This Day in Jack Benny
521 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 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
Don Still Won't Sign (Inaugural Ball)
July 14, 2021 05:40 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBJanuary 30, 1949 - Don Wilson still won't sign his contract. Meanwhile Phil Harris is in Washington DC to entertain at the president's inaugural ball. References include the southern California snowfall, Operation Haylift, the radio show Your Hit Parade, Dennis Day's record "Tarra-Ta-Larra Ta-Lar", Tyrone Power's wedding, Artie Shaw, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Milton Berle, and Amos n Andy.
Don Wilson's Contract (Disk Jockey)
July 07, 2021 04:20 - 31 minutes - 43.9 MBJanuary 23, 1949 - Don Won't Sign His Contract. References include the southern Californian snowfall, President Truman's inauguration, Jasha Heifetz, Barbra Stanwick, Don Ameche, movies "Johnny Belinda" and "Mother Wore Tights" and disk jockeys.
The Maxwell for Scrap
June 30, 2021 06:30 - 32 minutes - 44 MBOctober 18, 1942 - Jack Benny donates his old car The Maxwell for the scrap metal drive in support of the war effort. References include Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, ship builder Henry Kaiser and revolutionary war hero Paul Revere.
Soap Contest (Joan Benny)
June 23, 2021 04:18 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBMarch 12, 1950 - Jack Benny's daughter Joan makes a guest appearance in this episode where Jack Benny enters a radio contest. Phil Harris talks about his upcoming movie "Wabash Avenue" starring Betty Grable They mention Lever Brothers company, Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Aly Kahn and Rita Hayworth. Songs "Time on My Hands", I Can Dream Can't I", "The Cry of the Wild Goose", "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts", "M-O-T-H-E-R" and crooner Vic Demone. Plus Blondie and Dagwood, Tanforan racetrack...
Joan Benny (podcast update)
June 16, 2021 07:30 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBPodcast host John Henderson and his wife Stephanie talk about the podcast and the recent passing of Jack Benny's daughter Joan Benny. October 15, 1950 – In real life Jack Benny is married to Mary Livingstone, in this episode Jack Benny dreams he is married to Mary. the special guest is their real life daughter Joan Benny. In the episode they mention True Story Magazine, The American Legion Convention, Dick Tracy, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper and Danny Kaye.
Margaret Whiting (Cast Introduced)
June 09, 2021 07:30 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBMay 29, 1949 - Jack Benny introduces all of the members of his cast and writers. Dennis sings his new song "Three Wishes" and guest Margret Whiting sings "Baby, It's Cold Outside (for a Lucky Strike)" with the Sportsmen Quartet. Jack compliments Mel Blanc on his new record "Big Bear Lake". References include ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and her dummy Judy Splinters, Simonize car wax, the movie "Take me out to the Ball Game", the song "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" and Jack Ben...
20 Questions
June 02, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MBNovember 5, 1950 - On the train to Los Angeles Jack benny and the gang are playing 20 questions. References include the midterm elections, Irene Dunn, Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart, movies "The Glass Menagerie", "The Miniver Story", "the Horn Blows at Midnight" and "I'll Get By", and the song "Good Night Irene".
Larry Adler (Harmonica)
May 26, 2021 13:19 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBMay 27, 1945 - It's the last show of the season before Jack Benny goes on his USO tour in Europe with harmonica player Larry Adler and singer Martha Tilton. Plus bonus portion of June 28, 1945 broadcast of that USO show. References include Winston Churchill's "blood, toil, tears and sweat" speech, Charles Boyer, Fred Allen returning to radio, radio soap operas and the summer replacement Wayne King and his Orchestra.
Taking a Taxi (Opera)
May 19, 2021 07:30 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBMay 18, 1934 - Jack Benny takes a taxi to the studio where Frank Parker invited him to dinner with his very musical family. References include General Pershing, boxer Primo Carnera, Harry Lauder, "The Rise of the Goldbergs" radio show, Gretta Garbo, William Powell, Clark Gable, Boris karloff, Frank Buck's "Wild Cargo", the song "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No 2, the opera "Lucia Di Lammermoor", and the singer Enrico Coruso.
Lieutenant Governor (San Francisco)
May 13, 2021 03:27 - 33 minutes - 46 MBMay 10, 1953 - Broadcasting From San Francisco Jack Benny and the gang (including writer George Balzer) talk about the sights of the city and meet California Lieutenant Governor Goodwin Knight. References include "Your Mother and Mine" from Walt Disney's Peter Pan, Souther Pacific Railway's trains "Daylight Limited" and "The Lark", President Eisenhower, Bing and Bob Crosby and Anson Weeks and his orchestra.
Mother's Day (Donald Duck)
May 05, 2021 19:13 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBMay 9, 1937 - Mother's Day Program. Just after the the Kentucky Derby Jack benny and the gang discuss the winning horse War Admiral. References include Donald Duck, the wrestler Man Mountain Dean, burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, comedy team Stupnaigle and Budd, Fred Allen, actresses Jean Arthur and Jean Harlow, bandleader George Olsen and singer Ethel Sutta.
Bend in the River (Jimmy Stewart)
April 28, 2021 13:16 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBApril 27, 1952 - Jack Benny becomes his cowboy alter ego Buck Benny, to do his version of the new western movie "Bend in the River". The star of that movie, Jimmy Stewart, shows up to play his part. References include the violinist Isaac Stern, Johnny Ray who sings "The Little White Cloud That Cried", exotic animal hunter Frank Buck and Gillette razor blades.
Dennis Leaves for the Navy (Vancouver)
April 21, 2021 07:30 - 32 minutes - 44 MBApril 23, 1944 - Broadcasting from Vancouver BC, Canada. Jack talks to the mayor and Mary talks about growing up there. Dennis Day says goodbye. This is his last episode before leaving for the Navy for two years. References include W.C Fields.
Bob Hope's Brother
April 14, 2021 07:30 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MBApril 16, 1944 - The Bob Hope Show Parody. Jack benny and the gang are broadcasting from Stockton Airfield in San Joaquin county. They mention Jack's movie "Charlie's Aunt", bandleader Tommy Dorsey, Mel Blanc character Private Sad Sack, gas coupons, and an in depth look at the Bob Hope radio show including cast members Fransis Langford, Professor Colona, Vera Vague and the Pepsodent ad featuring 'poor Miriam'.
Louella Parsons
April 07, 2021 07:30 - 32 minutes - 45 MBApril 2, 1944 - Louella Parsons about Jack's movie. Gossip columnist Louella Parsons is expected to visit for an interview with Jack benny (and promote her book "The Gay Illiterate". They mention Jack Benny's USO tour in Africa, Jimmy Star's book "The Corpse Came C.O.D.", movie stars Gary Cooper, Hedy Lamarr, Lionel Barrymore, Spencer Tracy, W.C. Fields, Claudette Colbert and the fictional villain Fu Manchu.
BONUS: The Easter Story
April 03, 2021 02:28 - 32 minutes - 47.2 MBBONUS EPISODE The Easter Story Son of Man: A Passion Play CBS Radio Theater Introducing: Bible Broadcasts A podcast featuring vintage stories, hymns, and gospel songs from the golden age of radio (1930 – 1950). Featuring Old Time Radio Shows that dramatize the stories of the Bible. Listen to Bible Broadcasts on Apple podcasts or your favorite podcast app. RSS Feed iTunes Twitter Subscribe now!
How Jack Found Phil (Nebraska Admiral)
March 31, 2021 07:30 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBApril 1, 1945 - Jack Benny has received the honorary title of "Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska" and it's going to his head. Then he tells the story of how he found Phil Harris in 1935. We also find out how his met he girlfriend who sings "My Melancholy Baby".
Barbara Stanwyck (Mairzy Doats)
March 24, 2021 07:30 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBMarch 19, 1944 - Dennis dreams he has his own show. Barbara Stanwyck is the guest star. References include the Merry Mac's hit song "Mairzy Doats", Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Henry Morgenthau, Paul Lukas, Dorothy Lamour, Nelson Eddie and Jeanette MacDonald, Gypsy Rose Lee and more.
Twenty Questions
March 17, 2021 07:30 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBMarch 14, 1954 - A recycled script from November 5, 1950. On the train to Los Angeles Jack benny and the gang are playing 20 questions. They mention actors Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stuart, Gary Cooper and Walter Pigeon. They reference the commercial jingles "How are you fixed for blades" and Pepsi cola. They mention Jack's January TV episode with Liberace, and more!
Jack Benny vs Fred Allen
March 10, 2021 08:30 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBMarch 14, 1937 - From the Hotel Peirre in New York Jack benny Faces off against Fred Allen in the Fight of the Century! Plus Mary Livingstone Sings. References include the songs "There's an Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlor" and "A Fine Romance", Ben Bernie, Guy Lombardo, Bing Crosby, Laurence Tibbitt, Noel Coward, Clark Gable, Robert Tayor, Lionel Barrymore, Andy Devine, Boris Karloff, Ripley's, and the Anheuser Bush Brewery.
Stuart Canin (Child Violinist)
March 03, 2021 08:30 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBMarch 7, 1937 - Broadcasting from New York City at the height of the Benny / Allen feud, the boy who started it all, 10-year-old violinist Stuart Canin is a guest.
The Ink Spots (Allen's Alley Reunion)
February 24, 2021 19:00 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBFebruary 12, 1950 - Jack Benny and the gang are in New York so the Ink Spots fill in for the Sportsmen quartet. Fred Allen has been off the air for a year and Jack gets the original cast to come and reprise their roles from Allen's Alley.
Time Change (Sound Effects Man)
February 17, 2021 08:30 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBFebruary 8, 1942 - Jack is upset because Fred Allen has moved to Sundays. Clip from the song "I'm In Love With The Sound Effects Man" by the Kingsmen from and episode of Fibber McGee and Molly (later recorded by Spike Jones). They mention Gene Autry, Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Abbott and Costello, Phil Baker, and The Great Gildersleeve.
Jack Benny's Birthday (Ben Bernie)
February 10, 2021 06:30 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBFebruary 14, 1937 - Jack Benny celebrates his birthday. Radio bandleader Ben Bernie shows up and offers to lend Jack his violin so that he can play "The Bee" and settle the feud with Fred Allen. They mention The Townsend Plan, the movie "Wake up and live", Prudence Penny cooking school, Little Orphan Annie, the songs "Thanks a Million" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Aint Got That Swing)".
Ready to Play The Bee (Julius Caesar)
February 03, 2021 08:30 - 35 minutes - 50 MBFebruary 2, 1937 - After hearing 10-year-old Stuart Canin play Schubert's "The Bee" on The Fred Allen Program, Jack Benny is Ready to play "The Bee" himself. Leading to The Stolen Violin. They mention the movie The Good Earth, Jack's movie College Holiday in which he plays "Love in Bloom", and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Lucy Belle (Flood Disaster)
January 27, 2021 14:26 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBJanuary 31, 1937 - Phil Harris's sister Lucy Belle visits the studio. Nightmares of Fred Allen. Jack Benny will play 'The Bee' next Sunday. References include the Red Cross disaster work in great Ohio river flood. Actors Fred MacMurray, Fred Stone, George Burns, Fred Astair, child actor Jackie Cooper and Robert Taylor who was starring in the movie "Camille".
Dinner at Phil's (Practicing The Bee)
January 20, 2021 08:30 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBJanuary 24, 1937 - Jack Practices The Bee. The feud between Jack Benny and Fred Allen is ramping up. Then the gang heads over to Phil Harris' house to meet Phil's southern mother and sister.
How Jack Benny Met Fred Allen
January 13, 2021 08:30 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBJanuary 15, 1950 - Fred Allen is the guest star on The Jack Benny Program, but he is late. This was during the time when The Fred Program was not on the air. They reference Phil Harris' show on NBC and Don Wilson's "Dreer Poosen" flub. They also mention Groucho Marx, Milton Berle, Mory Amsterdam, and Danny Kaye who was starring in "The Inspector General". Plus, Los Angeles Golf Open with Ben Hogan and Sam Sneed, the New York water shortage, Beeman's Pepsin chewing gum, the Miss America pag...
First Broadcast on CBS
January 06, 2021 08:30 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBJanuary 2, 1949 -Jack has the jitters for his first broadcast on CBS after moving from NBC. Jack runs into Amos and Andy looking for CBS president William S pailey. They spoof the song "Slow Boat to China" (written by Frank Lesseer), and reference the song "Buttons and Bows". With Jack moving to CBS he does guest appearances on programs like Suspense and Gene Autry's Melody Ranch. They promote a number of other CBS shows: Lux, Sam Spade, Spike Jones, "My Friend Irma", "Life with Luigi, and...
Comedian of the Year (Last NBC Show)
December 30, 2020 08:30 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBDecember 26, 1948 - The last show for NBC. Jack Benny will be switching to CBS next week. He was doing quite a bit of promotion including appearances on other radio shows like "Lux Radio Theater". In this episode they mention Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Guy Lombardo and the song "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth". They reference the ad agency Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn. They also mention the movie "Portrait of Jennie", the swimming movie star Esther Williams, and box...
Christmas Shopping (Wallet)
December 23, 2020 18:51 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBDecember 19, 1948 - The classic Christmas shopping episode where Jack Benny goes to a department store to buy a wallet for Don Wilson. References include the movie "Elephant Boy" starring Sabu, actor Ronald Colman, actress Heddy Lamarr, poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Nick Kenny, Bendix washer, and the novelty Christmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".
BONUS: Christmas Command Performance
December 16, 2020 08:30 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBDecember 25, 1948 - Command Performance featuring Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Herbert Marshall, Jimmy Durante and more!
Driver's License Test
December 09, 2020 08:30 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBDecember 5, 1943 - Jack Benny has a new car after getting rid of the Maxwell and has to go in for a driver's test. They mention radio stars Dinah Shore, Red Skelton and Fred Allen. Plus, Esquire magazine and a FHA loan.
Sportsmen Quartet Contract
December 02, 2020 08:30 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBNovember 3, 1946 - Jack Benny tries to break his contract with the Sportsmen quartet. They mention the movies "The Killer", "Margie" and "Breakfast in Hollywood" starring Tom Breneman. They also sing the song "Shine on Harvest Moon". Plus the Lord Calvert Whiskey ads featuring The Men of Distinction.
Dinner with the Colmans
November 25, 2020 19:40 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MBOctober 24, 1948 - Jack Benny invites Ronald and Benita Colman over for dinner and they try to think of an excuse to get out of it. They mention the residence of the English Prime Minister at number 10 Downing Street, Toni home perm, the song "It's Magic" and the movies "My Son, My Son", "Oliver Twist", and Lassie in "Hills of Home".
Travel Diary (World Series)
November 18, 2020 08:30 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBOctober 11, 1948 - Rochester reads Jack Benn's diary where he talks about his recent trip to Europe. He still hears the Swiss Alps echo. Then they listen to the 1948 World Series. References include Dr. Scholl's foot eazers, Toni home permanent, Emily Post, Gary Cooper, William Powell, Artie Shaw, Spike Jones, Bob Hope, pitcher Satchel Paige.
Swiss Alps Echo (Elks Tooth)
November 11, 2020 08:30 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBOctober 3, 1948 - Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris and Alice Faye are back from their summer trip to Europe. They mention Edger Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Danny Kaye, Barbra Stanwyck in "Sorry Wrong Number", and presidential candidates Harry S Truman and Thomas E Dewey. Also listen for a gag about the Elks Lodge elk's tooth.
Vitamin Shot (Grandma Moses)
November 04, 2020 08:30 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBNovember 9, 1952 - In this episode Jack Benny goes to the doctor (Frank Nelson) to get a vitamin shot and runs into Bugs Bunny. In the episode they mention 92-year-old "Grandma Moses".
Anthony Adverse Part 2
October 28, 2020 13:41 - 32 minutes - 45 MBOctober 18, 1936 - Jack Benny has a new movie out called "The Big Broadcast of 1937". Then they continue with a comedy version of the drama "Anthony Adverse". In the episode they mention animal trapper Frank Buck, movie stars Robert Taylor, Clark Gable and Gretta Garbo, bandleader Paul Whiteman, and songs "Jingle Bells" and "Madamoiselle from Armentiers (Hinky Dinky Parlez Vous)".
Young Johnny Carson (TV Bonus)
October 26, 2020 04:20 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MBNovember 20, 1955 - Johnny Carson guest stars on the Jack Benny Television Program. Plus Don Wilson, Rochester and Dennis Day. Intro featuring John Henderson, Buck Benny, Kathy Fuller-Seeley, and Terry Phillips. Watch here: https://youtu.be/l9xAAa9fL4g
Anthony Adverse Part 1
October 21, 2020 07:30 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBOctober 11, 1936 - Jack Benny and the gang spoof the major motion picture "Anthony Adverse". At least the first half of the movie. In the episode they mention The NY Giants World Series loss, radio programs Little Orphan Annie, Manhattan Merry Go Round, Phil Baker, Eddie Cantor, Amos 'n Andy, plus movie stars Carole Lombard, Robert Taylor, Joan Bennett, and Claudette Colbert.
Charlie McCarthy (Service Pin)
October 14, 2020 13:14 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBOctober 13, 1946 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone walk to the studio and run into Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. References include post-war meat and soap shortages, the honorable discharge lapel button (AKA Raptured Duck), news commentator Gabriel Heatter, Game 6 in the World Series, Hedy Lamar's baby, Bing Crosby, and Fred Allen.
Calls of Congratulations (World Series)
October 07, 2020 13:40 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBOctober 6, 1946 - Jack Benny is celebrating 15 years on the radio! Like last year, he is tuning in to the Word Series. In this episode they mention Russian diplomats Gromyko and Molotov, the song "Thy Gypsy", actresses Ingrid Bergman and Betty Grable, bandleader Harry James, radio programs "The Charlie McCarthy Show", and Fred Allen.
Garden of Evil (Rehearsal)
September 30, 2020 13:34 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MBOctober 3, 1954 - A special presentation of the master tape recording of this episode plus selected portions of the rehearsal. In this episode they play a jingle written by Jack's arranger Mahlon Merrick. It was the theme song to the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports called "Look Shark / Be Sharp March". They mention Irving Berlin's song "No Business Like Show Business". They also mention a couple of new CinemaScope movies, "The Egyptian" and "The Garden of Evil".
Publicity Agent (Gildersleeve).mp3
September 23, 2020 07:30 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBSeptember 30, 1945 - It's daylight savings and Jack Benny is back from his USO tour and ready for a new season. Jack mentions his summer replacment, Wayne King, Phil Harris' song "That's what I Like About The South", radio programs like The Great Gildersleeve, Cass Daley, Kay Kyser, Edger Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, Fred Allen, The Lone Ranger (Al Jennings Lawsuit), John's Other Wife and Porche Faces Life, plus L.A. used car dealers The Smiling Irishman and Madman Muntz.
Brewster's Millions (Buck Benny Part 9)
September 16, 2020 07:30 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBFebruary 21, 1937 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone had starred in this week's episode of the Lux Radio Theater in a play called "Brewster's Millions". References include Irene Dunn in "Theadora Goes Wild", Cathrine Hepburn, Sarah Burnhardt, Goody Ace, Jack Pearl, Phil Baker, Walter Winchel and Ed Sullivan.
Buck Jones (Buck Benny Part 8)
September 09, 2020 07:30 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MBJanuary 17, 1937 - The Jack Benny / Fred Allen feud continues with Fred claiming that Jack's violin only had two strings. Plus Jack and the cast continue the Buck Benny saga with a special guest star - Universal Pictures western star Buck Jones. Plus Andy Devine. and references to William S Hart, Harry Cooper the golfer, and movies "The Good Earth", Mr.Deeds Goes to Town, and "After The Thin Man".
Fred Allen Feud Begins (Buck Benny Part 7)
September 02, 2020 13:20 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MBJanuary 10, 1937 - After Jack Benny's little comment last week, Fred Allen really ramps up the feud on his show by asking each of his amateur guests about Jack's violin playing. Jack Benny also hosted the Paramount Silver Jubilee for Adolph Zukor. They mention Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Fred MacMurray and Mary Boland. Plus some older terms - "fright wig" and "setting-up exercises".
The Knocking Man (Buck Benny Part 6)
August 26, 2020 07:30 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBJanuary 3, 1937 - The first episode of the Jack benny-Fred Allen feud begins with a simple comment tagged on to the end of this episode. Plus the first episode with The Knocking Man played by Harry Baldwin and references to Clark Gable, radio character comedian Bob Burns and Jack's movie "College Holiday".
Mary's Mother (Buck Benny Part 5)
August 19, 2020 04:37 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBDecember 27, 1936 - Before another instalment of the western serial Buck Benny Rides Again, Jack Benny talks about the scarves he got for Christmas and Mary Livingstone reads a letter from her mother. References include Fred Allen, Phil Baker, Stoopnagle and Budd, Jessica Dragonette, Rubinoff, Jack Pearl, The Easy Aces, Benny Rubin, The Hall Johnson Choir, Ed Wynn, Bing Crosby, plus Jack's movie College Holiday, and the songs "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "The Old Grey Mare".