JACK BENNY MONTH

Originally broadcast on WDCB
Saturday, February 22, 2003

FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-26-46) Guest Jack Benny joins Fred for the last show of his 1945­46 season. A classic broadcast as Jack sneaks into an NBC studio tour and learns about Allen’s new giveaway program, “King for a Day.” The Allen’s Alley question is “Do you have trouble sleeping?” Answers are provided by Kenny Delmar (Senator Claghorn); Alan Reed (Falstaff Openshaw); Minerva Pious (Mrs. Nussbaum); Parker Fennelly (Titus Moody). Also: DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Last of five related broadcasts. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnett Margarine, NBC. (30 min)

JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-17-40) Upset that he didn’t win the Academy Award, Jack asks Orson Welles to come over and help him be­come a dramatic actor. Welles and his staff show up and Jack is directed by Welles in a “Hunchback of Notre Dame” sketch. Orson invites Jack to appear on the Campbell Play­house next week to star in the comedy, “June Moon.” Jell-O, NBC. (30 min)

CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (3-24-40) “June Moon” starring Jack Benny in a radio version of the Ring Lardner-George S. Kaufman Broad­way comedy. Jack is a song writer from Schenectady who goes to the big city of New York to write a romantic hit. Orson Welles is host and producer. Cast includes Benny Rubin, Bea Benaderet, Lee Patrick, Virginia Gordon. Ernest Chappell announces. Campbell Soup, CBS. (28 min & 31 min)

BING CROSBY SHOW (2-12-53) From Palm Springs, California, Bing welcomes guest Jack Benny, who is worried about his surprise birth­day party (on the 14th). Bing wants to know Jack’s exact age before giving him a birthday present. Bing sings “Glow Worm” and “Heart and Soul.” General Electric, CBS. (29 min)

JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-5-40) On the occasion of Benny’s 9th anniversary on the air, this broadcast is from the stage of the Ritz Theatre in New York City. Jack recalls his early days in radio and then he and the gang do their version of Fred Allen’s program with Jack as Fred; Don as Harry Von Zell; Mary as Portland Hoffa. Jell-O, NBC. (30 min)