Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:05 — 13.8MB)
Looking at the first appearances of both comedians, we see their flair for dry humor, and using topics in the headlines. Easy to do, but often it doesn’t hold up well over time. Not without the growing need to be a history buff.
Jack Paar used some of his own innovative ideas, such as his bits where we get a glimpse into what the characters are really thinking. A couple snippets of his first guest star, Dennis Day demonstrate this.
Both comedians worked with sketch humor. I didn’t showcase any of Jack Benny’s, he moved away from topical humor, and the sketches and spoofs were what he had become most known for by this time. Instead, a sketch of a Western is demonstrated. It might also be compared to early Buck Benny installments, the use of the horse in a take of of a bit done by Mel Blanc as Jack Benny’s horse. Still, Paar is a little more edgy in some inuendo that Benny isn’t likely to have touched.
It’s not a super detailed side by side comparrison. I wanted to include some listener comments, and observations, and stick to just the minimal. Thanks to those who offered insights, and it’s not too late to add yours. I have a commentting system. I’d love to do a sequel on this topic if it’s something you want to hear about.
