Jack Benny – Robert Taylor Plays Cello. ep284, 380213

Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone and Don Wilson posing for a photo in 1938.

Jack talks with Don about being one of the best dressed men in America. Along with Clark Gable. Jack is teased about standing in a barrel, a famous scene from one of his recent films. Mary and Phil get in on the fashionable jokes. Jack pretends that he has almost forgotten that his birthday is tomorrow, until Kenny arrives.

How old is Jack? The evasion leads to a commercial. Jack gets a telegram from his father. Phil plays, You’re An Education.

The conversation returns to Jack’s birthday, then Mary helps Jack read for a part. Jack tries to give it his best shot, but Mary can’t get into her role. Robert Taylor makes a guest appearance, and meets the cast. Jokes and comments go around about the latest running gags on the show, sponsors on each other’s shows, and the films that each other have been on. Including one that Jack and Robert appeared in together.

Before Robert can run off, Jack has him stay to give acting lessons. Kenny sings, A New Moon Over the Old Mill.

Robert gives acting tips and coaches Jack on the finer points of dramatic acting. It may be working for Jack, but Mary is still sassy. Roles change, and Robert takes over the lead, and suddenly Mary becomes very responsive. Still sassy as ever, but more responsive.

There’s abrief plug that Jack will be on Roberts show, then Robert and Jack play a chello and violin duet, complete with vaudeville style jokes. Don wraps it all up with more yummie Jello recipe suggestions.

Trivia Alert: Jack’s dad was a tailor in Waukegan. Jack was born 14 February 1894. So his real age in 1938 is 44.

More trivia: Phil is teased that in his orchestra, the drums handle playing the melody. Phil started out as a guitarist, and drummer.