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Audio is good, just a little crackle from record noise.
Don is concerned about Jack’s toothache as he introduces that brave little soldier, Jack Benny. Phil complains about getting late paychecks. Mary is on hand to share secrets, and Jack needs to put his special drops in that Rochester made for him. A combination of chloroform and white mule, or an anesthetic, and moon shine. Phil Harris plays, Stomp is Wonderful.
Referring back to the performance last week, where all the guys played women, Jack has a hard time introducing today’s play. Dennis is on hand with his mother, Verna Felton, but with his mom giving Jack the cold shoulder, Dennis does well with his lines. The jokes about Jack’s tooth, and swollen face continue. Mary drags him to the dentist, and leaves the show for the rest of the cast to run. Dennis Day sings, You Always Stir My Imagination.
In the dentist office, Mary assures Jack that Dr Nelson is absolutely painless. The screams from inside may not be so convincing to Jack as he waits. Under the ether, Jack has strange dreams that feature a Fred Allen impersonator. His show goes out of control with Phil taking over, and the phantom Fred Allen suggesting that Jack is actually Carmichael, and Dr Rochester is about to do his own razor surgery on him. The crazy dreams end once Jack is out of the ether, and the reality of his bill sets in.
Note: Jack complains about his grind to get out a script every 7 days. Though modern shows have seasons planned out, with scripts in various stages of revision, and several scripts in the can, Jack and his writers worked on the current week without looking ahead, or planning where the show would go next. Also, Dr Nelson is Frank Nelson in one of his many roles designed to antagonize Jack over the years.
PS: It was typical to try out a new act for 13 weeks to decide whether to pick up their option. Dennis is about halfway through his initial period. I think he’ll work out. He sings great, is passable at reading his lines… if only he could do imitations, and act goofy… Maybe he’ll get there some day.
