Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:19 — 13.4MB)
Note: This live affair may not have been intended for radio, since a few words sneak in that censors wouldn’t have allowed.
Starting in the old fashioned way of singing the National Anthem, this hour long special soon turns to the NBC studios. Rudy Vallee is the emcee who gives a speech on the man of the hour, and comedians in general. He points out some highlights in Jack’s career, pioneering moments in radio and turns the fun over to Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen. Edgar has only honorable words, while Charlie provides the wisecracks.
Fibber McGee and Molly share words of congratulations for Jack. How long have they been on the air, and what did NBC do for them on their 10th year? Rudy talks about sponsors, agencies, and other forces behind the on air talent. president of General Foods, Colby Chester shows his appreciation for radio and the audience at home, and what he likes about Jack’s program in particular.
Next up is Burns and Allen to offer mixed honors to their long time friend. While George tries too give Jack a tribute, Gracie thinks otherwise, and that it ought to be Mary Livingstone who is honored. Is Jack as mean as Gracie claims? Family secrets are revealed about Mary’s brother Hilliard, as well as Jack’s writers, and members of the orchestra.
In his rapid fire style, Bob Hope takes jabs at Jack, the dinner, and the network. frank Freeman of Paramount Studios is on hand to talk about Jack’s movie achievements. Straying from the jokes on his on air personality, Frank speaks on Jack’s real life generosity. toastmaster, George Jessel takes time from his busy schedule of doing nothing but giving speeches to give another speech. Jack’s vaudeville days are remembered, and his early acts. He attributes the success of Jack’s show to the multitude of religious backgrounds of the entertainers involved in producing the show.
