This Day in Jack Benny
529 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 361 ratingsThe 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"
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Episodes
USO Show in Paris 1945
June 12, 2024 07:00 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBJune 28, 1945 - Jack Benny, Larry Adler and Martha Tilton starting their USO tour in Paris. They mention the fall of Berlin, the Folies Bergère music hall, the Davis Cup tennis tournament, Bob Hope, Jasha Heifetz, Van Johnson and Duffy's Tavern. Enjoy the show!
"Babes in the Woods" This is My Best
June 05, 2024 07:45 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBMay 29, 1945 - Jack Benny guest stars in the radio play "Babes in the Woods" from the program "This is My Best".
Portable TV Set
May 28, 2024 07:35 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBMay 23, 1954 - Jack's trip to Las Vegas is disscussed as well as Jack's last television show of the season featuring Bob Hope, as well as Dennis Day's TV Show. References include the portable Crosley TV set, dialing information (1-1-3), "My Sin" perfume, The Good Humor man, Marylin Monroes and her husband Joe DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra's song "Young At Heart", Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes,
Rita Hayworth
May 22, 2024 07:23 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MBMay 20, 1945 - In San Francisco Jack Benny is joined by actress Rita Hayworth, Governer Earl Warren and harmonica player Larry Adler. This is just after the German Surrender. References include Orson Welles, Bing Crosby in "Going My Way", and Jack Benny's movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight".
Victory in Europe (The Vault)
May 15, 2024 07:00 - 33 minutes - 45.3 MBMay 13, 1945 - Jack is going to San Francisco. It is Mother's Day, the Sunday after V-E Day and Jack Benny is getting ready for a trip, so he gets some money from his vault. References include Truman, Churchill, and Eisenhower, the Adjusted Service Rating (soldiers with 85 points could go home), J. Edger Hoover, actor Errol Flynn, songwriter Cole Porter, and singer Bing Crosby.
Test Drive (Grace Moore)
May 08, 2024 07:19 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBMay 10, 1936 - Mary phones her mother in Los Angeles and Jack test drives a car. References inlcude singers Bing Crosby, actress Loretta Young and singer and actress Grace Moore. Behind the scenes Jack Benny was having trouble with his writer Harry Conn. Some thing this is the first episode written by Bill Morrow and Ed Beloin.
Love Letters (Jeanette Eymann)
May 01, 2024 07:22 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBMay 1, 1955 - Jack buys a baseball team. Much of this episode recycled portions of scripts from previous episodes including May 9, 1948 and April 13, 1947. References include George Gobel, Edgar Bergen, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Gary Cooper's (misquoted) catchphrase from The Virginian, "And smile when you say that".
How Jack Hired Don Wilson
April 24, 2024 07:55 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBMay 6, 1945 - Continuing a series of episodes about Jack Meeting his cast, this episode is about Jack hiring his announcer Don Wilson. Jack also gets ready to open his swimming pool for the summer. References include the writer Mark Twain, the movie "Woman in the Window", singer Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, announcers Harry Von Zell, Jimmy Wallington, and Bill Goodwin.
Professor LaBlanc
April 17, 2024 07:08 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBApril 29, 1945 - First episode with Jack Benny's violin teacher Professor LeBlanc, played by Mel Blanc. References include Lena Horne, Ronald Colman, songs "rum and Coca-cola" and "My Dreams Are Getting better All The Time", books "Forever Amber", The Rover Boys series, the Elsie Dinsmore series, and Bob Hope's book "I Never Left Home",
29 Palms (Gravel Gertie)
April 10, 2024 07:34 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MBApril 22, 1945 - Broadcast from Twenty Nine Palms naval air station. The Jack Benny show is back after a week off due to the death of FDR. Jack mentions the reviews of his new movie. Episode references include Dick Tracy and Gravel Gertie, Donald Duck, William Powell, Fitch hair tonic, songs "Apple Blossom Time" and "Surrey with the Fringe on Top", and the sporting goods store Abercrombie and Fitch.
William Powell
April 03, 2024 17:15 - 32 minutes - 44 MBApril 8, 1945 - From Torney Hospital In Palm Springs, Jack Benny dreams (guest star) William Powell is his butler. References inlcude the radio shows "Breakfast at Sardi's" and "The Aldrich Family", the song "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive", Jack Benny's movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight", Fred Allen's movie "It's In The Bag", movie stars Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Van Johnson, Charles Boyer, Spencer Tracy, Fred MacMurray, Gary Cooper, Ronald Colman, Eleanore Powell and Hedy Lamarr
Cinderallen (Quintuplets)
March 27, 2024 07:30 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBMarch 29, 1936 - Jack Benny talks with the gang about the American East vs the West does his version of Cinderella with him as the title character "Cinderallen". References include the Dionne quintuplets, movie stars Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Shirley Temple, Mae West, Herald Lloyd, Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers, singers Bing Crosby and Lanny Ross, plus Fred Allen, the Crime Club program, Dracula, and Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.
Cimarron Rolls
March 20, 2024 07:47 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBMarch 22, 1953 - A walk through Beverly Hills. Jack Benny has recovered from the Flu and is getting ready for his TV show. They mention former president Hoover, "The Sheik of Araby" silent film star Rudolph Valentino, Bendix Washing Machine, and 3-D Movies.
Walking Man Winner
March 13, 2024 07:22 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBMarch 14, 1948 - Winner of the Walking Man Contest and "Truth or Consequences" host Ralph Edwards are the guests on this episode. References inlcue Radio Mirror magazine the radio show "Bride and Groom", the movie "The Naked City, Oscar winner Ronald Colman "Life of Riley" character Digger O'Dell, Fred Allen, and voice actors Blanch Stewart and Mel Blanc.
The Walking Man
March 07, 2024 05:27 - 34 minutes - 48.7 MBMarch 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 MBFebruary 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 MBFebruary 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 MBFebruary 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 MBFebruary 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 MBJanuary 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 MBJanuary 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 MBJanuary 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 MBJanuary 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 MBNovember 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 MBJanuary 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 MBDecember 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 MBDecember 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 MBDecember 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 MBNovember 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 MBNovember 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 MBNovember 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 MBNovember 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 MBNovember 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 MBOctober 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 MBOctober 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 MBOctober 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 MBOctober 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 MBMarch 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 MBFebruary 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 MBTerry 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 MBDecember 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 MBOctober 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 MBPhil Harris stars in the short comedy film "So This is Harris" from 1933.
Audiobook - Conclusion
August 12, 2023 20:39 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBJACK 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 MBJACK 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 MBMarch 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 MBJACK 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 MBSide 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 MBJACK 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 MBSide 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....