JACK BENNY MONTH I

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, February 6, 1982

JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-10-46) Guest Eddie Cantor joins regulars Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Larry Stevens, and Frank Nelson in a broadcast from Palm Springs, California. Jack uses Cantor’s house while vacationing. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:53; 7:05; 10:44)

HALLS OF IVY (1950) Ronald and Benita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. William Todhunter Hall, the Halls of Ivy College. The school’s Mummy is missing! Voice of America rebroad­cast. (12:40; 10:45)

GEORGE BALZER, Former writer for Jack Benny reminisces about his long association with the comedian in a conversation recorded in Van Nuys, California, on September 2, 1981. In part one of this six-part interview, Mr. Balzer recalls a typical work week for the Benny writing staff and discusses the running gags which were a trademark of the show. (16:25)

MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY (12-17-47) “Death Has Blue Eyes” starring Glenn Langan as Barton Drake. A woman is accused of killing her stepfather. Syndicated. (12:55; 12:30)

GEORGE BALZER remembers a memorable 1945 Jack Benny broadcast which established the crazy train announcer, the racetrack tout, and the beginning of Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga as a running gag. (11:35)

FRED ALLEN SHOW (12-16-45) Regulars Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Parker Fennelly, the DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and his orchestra, are joined by guest Lauritz Melchior. The Allen’s Alley question concerns family income. And, later, Melchior tries to get into radio. AFRS Rebroad­cast. (8:55; 9:15; 6:54)

GEORGE BALZER describes Jack Benny’s writing staff over the years, tells how Mel Blanc’s Mexican character came about, and. talks about the professionalism of the Benny cast. (16:40)

JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1948) Movie producer Darryl F. Zanuk guests as Jack tries to convince him that “Jack Benny’s Life Story” would make a good musical! Don Wilson, Rochester, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Mel Blanc. (8:30; 6:40; 8:40)