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Continueing his presentation, George shares a clip of a classic moment to highlight the crazy humor that Dennis Day brought to the Jack Benny show, a bit about some false teeth.
Rochester was a highlight of the show, and George claims the character was pretty much the person of Eddie Anderson. His real life sometimes made it into the show. An example is given of the time when Eddie Anderson was lost at sea for 2 days, while on a fishing trip. A decision was made at the last moment on Friday night to put a side the intended routine, and instead, the writers put in the story of how Rochester was lost, then found after his ordeal at sea. George shares the clip from that episode. The facts are there, but embellished of course for comic affect. Another clip is shared to demonstrate the kind of trouble that Rochester can get himself into. As Jack goes through his bills with Mary, he finds some creative expense items put on his account by Rochester. There’s also a matter of explaining the results of a wild party in Jack’s house.
Feeling short on time, George gives samples of other characters in the show. The telephone operaters, Mabel and Gertrude offer a glimpse of their behind the scenes observations of Jack’s private life. Despite their frustrations with Jack, the gals can sometimes be a source of dates for him.
Sidney Sheldon makes an appearance as the racetrack tout, but this time at the airport. He never gave advice at the track, but only in other outrageous places and situations. What kind of fruit should Jack buy for his snack on the flight? Apples, oranges, grapes, or maybe bananas? Even at the track, the tout gives advice on where Jack should sit in the track lunch room. Frank Nelson joins in as the waiter who torments Jack. He wouldn’t do that to poor little ol’ Jacck, would he? Ooo! Would he!
George reflects on an incident where Jack demanded changes for ffunnier jokes, but gave the writers room to do their own thing if they stood up for their script. He also shares a clip of a creative way that Jack would work in plugs into the show. The topic of Jack’s age is touched on, and how it almost came to be put behind him. Other running gags are mentioned, focusing on the unplanned way they often come about. The story behind the simeron rolls gag is told, then a series of clips is shared to show how it was used in the show. Running gags were a trademark of the Jack Benny show, and more clips are shared including one about showering with a peeled potato.
Using song lyrics directly as part of the show conversation is demonstrated with a couple of clips from the train station, with help from Frank Nelson, Elliot Lewis, and Bea Benaderet.
That’s all for this segment, but stay tuned for the final part next week.
