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Jack is missing, as he is getting a shave. The scene changes to his ordeal with the Italian barber. Johnny Green plays, Anything Goes. Jack plugs his latest film, then Mary gets in an old gag of misunderstanding words. A nervous and apologetic Kenny Baker makes his appearance. Kenny sings, A Rose in Her Hair. Such a nice start, and what a stinker he would become in later shows. Jack notices the similarities in his and Kenny’s names. Jack answers fan mail. A promising beauty queen wants to break into pictures. Johnny plays, Cheek to Cheek.
The play is one about movie studios. Mary is the overworked receptionist. Jacck is the busy movie producer who wants it all, and wants it now. The beauty queen from the fan letter shows up, played by Mary Kelley. Running gags just can’t keep from showing up in this humorous peek behind the scenes at the busy movie studio.
Trivia Alert. Though this is Kenny Baker’s first show, bandleader Johnny Green seems to have already made his debut. Johnny replaced longtime band leader, Don Bestor, and would only be on the show for this season before being replaced by Phil Harris.
Bonus Track:
Fred Allen. 1936. Who Killed Rappaport?
Fred Allen shows aren’t as well preserved as those from Jack Benny.This bonus track is all that survives from this particular episode. Still, Fred’s excellent writing and comedy skills are evident, and arguably even better than Jack Benny’s during this era. Although Jack’s comedy and style are still on the upswing, and will stay on that track for some years to come.
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Just to clarify the band leader’s name was Don Bestor, not Don Besser.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F01E0D8113FE034BC4E52DFB766838B669EDE
Thanks for the correction. Spelling names is especially hard to get right, just by listening to them. I need too review my show notes, and check for other mentions, so I cqan change Besser to Bester. I’m sure there’s lots more.
Just fixed the mispelling. On the prowl for more. If folks find any others, feel free to let me know.
Thanks for the correction. I 3went through and made some corrections to my mispelling on other posts that mentioned Don Bestor.
Thanks for the input.