that he's doing for the March of Dimes. Phil enters, and Jack steals his joke. Don makes his appearance and teases Phil about seeing Harvey, the 6foot tall rabbit. Jack tries to make a phone call, but gets a talkative phone operator instead. Phil plays a jazzy swinging tune for the traveling music for the gang. Jack and Mary try to get a cab on a New York sidewalk. Mel Blanc is a cabbie who does impersonations as he recaps the recent Fred Allen program. The cast tour the city, and Don does some figure skating. Forget the figure 8, Don knocks out an LSMFT. Jack tries it, but fails at it, and other stunts that the rest of the cast manage to do. Afterward, Jack encourages people to support the troops overseas with supportive letters. Note: At this time, Harvey was a play, and later would be a movie with James Stewart in the leading role. Keith Heltsley clean 28:32 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/rochester-show-two-audition-shows-500218-retro371-2/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/rochester-show-two-audition-shows-500218-retro371-2/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:36:56 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14136 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/rochester-show-two-audition-shows-500218-retro371-2/feed/ 0 1950,Actresses,Agents,Auditions,Eddie_Anderson,Friends,Jobs,Movies,Rochester,Tallent A series of pilot shows were made for the Rochester Show. It was proposed to run daily as a 15 minute show. Though there is a sponsor mentioned, it isn't likely it ever made it to the airwaves. The premis of the show is about Rochester's life when he i... A series of pilot shows were made for the Rochester Show. It was proposed to run daily as a 15 minute show. Though there is a sponsor mentioned, it isn't likely it ever made it to the airwaves. The premis of the show is about Rochester's life when he isn't being Jack Benny's valet. Today, Rochester is trying to find a way to earn a little extra money. When he stops in at the cigar shop, Rochester gets roped into a get rich scheme by his friend Willie. Willie has a female friend that he wants help with to get her into pictures. Can Rochester get Jack Benny to give Trudy Watson a look? From the reactions, she's got what it takes, but we'll need to tun in next time to find out if she can break into the biz. In the second audition: Rochester is in a bind for money, and his friend Willie has talked him into being an agent for an attractive female friend. The landlady hounds Rochester for his rent as he tries to promote his prospective starlet with Willie. Down at the pawn shop, Willie cash in some property to invest. Rochester gets worried when the property they pawned doesn't belong to them. Maybe Rochester can pull some strings with Jack Benny to open some doors? It could work, but it depends on how much weight Jack can throw around at the studios. Bonus Tracks: Tony Martin. 1954. Blues in the Night. Buck Benny. Offers some special commentary and insight to the show, and spinoffs. Note: To listen to more of Buck Benny and what he has on his own podcast, be sure to visit: The Jack Benny Podcast. You could also simply Google Buck Benny Podcast, or Jack Benny Podcast, and he'll normally be in the top search results. Visit his site, drop him an email, and tell him how much you like his podcast. Tell him you found him through Retro Radio, and he'll promptly reply, "who?" (just kidding). Keith Heltsley clean 44:34 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-leaving-for-new-york-city-450107/ http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-leaving-for-new-york-city-450107/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:55:08 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=14038 http://retro-otr.com/2012/01/jack-benny-leaving-for-new-york-city-450107/feed/ 0 1945,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mel_Blanc,Packing,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Safes,Security_Guards,Stations The show next week will be broadcast from New York, so we join Jack at home as he packs. Preparations are made for traveling by train, and expenses. Jack goes to his safe. i guess he didn't have his vault installed yet, The show next week will be broadcast from New York, so we join Jack at home as he packs. Preparations are made for traveling by train, and expenses. Jack goes to his safe. i guess he didn't have his vault installed yet, although he does have his guard Ed, on duty, and his crazy alarm. Rochester enters to help with the packing. Larry Stevens comes over, but before he can get to his song, Phil phones in with his own packing troubles, and train joke. Larry sings, Don't Fence Me In. Jack plans to be away for 2 months, and a man stops in wanting to rent the house. Mary's maid, Pauline enters to report that Mary has a bad cold, and she delivers the doctor report, and a few jokes as well. Phil plays some transitioning music, Every Time I Fall In Love. At the train station, Mel Blanc announces the train arrivals and departures, then on the way to the ticket window, Jack encounters a race track tout to offer advice on travel plans. Frank Nelson is the ticket clerk who gives Jack a hard time. Won't anybody take that train to Anaheim, Azusa, and Cucamonga? Poor old Mel. Keith Heltsley clean 29:40 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-rochester-is-shocked-by-electric-alarm-clock-491225/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-rochester-is-shocked-by-electric-alarm-clock-491225/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 19:13:56 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=13643 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-rochester-is-shocked-by-electric-alarm-clock-491225/feed/ 0 1949,Christmas,Christmas_Lights,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Joan_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Shocked,Sportsmen All is peaceful and serene in Jack's home, but when Don takes us into flashback mode we join Jack on the day before. He and mary trim the tree where Jack is repeatedly shocked by his Christmas lights. Rochester gets the party preparations ready, All is peaceful and serene in Jack's home, but when Don takes us into flashback mode we join Jack on the day before. He and mary trim the tree where Jack is repeatedly shocked by his Christmas lights. Rochester gets the party preparations ready, but avoids getting involved with the lights. Phil pops in to tell about his Christmas plans. Don brings the Sportsmen over to talk about Christmas gifts. The Sportsmen do a modified version of Mule Train, Their modified lyrics end up in, Yule Train. Jack's evening is interupted by a wrong phone number, and a girl scout selling cookies. A girl named Joan, it wouldn't be Joan Benny would it? Dennis makes his appearance to joke about gift exchanging. The gang settle down to dinner, but there's still one more electrocution gag let. To close, Dennis sings Schubert's Ave Maria Note: This script is nearly identical to one done for Christmas 1946. A few differences include: Dennis was still in the Navy, so Larry Stevens sang the traditional closing carols. Rochester was never shocked in the earlier script, and Joanie the Girl Scout didn't make her appearance. Keith Heltsley clean 25:23 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-christmas-at-jacks-381225/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-christmas-at-jacks-381225/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:55:13 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=13640 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-christmas-at-jacks-381225/feed/ 0 1938,Christmas,Guests,Jack_Benny,Joan_Bennet,Kenny_Baker,Mary_Livingston,No_Shows,Parties,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 girl that Jack aledgedly stole away from Phil a few episodes earlier. 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 girl that Jack aledgedly stole away from Phil a few episodes earlier. Rochester greets the gang as they arrive. Kenny sings, O Little Town of Bethlehem. As Jack continues trimming the tree, Mary reads rejection telegrams from each of his celebrity guests. Despite a few mishaps, Jack remains in the Christmas spirit. Andy Devine arrives to play Santa Claus for the gang. Phil plays some mood music, then Jack gets a surprise when Phil brings Joan Bennet for his date. Joan gets to joke around with Jack and the film she just made with Jack. Keith Heltsley clean 29:54 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-trimming-a-tree-441224-retro363/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-trimming-a-tree-441224-retro363/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:44:17 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=13142 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-trimming-a-tree-441224-retro363/feed/ 0 1944,Christmas,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Larry_Stevens,Mary_Livingston,Parties,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Shocked,Shopping,Tree_Trimming At Jack's home in Beverly Hills, he is joined by Mary as he trims the tree. The tree is looking good, but Jack keeps getting himself electrocuted. Rochester gets the party treats ready, but Jack gets his historic knowledge mixed up. At Jack's home in Beverly Hills, he is joined by Mary as he trims the tree. The tree is looking good, but Jack keeps getting himself electrocuted. Rochester gets the party treats ready, but Jack gets his historic knowledge mixed up. (The history gag was a recent running gag on the show at the time). . When a cop comes to the door, Jack has to explain his activity at the department store. In flashback mode, we get to eaves drop on the shopping trip. At least part of it. Phil's band plays, It Had to Be You. Gifts are placed under the tree as the tree trimming fun continues. Even so, Jack still manages to get a shock from time to time. Phil arrives to compare notes on Christmas trees, and do some gift swapping. When the rest of the cast show up, it's time to get the party started. Even Andy Devine stops in. The champagne flows freely as the cast share Christmas wishes. At this time, the war was still going on, and Jack shares a touching word for the troops. In the absence of Dennis Day who was in the Navy, Larry Stevens sings a medley of carols including, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night. Bonus Tracks: Mr Christmas. Leroy the Redneck Reindeer. Ernest Tubb. Blue Christmas. The Hoo's from Hooville. Trim Up the Tree with Christmas Stuff. Keith Heltsley clean 35:14 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:13:12 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12945 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/feed/ 0 1949,Cheap,Dating,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Europe,Flashbacks,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Nightclubs,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 before Jack storms out at the disrespect. At home he jokes with Rochester about how cheap... 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 before Jack storms out at the disrespect. At home he jokes with Rochester about how cheap he is. To relax, Jack glances at the newspaper and comments on the celebrity news. The scene shifts to Mary walking down the sidewalk where she bumps into Tyrone Powers. They joke about Jack bragging about his star power on his European tour earlier in the year. Flashback to London, and Jack checking into a hotel. Cheap jokes, bragging about his performance, and running into Mary and Tyrone. Mary is wined and dined by Tyrone, and a date is aranged for Jack to round out the foursome. The Sportsmen provide the floorshow, and commercial, of course. The foursome decide to go club hopping as Jack is the butt of a myriad of jokes related to money, and the ever fluctuating currency exchange rates. Keith Heltsley clean 29:51 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:13:12 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12945 http://retro-otr.com/2011/12/jack-benny-tyrone-power-491204/feed/ 0 1949,Cheap,Dating,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Europe,Flashbacks,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Nightclubs,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 before Jack storms out at the disrespect. At home he jokes with Rochester about how cheap... 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 before Jack storms out at the disrespect. At home he jokes with Rochester about how cheap he is. To relax, Jack glances at the newspaper and comments on the celebrity news. The scene shifts to Mary walking down the sidewalk where she bumps into Tyrone Powers. They joke about Jack bragging about his star power on his European tour earlier in the year. Flashback to London, and Jack checking into a hotel. Cheap jokes, bragging about his performance, and running into Mary and Tyrone. Mary is wined and dined by Tyrone, and a date is aranged for Jack to round out the foursome. The Sportsmen provide the floorshow, and commercial, of course. The foursome decide to go club hopping as Jack is the butt of a myriad of jokes related to money, and the ever fluctuating currency exchange rates. Keith Heltsley clean 29:51 http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-spends-an-evening-at-home-playing-cards-491127/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-spends-an-evening-at-home-playing-cards-491127/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:59:16 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12699 http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-spends-an-evening-at-home-playing-cards-491127/feed/ 0 1949,Andy_Devine,Books,Bridge,Cards,Dennis_Day,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mr_Kitzel,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 long. As the guys play bridge, Phil gets some good poker hands. Mary gets an offer, 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 long. As the guys play bridge, Phil gets some good poker hands. Mary gets an offer, but it might only be one to rejoin her position at the May Company. Dennis sings. After the game. With the game over, Rochester packs things away as Jack relaxes with a book from his library. Andy Devine stops in for a quick visit, and afterward Jack reads a book that Andy provided. Mel Blanc provides the sound affects for the story as Jack reads it, and along with Mary and Dennis, they dramatize it. Dennis and the Sportsmen get some help from the cast as they present the sponsor message. Keith Heltsley clean 31:07 http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-rides-in-a-yacht-491106/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-rides-in-a-yacht-491106/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:54:02 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12309 http://retro-otr.com/2011/11/jack-benny-jack-rides-in-a-yacht-491106/feed/ 0 1949,Boating,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mr_Kitzel,Naps,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Yachts 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 his recent events with movie stars. Mary teases Jack about his swimming pool. 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 his recent events with movie stars. Mary teases Jack about his swimming pool. Dennis arrives to tell about his inheritance. The fun is broken up when Jack gets a call from the yacht salesman where he bought his boat in an uncharacteristic moment of generosity. Mr Kitzel stops by for a quick boating joke, then Jack takes Mary to see his new yacht. Keith Heltsley clean 19:57 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-is-recovering-from-nose-surgery-491023/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-is-recovering-from-nose-surgery-491023/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:44:15 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=12024 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-is-recovering-from-nose-surgery-491023/feed/ 0 1949,Beaver_Scouts,Dennis_Day,Friends,Illness,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Medicine,Phil_Harris,Recovering,Rochester,Sickness 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 ordeal through the week in comic fashion. Back at home, and with a nose job, 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 ordeal through the week in comic fashion. Back at home, and with a nose job, Jack greets Mary with a kiss. Phil arrives when Jack takes his medicinal brandy. Then they talk about Phil's education. Dennis shows up with more of his crazy talk about riding his bike. Mr Kitzel visits to comfort Jack as he still recovers from his cold. Jack tries tuning through the radio dial to find the Sportsmen. Instead, he manages to pick up random sound bites to make a funny mix. The Sportsmen eventually sing a version of, Sonny Boy. Listen up, they reveal Jacks real age. The boys from the Beaver club pop in to cheer Jack up, and drop some hospital jokes. To relax, and once Jack is left alone, he writes a few more lines in his diary. Keith Heltsley clean 6:17 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-recovering-from-a-cold-491016/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-recovering-from-a-cold-491016/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:04:53 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11923 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-recovering-from-a-cold-491016/feed/ 0 1949,Dennis_Day,Doctors,Don_Wilson,Friends,Illness,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Medical,Nurses,Phil_Harris,Rochester 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 can't get out of the deal, and worries over it with Rochester. Jack also has a cold, 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 can't get out of the deal, and worries over it with Rochester. Jack also has a cold, and is being nursed back to health by his friends. The nurse arrives and jokes about helth, and about Jack's physique. Phil phones in to poke some fun at Jack as they talk about the band. Don is worried that the Sportsmen will catch Jack's cold, but they sing over the phone a version of, Take Care of Yourself. Getting back to Jack's cold, he proves to be a difficult patient for the nurse and his friends. Dennis Day arrives and talks crazy talk about his clothes, and his latest antics at home. Dennis tries to cheer up Jack by singing, Roll Around Heaven All Day. Finally, the yacht salesman phones to let Jack off the hook. Jack's relief is soon ended when his physician, Doctor Frank Nelson arrives for more medical jokes, and tormenting Jack. Through a mishap, Jack learns he still is liable for his yacht. Keith Heltsley clean 29:29 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jacks-memory-is-lost-and-found/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jacks-memory-is-lost-and-found/#comments Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:54:34 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11710 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jacks-memory-is-lost-and-found/feed/ 0 1949,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Generous,Gifts,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Pay_Raises,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Yachts 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, and tells Don, Phil, and Dennis about it when they pop in for a visit. 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, and tells Don, Phil, and Dennis about it when they pop in for a visit. At Jack's home, we see first hand how he has been spending money every day, all week long. Even Rochester has something to say about that, although he doesn't mind it so much when Jack tosses money his way. Jack is even generous towards Mel Blanc, who has been asking Jack for a job on the show all season. Jack takes time to do some more shopping, and wants to buy a yacht. Jack makes a few more stops on the way home, surprising all with his show of generosity. Dennis sings, You're Breaking My Heart. Will Jack's new attitude last? Just when everybody is just beginning to warm up to the new Jack, things come crashing down, literally, and another bump on the head restores Jack's memory to his old stingy ways. The problems aren't over for Jack, who now has to deal with the result of his week of high spending and generosity. Keith Heltsley clean 29:00 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-takes-inventory-and-has-a-memory-loss-491002/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-takes-inventory-and-has-a-memory-loss-491002/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:37:33 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11255 http://retro-otr.com/2011/10/jack-benny-jack-takes-inventory-and-has-a-memory-loss-491002/feed/ 0 1949,Accidents,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Generous,Inventory,Jack_Benny,Kitchen,Mary_Livingston,Memory,Pantry,Phil_Harris 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 Mel Blanc looking for a job on the show reoccurs. As Jack's inventory continues, 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 Mel Blanc looking for a job on the show reoccurs. As Jack's inventory continues, the cast make their appearances. Mary stops in, and takes a phone call from the ever loving Phil. Dennis stops in to torment Jack with his crazy outlook on life. Dennis sings, . Don Wilson, and the Sportsmen come over to show off a tune for the sponsor message. Back in the pantry, Jack has an unusual accident. At least it has an unusual outcome that closes the show. PS: Jokes about any topic have been used in the show, especially on Jack being stingy. As funny as that is, Jack's character has become so associated with that part of it, that his knock on the head, memory loss, and becoming generous would never be so hillarious if anybody else tried the jokes he has at the end. I wonder if he tried to plan to shed his tight wad persona? Probably not, because it doesn't carry over to upcoming shows as a running gag. It would be an interesting one for him though. Keith Heltsley clean 18:54 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jubilee-count-basie-rochester-ep99-440927/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jubilee-count-basie-rochester-ep99-440927/#comments Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:13:35 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11148 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jubilee-count-basie-rochester-ep99-440927/feed/ 0 1944,AFRS,Comedy,Count_Basey,Ernie_Whitman,Jazz,Jimmy_Rushing,Jubilee,Military,Rochester,Swing,Thelma_Carpenter Features Ernie Whitman as host, Count Basey provides the musical back up, Vocalists include Thelma Carpenter, and Jimmy Rushing. Rochester makes an appearance to joke around with Ernie, and Thelma. Playlist: Count Basey plays, Dinah. Jimmy Rushing, Features Ernie Whitman as host, Count Basey provides the musical back up, Vocalists include Thelma Carpenter, and Jimmy Rushing. Rochester makes an appearance to joke around with Ernie, and Thelma. Playlist: Count Basey plays, Dinah. Jimmy Rushing, also a heavy character, swaps fat jokes with Ernie then sings, Baby Won't You Please Come Home. Count Basey plays, Rhythm Man. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson talks with Ernie about how he got to the studio, then brags to Thelma about his wealth, and valet named Jack Benny. Count Basey is back to play, Rockabye Basey. Thelma Carpenter sings, Call Me Darling. Count Basey plays the Jubilee theme song, the One O'Clock Jump. Keith Heltsley clean 30:59 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-bergen-and-mccarthy-red-skelton-490925/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-bergen-and-mccarthy-red-skelton-490925/#comments Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:40:03 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=11138 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-bergen-and-mccarthy-red-skelton-490925/feed/ 0 1949,Amos_and_Andy,Charlie_McCarthy,Dennis_Day,Dressing_Rooms,Edgar_Bergen,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Mix_ups,Red_skelton,Rehearsals 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 by Rochester. Mix ups and disrespect is the theme of the day, 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 by Rochester. Mix ups and disrespect is the theme of the day, and starts when Jack finds a car parked in his spot. Inside he finds his dressing room has been given away to Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. After driving Jack nuts with his crazy comments, Dennis sings, Some Enchanted Evening. Jack finds Amos and Andy havetaken over his replacement dressing room. Running gags abound, and one from the last show deals with Mel Blanc looking for work on the show. As Jack continues his search in the studio, he finds Red Skelton has taken over Jacks assigned studio for his rehearsal. Will Jack ever get his show started today? What if he just refuses to show up, what will CBS do then? If you listen in, you'll find out. Keith Heltsley clean 29:57 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:19:07 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10979 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918/feed/ 0 1949,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Fired,Jack_Benny,Jobs,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Movies,Rochester,Spoofs 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 recieved an award for being best dressed. Jack is interupted by Mel Blanc, 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 recieved an award for being best dressed. Jack is interupted by Mel Blanc, who is looking for a part in the show tonight. The play is to be a spoof of a Spencer Tracey film. The Sportsmen get in their song, which gets under Jack's skin. Rochester pulls double duty as a telegram boy. Dennis has a problem after loosing his pants gambling. Mel is still looking for a part in the show as the play starts. Jack plays the lead part in the Edward My Son story. The wealthy man has a newborn son, and the jokes kick into high gear when the business partner meets the family. Time goes by, the shady business man becomes rich, even though his partner ends up in jail. He has done it all as a legacy for Edward, his son. Jack climbs to the greatest heights, and is blinded to the fact that his son is an idiot. Jack pokes fun at the film, his own show, and the running gags from early in the show. Keith Heltsley clean 24:53 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918-2/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918-2/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:19:07 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10979 http://retro-otr.com/2011/09/jack-benny-edward-my-son-490918-2/feed/ 0 1949,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Fired,Jack_Benny,Jobs,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Movies,Rochester,Spoofs 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 recieved an award for being best dressed. Jack is interupted by Mel Blanc, 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 recieved an award for being best dressed. Jack is interupted by Mel Blanc, who is looking for a part in the show tonight. The play is to be a spoof of a Spencer Tracey film. The Sportsmen get in their song, which gets under Jack's skin. Rochester pulls double duty as a telegram boy. Dennis has a problem after loosing his pants gambling. Mel is still looking for a part in the show as the play starts. Jack plays the lead part in the Edward My Son story. The wealthy man has a newborn son, and the jokes kick into high gear when the business partner meets the family. Time goes by, the shady business man becomes rich, even though his partner ends up in jail. He has done it all as a legacy for Edward, his son. Jack climbs to the greatest heights, and is blinded to the fact that his son is an idiot. Jack pokes fun at the film, his own show, and the running gags from early in the show. Keith Heltsley clean 24:53 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-he-caught-his-wife-kissing-a-stranger-400424/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-he-caught-his-wife-kissing-a-stranger-400424/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:16:01 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=10599 http://retro-otr.com/2011/08/fred-allen-he-caught-his-wife-kissing-a-stranger-400424/feed/ 0 1940,Anniversary,Entertainment,Fred_Allen,Gambling,Horse_Racing,Jack_Benny,Movies,Openings,Rochester Harry and Fred talk about topics including anniversaries, centaurs, and more. It's Fred's 30th anniversary in show business, from his first appearance as a juggler on the vaudeville stage. They remember the music, and politics of the day in 1910, Harry and Fred talk about topics including anniversaries, centaurs, and more. It's Fred's 30th anniversary in show business, from his first appearance as a juggler on the vaudeville stage. They remember the music, and politics of the day in 1910, and how certain things have made a comeback. The News of the Week includes topics related to horse racing, and gambling. The audio is edited out past the musical numbers, and makes a brief comeback for the commercial. Fred welcomes Portland who comments on the packed studio. Fred jokes about Jack Benny's just released film, and the jokes on Jacks last show. To which, Jack sends a telegram to defend himself. For more fun with Jack Benny jokes, Rochester even pops in to keep things going. Oh, the secrets he reveals. Will Rochester be lured to work for Fred? Fred has uncle Jim help with some lines that Major Boze read for the East coast show, in tribute of Freds 30th anniversary in show biz. The Merrymacks have their song snipped. The Mighty Allen Art players perform. In the home of Cuthbert Allen, wealthy tycoon. The actors get out of character to give Fred a hard time with scene alterations. The scene in the home of the girdle tycoon is done in different movie styles. The audio cuts off abruptly. PS: Love those moments with Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. As mentioned in the show, Jack and his cast were performing for a time in New York for the big opening of his latest film. The feud between Jack and Fred was of course, fictional. They were friends, but didn't mind the feud if it got laughs for both of them. Keith Heltsley clean 39:00 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/jack-benny-borrowing-bings-oscar-480404-retro337/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/jack-benny-borrowing-bings-oscar-480404-retro337/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:25:12 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9822 http://retro-otr.com/2011/07/jack-benny-borrowing-bings-oscar-480404-retro337/feed/ 0 1948,Bing_Crosby,Borrowing,Don_Wilson,Embellishment,Favors,Jack_Benny,Lies,Mary_Livingston,Oscars,Phil_Harris,Robbery The show starts in flashback mode, with Jack borrowing Ronald Coleman's Oscar. On the way home, Jack is held up by a robber. Back home, and the next morning, Jack has spent a worried and sleepless night as Mary and Rochester try to comfort him. The show starts in flashback mode, with Jack borrowing Ronald Coleman's Oscar. On the way home, Jack is held up by a robber. Back home, and the next morning, Jack has spent a worried and sleepless night as Mary and Rochester try to comfort him. What can he do about the mising statue? How can he face up to Ronald Coleman? Is there a way to cover up the fact of the missing trophy, or get it back? For Mary's sake, Jack once again relives his moments of bravery during the robbery, complete with an embellishment or two. Phil Harris arrives, and tries to cheer up Jack with a joke. When Ronald phones to get his Oscar back, Jack decides to borrow another one as a cover up, and give that one to Ronald Since Don has stopped in to say that the Sportsmen won't be appearing, it's Rochester to the rescue when he asks a favor from The Ink Spots. They arrive and with lyrics adjusted for a sponsor plug they sing, If I Didn't Care. Jack and Mary drive to Bing Crosby's house to try to borrow his Oscar. Bing and Jack do a little verbal sparring with jokes on topics ranging from Bing's kids, Bob Hope, his race horses, and Frank Sinatra. With a little bit of arm twisting, Bing is talked into singing his latest song, Haunted Heart. Being put on the spot, Jack has to come clean and tell Bing why he needs the Oscar. In reliving the ordeal of the stick up, Jack's bravery, and other details reach an all time height. Bonus Track: Billy Mills. 1941. Almost Like Being in Love. Keith Heltsley clean 41:50 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/jack-benny-artists-and-models-abroad-380612/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/jack-benny-artists-and-models-abroad-380612/#comments Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:42:34 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=9037 http://retro-otr.com/2011/06/jack-benny-artists-and-models-abroad-380612/feed/ 0 1938,Dressing_Rooms,Filiming,Jack_Benny,Joan_Bennet,Kenny_Baker,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Rehearsals,Respect,Rochester,Studios The scene goes live to Jack's dressing room at the movie studio where he is making a new film. Rochester is on hand to give Jack a hard time over his clothing, quality of dressing room, and life in genral. Jack complains about the classiness of his dre... The scene goes live to Jack's dressing room at the movie studio where he is making a new film. Rochester is on hand to give Jack a hard time over his clothing, quality of dressing room, and life in genral. Jack complains about the classiness of his dressing room when Phil enters to learn of Jack's latest wardrobe malfuncion. Kenny phones in, so Jack tunes in the radio to hear Kenny sing, Why Haven't I Told You. Hey, wasn't that song done again by someone in the 1960's? As Jack awaits his leading lady, Joan Bennet, the rest of the cast pop in to see what's happening, and to tease Jack. When Joan arrives, she and Mary have a minor moment of friction. Sassy, and cute. Phil plays some travelling music and the gang all go to the studio to witness a scene from Jack's latest film. At the studio, the gang keep up their teasing of Jack as they have run ins with studio executives who can't remember names. Real life director of the film, Mitch Lightner is on hand to help the rehearsal of Jack and Joan's lines. The gang gets to watch the fun, and makes jokes as the scene unfolds. Finally, Jack is left hanging. Literally, he's hanging out the window, as the cast all take a break. Don offers more Jello recipe tips, and a closing epilog has Jack and Mary going on a double date with Joan and Mitch. Keith Heltsley clean 27:39 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-a-friend-at-union-station-550515/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-a-friend-at-union-station-550515/#comments Sun, 15 May 2011 20:52:14 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8353 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-a-friend-at-union-station-550515/feed/ 0 1955,Birthdays,Classmates,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Frank_Nelson,Housecleaning,Jack_Benny,Mail,Mel_Blanc,Rochester,Sportsmen Jack Benny - A Friend At Union Station. 550515. Rolling back the clock a few days, we find Rochester doing some house cleaning when his work is interupted by his gal Suzy. Jack is in the other room, giving instructions to his contracter to make some... Jack Benny - A Friend At Union Station. 550515. Rolling back the clock a few days, we find Rochester doing some house cleaning when his work is interupted by his gal Suzy. Jack is in the other room, giving instructions to his contracter to make some home improvements. Charlie Bagby, Jack's piano player phones in to aske time off to nurse his cold. Dennis visits to share what's on his mind, and a piece of his birthay cake. Don drops in to return a garden hose. Jack goes through his mail and finds a letter from an old classmate from Waukegan. The gang all go to the train station to meet the classmate. Mel Blanc gives the color announcements all through the train station visit. Jack bumps into the racetrack tout. On the way to the information desk, Jack runs into Kitzel, who tells about an argument with his wife. Don has just ran into the Sportsmen who sing, Go Where I Go. Finally at the information desk, Frank Nelson gives Jack the information he needs, and tells Jack where to go. Dennis is found trying to weigh himself. The tout stops to talk Dennis out of going with Jack to the train terminal. After a few more chances to joke around Jack looks, but doesn't find his old clasmate right away. When he does, he doesn't recognize his old classmate. Keith Heltsley clean 28:09 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-mary-is-sick-490515/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-mary-is-sick-490515/#comments Sun, 15 May 2011 18:37:58 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8351 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-mary-is-sick-490515/feed/ 0 1949,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Hoagie_Carmichael,Housecleaning,Jack_Benny,Lessons,Loans,Mel_Blanc,Phil_Harris,Rochester,Stingy Jack Benny - Mary Is Sick. 490515. 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, and wants to take down any rebuttals. Jack Benny - Mary Is Sick. 490515. 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, and wants to take down any rebuttals. Phil is down on his luck, and asks Jack to borrow some cash. He plugs his upcoming Summer tour with his band. Amazingly Jack agrees to loan him the money, but decides to not take Phil's girls as collateral. This time. As Phil signs in blood, Jack makes a trip to his vault. After creaky doors, obstacles, and sound affects, Jack talks with Ed about his Christmas gift. Jack gets his cash and fills in Ed on modern technologies. Back in the real world, Rochester says that professor LaBlanc can't make the violin lesson, but as Jack is about to go to the teachers' house a special guest pops in. Hoagie Carmichael is selling songs door to door. He explains why he hasn't sold any big hits lately, but shares a few titles that he's working on. Hoagie sings a new cowboy song, with a slant to plug the sponsor of course. Jack goes for his violin lesson, but first he has an adventure on the street car. Dennis is on his way to have his appendix out. Dennis then talks a little about his full coverage medical insurance. He plugs his other show and Jack gets off the trolley. Meanwhile professor LaBlanc is at home, and in good spirits as as he talks to his wife at not having to give jack his lesson. Imagine his surprise at finding Jack at his door. Jack's lesson soon has the whole LeBlanc household in torment. PS: Though the title is about Mary being sick, she isn't mentioned through the show. In the epilog after the closing commercial though, Jack sends her a special message. Keith Heltsley clean 29:16 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-love-letters-jack-buys-a-baseball-team-550501/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-love-letters-jack-buys-a-baseball-team-550501/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 20:40:20 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8057 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-love-letters-jack-buys-a-baseball-team-550501/feed/ 0 1955,Baseball,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Housecleaning,Jack_Benny,Love_Letters,Mel_Blanc,Publicity,Rochester,Teams Jack Benny - Love Letters, Jack Buys A Baseball Team. 550501. 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 written to Ja... Jack Benny - Love Letters, Jack Buys A Baseball Team. 550501. 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 written to Jack. Jack joins Rochester and does some looking through an old photo album. He talks about his old violin teachers, some childhood memories, and his old house in Waukegan. The memories are interupted when cast members begin arriving for rehearsal. Dennis tells about catching a gopher out of his yard, and slams Jack for his lack of a sense of humor. After sharing some family secrets Dennis sings, I Fall Asleep Counting My Blessings. Jack's secretary, Miss Diamond, comes over in a bare middrift outfit. As Jack is chewing her out for her casual appearance, Mr Kitzel phones in to tell about how he was recently abducted, and about his new job in making Westerns. Don is next to pop in with the Sportsmen. Even Don is dressed up for the season as he tells Jack about his morning on the golf course. Dennis and Miss Diamond want to get started, but Rochester says the scripts haven't arrived yet. Just then Jack's publicity man, Steve, arrives with his latest idea to enhance Jack's image. What Jack needs is a new publicity stunt, what about buying a baseball team? Jack gives him the OK, and Steve rushes out to find a team to buy. Jack gets on the phone to check on his missing scripts as he hums a baseball tune, then gets the telephone operators, Mable and Gertrude. The gals talk about Jack's adlibbing abilities, and dating Jack. Their discussion of Jack's kissing expertise is broken up by Jack breaking back into the line. In his house, Steve has the news, Jack just bought a girl baseball team. Keith Heltsley clean 25:55 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-jacks-home-under-construction-380501/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-jacks-home-under-construction-380501/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 14:05:55 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=8049 http://retro-otr.com/2011/05/jack-benny-jacks-home-under-construction-380501/feed/ 0 1938,Celebrity,Cement,Construction,Contractors,Contracts,Don_Wilson,Footprints,Hollywood,Houses,Jack_Benny,Kenny_Baker Jack Benny - Jacks Home Under Construction. 380501. Don teases Jack about not making a film in over a year. In his own defense, Jack explains his contract with the movie studio. Phil enters to talk about the movie business with Jack, Jack Benny - Jacks Home Under Construction. 380501. Don teases Jack about not making a film in over a year. In his own defense, Jack explains his contract with the movie studio. Phil enters to talk about the movie business with Jack, and why his last movie deal fell through. Mary finally gets to enter and compares Jack to the big stars. Although she may like Jack, I don't think she would pass up Clark Gable, unless the line was too long. Mary tells secrets about Jack getting his footprints in the cement at Graman's Chinese Theater. Don changes the topic by asking how Jack's house is doing, but Jack isn't quite done complaining about his film career. Kenny arrives with a book that he's reading. It's one by Einstein, which sounds impressive until we learn why Kenny really has it. Kenny sings, Love Walked In With You. Jack talks with Kenny and Phil about their roles in last week's play of Snow White. Even Mary gets complimented over her acting and singing, and a future in the opera seems to be a possibility. She brags that she's going to be in a Silly Symphony. Jack marvels how great it would be to be in a cartoon. After Don squeezes in a commercial, Jack wants to get home to deal with issues at his house construction. Before he leaves, Phil puts in a plug for an upcoming appearance, then argues with Jack over gambling bets. Phil plays some travelling music, Tippy Tin. Jack shows off his construction site as he looks for Mr Burgess, his contractor. After cracking the whip over his lazy construction workers, Jack and the gang are given a tour of the grounds. Inside, Jack gets a tour of how the rooms are coming along, and finds Rochester in his bed, sleeping. After sending Rochester to his own quarters, the eccentric Mr Burgess leaves as well. Jack, Mary, and Kenny keep poking around until Jack finds himself caught in the cement mixer while Kenny and Mary slide down the bannister. Don wraps up with another jello recipe idea. Keith Heltsley clean 28:52 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-jack-decides-to-trade-in-the-maxwell-490424/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-jack-decides-to-trade-in-the-maxwell-490424/#comments Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:11:15 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7955 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-jack-decides-to-trade-in-the-maxwell-490424/feed/ 0 1949,Car_Dealers,Fair_Trades,Gadgets,Housecleaning,Jack_Benny,Mail,Mary_Livingston,Maxwell,Phil_Harris,Polly,Rochester Jack Benny - Jack Decides To Trade In The Maxwell. 490424. 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. Jack Benny - Jack Decides To Trade In The Maxwell. 490424. 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 doorbell rings. The mailman delivers Jacks's collection of magazines. Rochester goes to waken the sleeping Jack. Among the mail is a letter from Professor LeBlanc about Jack's upcoming violin lesson, as well as a couple other business letters. A flyer from a car lot gives the Idea to Jack about getting a trade in for his beloved Maxwell. Mary comes in and gets a bit of misinformation about what Jack was really doing with his ironing board, and his exotic home entertainment. Phil phones in to invite Jack for a round of golf. Jokes creep in about Jack's proposed car shopping, which surprises Phil and makes him think he has called the wrong phone number. Phil surprises Jack with word that Remley is drinking milk for a change. Don and the Sportsmen have entered, and have a special arrangement so Jack can help with his violin. It's a Mendelson Swing song. With Mary and Rochester, Jack heads to the car lot as he talks about the kind of car he hopes to get. The Maxwell has some car trouble, and a couple of Jack's fans spot him, and talk about him behind his back. With the car able to continue, Jack reads off the crazy names of some of the car dealers. Jack decides to visit Plain Bill, and is shown all the new features that are being installed on the new cars, gadgets with long and techie sounding names. So long that Mary has trouble repeating it. Mary wants to get a convertible, but Jack balks at the price. What kind of trade in can Jack get for his trusty Maxwell? The soft spoken, mellow, Plain Bill has a sudden emotional reaction upon seeing the Maxwell, but will a test ride in the Maxwell change his mind? Jack is offended at the extreme low trade in value, but the salesman is adamant. Rochester suggests that if Jack won't go for a trade in, maybe he can get that high tech gadget that Mary had trouble saying earlier? Keith Heltsley clean 28:49 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-bob-hope-and-jack-double-date-550417/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-bob-hope-and-jack-double-date-550417/#comments Sun, 17 Apr 2011 20:54:33 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7869 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-bob-hope-and-jack-double-date-550417/feed/ 0 1955,Bob_Hope,Don_Wilson,Double_Dates,Jack_Benny,Mel_Blanc,Milkman,Picnics,Ponds,Rochester,Sportsmen,Telephone_Operators Jack Benny - Bob Hope And Jack Double Date. 550417. Don rolls the clock back to the day before where Rochester gets the day started. He gets the chilly house warmed up and breakfast started. The milkman stops in, not for a sale, Jack Benny - Bob Hope And Jack Double Date. 550417. Don rolls the clock back to the day before where Rochester gets the day started. He gets the chilly house warmed up and breakfast started. The milkman stops in, not for a sale, but to make a purchase from Jack's cow. Rochester takes breakfast to Jack in bed. Jack enjoys his breakfast with his pet zebra, then the doorbell rings. Professor Leblanc asks Jack for a personal favor and reference, he asks for Jack not to tell anybody that he is Jack's violin teacher. With nothing else to do, Jack decides to practice his violin, but Rochester let's him know his violin is broken. Darn. Don and the Sportsmen are at the door, and they're in a hurry. Don has to go to his doctor. The Sportsmen sing, The Man Who Made it Rain. With sponsor adjusted lyrics, of course. Jack lets Don know that he and Dennis are to go on a picnic with a couple girls, but Dennis is sick. Just then Bob Hope shows up at the door. Bob has some business deals to arrange, and wants a few quarts of that yummie zebra milk. Jack talks to Bob about being mentioned in Bob's recent book, and about the success of their careers. Will Jack get to substitute for Bing Crosby in Bob's next Road movie? Jack twists Bob's arm to go in Dennis place on his double date. The date is with the telephone operators. The two gals compare notes on the difference between kissing Jack and Bob. Mable and Gertrude are introduced to Bob, and the date begins. Bob is a little less than enthusiastic at the women, but the teasing, and comments as they have fun on the shore of the pond include fun with frogs, playing in the water, drowning, starting a fire, and even some network rivalry. The fun in the sun is soon over, as the show comes to an end, and time is up. P S: The dating part of the script sounds very familiar to me, but I can't quite place it. Here's your big chance. Leave me a comment to clue me in. I know I'll think of it eventually, but here's your big chance to help me jump start that brain cell of mine. By the way, it's easy to comment, but you'll need to register first, then login. Look for the new registration message right up at the top of the page. Keith Heltsley clean 24:49 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-parade-490417/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-parade-490417/#comments Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:37:39 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7865 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-parade-490417/feed/ 0 1949,Beaver_Club,Dennis_Day,Easter,Easter_Egg_Hunts,Easter_Stroll,Fashions,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Mary_Livingston,Mel_Blanc,Phil_Harris Jack Benny - Easter Parade. 490417. 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. Jack Benny - Easter Parade. 490417. 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 shares a few candid moments from his trip to New York, including a joke about Fred Allen. Mary stops in and after compareing fashions with Jack, they head out for their stroll in the Easter Parade. They run into one of Jack's Beaver scouts who shows off his Easter bunny. Mary soon learns the secret behind her Christmas present. Jack and Mary sing the happy Easter song from the Fred Astaire and Judy Garland film. They spot Phil on the corner, but he can't join the parade since he's doing the city a favor. Phil gets teased about being conceited. At least Jack gets some strokes about his blue eyes. The song reprises, then Professor LeBlanc complains about his low pay, and tells of his suicidal tendancies. The happy Easter song continues. The telephone operators comment on the people on the streets, and the fashions. After another song reprisal, Don is on the street and is teased about his size. Jack pops into a drugstore to pick up some more cigarettes. Frank Nelson is the clerk, and it all is just a big plug or the sponsor, of course. The walking and singing continues. Mr Kitzel is on the street, and talks about his wife, and his dinner plans. As Jack begins again, he encounters Sidney Sheldon, the race track tout. He doesn't offer any advice or try to talk Jack out of anything, it's his day off. Mary and jack sing, and walk, and meet up with Dennis Day. Dennis tells about his Easter Egg hunt, and the mess it made. As they walk Dennis sings, In Your Easter Bonnet. PS: If a lot of this show sounds familiar, it should. Though the jokes are recurring from Easter show to another, and the Happy Easter song, There's enough difference to keep things freshend up. It's not just a reran transcription, or different actors reading the same script. Although there's not the same kind of diversity as the host of Christmas shows that Jack Benny produced through the years. Gotta love that Happy Easter song. Keith Heltsley clean 28:37 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-show-380417/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-show-380417/#comments Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:24:13 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7862 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-show-380417/feed/ 0 1938,Andy_Devine,Circus,Clothes,Don_Wilson,Easter,Fashions,Jack_Benny,Kenny_Baker,Mary_Livingston,Phil_Harris,Poems Jack Benny - Easter Show. 380417. Jack gets teased about his squeaky new shoes. Both Jack and Don are all dressed up for Easter. Phil is a little less dressed, but claims to still look better than Jack. Mary is on hand to tell some secrets about Ja... Jack Benny - Easter Show. 380417. Jack gets teased about his squeaky new shoes. Both Jack and Don are all dressed up for Easter. Phil is a little less dressed, but claims to still look better than Jack. Mary is on hand to tell some secrets about Jak while walking in the mornings Easter Parade. Kenny arrives and admits to an indiscretion, he listened to Fred Allen last Wednesday. Which leads to Jack poking fun back at Fred. Kenny Baker sings, Dantes Serenade. Meanwhile Mary has been busily writing an Easter Poem. To help out, Don buys her more time by doing the commercial before she reads it. Phil wants to do a play, but Jack has other plans. He wants to cut the show short, and take the cast to the circus. But first,Andy Devine shows up to talk about his connection to the circus. At the circus, the cast take in the sights, and marvel at the sideshows. The jabs at Fred Allen keep coming. Rochester is even enjoying the fun. The circus barker calls out all the sideshow attractions. Though Mary isn't so interested, the guys pop in to see the Egyptian dancer. When the tickets for the main attraction are too high, the guys sneak under the tent and find themselves part of the show. Can you say lion tamer? Hang in there and get another yummie Jello recipe. Keith Heltsley clean 30:03 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-stroll-550410/ http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-stroll-550410/#comments Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:10:38 +0000 Keith http://retro-otr.com/?p=7691 http://retro-otr.com/2011/04/jack-benny-easter-stroll-550410/feed/ 0 1955,Bob_Crosby,Dennis_Day,Don_Wilson,Easter,Easter_Parade,Easter_Stroll,Frank_Nelson,Jack_Benny,Kitzel,Mary_Livingston,Rochester Jack Benny - Easter Stroll. 550410. 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 his scale to prove it. Jack Benny - Easter Stroll. 550410. 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 his scale to prove it. Mary stops in as Jack decides on his white suit, and she flubs her line. Rochester makes a phone call as Jack and Mary head out. They come across one of the boys from the Beaver club. Jack and Mary sing the Happy Easter song from the famous Fred Astaire and Judy Garland film. Cut to Bob Crosby with his wife on the opposite side of the street. They pretend like they don't see Jack, but Jack tracks them down. The Happy Easter song reprises with Bob and his wife joining in. Next, Jack runs into Professor LeBlanc, and the song reprises as they continue down the street. After a brief encounter with Don, Jack ducks into a drugstore where Arthur Q Bryan is the helpfuyl clerk. Jack and Mary keep singing and walking until they meet Mr Kitzel who is wearing his suit he got married in. Jack sees a photographer, Frank Nelson, and has his picture taken. The walk continues, until Jack runs into Sidney Sheldon, the tout, but it's his day off so he doesn't try to offer any advice. Their singing and walk takes them to Dennis. Dennis sings, but it's snipped out. Back home, Jack tells Rochester about his day. Keith Heltsley clean 22:13