Jack Benny – Behind the Scenes of Man About Town. ep333, 390423

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

Or: Guests Binnie Barns, And Mark Sandrich.

Since Phil and Jack are busy with their film, Don and Kenny proclaim to take over, but the scene fades to Jack and Rochester in the dressing room. How’s the wardrobe fitting going for Jack? Checking in on Phil, we find him in the lap of luxury, and with an English butler. Mary has come to watch Jack at work. Will it help if Jack phones Mr Hornblower to complain about the shoddy dressing room he has? Tuning in the radio, Don pitches the sponsor, and Kenny Baker sings, Strange Enchantment.

Grumbling about Phil’s scene stealing, Jack has his make up treatment. Rochester picks this time to try and get his money from a lost bet in the fights. Meanwhile, Kenny has left the studio to join the fun in watching Jack work. As Jack takes his place on the set, Phil plays some jazzy transitioning music.

A stand in for actress, Bennie Barnes is on the set, as is director, Mark Sandrich. Jack ads his own direction to his performance. Will his improvements help? Will his rift with Phil create problems on the set?