Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:35 — 16.3MB)
In the first season of the Retro Original podcast installments, this is the first one where Keith took over the mike to give the Retrobots a break. The recording quality is pretty low resolution, and then there’s the matter of dealing with booby traps that the time machine left, but the main focus is this classic episode from Jack Benny.
In his home, Jack is joined by Mary Livingston and Rochester to trim the tree. Kenny Baker pops in with a present for Jack. The decorations keep going up, and the door bell keeps being ignored by Rochester. Telegrams soon roll in to announce that celebrities will be bowing out of the party. Kenny sings a medley of Christmas carols, including Away in the Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, and others.
Don Wilson arrives with Barbara Whitney, a ficticious girlfriend of Jack’s, and the telegram rejections keep coming. Its time for refreshments, and Jack sneaks away to arrange a visit from Andy Devine as Santa Claus. The gang gets set to dance as the orchestra fires up a snappty tune.
Phil Harris arrives with his date, Joan Bennet, a matter that surprises Jack. He had been hoping to show Phil up with his date. Joan had been a vco-star with Jack in the film, Artists and Models. Rochester has some troubles in the kitchen with vooking the turkey, so Jack tries to turn the party towards kissing under the mistletoe. . Will Jack’s surprise visit from Santa go down as planned?
Bonus Track:
None today.
