This Day in Jack Benny

Ed Sullivan Award

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

May 26, 1946 - Ed Sullivan stops by the broadcast while Jack Benny is in New York to give him an award. They mention the women's clothing storew S. Kl...

Fred Allen's Invitation

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

May 19, 1946 - Jack Benny and his cast are in New York, the home of Fred Allen. In a flashback, Fred asks Jack onto his own program for next week. Thi...

Chicago Quiz Kids

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

May 5, 1946 - Jack Benny is visiting Chicago on Mother's Day. It was the middle of a coal strike lead by John L Lewis. They mention Marshal Field's De...

Leaving For Chicago

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

May 5, 1946 - All aboard the Super Chief train to Chicago! In this episode they mention Listerene toothpaste, Esquire magazine, Pablum. Fred Allen, th...

Danny Kaye

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

April 28, 1946 - Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day and Phil Harris go to see Danny Kaye's new movie "The Kid From Brooklyn".  References inclu...

The Circus Sideshow

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

April 22, 1951 - Jack Benny and the gang go to the circus including the side show and the tunnel of love (after visit from the I.R.S. part 3).  They ...

The IRS Visit Part 2

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

April 8, 1951 - The IRS agents that visited Jack Benny in last week's episode return, and then visit Ronald and Benita Colman.  They mention penny lo...

The IRS Visit

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

April 8, 1951 - In this episode Jack Benny is worried because the I.R.S. called to say they are coming over to talk to him about his tax return. They ...

Samuel Goldwyn (Easter Day)

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

April 6, 1947 - It's Easter Day! Jack Benny and the gang talk about their Easter activities. Meanwhile, comedian Bob Hope was giving away cars with a ...

Tobacco Road

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

March 23, 1941 - In this episode Jack Benny and the gang spoof the hillbilly movie "Tobacco Road", but Don Wilson is upset because Jack forgot his rad...

Champion (Gorgeous Gussie)

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

March 19, 1950 - Jack Benny plays the Kirk Douglas part in the movie "Champion".  Plus they mention Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Oscar nominees Broadrick...

Jack's New Muscle

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

March 16, 1941 - On this episode of The Jack Benny Program they have just returned from vacation and discuss Palm Springs' Prices. The Guadalajara Tri...

Murder at the Racquet Club

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

March 9, 1941 - The Jack Benny Show is broadcasting from Palm Springs with special guests Peter Lorie, character actor Charles Butterworth, the silent...

Tipi Motel (Longfellow)

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

February 23, 1941 - Broadcasting from Palm Springs Jack Benny talks about the place where he's staying, the T.P. Motel. They mention the western film ...

Birthday Dinner Party

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

February 16, 1947 - Jack's Birthday party with Isaac Stern the violinist, actor Ronald Colman and his wife Benita. Actress Lorraine Day recently marri...

After The Show

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

February 9, 1947 - In this episode Jack Benny and his gang mention previous bandleaders on the show, Jack is once again visited by his guardian angel ...

Miniature Women

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Winter 1934 - This is a very early episode of Jack Benny with poor sound quality. They mention Eddie Cantor and the movie "Little Women" with Katharin...

John Benny (Margie)

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 26, 1947 - Jack Benny is changing his name to something more dignified. Then they do a skit very loosely based on the movie "Margie". In this ...

Boris Karloff (Open the Door, Richard)

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 19, 1947 - Most of this episode is recycled from March 1946, only with horror movie actor Boris Karloff. In the episode they reference the ban...

Denver March of Dimes

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 18, 1948 - Jack Benny is in Denver for a March of Dimes fundraising event. They meet the governor and mention the mayor. It happened to be the...

Leaving For Denver (Diaper Service)

08 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 11, 1948 - Jack Benny is packing for his trip to Denver for a March of Dimes event. In the episode they mention radio comedian Judy Canova, Du...

Gift Exchange (ASCAP Boycott)

01 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 5, 1941 - The ASCAP Boycott started in January and lasted until October of 1941. On the Jack Benny program they wrote original music for the o...

Dennis vs Kenny (Taxi Dancers)

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 22, 1940 - Christmas in New York and the premier of Jack Benny and Fred Allen's movie "Love Thy Neighbor" was earlier in the week. Kenny Bake...

The Bodyguard (Carmen Miranda)

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 15, 1940 - Just ahead of the premier for "Love Thy Neighbor", Jack Benny gets a bodyguard to protect himself from Fred Allen's goons.  In th...

Christmas Shopping in New York

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 11, 1938 - Jack Benny and the gang are in New York where Jack and Mary Livingstone go for Christmas shopping. In this episode they mention th...

Guest Phil Baker

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 1, 1946 - It has been a few years since Jack benny's appearance on the game show "Take It or Leave It" and he still thinks he should have won...

The Killers (Edward G Robinson)

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 24, 1946 - Jack Benny welcomes gangster star Edward G Robinson for their version of the movie "The Killers".  References include Hollywood's...

Lost Horizon

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 21, 1937 - In this episode they spoof the 1937 Ronald Colman movie "Lost Horizon" directed by Frank Capra. Plus they mention the swing dance ...

Jack Gets a Haircut

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 10, 1946 - Jack Benny gets a haircut from Rochester. When the Sportsmen quartet come to do the commercial Jack fires and re-hires them. They ...

The Quartet Murder (Chiss Sweese)

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 27, 1946 - This old time radio episode of the Jack Benny Program is famous for the mistake that Mary Livingstone made when trying to say "Swis...

The Fiddler (Rice Krispies)

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 20, 1946 - Jack Benny does his version of that Murder Mystery radio program The Whistler. They also talk about the meat shortage and price con...

Married to Mary

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Yellow Jack (Ice Follies)

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 9, 1938 - Jack Benny and the gang spoof the movie "Yellow Jack" in which Lewis Stone, Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce play Americans in C...

Lux Radio Theater

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 2, 1938 - Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone talk about appearing on the radio show Lux Radio Theatre in the play "Seven Keys to Baldpate".  The...

Don Wilson Walks Out (Kit Carson)

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 8, 1940 - Jack Benny does his impression of Kit Carson. Plus they mention Kay Kyser's new movie "You'll Find Out" and Jack Bnny's upcoming mo...

Jack Catches a Cold

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

December 1, 1940 - This is a great follow-up to the previous episode! Jack Benny had suggested to Don that he call his wife before inviting company ov...

Don is a Newlywed (Dream Songs)

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 24, 1940 - Don Wilson has just gotten married and invited the whole gang to meet his new wife Peggy. In the episode they mention the coal min...

Kenny Baker's Debut

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 3, 1935 - Before Dennis Day there was Kenny Baker. This is a fun early episode of the Jack Benny program where Jack goes to the barber, meets...

Elephant Umbrella Stand (Ann Blyth)

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 18, 1953 - Jack Benny goes with Mary to an auction and Dennis Day's brother, James McNulty, made plans to marry actress Ann Blyth. Plus refere...

Kids Impersonate Jack Benny

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

February 22, 1953 - Kids of the Beverly Hill Beavers do their version of The Jack Benny Show! This is a re-used script from April 23, 1950. In this ep...

Road to Bali (Bob Hope)

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 11, 1953 - Jack Benny does a spoof of "Road to Bali", the new movie starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. The surprise guest sta...

Mary Martin

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 17, 1940 - Jack Benny is co-starring in the movie "Love Thy Neighbor" with Fred Allen and Mary Martin. Jack goes to the studio to see the dir...

Dog Catcher (Soda Jerk)

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

November 10, 1940 - It's the week of the elections and in Beverly Hills jack benny had been elected dog catcher. Meanwhile, Jack and Fred Allen are ma...

The Hot Dog Man

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 6, 1946 - At the Rose Bowl game Jack Benny made a bet with Phil Harris, but will he pay it? This is the end of the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny B...

Hold That Line

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 27, 1940 - Mary is out sick, but Jack and the cast carry on with a football skit. They mention a number of historical facts, the self proclaim...

Reading Reviews (Gulliver's Travels)

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 13, 1940 - Phil Harris tries to collect on a World Series bet. Jack Benny, Don Wilson and Mary Livingstone read reviews of their first show in...

The Blue Fairy

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

October 6, 1940 - Mary Kelley returns as The Blue Fairy (a spoof on Disney's Pinocchio). Plus they mention William Shakespeare's a "Midsummer Night's...

Vacation Plans (Irene Ryan)

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

June 21, 1936 - Don Wilson talks about how he will be the host of the JELL-O Summer Show starring Tim and Irene. The episode is a little bit short bec...

Bennymount Studio (Love in Bloom Writers)

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

June 7 & 14, 1936 - Worried about his place at Paramount, Jack Benny decides to start his own studio called Bennymount. The guest stars are Ralph Rai...

The Show Credits

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

June 3, 1951 - We all know Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Rochester, Phil Harris, Dennis Day and Don Wilson. But do you know the rest of the people...

Doctor Visit (Speedy Riggs)

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

May 27, 1951 - Jack goes for a doctor's check and runs into that Lucky Strike auctioneer Speedy Riggs. Plus writer Milt Josefsberg's story of the joke...

Bob Crosby (Bing's Brother)

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

May 20, 1951 - This episode is a re-used script from May 2, 1948 with a few updates. In this episode they mention the broadway musical Guys and Dolls,...

Best Dressed (Robert Taylor)

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

February 13, 1938 - Just before his birthday Jack Benny was named as one of the top ten best dressed men in America along with movie star Clark Gable....

M-O-T-H-E-R (The Big Birdcast)

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

May 8, 1938 - It's Mother's Day and Jack Benny considers himself the mother hen of the cast. This is a day after the Kentucky Derby. Manuel Talcott, t...

Home Under Construction

01 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

May 1, 1938 - This week Jack Benny's Maxwell was in a race for old cars, the Fresno State College Hack Race. He lost to Fred Allen's entry. In this ep...

Snow White and the Seven Gangsters

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

April 24, 1938 - Walt Disney's first feature film has just come out and Jack Benny is going to do his version of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" mix...

Children Do The Show

24 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

April 23, 1950 - Jack Benny's troop of kids The Beverly Hills Beavers do the show. Plus they mention Phil Harris' movie Wabash Avenue, and the wedding...

Jack Gets the House Painted (Rag Mop)

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

April 16, 1950 - It's spring so Jack Benny decides to get his house painted. Last week he gave 50 cents away to a fellow that was down on his luck. Th...

Missing Heir (Poof!)

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

April 12, 1953 - Jack Benny gets out of the shower and realizes he's been washing with a peeled potato instead of soap. Later a man comes looking for ...

The Racist Episode

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

April 1, 1934 - This is an early episode in which Easter Sunday landed on April fool's Day. The guest star is Eddie Cantor. March 29, 1942 - This epis...

Sportsmen Quartet is Back

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

March 23, 1947 - After weeks without a proper quartet to sing the commercial Jack Benny is ready to swallow his pride and hire the Sportsmen Quartet b...

After the Oscars (Celebrity Quartet)

20 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

March 16, 1947 - After hosting the 19th Academy Awards Jack Benny talks about his experience. Having fired the Sportsmen he still needs a new quartet....

BONUS: Jack Benny Hosts 1947 Oscars

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

March 13, 1947 - This is not a regular episode of Jack Benny. This is the 19th Academy Awards Ceremony hosted by Jack Benny. I have cut down the very ...

Replacement Quartet

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

March 9, 1947 - The third episode in a story arc where Jack Benny fires the Sportsman Quartet. Now he has to try to find a replacement. In this episod...

The Quartet Has Been Fired

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

March 2, 1947 - Part of a fun story arc! Jack Benny has fired the Sportsman quartet, but the sponsor is not happy. In this episode they mention the st...

Jack Fires The Sportsmen (Nora Prentiss)

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

February 23, 1947 - Jack Benny mentions this episode specifically in this memoirs. He says the he was particularly proud of his timing in the phone ca...

Surprise Birthday Party (Dish Night)

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

February 16, 1941 - Surprise! It's Jack Benny's Birthday and Herbert Marshall show up to celebrate. In the episode they mention gossip columnist Louel...

It's a Wonderful Life

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

February 2, 1947 - Frank Capra, the director of "It's a Wonderful Life" is the guest in this episode. Jack Benny thinks the movie's premise is silly u...

The Hurricane

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 30, 1938 - In this episode they mention the broadway play "Hurray For What!", the song "It's Delivery" and Benny Goodman. They also mention ac...

Betting at the Track (Patti Page)

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 25, 1953 rerun January 23, 1955 - In this episode Jack Benny goes to his vault, past the alligator moat, to get money to bet on a horse at the...

Burns and Allen Tune In

16 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 12, 1947 - Gracie wants to listen to Jack benny on the radio. George Burn and Gracie Allen come over. They mention singers Dick Haymes, Andy R...

Barber Shop (Dinah Shore)

09 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 13, 1952 - In this episode of the Jack Benny program Jack is trying to get someone to make a record of the song that he wrote. He calls Dinah ...

Bogie and Bacall (Rose Bowl)

02 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

January 5, 1947 - It's the Sunday after New Years Day and Jack Benny talks with Don Wilson about the Rose Bowl. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are ...

End of the "Can't Stand Benny" Contest

28 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

December 30, 1945 - It's the end of the "Why I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest and the letters have been pouring in. Plus Don wilson sings his version...

Christmas Shopping for Sister (Goose Girl)

19 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

December 18, 1949 - An unusual Christmas shopping episode. They mention the songs Mule Train and Dear Hearts and Gentle People. They also mention "Mr...

Pearl Harbor (Jekyll & Hyde 2)

13 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

December 7, 1941 - The day of the Pearl Harbor attack that would lead to the United States' entry into WWII. This is a continuation of the previous ep...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

05 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

November 30, 1941 - Jack Benny plays both Jekyll and Hyde in this episode's spoof of the Spencer Tracy movie. They mention the song "Why don't we do t...

Dennis' Girl Dorothy Lamour

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

November 15, 1942 - From the Naval Air Station at Terminal Island Jack Benny and the gang perform for the men stationed there. Dennis Day brings his n...

Twink Family (Sidewalk Inspector)

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

November 8, 1942 - This episode has a bit of sound issues at the end. The beginning is pretty funny, so its worth a listen. Jack Benny is the newly el...

Gaslight (Ingrid Bergman)

14 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 14, 1945 - After returning from a USO tour entertaining the groups with Ingrid Berman, Jack Benny invites her on his show to reprise her Oscar...

The Mentalist

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

November 5, 1944 - This episode of the Jack Benny Show features guests Amos and Andy, Mrs.Nussbaum, and Mentalist Jack Dunninger. This is the first ep...

Halloween Farm Party

31 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 31, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang go to the Andy Devine Farm for a Halloween party. They mention Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy and they ...

Diver Bomber

24 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 26, 1941 - Jack Benny wants to play the most dramatic role in "Dive Bomber", the movie starring Errol Flynn, Fred MacMurray and Ralph Bellamy....

Farewell to Old Studio

17 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 16, 1938 - The JELL-O Program starring Jack Benny is moving to the new NBC studio. This is the last episode in the old studio. In it they ment...

Frank Sinatra Offered Dennis' Job

10 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 8, 1944 - Frank Sinatra is a guest on this episode. His hit at the time was "Sunday, Monday or Always". They mention the teenage girls who wer...

Jack Fights to Keep Sponsor

03 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

October 1, 1944 - In this wartime episode Jack Benny compares himself to General Patton. Jack is just back from a USO tour. Dennis Day has joined the ...

High Noon (Chlorophyll Toothpaste)

26 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

September 28, 1952 - In this episode Jack Benny plays Gary Cooper's character in their version of the western "High Noon". Dennis Day started using Ch...

Is the Show on the Air? (A&P Gypsies)

19 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

September 26, 1954 - A really fun episode from 1954. They mention radio shows from the 1920s - A&P Gypsies conducted by Harry Horlik and Sam 'n' Henry...

Best of Fall 1934 (First JELL-O)

12 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

September 14, 1934 - School Days September 21, 1934 - Boxing Match October 14, 1934 - First Episode fro JELL-O October 21, 1934 - Grocery Store

Return to Paradise

05 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

September 20, 1953 - Jack and the gang do their version of Gary Cooper's new movie "Return to Paradise". They mention Ralph Edwards' This is Your Life...

Jack Benny's Grandson Mike Interview

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

John Henderson, host of the This Day in Jack Benny podcast talks with Jack Benny's oldest grandson Mike Rudolph. He talked about how his granddad wo...

All Hands on Deck (Shrimp Boats)

22 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

April 20, 1952 - This episode was broadcast from the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. They mention Navy related things like the F9F fighter...

My Naval Career

15 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

March 30, 1952 - Broadcasting from the Naval Training Centre in San Diego It's the Jack Benny Program. In this episode Jack recreates his time in the ...

The Life of Philbert Harris (Mr. DA)

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

May 25, 1941 - Phil Harris is back from his honeymoon with Alice Faye, so Don Wilson does a play called "The Life of Philbert Harris" loosely based on...

Jack Turns 40

01 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to my interview with Jack Benny's Grandson Mike right Now! As a thank you to those who support this podcast on Patreon I an releasing my interv...

Murder at the Movies (Again)

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

April 27, 1941 - Listen for the mention of the greatest bandleader of all time Glenn Miller. In the skit they go to the movie theater and "The Road to...

Jack Works in His Garden

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

March 30, 1941 - Jack benny works in his garden and has trouble with his writers. This episode mentions Frank Buck the animal collector, Luther Burban...

Salute to Greece Part 1

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

February 8, 1941 - This is an episode of a fundraising broadcast called America Calling in support of Greek forces fighting the invading Axis forces. ...

No Script

04 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Summer Fun in '41 January 12, 1941 - In this episode Jack is late with no script. His writers are not worried. This is a very funny episode on a whole...

Why make a Jack Benny Podcast?

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Podcast host John Henderson's wife Stephanie takes over the show to interview John about Jack Benny and making This Day in Jack Benny. BRAND NEW JACK ...