This Day in Jack Benny

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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 Ma…

John Henderson


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 572 EPISODES

    4.9 from 358 ratings Listeners of This Day in Jack Benny that love the show mention: jack benny podcast, fan of jack, host gives, old radio shows, sound bite, jack's, rochester, henderson, radio programs, introductions, otr, 39, starring, jb, intros, old time radio, thanks john, kenny, timeless, context.


    Ivy Insights

    The This Day in Jack Benny podcast is a fantastic show that brings the humor and entertainment of Jack Benny's radio program to a new generation. The host does an incredible job of providing context and explanations for references that may not be familiar to all listeners. The quality of the recordings is top-notch, allowing the comedy to shine through even after over 80 years.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the host's dedication to research and providing tidbits of information about the time period in each episode. This adds an extra layer of appreciation for the show and helps listeners understand the jokes and references that were timely at the time. The introductions are well-crafted and informative, setting up each episode perfectly.

    Another great aspect is the host's enthusiasm for Jack Benny and his ability to keep this classic entertainer relevant. The love for the show and its cast shines through, making it enjoyable for long-time fans as well as those who may be new to Jack Benny's comedy.

    The only downside to this podcast is that it may not be for everyone. While fans of old-time radio and comedy will undoubtedly enjoy it, those who are unfamiliar with Jack Benny or have no interest in vintage entertainment may not find it as engaging.

    In conclusion, The This Day in Jack Benny podcast is a must-listen for fans of classic comedy radio shows. It provides an immersive experience with its informative introductions and excellent sound quality. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Jack Benny's comedy, this podcast is sure to entertain and leave you wanting more.



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    Latest episodes from This Day in Jack Benny

    Lost Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 31:35


    June 6, 1937 - Death at Midnight Part 2. Jack Benny has lost his watch, a Christmas present from Phil Harris. Eddie (Rochester) Anderson is in the episode. This is his last appearence before becoming Jack's butler. References include the movies "Death Takes a Holiday and "This Way Please".

    Death At Midnight

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 32:00


    May 30, 1937 - Jack Benny is back after being sick and does a mystery play called "Death at Midnight" or "The Bang Bang Scream Murder Case" References include Bing Crosby, Mae West, Laural and Hardy, Dracula, Bullocks Wilshire department store, and the book "Live Alone and Like It" by Marjorie Hillis,

    Without Jack Benny

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 28:35


    May 23, 1937 - Jacvk is sick and does not appear on the program. Don Wilson, Phil Harri and Kenny Baker fill in with guest singer Trudy Wood.

    Ah, Wilderness!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 31:28


    May 16, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang do the Eugene O'Neill play "Ah, Wilderness!". References include the tradition of throwing rice and old shoes at weddings, the coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth, Portland Hoffa, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and the racehorse Pompoon.  

    The Egg and I (Magic Eye)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 33:09


    April 20, 1947 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone play Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert in their version of "The Egg and I". References include a radio component called the magic eye, singer Nelson Eddie, Sen-Sen licorice breath freshener, and Murine eye drops.

    Sunset Boulevard (Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 33:16


    March 25, 1951 - It's Easter day and Jack Benny and the gand (joined by Mar'ys sister Babe) do a parody of the movie "Sunset Boulevard". References include the Senate crime investigating committee, billiard champ Willie Hoppe, Telula Bankhead, Hopalong Cassidy, movies "Harvey", "Broken Arrow", "Tomahawk", "Lassie", "Banzo", "Wabash Avenue", and "I'll Get By".

    Mary's Sister Babe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 32:52


    April 1, 1951 - Leaving New York to do his TV show, Jack takes Babe Livingstone to the train station. References include The Kefauver Committee, Dick Tracy, the song "The Tennessee Waltz", the radio show Suspense, and Claudette Colbert, Basil Rathbone and Robert Motgomery who would be on his TV show.

    How Jack Found Mary

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 34:06


    March 18, 1945 - Jack tells a reporter the story of how he discovered Mary back in 1932. They made this episode for TV which aired October 31, 1954. Refrences include the Oscars where Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman were winners. They mention the radio shows "Your Hit Parade", "Duffy's Tavern", and "Fibber McGee and Molly", the silent film actress Theda Barra, the bandleader Spike Jones, the old song "Just a Gigolo", the watch company Gruen. Plus the true story of Mary meeting Jack.

    1960 Cleveland Symphony Concert (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 53:38


    November 4, 1960 - Jack Benny is the violin soloist at the Cleveland Symphony Benefit Gala.

    Courtroom Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 31:33


    March 13, 1938 - Death in the Night Club. Jack and the gand talk about the Academy awards and do a play about a murder trial. References inlcude Kenny Baker in the movie "Goldwyn Follies", Fred Allen in "Sally, Irene, and Mary", Edward G Robinson, Spensor Tracy, Shirley Temple and Robin Hood and his band.

    Date with Giselle MacKenzie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 32:12


    March 7, 1954 - Jack's big date at the Acme Plaza Hotel with Giselle Mackenzie broadcast from New York, New York with guest Frank Fontaine. References include the play "Tea and Sympathy", movies "Beat the Devil", "It Should Happen To You", and "Riot in Cell Block 11".

    Hollywood Canteen (Eddie Cantor)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 33:22


    February 27, 1944 - At the Holywood Canteen Jack Benny and the gang broadcast for soldiers with guest Eddie Cantor. References include celebrities Hetty Lamarr, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Dorothy Lamour, Larry Adler, The Hall Johnson Choir, Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra. Plus the song "Cloe".

    Buying A Camel (Liquid Stockings)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 33:16


    February 13, 1944 - From March Field Jack tells the story of buying calmels in Egypt last summer. Larry Adler the harmonica player joins him to re-create a portion of thier USO act. Refrences include liquid stockings, Pepsi Cola, Wendel Willkie and FDR, The Andrews Sisters, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the songs "Mairzy Doats" and "Deep In The Heart Of Texas".

    Douglas Fairbanks Jr (90-Foot Putt)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 32:47


    January 28, 1951 - Douglas Fairbanks Jr Guest Show. Jack Benny and the gang are in New York getting ready for Jack's second-ever television show. Phil Harris had won the Bing Crosby Pro-Amateur Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach by sinking an incredibly long putt on the 17th hole. References include Bock Beer, Fred Allen, Ethel Merman, and the broadway shows "Guys and Dolls", "Call Me Madam", and South Pacific". 

    Alexis Smith (Shoo Shoo Baby)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 32:45


    January 23, 1944 - From Camp Muroc in the Mojave Desert Jack Benny broadcasting for a crowd of soldiers with guest Alexis Smith returning for the second. References include Jack's article in Libery Magazine, Phillip Morris ciggerettes, Fred Allen and the Andrews Sisters song "Shoo-Shoo Baby".

    The Constant Nymph

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 33:16


    January 16, 1944 - From El Toro, California Alexis Smith makes guest appearance.  References include the Corsair aircraft with folding wings, Good Humor wagons, silent film actress Theda Bara, and Oscar Levant who names piano pieces on the game show "Informtion Please", 

    Suspense (Death of a Salesman)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 32:51


    January 6, 1952 - Jack Benny and the gang talk about the Rose Bowl then do thier version of the mystery radio show "Suspense".   References include Los Angeles cross streets Pico and Supulvida, director of price controls Michael DiSalle, and the movie "Death of a Salesman" with Fredrick March.

    New Year 1950 (I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 32:55


    January 1, 1950 - Jack's broken new year's date. Mary invites Jack to her New Year's Eve party but Jack is all dressed up for a date. Mel Blanc sings an Al Jolson song to promote his new record and Dennis Day sings "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts". References include Red Skelton's Mean Little Kid, the Hooper Radio Rating, plus Phil Harris and Alice Fay.

    The Train Home (Ol' Man Mose)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 33:13


    December 18, 1938 - Returning to Hollywood by train. An unnamed announcer introduces the show even though Don Wilson appears in the episode. Jack Benny and the gang are coming home from New York. References include Red Cap Porters, the song "Ol' Man Mose", political figure Anthony Eden, fight announcer Clem McCarthy, comedian Fred Allen, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Dracula, The Dead End Kids, and movies "You Can't Take It With You", "Snow White" and "Artists and Models Abroad".

    Relaxing Day Off (Pumpkin Microfilm)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 35:07


    December 12, 1948 - Jack Tries to Relax at Home, Eddie Cantor stops by briefly. References include the Pumpkin Papers, "White Christmas" and "Who Threw The Overalls In Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" by Bing Crosby, bandleader Spike Jones, and the books "City Boy" by Herman Wouk and "Wine, Women and Words" by Billy Rose.

    Violin Lesson (Lionel Barrymore)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 34:26


    December 5, 1948 - Professor LeBlanc give Jack a violin lesson, and Don is mad at Jack. References include the desert hot springs earthquake, Princess Elizabeth's new baby, actors Charles Boyer, Lionel Barrymore, Don Ameche, "Litte Lord Fauntleroy", and violinists Isaac Stern, Fritz Kreisler, and Jascha Heifetz.

    Football Coach (Mustard Plaster)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 32:50


    November 27, 1938 - Football with coach Flash Benny. Jack has a cold Phill rips off his mustrd paster (along with his chest hair). Then they do a football play like the they did last year called "Hold That Line". References include the songs "Flat Fleet Floogie with a Floy Floy", and "Lambeth Walk", movies "The Devil is a Sissy" and "Angels with Dirty Faces", and PT Barnum was right, there's a sucker born every minute.

    Too Hot To Handle (Cannibals)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 33:55


    November 20, 1938 - Jack Benny does his version of the Clark Gable and Myrna Loy movie "Too Hot To Handle". Refrences include the song "Pocket Full Of Dreams", quiz programs, actor Robert Taylor and Frigidaire refrigerators.

    Television Director (Ralph Levy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 33:20


    November 15, 1953 - Jack repares for his TV show with Johnnie Ray. References inlude TWA airline, 1954 Cadillac, Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey, Thrifty's drug store, the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest, and his guitar player Frank Remley.

    Echo-Ay-Hee-Hoo (Election Upset)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 33:58


    November 7, 1948 - Jack Sees Psychiatrist About Echo and Mel Blanc does Bugy Bunny and Porky Pig. References include the election where Truman was re-elected after the polls predicted a Dewey win. Plus Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Derby hats, Maxc Factor, and "The Beer That Made Milwakee Famous".

    Trick Or Treat (Election Day)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 36:29


    October 31, 1948 - Jack goes trick or treating with the Beverly Hill Beavers. Plus clips from the Phil Harris Alice Faye Show. References include the Wolf-Man, the presidential election, the Olympics, boxer Gene Tunny, the movie "Johnny Belinda", and the Saturday Evening Post.

    Airport (Swing Low)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 33:44


    October 22, 1950 - Dennis Tries to Borrow Fifty Thousand Dollars. Jack is getting ready to fly to New York for his first ever TV episode. References include the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", Duz soap, Lifesavers mints, SMU, comedian Fred Allen and actor Gary Cooper.

    Casablanca (BVDs)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 32:43


    October 17, 1943 - Jack Benny is back from his USO trip to Casablanca and recounts a story similar to the motion picture of the same name. Rochester sings "As Time Goes By". Plus Jack talks with his new writers. References include Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Red Skelton, Burns and Allen, Fred Allen, and BVD brand of men's underwear.

    Home from North Africa (Creaking Door)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 33:00


    October 10, 1943 - Jack Recalls His African Trip. Broadcasting from New York as Jack returns from his USO tour. Behind the scenes there is a new group of writers. References include Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Eleanore Roosevelt, wartime generals plus the old technology of carbon copying, and the spooky radio show "Inner Sancum Mysteries" with it's signature creaking door.

    Beverly Hills Police Department

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 34:27


    October 1, 1950 - The Maxwell is Stolen. Jack Benny and the gang have a meal at the drug store and Jack finds out his car has been stolen. References include ethyl Gasoline, the draft for the Korean war, Duncan Heins, Mad Man Muntz, gangsters Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, the radio shows "People Are Funny" and "Hopalong Cassidy", the movie "Born To Be Bad", the song "Good Night Irene", the actor Ronald Colman, the costume designer Adrian, and Woody Woodpecker.

    The Kenny Baker Show (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 30:55


    January 20, 1947 - Jack Benny's old tenor Kenny Baker had his own shown, with Don Wilson as the announcer and Jack Benny as special guest!

    Here Comes Mr. Kitzel (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 37:14


    December 27, 1950 - One of the often forgotten recurring characters on the Jack Benny Program is Mr. Kitzel. His funny voice is an over-the-top jewish dialect. Artie Auerbach was playing Mr. Kitzel on other radio programs like Al Pearce and Abbot & Costello before bringing it to the Jack Benny show. But it was the Jack Benny show that made it most popular. In this BONUS episode you'll hear clips of Mr. Kitzel from other programs, his signature tune "Pickle in the Middle and the Mustard on Top" and the one and only episode his own show "Here Comes Mr. Kitzel". Enjoy!

    The Private Life of Rochester (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 31:49


    May 12, 1950 - In 1950 they developed a radio spin-off of the Jack Benny show starring Eddie Anderson as Rochester Van Jones. The show would have been 15 minutes long, five days a week. Unfortunately, it was never picked up. These are the audition episodes.

    Love Thy Neighbor Movie (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 36:02


    December 18, 1940 - Jack Benny and Fred Allen star in the movie "Love Thy Neighbor". This is one of the rare movies where Jack Benny plays himself, set in the same world as his radio show. Here is a radio-style version of the movie.

    Jack Benny Record for State Farm (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 28:45


    This is a record for State Farm Insurance agents when the company started sponsoring the Jack Benny TV Show in 1960. "Jack Benny Music to Write Apps By".

    1936 JELL-O Summer Show (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 31:09


    September 27, 1936 - Starring Don Wilson with the wacky comedy team of Tim and Irene Ryan. You might know Irene Ryan as granny from the Beverly Hillbillies. This is the rare surviving episode of that show. Enjoy!

    Good News of 1938 - Guest Jack Benny (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 66:26


    February 17, 1938 - After Robert Taylor was the guest on Jack Benny's show, now Jack Benny is the guest on Robert Taylor's show. With Frank Morgan, Baby Snooks and more!

    Wabash Avenue with Phil Harris (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 51:39


    November 13, 1950 - Phil Harris was in the movie musical "Wabash Avenue" starring Betty Grable and Victor Mature. Here is an original mix of the Lux Radio Theater presentation edited to include Phil Harris as Mike Stanley.

    Eddie Cantor Show with Jack Benny (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 35:51


    January 30, 1947 - The Eddie Cantor Show with special guests Jack Benny. Plus a clip of Eddie on Dinah Shore's show and more!

    We The People (Jack and Mary's Anniversary)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 30:37


    January 26, 1947 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone are guests on the human interest radio program "We There People" talking about their 20th Wedding Anniversary (you can skip to Jack Benny's segment at around the 20min mark). Listen to an exert of the books "Sunday Nights at Seven" in which Jack tells the story of meeting Mary.

    What's My Line? (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 30:01


    January 23, 1955 - Can you guess the Jack Benny cast member before the celebrity panel? Listen to the audio from the TV gameshow.

    Amos & Andy with Jack Benny and Rochester

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 30:27


    November 10, 1944 - Jack Benny and Rochester are guest stars on the long running radio series Amos & Andy. This episode is called "The Employment Agency".

    Phil Harris Hosts Kollege (BONUS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 33:34


    August 9, 1944 - "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" was fun music quiz show. When they needed a guest host they called on Phil Harris. Play along and enjoy the music!

    Jack Benny on the Quiz Kids (Bonus)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 32:09


    April 7, 1941 - This Bonus Episode features Jack as a guest on the Quiz Kids Program! Plus clips of Walt Disney and Fred Allen.

    USO Show in Paris 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 31:26


    June 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 29:11


    May 29, 1945 - Jack Benny guest stars in the radio play "Babes in the Woods" from the program "This is My Best".

    Portable TV Set

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 33:35


    May 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 33:38


    May 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)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 33:00


    May 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)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 31:41


    May 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)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 33:56


    May 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".

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