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In flashback, Don takes us back to a scene where Rochester sings as he cleans Jack’s home. Then Jack takes the stage to speak to the gathered troops where they love him in St Joe. As is typical of entertaining World War 2 troops, there’s plenty of local and topical humor, particularly the cattle transporting industry. Mary and Larry enter , Larry sings, I Love You Sweetheart of My Dreams.
Jack’s fun in the cow town is dampened a little when mention of Fred Allen gives him a chance to take jabs at his old rival. Phil bursts on the scene, and is complemented on his appearance on the Fitch Bandwagon. . Jokes turn to another local historic figure, Jesse James.
The mayor of St Joseph makes an appearance, and bestows Jack with an honorary title. Jane Wyman, a native to the town, helps with the show and sets Jack straight on the preferred name of the city. Jack and Jane discuss love scenes and leading men. Rochester phones in with some trouble over Jack’s dry cleaning. Phil plays the show out to some closing words from Jack to buy more war bonds.
Note: During the war era, there was still a lot of racism towards black people. Hotels and public facilities were highly segregated. There’s a famous incident that happened in the stay in St Joseph, MO. The hotel was pleased to welcome Jack and his crew, all except Eddie Anderson. He was told he would have to stay elsewhere. It made Jack mad, and he refused to stay at the hotel if his entire cast couldn’t stay there. Not wanting to lose his business, an instant change to the hotel’s segregation policy was made, and Rochester could stay as well. They may love Jack in St Joe, but there may still have been some bigots there who were a little less friendly.
Phil is mentioned as appearing on the Fitch Bandwagon, a variety musical show. In just a couple years, and after the war, he and wife Alice would make appearances to do a sit com style show or two that would lead to their own series. They would at first be sponsored by Fitch shampoo, then later by Rexall, and then by Victor Records.
