This Day in Jack Benny
Episodes
Charley's Aunt Dress (Dorothy Kirsten)
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
April 25, 1948 - Jack Dresses as Charley's Aunt and Don brings opera singer Dorothy Kirsten to join the Sportsmen quartet. References include the Mary...
Paul Lukas' Oscar (Charles Farrell)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
April 11, 1948 - Murder at the Racquet Club Part One. Jack goes to Palm Springs and meets silent film star Charles Farrell and Academy Award winner Pa...
Recovering from Illness (Orson Welles)
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
April 11, 1943 - Jack returns to the show after illness. Orson Welles has been filling in for the past four weeks. References include a washing machin...
Final Orson Welles Host (Red Riding Hood)
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
April 4, 1943 - Little Red Riding Hood with guest host Orson Welles filling in one last time for Jack Benny. References include radio's Lum and Abner,...
Orson Welles Still Hosts
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
March 28, 1943 - Host Orson Welles Murder at Midnight. Orson Welles fills in for Jack a third time and does a murder mystery. References include radio...
Orson Welles Hosts Again
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
March 21, 1943 - Host Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and takes cast to his movie. References include the comedy team of Abbot and Costello, ra...
Phil Harris Returns (Orson Welles Host)
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
March 14, 1943 - Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and Phil Harris returns to the program after three months in the merchant marines. References in...
Burns and Allen Host
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
March 7, 1943 - George Burns and Gracie Allen Sub For Jack. With Jack Benny sick Don Wilson calls of Jack Benny's personal friends George and Gracie, ...
Kit Carson (Judo)
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 28, 1943 - Kit Carson Benny with Bob Crosby. Broadcasting from Fort Custer, Michigan Jack Benny learns Judo from the military police in train...
Submarine D-1 Part Two
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 27, 1938 - Jack Benny and his cast are joined by Andy Devine to conclude their version of the movie "Submarine D-1". References include Barbr...
Submarine D-1
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 20, 1938 - A parody of the movie "Submarine D-1" plus they talk about Jack Benny's age after his birthday this week. They also discuss Jack's...
Jack Benny is Back
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 9, 1941 - Back From New York. The Sponsor Likes Herbert Marshall. References include Phil Harris' new song "That's What I Like About The Sout...
Herbert Marshall Hosts
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
February 2, 1941 - The Jack benny Program without Jack Benny. Herbert Marshall Hosts the Show. References include Fred Allen, and the kissing game cal...
The McFarland Twins
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
January 24, 1943 - Jack Benny talks with his guest bandleaders, the McFarland twins, about the DC housing shortage. The skit is a repeat of the Mr. Sm...
Oscar Levant (Joe Besser)
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
January 17, 1943 - Guest stars Oscar Levant and Joe Besser help Jack the the gang do a spoof of the game show Information Please. Meanwhile Jack is ge...
Mrs. Nussbaum's Restaurant
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
January 14, 1945 - Mrs. Nussbaum's Restaurant with special guest Fred Allen. References include the stage shows "Bloomer Girl", "Laffing Room Only", "...
The Vault (Racetrack Tout)
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
January 7, 1945 - Leaving for New York Jack Benny and the gang meet at the train station. This is the debut episode of Jack Benny's vault, the racetra...
Christmas with the Beavers
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
December 24, 1950 - The Beavers come to Jack's for Christmas Dinner. Don Wilson dresses as Santa, Frank Remley (played by Elliott Lewis) joins Phil Ha...
Christmas Shopping (Unbreakable Crystal)
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
December 17, 1950 - Jack Buys Golf Tees For Don References include Kukla Fran and Ollie, Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century, The Ed Sullivan Show, Marti...
Liberty Ship
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
December 6, 1942 - Phil Harris' last show before joining the Merchant Marines. They References include Captain Kidd, Joan Bennett, Ann Sheridan (Georg...
Three Men in a Tank
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 29, 1942 - Going after Rommel. In this episode Jack Benny and the gang are broadcasting live for a group of soldiers. References include Sp...
Thanksgiving Dinner (Lydia Pinkkham's)
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 29, 1953 - Jack Buys a Turkey. References include Phil Harris, Bing Crosby and his Minute Maid Orange Juice sponsorship, Mel Blanc the voice ...
Birmingham Hospital (Milk Dress)
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 18, 1945 - Broadcasting From Birmingham hospital in Van Nuys, California. Prize fighter Joe Louis returns. References include Phil Spitalny a...
Charlie Chan in Radio City
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 11, 1934 - In this early episode Jack Benny plays the Chinese detective Charlie Chan from the film series of the same name. References includ...
Dark Passage (Bogie and Bacall)
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 2, 1947 - Jack Benny and the gang do their version of the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall movie Dark Passage where an escaped convict gets ...
Publicity Stunt (Erskine Johnson)
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 28, 1945 - $85,000 Bet. After dreaming of an eighty-five thousand dollar bet last week, Jack gets held-up in this episode. References include ...
Racehorse Dream (Tokyo Rose)
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 21, 1945 - Jack Dreams of the Race Horse 'Texas Sandman'. References include, Charles Boyer, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fred Allen, Claudette Colbert, La...
Gossip Article (Louella Parsons)
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 26, 1952 - Louella Parsons is back to write a gossip article on Jack Benny. This is a recycled script from April 2, 1944. References include J...
Darryl F. Zanuck
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 19, 1952 - Jack Buys 20th Century Fox. Producer Darryl F. Zanuck of 20th Century Fox is the guest star and Jack dream he is the head of a movi...
The Gopher Trap (Wish You Were Here)
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 15, 1952 - Jack Catches His Nose in a Gopher Trap. Mel Blanc does the chattering of the gopher. Then Jack goes shopping for a new television s...
Scoop Benny (Feet Up)
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 5, 1952 - Jack Benny plays a newspaperman. References include game 5 of the World Series with ballplayers like Phill Rezzuto and Jackie Robins...
Tales of Manhattan
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 25, 1942 - In this episode Jack Benny and the gang do their version on the movie "Tales of Manhattan" starring Charles Boyer, Charles Laughton...
Barbara Stanwyck's House
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 4, 1942 - Jack Takes Two Cadets To Barbara Stanwyck. Don still calls the new sponsor "Grapes Nuts Flakes", they again listen to their favorite...
Share Your Car (Veronica Lake)
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 4, 1942 - Jack Rounds up the Gang in the Maxwell. It's the first show for Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes. In this episode they mention the...
The Count of Monte JELLO
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 6, 1935 - Jack Talks with Don and Mary about their New Year's Eve celebration then do their version of "The Count of Monte Cristo". References...
Claude Rains
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 27, 1949 - Jack Has a Music Lesson. Guest star Claude Rains comes to try and get out of appearing on The Ford Theater with Jack. References i...
Jack Warner (Ford Theater)
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 20, 1949 - Jack Benny is planning to do his movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight" on The Ford Theater radio program. Jack Warner of the Warner B...
Mr. Finque (Jack's Birthday)
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 13, 1949 - It's Jack Benny's birthday and everyone sings Happy Birthday except one guy in the audience. References include, Eddie Cantor, Err...
Claudette Colbert and Vincent Price
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 6, 1949 - Don Wilson signs his contract, Claudette Colbert and Vincent Price guest star in a re-working of the October 20, 1940 episode. Ref...
Don Still Won't Sign (Inaugural Ball)
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 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....
Don Wilson's Contract (Disk Jockey)
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 23, 1949 - Don Won't Sign His Contract. References include the southern Californian snowfall, President Truman's inauguration, Jasha Heifetz...
The Maxwell for Scrap
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 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...
Soap Contest (Joan Benny)
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 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 ...
Joan Benny (podcast update)
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast 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...
Margaret Whiting (Cast Introduced)
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
May 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 si...
20 Questions
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
November 5, 1950 - On the train to Los Angeles Jack benny and the gang are playing 20 questions. References include the midterm elections, Irene Dunn,...
Larry Adler (Harmonica)
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
May 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 T...
Taking a Taxi (Opera)
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
May 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...
Lieutenant Governor (San Francisco)
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
May 10, 1953 - Broadcasting From San Francisco Jack Benny and the gang (including writer George Balzer) talk about the sights of the city and meet Cal...
Mother's Day (Donald Duck)
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
May 9, 1937 - Mother's Day Program. Just after the the Kentucky Derby Jack benny and the gang discuss the winning horse War Admiral. References includ...
Bend in the River (Jimmy Stewart)
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
April 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 ...
Dennis Leaves for the Navy (Vancouver)
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
April 23, 1944 - Broadcasting from Vancouver BC, Canada. Jack talks to the mayor and Mary talks about growing up there. Dennis Day says goodbye. This ...
Bob Hope's Brother
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
April 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 ...
Louella Parsons
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
April 2, 1944 - Louella Parsons about Jack's movie. Gossip columnist Louella Parsons is expected to visit for an interview with Jack benny (and promot...
BONUS: The Easter Story
03 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS EPISODE The Easter Story Son of Man: A Passion Play CBS Radio Theater Introducing: Bible Broadcasts A podcast featuring vintage stories, hymns, ...
How Jack Found Phil (Nebraska Admiral)
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
April 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...
Barbara Stanwyck (Mairzy Doats)
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 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", Qu...
Twenty Questions
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 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 a...
Jack Benny vs Fred Allen
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 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. R...
Stuart Canin (Child Violinist)
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 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 Cani...
The Ink Spots (Allen's Alley Reunion)
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 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 ...
Time Change (Sound Effects Man)
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 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 Kingsme...
Jack Benny's Birthday (Ben Bernie)
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 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 "T...
Ready to Play The Bee (Julius Caesar)
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 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" h...
Lucy Belle (Flood Disaster)
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 31, 1937 - Phil Harris's sister Lucy Belle visits the studio. Nightmares of Fred Allen. Jack Benny will play 'The Bee' next Sunday. References...
Dinner at Phil's (Practicing The Bee)
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 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...
How Jack Benny Met Fred Allen
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 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 t...
First Broadcast on CBS
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
January 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 Wil...
Comedian of the Year (Last NBC Show)
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 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 ...
Christmas Shopping (Wallet)
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 19, 1948 - The classic Christmas shopping episode where Jack Benny goes to a department store to buy a wallet for Don Wilson. References incl...
BONUS: Christmas Command Performance
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 25, 1948 - Command Performance featuring Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Herbert Marshall, Jimmy Durante and more!
Driver's License Test
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 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 Shor...
Sportsmen Quartet Contract
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 3, 1946 - Jack Benny tries to break his contract with the Sportsmen quartet. They mention the movies "The Killer", "Margie" and "Breakfast in...
Dinner with the Colmans
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 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 r...
Travel Diary (World Series)
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 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 lis...
Swiss Alps Echo (Elks Tooth)
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 3, 1948 - Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris and Alice Faye are back from their summer trip to Europe. They mention Edger Bergen and ...
Vitamin Shot (Grandma Moses)
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 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 me...
Anthony Adverse Part 2
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 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 A...
Young Johnny Carson (TV Bonus)
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 20, 1955 - Johnny Carson guest stars on the Jack Benny Television Program. Plus Don Wilson, Rochester and Dennis Day. Intro featuring John He...
Anthony Adverse Part 1
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 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...
Charlie McCarthy (Service Pin)
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 13, 1946 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone walk to the studio and run into Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. References include post-war me...
Calls of Congratulations (World Series)
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 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 Ru...
Garden of Evil (Rehearsal)
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
October 3, 1954 - A special presentation of the master tape recording of this episode plus selected portions of the rehearsal. In this episode they pl...
Publicity Agent (Gildersleeve).mp3
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
September 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,...
Brewster's Millions (Buck Benny Part 9)
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
February 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"...
Buck Jones (Buck Benny Part 8)
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
January 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 conti...
Fred Allen Feud Begins (Buck Benny Part 7)
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
January 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 a...
The Knocking Man (Buck Benny Part 6)
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
January 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 firs...
Mary's Mother (Buck Benny Part 5)
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 27, 1936 - Before another instalment of the western serial Buck Benny Rides Again, Jack Benny talks about the scarves he got for Christmas an...
Buck Benny Rides Again (BONUS FILM)
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Benny stars in this (shortened) film from 1940.
Andy Devine (Buck Benny Part 4)
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 13, 1936 - This is the first episode of Jack Benny with Andy Devine the western movie sidekick. References include the book Pollyanna, actres...
Money Ain't Everything
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
December 6, 1936 - In this episode Jack Benny takes a break from his Buck Benny western serial (or does he) to present a drama called Money Ain't Ever...
Jack is Jealous of Phil (Buck Benny Part 3)
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 29, 1936 - Phil Harris has been getting phone calls from movie stars like Carole Lombard and Jack is jealous. Then part three of the western ...
Thanksgiving Plans (Buck Benny Part 2)
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 22, 1936 - Jack Benny talks about his recent trip to Palm Springs and Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone and Kenny Baker talk about their plans for...
Kenny's Anniversary (Buck Benny Part 1)
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
November 15, 1936 - In this early episode it's singer Kenny Baker's first anniversary as part of the J-E-L-L-O cast. We head out west for the first in...
Podcast Update 2020
01 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
John Henderson's wife Stephanie joins him for a chat about Jack Benny and the future of the podcast. https://thisdaybenny.com/
Duet With Johnny Green
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
June 27, 1937 - The last show of the season and the bandleader Johnny Green returns to the Jack Benny Program to visit. He is a noteworthy piano playe...
Jack Goes to Dallas (The Sea Around Us)
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
June 6, 1954 - It's the last show of the season and Jack Benny is getting ready for a personal appearance in Dallas. They mention the Irwin Allen docu...
G.I. Jive (Last Grape Nuts)
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
June 4, 1944 - The last episode sponsored by Grape Nuts Flakes. Dennis Day is gone to Naval training and Phil Harris sings "G.I. Jive". Plus songs "A ...
Battleship
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
June 1, 1941 - Jack Benny is in his old WWI Navy uniform as he broadcasts from the San Diego Naval Training Center. They mention Jack's upcoming mov...