This Day in Jack Benny artwork

This Day in Jack Benny

515 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 361 ratings

The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever.

"The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"

Comedy Kids & Family 1930s 1940s 1950s nbc otr oldtimeradio phil wilson cbs classic
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Episodes

The Walking Man

March 07, 2024 05:27 - 34 minutes - 48.7 MB

March 7, 1948 - The Walking Man Contest from Truth or Consequences has ended and the secret is out; Jack Benny is The Walking Man. References include Sophie Tucker, Van Johnson and radio shows Stella Dallas, Portia Faces Life, and The Judy Canova Show.

Doo Wah Ditty (Hit Parade)

February 28, 2024 08:54 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MB

February 29, 1948 - Jack's Girlfriend Gladys Comes To Studio References include the songs "Near You", "The Freedom Train", and "South America Take it Away", the songwriter Stephen Foster, movie star Errol Flynn, former President Grover Cleveland, and for the commercials the Sportsmen spoof Al Jolson singing "Sonny Boy".

Monument for Jack (Bob Crosby)

February 21, 2024 08:35 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MB

February 21, 1943 - From Chicago, Jack Benny broadcasts from the Army Air Force's Technical Training Center with guest bandleader Bob Crosby, brother of Bing Crosby.  The program is briefly preempted by a message from the OPA about rationing. They mention Fred Allen, Hedy Lamarr and historical Navy Admiral George Dewey.

Birthday in Canada

February 13, 2024 08:54 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MB

February 14, 1943 - Jack's Birthday From Toronto, Canada with guest conductor Allan McIver and His All-Canadian Orchestra.  References include Prime Minister Mackenzie King, comedian Fred Allen, Halifax-born singer and dancer Ruby Keeler (Or actress Ruby Stevens better known as Barbara Stanwyck) and the song Blues in the Night.

Georgie Jessel Hosts

February 07, 2024 08:53 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MB

February 7, 1943 - Jack is late and guest George Jessel subs for Jack.  References include Fred Allen (with a clip of Oscar levant talking about playing with Jack Benny at Carnegie Hall), Abbot and Costello, Benny Rubin and Joe Lewis.

Virginia Bruce

January 31, 2024 08:45 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

January 31, 1943 - Broadcast from Quantico Marine Base, Virginia with the actress Virginia Bruce, director Gegory Ratoff and guest band the McFarland twins. References include the movie "Casablanca", and the Casablanca Confrence with FDR and Churchill.

Scoop Benny, Ace Reporter

January 24, 2024 08:07 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MB

January 23, 1938 - Jack Benny plays a newspaper man in this week's drama. References include detective Charlie Chan, movie stars, Paul Muni, Clark Gable, Robet Taylor, Bing Crasby, Carole Lombard, Greta Garbo and Gale Patrick. Also magazines Field and Stream and Woman's Home Companion. 

Unfinished Mystery (Mighty Lak' a Rose)

January 17, 2024 08:37 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

January 16, 1955 - Jack Doesn't Have a Script, adapted from the January, 12, 1941 episode. A very funny episode where Jack Benny talks to his writers and tries to get them to finish the script as the show is on the air. References include, the mumps (a childhood illness), writers Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, comedian Fred Allen, The Hall Johnson Choir, the song "Mighty Lak' a Rose" and Amos 'n' Andy. 

$64 Question (Benny Goodman)

January 11, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MB

January 10, 1943 - The Sixty-Four Dollar Question, Jack Benny is in New York with guest conductor Benny Goodman. Then Jack visits "Take It or Leave It" host Phil Baker to try to get the money he had lost on that game show. References include the wartime Victory Tax, comedians Bob Hope and Fred Allen, stage actress and singer Lillian Russel, the movies "Random Harvest" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls".

Take It Or Leave It - Guest Jack Benny (Bonus)

January 09, 2024 03:04 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MB

November 8, 1942 - Take It Or Leave It was the game show where the prize money doubled with each question. In this bonus episode Jack Benny plays it strait as a contestant.

Bear Hunting (Maine Stein Song)

January 03, 2024 08:11 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MB

January 3, 1943 - Broadcasting from Bangor, Maine for an audience of soldiers. Guest bandleader Abe Lyman. References include singer Rudy Vallee, boxer Lou Nova, and actresses Hedy Lamarr and Lana Turner.  

Command Performance with Dennis Day and Jack Benny

December 20, 2023 08:30 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB

December 20, 1945 - Command Performance hosted by Dennis Day with Jack Benny, singer June Christy, novelty band the Hossier Hotshots and movie star Rita Hayworth

Christmas Department Store (Shirley Temple doll)

December 13, 2023 14:30 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MB

December 12, 1937 - The first Christmas shopping episode! Jack Benny says he is a gambler, then goes Christmas shopping at a department store with Mary.   References include punchboards, the rado show "Lum and Abner", Popeye, and Shirley Temple dolls.

The Man Who Came to Dinner (Christmas)

December 06, 2023 08:23 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MB

December 25, 1949 - Jack Benny is the guest star in this radio adaptation of the movie "The Man Who Came to Dinner". Merry Christmas and enjoy the show!

Tickets to the Game (USC-UCLA)

November 29, 2023 13:55 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MB

November 26, 1950 - Jack tries to buy tickets to the USC-UCLA game. Phil Harris plays a part in an episode of the Lux Radio Theater. References include J Edgar Hoover, Albert Einstein, Ronald Colman, Skitch Henderson, Faye Emerson (and her wardrobe malfunction), the movie "King Solomon's Mines", and the Whiffenpoof song (We are poor little lambs who have lost our way).

Ed Wynn

November 22, 2023 08:32 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB

November 20, 1949 - Jack goes to rehearsal and runs into TV comedian Ed Wynn and Dennis Day's replacement Larry Stevens. References include General Bradley, the coal strike, the song "Mule Train", the Crosley millions contest, the musical "South Pacific", Al Jolson, Buster Keaton, Margret O'Brien and Keenan Wynn.

Flubs and Mistakes (Richard Whorf)

November 15, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 45.5 MB

November 13, 1949 - Last week's mistakes. Jack visits Ronald Coleman on a movie set. The movie was "Champagne for Caesar", directed by Richard Whorf. References include the song "Mule Train", the Notre Dame college football team, comedian Red Skelton, and orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini.

Yacht Ride (Amos & Andy)

November 08, 2023 16:47 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MB

November 6, 1949 - Jack rides in a yacht and Rochester guest stars on the Amos & Andy program in the episode "Friendly Loan Company".  References include the high price of coffee, True Confessions magazine, princess Margret, the song "Mule Train", Popeye cartoons, comedians Milton Berle and Fred Allen, movie stars Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and Joan Crawford, the movies "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Wabash Avenue", 

Halloween (Basil Rathbone)

November 02, 2023 04:21 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

November 2, 1941 - Halloween celebration with guest star Basil Rathbone as himself. Jack and the gang are making mischief on Halloween. References include the animal trapper Frank Buck, and movie stars Claudette Colbert, Charles Laughton, Ronald Colman, and Charles Boyer.

Wife, Doctor and Nurse (The Maxwell)

October 25, 2023 07:48 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

October 24, 1937 - Jack Buys the Maxwell and they do thier version of the movie "Wife, Doctor and Nurse" starring Loretta Young, Waren Baxter, and Virginia Bruce. References include the steam-powered vehicle called The Stanley Steamer.

Jack Fixes Breakfast (Potatoes Are Cheaper)

October 18, 2023 13:15 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB

October 12, 1947 - Jack's Sponsor Buys Insurance On Him. This is a very funny episode! So funny that the script was reused May 24, 1953. References include the movie "Mother Wore Tights", the burlesque dance Gypsy Rose Lee, and the first televised presidential address in wich Truman asks the American people to conserve food to help feed starving people in Europe.

Jack What's-His-Name

October 11, 2023 07:17 - 33 minutes - 46 MB

October 10, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang discuss the reviews of last week's opening broadcast.  References include Lily Pons, Eddie Cantor, Fred Astaire, movies "Artists and Models", "This Way Please" and "High, Wide and Handsome". Plus Abe Lyman returns.

Bandleader Abe Lyman

October 04, 2023 07:36 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MB

October 3, 1937 - Beginning Of 4th Season for Jello and we compair the east coast and west coast broadcasts.   References include ocean liners, Dracula, actresses Loretta Young and Marline Deitrich, and boxer Jack Dempsey.

Jack Benny's Father (Waukegan Mayor)

September 27, 2023 07:01 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MB

March 21, 1937 - From New York Jack Benny plays his own father in the story of his life. References include Kenny Baker and Phil Harris' upcoming movie "Turn off the Moon", Minsky's Burlesque nightclub, and old songs "(My) Pony Boy" and "In the Good Old Summertime".

Jack Benny's Life Story by Fred Allen

September 20, 2023 07:18 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

February 24, 1937 - The Fred Allen Show during the height of the Benny/Allen Feud featured a production all about Jack Benny.

Terry Phillips (1983 Mel Blanc)

September 13, 2023 07:30 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MB

Terry Phillips is a former CBS reporter who, in 1983 had a chance to interview the great Mel Blanc. Terry is also the producer of a audio drama podcast called Imagine Air Theater, and his new play "Ronald Reagan Saves the World" premiered last week at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California. Mel Blanc Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fsWZVbLllQ Imagine Air Theater here: https://www.imagine-air-theater.com Ronald Reagan Saves the World https://www.reaganplay.com

Sports Newsreel Show

August 30, 2023 07:35 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MB

December 28, 1945 - Jack Benny is the guest on Bill Stern's Sports Newsreel. June 7, 1946 - Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is the guest on Bill Stern's Sports Newsreel. Bonus - Paul Harvey's Rest of the Story segment.

First TV Episode (TV Bonus)

August 23, 2023 07:24 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MB

October 28, 1950 – Premiere Show  The audio version of the very first episode of the Jack Benny Television Program with special guest Dinah Shore! With Mel Blac, Don Wilson, and comedian Ken Murray. References include Olsen & Johnson, and Bob Hope.

So This is Harris

August 16, 2023 13:34 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB

Phil Harris stars in the short comedy film "So This is Harris" from 1933.

Audiobook - Conclusion

August 12, 2023 20:39 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Conclusion   Download the full book at www.thisdaybenny.com/audiobook

Audiobook - Chapter 9

August 07, 2023 07:45 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 9: Jack Bennys Turn Towards Television

Phil Harris Show guest Jack Benny

August 03, 2023 04:02 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

March 9, 1947 - Jack Benny is the guest star on "The Fitch Bandwagon" starring Phil Harris and Alice Faye. In this episode they mention foxtails on old car radiator caps and more!

Audiobook - Chapter 8

July 31, 2023 07:42 - 1 hour - 105 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 8: Benny At War With The Radio Critics

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 6

July 26, 2023 07:38 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Side 1 - Great Moments of Humor and Pathos. Radio programs did not always follow script: Lowell Thomas program. Julian Anthony news broadcast. Radio "trivia": the first radio variety series. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on their radio show. Babe Ruth's final message. Lou Gehrig says "Goodbye." Amos 'n Andy Christmas program. Side 2 - Special Production. Arch Oboler presents "CAT WIFE" --a full length terror drama, freshly produced, just as it was heard on Golden Radio. Cast: Virginia Greg...

Audiobook - Chapter 7

July 24, 2023 07:30 - 1 hour - 95.2 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 7: Jack Benny's Intermedia Juggling of Radio and Film

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 5

July 19, 2023 07:15 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Side 1 - Radio Reports World War II. Pearl Harbor bulletin. Manila bombing. FDR "Day of Infamy." Last broadcast from Corregidor. Interview with radio operator. Side 2 - Radio Reports World War II. "D" Day to Final Victory. Dwight D. Eisenhower announces "D" Day. FDR on "D" Day. "Live" report from landing ship. Iwo Jima invaded. FDR's death. Arthur Godfrey at funeral. President Truman's tribute. Winston Churchill on VE Day. President Truman announces Hiroshima "A" bomb attack. VJ Day....

Audiobook - Chapter 6

July 17, 2023 07:11 - 1 hour - 114 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 6: The Commercial Imperative: Jack Benny, Advertising, and Radio Sponsors

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 4

July 12, 2023 07:56 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

Side 1 - The March Toward World War II. The King George V Funeral. Edward VIII abdicates. King George VI coronation. Prime Minister Chamberlain reports to the world. The U.S.S. Squalus Disaster. Hitler declares war on Poland. Chamberlain announces war. FDR: "America Hates War." and Winston Churchill: "Give us the tools." Side 2 - On-The-Spot Coverage of Sports! The Dempsey-Tunney fight. Schmeling defeats Joe Louis. Max Baer, Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey comment as Louis defeats Schmeling....

Audiobook - Chapter 5

July 10, 2023 14:52 - 1 hour - 118 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 5: Rochester and the Revenge of Uncle Tom in the 1940s and 1950s

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 3

July 05, 2023 07:07 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MB

Side 1 - Radio Adventure and Drama. Jack Armstrong. The Lone Ranger. Sgt. Preston and Yukon King. Terry and The Pirates. Famous Jury Trials. Dangerous Assignment. Mr. Keene, Tracer of Lost Persons. Gang Busters. Suspense. The Shadow. Side 2 - The Classic Radio News Broadcasts. KDKA Election Returns. Pres. Coolidge presents Charles Lindberg to Congress. Amos 'n Andy on Hoover-Smith campaign. Eddie Cantor on 1929 Crash. Billy Sunday on prohibition. FDR is inaugurated. Edwin C. Hill. Br...

Audiobook - Chapter 4

July 03, 2023 07:03 - 1 hour - 115 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 4: Eddie Anderson, Rochester, and Race in 1930s Radio and Film

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 2

June 28, 2023 07:07 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

In 1969 Jack Benny hosted a a box-set of records looking back at old time radio. It was titles "Jack Benny Presents the Treasury of Golden Memories of Radio". Side 1 - The Great Radio Comedians. "Allen's Alley" with Fred Allen, Senator Claghorn, Titus Moody and Mrs. Nusbaum. The Easy Aces with Jane and Goodman Ace. Baron Munchausen, featuring Jack Pearl. Fibber McGee and Molly, with Mr. and Mrs. Jim Jordan. Side 2 - More of The Great Radio Comedians. Lum 'N Abner. Fanny Brice as Ba...

Audiobook Chapter 3

June 26, 2023 23:02 - 1 hour - 104 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter 3: Masculine Gender Identity in Jack Benny's Humor

Golden Memories of Radio - Disk 1

June 21, 2023 07:24 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

In 1969 Jack Benny hosted a a box-set of records looking back at old time radio. It was titles "Jack Benny Presents the Treasury of Golden Memories of Radio". Side 1 - Remember Golden Radio? The Philco Radio Show with Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and Mary Livingston. George Burns and Gracie Allen. Eddie Cantor. Amos 'n Andy. Side 2 - Day Time Radio and Commercials Lorenzo Jones. The Romance of Helen Trent. Just Plain Bill. Mary Noble, Back stage Wife. "Ma" Perkins' Last Broadcast. Mary Ma...

Audiobook Chapter 2

June 19, 2023 18:55 - 1 hour - 107 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter Two: What Are You Laughing at, Mary?

"Over Here" Guest Jack Benny

June 14, 2023 18:34 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

December 26, 1942 - In this war time episode of the radio show "Over Here" Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day and Don Wilson do a spoof of Cinderella. Plus the music of Benny Goodman, an interview with actress Janet Blair and a reading by Herbert Marshall.

Audiobook Chapter 1

June 12, 2023 07:23 - 1 hour - 108 MB

JACK BENNY and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy By Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley Read by Stephanie Henderson Chapter One: Becoming Benny

Jack Benny Audiobook Introduction

June 11, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MB

This is the introduction of the new audiobook of "Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy" by Kathryn H Fuller-Seeley. Thank you for the support of our Patrons who supported this project. The audiobook is now free for all to enjoy! Buy a hard copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Benny-Golden-American-Radio-Comedy/dp/0520295056  

Hollywood Revue of 1929 (BONUS)

June 07, 2023 07:21 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

This episode is a look at Jack Benny before his radio career when he was a Master of Ceremonies on film. July 30, 1928 - Bright Moments (Short Film) January 6, 1929 - Song Writers Revue (clip of film short) November 23, 1929 - Hollywood Revue of 1929 (portions of film)

Maltin on Benny

May 31, 2023 07:30 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MB

Leonard Maltin talks about Jack Benny at the 2023 International Jack Benny Fan Club convention. The well known film critic and historian wrote a book about old time radio in 1997 called "The Great American Broadcast". This interview is hosted by Zach Eastman (Yesteryear Ballyhoo Revue podcast) and John Henderson (This Day in Jack Benny podcast). Watch the full video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp6lcCN_xUA

Guests

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Robert Taylor
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