thisdaybenny

The Jack Benny Program 1944

<- Back to 1943

Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill

January 2, 1944 – New Years Eve
This day in 1944 Jack Benny and friends look back on the year with the allegory of The World Series: The Axis vs The Allies.

Download

January 9, 1944 – Pet Camel

In this EPISODE Jack Benny takes home his new pet camel. The camel sounds are performed by a young Stan Freberg in his only appearance on the Jack Benny show.

Download

January 16, 1944 – The Constant Nymph

From El Toro, California Alexis Smith makes guest appearance.

January 23, 1944 – Alexis Smith

Broadcasting form the Mojave Desert for a crowd of soldiers with guest Alexis Smith returning for the second week.

January 30, 1944 – The Horns Blows at Midnight

In this EPISODE Jack Benny fights for a love scene in his upcoming movie “The Horn Blows at Midnight”.

Download

February 6, 1944 – From Terminal Island

February 13, 1944 – Buying A Camel

Jack Benny tells the story of buying camels in Egypt last summer. Larry Adler the harmonica player joins him to re-create a portion of their USO act.

February 20, 1944 – Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx is the guest on this EPISODE of Jack Benny from 1944.

Download

February 27, 1944 – Hollywood Canteen

At the Hollywood Canteen Jack Benny and the gang broadcast for soldiers with guest Eddie Cantor.

March 5, 1944 – Now Cut That Out!

In this episode Jack Benny responds to Fred Allen calling him “The Surrey With No Fringe On Top”. It’s also the first time Jack says NOW CUT THAT OUT!

Download

March 12, 1944 – Live at Air Base

In this EPISODE Jack Benny and the gang are live at a Navy air base near San Fransisco.

Download

March 19, 1944 – Barbara Stanwyck

Dennis dreams he has his own show. Barbara Stanwyck is the guest star. References include the Merry Mac’s hit song “Mairzy Doats”.

Download

April 2, 1944 – Louella Parsons

Gossip columnist Louella Parsons is expected to visit for an interview with Jack benny.

Download

April 9, 1944 – Repairing Jack’s Sidewalk

April 16, 1944 – Bob Hope’s Brother

April 16, 1944 – The Bob Hope Show Parody. Jack benny and the gang are broadcasting from Stockton Airfield in San Joaquin county.

Download

April 23, 1944 – Dennis Leaves for the Navy

Broadcasting from Vancouver BC, Canada. This is his last episode before Dennis Day leaves for the Navy.

Download

April 28, 1944 – The Life Story of Jack Benny

May 14, 1944 – Infantry

Jack Benny at Camp Adair, Oregon in May 14, 1944. Listen to this EPISODE for the infantry.

Download

May 21, 1944 – Split Personality

Funny EPISODE of the Jack Benny Show. The death of a fictional gangster and “Sympathy Cough Syrup. Remember, Sympathy spelled backwards is Yhtapmys”

Download

June 4, 1944 – G.I. Jive

This is the last EPISODE sponsored by Grape Nuts Flakes in which Phil Harris sings “G.I. Jive”.

Download

October 1, 1944 – New Sponsor Lucky Strike

In this wartime EPISODE Jack Benny compares himself to General Patton. Jack is just back from entertaining the troops with the USO.

Download

1944 sinatra
October 8, 1944 – Frank Sinatra Offered Dennis’ Job

Frank Sinatra is a guest on this EPISODE from 1944. Plus Jack Benny tries to tip with expired ration tokens.

Download

October 15, 1944 – From Gardner Field Taft California

November 5, 1944 – The Mentalist

Jack Benny visits Dunninger the mentalists and finds a news singer, Larry Stevens.

Download

November 19, 1944 – From Corona Naval Hospital

November 26, 1944 – How Jack and the Gang Spent Thanksgiving Day

December 3, 1944 – Jack Gets Mad and Goes Home

December 10, 1944 – From San Bernardino California

December 17, 1944 – Going Christmas Shopping

Jack Benny meets Frank Sinatra in a drug store. Mary takes Christmas shopping.

December 24, 1944 – Trimming the Christmas Tree

December 24, 1944 – Jack Benny has some trouble while trying to decorate his Christmas tree in this Christmas Eve episode.

December 31, 1944 – Jack Resolves to Be Friends with Fred Allen

-> Proceed to 1945

The Jack Benny Program 1943

<- Back to 1942

January 3, 1943 – Bear Hunting

Broadcasting from Maine for an audience of soldiers, Jack Benny is given a live Lobster.

Download

January 10, 1943 – $64 Question

Guest conductor Benny Goodman joins Jack Benny, plus “Take It or Leave It” host Phil Baker.

Download

January 17, 1943 – Oscar Levant

In this EPISODE Jack Benny is getting ready to play the violin at Carnegie Hall with guest stars Oscar Levant and Joe Besser.

Download

January 24, 1943 – The McFarland Twins

Jack Benny talks with his guest bandleaders, The McFarland Twins, about the DC housing shortage.

Download

January 31, 1943 – Virginia Bruce

Broadcast from Quantico Marine Base, Virginia with the actress Virginia Bruce, director Gegory Ratoff and guest band the McFarland twins.

Download

February 7, 1943 – Georgie Jessel Hosts

Jack Benny is late for the broadcast and guest George Jessel subs until he arrives.

Download

February 14, 1943 – Birthday in Canada

Jack Benny celebrates his Valentine’s Day birthday broadcasting from Toronto, Canada in 1943.

Download

February 21, 1943 – Monument for Jack

Broadcasting from Chicago in 1943, guest bandleader Bob Crosby takes a collection for a Jack Benny statue.

Download

February 28, 1943 – Kit Carson

Jack Benny learns Judo from the military police in training at Fort Custer, Michigan.

Download

March 7, 1943 – Burns and Allen Host

With Jack Benny sick, Burns and Allen fill in. Gracie practices her “Concerto For Index Finger” which she hopes to play at Carnegie Hall.

Download

March 14, 1943 – Phil Harris Returns

Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and Phil Harris returns to the program after three months in the Merchant Marines.

Download

March 21, 1943 – Orson Welles Hosts Again

Host Orson Welles fills in for Jack Benny and takes cast to his movie set.

Download

March 28, 1943 – Orson Welles Still Hosts

March 28, 1943 – Orson Welles fills in for Jack a third time and does a murder mystery.

Download

April 4, 1943 – Final Orson Welles Host

Little Red Riding Hood with guest host Orson Welles filling in one last time for Jack Benny.

Download

April 11, 1943 – Recovering from Illness

Jack Benny returns to the show after illness. Orson Welles has been filling in for the past four weeks.

Download

April 18, 1943 – Jack Opens Swimming Pool for the Season

April 25, 1943 – Rochester’s Horse Is in the Kentucky Derby

May 2, 1943 – Renting Eddie Cantor’s House

May 16, 1943 – Rancho Benny

May 23, 1943 – Parachute Jump

October 10, 1943 – Home from North Africa

Jack returns from his USO tour. Behind the scenes there is a new group of writers.

October 17, 1943 – Casablanca

Jack Benny is back from his USO trip to Casablanca and recounts a story similar to the motion picture of the same name.

October 24, 1943 – Algiers

October 31, 1943 – Jack Pretends He Is Going to Brazil

November 7, 1943 – The Marine Corps

This EPISODE of Jack Benny took place during WWII. They are broadcasting from a US Marine Corps Air Base.

Download

November 14, 1943 – The Lone Palm

November 21, 1943 – Jack Dreams He’s a Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving from the front lines! In this EPISODE Jack Benny dreams he is a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Download

November 28, 1943 – Dennis Wants a Raise

December 5, 1943 – Driver’s License Test

Jack Benny has a new car after getting rid of the Maxwell and has to go in for a driver’s test. Download

December 12, 1943 – Dennis’ Mother Visits

December 19, 1943 – Jack and Mary Go Christmas Shopping

December 26, 1943-12-26 Christmas at Jack’s House

-> Proceed to 1944

The Jack Benny Program 1942

<- Back to 1941

January 4, 1942 – New Year’s Eve Party at the Biltmore Bowl

January 11, 1942 – From March Field

January 18, 1942 – All Music

This episode was broadcast two days after the sudden death of Jack Benny’s co-star Carole Lombard. The episode is all music.

Download

January 25, 1942 – The Frightwig Murder Case Part 1

February 1, 1942 – The Frightwig Murder Case Part 2

February 8, 1942 – Time Change

Jack is upset because Fred Allen has moved to Sundays. More trouble with the sound effects man.

Download

February 15, 1942 – Jack Can’t Get a Date on His Birthday

February 22, 1942 – At the San Francisco Presidio

March 3, 1942 – Jack Starts a Campaign for an Oscar

March 8, 1942 – From San Diego Marine Base

March 15, 1942 – Jack Lends Fred Allen $10

March 22, 1942 – Jack Plants a Victory Garden and Plays Golf

March 29, 1942 – The Racist Episode

A low point for The Jack Benny Show as the cast re-created a blackface minstrel show.

Download

April 5, 1942 – Don’s Commercial

April 12, 1942 – Try and Get It

April 19, 1942 – Desperate for JELL-O

In this EPISODE from 1942 Jack Benny steals a joke from his corny sound man. And a play all about JELL-O.

Download

April 26, 1942 – NBC San Francisco

Very fun EPISODE of the Jack Benny Show launching the new NBC studio, interrupted by a tour guide with an attitude.

Download

April 17, 1942 – Jack Imitates Fred Allen

May 31, 1942 – Best of The JELL-O Years

For Jack Benny fans: This EPISODE is the best of The JELL-O Years.

Download

October 4, 1942 – Share Your Car

In this EPISODE Mary Livingstone says that with his toupee slipping down, Jack Benny looks like Veronica Lake.

Download

October 11, 1942 – Barbara Stanwyck’s House

Jack Takes Two Cadets To Barbara Stanwyck’s House.

Download

October 18, 1942 – The Maxwell for Scrap

Jack Benny donates his old car, the Maxwell, for the scrap metal drive in support of the war effort.

Download

October 25, 1942 – Tales of Manhattan

Jack Benny takes on the triple role of Charles Boyer, Charles Laughton and Edward G. Robinson in “Tales of Manhattan”.

Download

November 1, 1942 – Jack and Phil Go Target Shooting

November 8, 1942 – Twink Family

The votes are in! Jack Benny is the newly elected sidewalk inspector of Beverly Hills, California.

Download

November 15, 1942 – Dennis’ Girl Dorothy Lamour

In this Jack Benny EPISODE Dennis Day stops by with his new girlfriend… movie star Dottie Lamour!

Download

November 22, 1942 – George Washington Slept Here Premiere

November 29, 1942 – Three Men in a Tank

In this episode Jack Benny and the gang hunt Nazi general Erwin Rommel.

Download

December 6, 1942 – Liberty Ship

This is Phil Harris’ last show before joining the Merchant Marines with his band.

Download

December 13, 1942 – From New York

December 20, 1942 – George Washington Slept Here

Christmas1942 December 24, 1942 -Christmas Eve 1942

Command Performance featuring Bob Hope, Red Skelton, The Andrews Sisters, Spike Jones, Bing Crosby, Edger Bergen, Fred Allen with Jack Benny and more.

Download

December 27, 1942 – New Years Eve Skit

-> Proceed to 1943

The Jack Benny Program 1941

<- Back to 1940

newyear1941 January 5, 1941 – Christmas Gift Exchange

Happy New Year 1941. In this EPISODE Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone tell Don Wilson about the New Year’s Eve party they attended together last week. They don’t exactly agree on the details.

Download

January 12, 1941 – No Script

In this EPISODE Jack Benny is on-the-air and his writers have not written the show yet… And a robot!

Download

January 19, 1941 – City of Conquest

About Jack Benny’s footprints. An EPISODE from 1941.

Download

February 2, 1941 – Herbert Marshall Hosts

The Jack benny Program without Jack Benny.

Download

February 8, 1941 – Salute to Greece (BONUS)

Jack Benny and Bob Hope host a charity broadcast with a Hollywood guest stars.

Download Part 1

Become a Patron to hear Part 2

February 9, 1941 – Jack Benny is Back

The Sponsor Likes Herbert Marshall. They talk about Phil Harris’ new song “That’s What I Like About The South”.

Download

February 16, 1941 – Surprise Birthday Party

Surprise! It’s Jack Benny’s Birthday and his pals throw him a party!

Download

tipiMotel BW
February 24, 1941 – Tipi Motel

While the rest of the cast is staying in the high end hotels in Palm Springs, Jack Benny is staying at the Tipi Motel, which he says is named after the owner T.P. Ginsburg.

Download

March 2, 1941 – Taquitz Falls

In this EPISODE of the podcast I contrast the real Navajo with the stereotype character in the Jack Benny episode.

Download

the-racquet-club March 9, 1941 – Murder at the Racquet Club

March 9, 1941 – The Jack Benny Show is broadcasting from Palm Springs with special guests Peter Lorie and the Guadalajara Trio.

Download

arm and hammer March 16, 1941 – Jack’s New Muscle

In this EPISODE Jack Benny’s new arm muscle is compared to the box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.

Download

Tobacco Road movie March 23, 1941 – Tobacco Road

Everyone plays hillbillies in this EPISODE of Jack Benny where they spoof the movie “Tobacco Road”.

Download

March 30, 1941 – Jack Works in His Garden

In this EPISODE from 1941 Don Wilson mentions that he is in a western movie as Sheriff Slim.

Download

April 6, 1941 – Quiz Kids Versus JellO Kids

April 13, 1941 – Jack Prepares for Appearance on the Quiz Kid

April 20, 1941 – Jack’s Upset about His Appearance on the Quiz Kids

Listen to highlights of Jack Benny’s appearance on the Quiz Kids in this EPISODE from 75 years ago today.

Download

April 27, 1941 – Murder at the Movies

In this EPISODE of the Jack Benny show, the gang tries to solve a murder at a movie theater.

Download

May 11, 1941 – Musical Tribute to Jack Benny

NBC takes over half the show for a 10th Anniversary celebration of Jack Benny in song.

References include Jack Oakie, Fred Allen, the Marx brothers and Eva Tanguay.

Download

May 18, 1941 – Charley’s Aunt

May 25, 1941 – The Life of Philbert Harris

Phil Harris and Alice Faye get married! Then “Mr. District Attorney” Thomas E Dewey does a guest spot that is all business.

Download

June 1, 1941 – Battleship

Broadcasting from the San Diego Naval Training Centre, in this EPISODE Jack Benny visits a Battleship.

Download

October 7, 1941 – Brooklyn Dodgers

Phil Harris is in love, and Mary Livingstone goes to a World Series game with Jack Benny.

Download

October 12, 1941 – Columbus Day

Jack Benny and the gang read reviews of last week’s opening program as they wrap up thier short trip to New York.

Download

October 19, 1941 – Train to L.A.

Jack Benny and the gang are heading back to the west coast by train. Phil Harris mentions the etiquette expert Emily Post.

Download

October 26, 1941 – Dive Bomber

October 26, 1941 – In this EPISODE Jack Benny wants to play the most dramatic role in “Dive Bomber”.

Download

November 2, 1941 – Halloween

Jack and the gang are making mischief on Halloween with guest star Basil Rathbone as himself.

Download

November 9, 1941 – Ernst Lubitsch

Jack Benny talks about filming a new movie with Carole Lombard and director Ernst Lubitsch.

Download

November 16, 1941 – Duck Hunt

In this EPISODE Phil Harris tells Jack Benny about his plans to be in a Thanksgiving play. Listen for Arthur Q. Bryan (the voice of Elmer Fudd).

Download

November 23, 1941 – Alice Faye

Jack Benny invites the cast to his house for Thanksgiving day dinner.

Download

November 30, 1941 – Dr Jekyll and Mr.Hyde

Jack Benny plays both Jekyll and Hyde in this EPISODE’s spoof of the Spencer Tracy horror movie.

Download

December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor

This EPISODE of Jack Benny is from the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Download

December 14, 1941 – Christmas Shopping for Dennis

After a ride in the Maxwell, Jack goes to a department store to get Dennis a bird on a stick toy.

Download

December 28, 1941 – Jack Talks about a Christmas Party He Gave

-> Proceed to 1942

The Jack Benny Program 1940

<- Back 10 1939

January 7, 1940 – Golden Boy

A great EPISODE of Jack Benny with a guest star reprising her movie role…sort of.

Download

January 14, 1940 – Violin Movie
Jack Benny plays one of the world’s great violinists in this EPISODE’s spoof of the 1939 Ingrid Bergman movie “Intermezzo”.

Download

January 19, 1940 – Radio Guide (Bonus)

Jack Benny and his cast are featured in this variety show EPISODE to promote the launch of “Movie & Radio Guide”.

Download

January 21, 1940 – Jack’s Girlfriend
Jack Benny tries to call his girlfriend in this EPISODE from 1940. That’s Z-Y-B-Y-S-K-O

Download

January 28, 1940 – Murder on the Bay Bridge

This EPISODE of Jack Benny was recorded live for a huge crowd in Oakland, CA to raise money for Polio research.

Download

January 30, 1940 – The March of Dimes (Bonus)

In this EPISODE of the March of Dimes Jack Benny and Eddie Cantor do an old school vaudeville routine.

Download

February 4, 1940 – Leaving for Yosemite
This EPISODE of Jack Benny picks up just after their live show. It ends as a “to be continued” with the gang on the way to Yosemite.

Download

February 11, 1940 – Arriving at Yosemite
Jack and the gang are driving to Yosemite. Jack is compared to racer driver Barney Oldfield.

Download

February 18, 1940 – Skiing at Yosemite
In the only serial of it’s kind on the JELL-O Program, Jack Benny and the gang finally arrive in Yosemite to ski.

Download

RoverBoys-cover-2
February 25, 1940 – Birthday In Yosemite
In this EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny is in bed on his birthday after his skiing accident and Frank Nelson is the doctor! Plus, Mary jokes about the Rover Boys…wait, who are the Rover Boys?

Download

March 3, 1940 – Gracie for President
Gracie Allen shows up to campaign for president in this EPISODE of Jack Benny from 1940.

Download

March 10, 1940 – Mr.Benny Goes to Washington
In this EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny takes on Jimmy Stewart’s role in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”.

Download

March 17, 1940 – Hunchback of Notre Dame
Orson Welles teaches Jack Benny acting in this EPISODE from 1940. Jack learns to grunt like Quasimodo.

Download

March 24, 1940 – June Moon (Bonus)

In this EPISODE of Orson Welles’ dramatic radio program, Jack Benny is the guest star.

Download

March 24, 1940 – Pinocchio Trailer

Happy Easter! This EPISODE from 1940 has a sketch “written by Don Wilson” plus an Ed Sullivan clip.

Download

March 31, 1940 – Pinocchio

This EPISODE of Jack Benny is a spoof of Pinocchio and includes the Disney songs with just a few JELL-O twists.

Download

April 7, 1940 – Buck Benny is Back

This EPISODE is the return of Jack Benn’s old Buck Benny western skit, just ahead of his new Buck Benny movie.

Download

April 14, 1940 – To New York by Train

Calling all adventure fans! This EPISODE of the Jack Benny Program is on the move!

Download

April 21, 1940 – From the Ritz Theater NY

“That’s Hellzapoppin!” What? This EPISODE of the Jack Benny Program is on location in New York.

Download

April 24, 1940 – Buck Benny Rides Again (BONUS)

What if the Jack Benny film “Buck Benny Rides Again” was an old radio episode? Listen to find out.

Download

April 28, 1940 – Buck Benny at the Paramount Theater

In this EPISODE Jack and the gang are in New York for the premiere of Buck Benny Rides Again.

Download

May 5, 1940 – Clown Hall Tonight

In this EPISODE of the Jack Benny Program from May 1940, they spoof the Fred Allen Show

Download

May 12, 1940 – Returns on a Plane

What was it like to fly on a commercial airline in 1940? Find out in this EPISODE of the Jack Benny Show.

Download

M ay 19, 1940 – Northwest Passage

The skit in this EPISODE of Jack Benny is a spoof on a forgotten Technicolor movie “Northwest Passage”.

Download

May 26, 1940 – Party for Sponsor

“Hors d’oeuvre: A Ham Sandwich Cut into 40 Pieces.” Classic joke from this EPISODE of Jack Benny.

Download

June 2, 1940 – Hillbilly Feud

In this EPISODE of The Jack Benny Program Rochester buys a racehorse on an installment plan.

Download

[http://traffic.libsyn.com/jackbennypodcast/1940-06-02_Jack_Benny_377_Hillbilly_Feud_1.mp3 ]

June 9, 1940 – Vacation Plans

“What’s going on here!” Dennis Day is hilarious in this EPISODE of the Jack Benny Program from June of 1940.

Download

June 16, 1940 – Father’s Day

Henreeee, Henry Aldrich! makes a guest appearance in the 1940 season finale of the Jack Benny Program.

Download

June 19, 1940 – Fred Allen Interviews Jack Benny (Bonus)

In this EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny is interviewed by Fred Allen. The most passive-aggressive feud yet.

Download

October 6, 1940 – The Blue Fairy

Listen kid, The Blue Fairy is featured in this EPISODE OF Jack Benny from 1940.

Download

October 13, 1940 – Reading Reviews

In this EPISODE Jack Benny tells how he was robbed by a little person at the circus.

Download

October 20, 1940 – Jack Tries to Sell the Maxwell

In this EPISODE from October 1940, Jack Benny tries to trade in his old Maxwell for this new luxury convertible.

Download

October 20, 1940 – Screen Guild Theater (Bonus)

In this EPISODE Jack Benny tries to replace Basil Rathbone as the love of Claudette Colbert in a radio play.

Download

1940_Football October 27, 1940 – Hold That Line

In this EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny and his team play a game of football. Meanwhile Phil Harris stuns everyone by using a big word correctly.

Download

LoveThyDog
November 10, 1940 – Dog Catcher

In this EPISODE Jack Benny is elected dog catcher of Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Jack and Fred Allen are fighting about their upcoming movie “Love Thy Neighbor”.

Download

November 17, 1940 – Mary Martin

In this EPISODE Jack Benny’s feud with Fred Allen takes him to a movie studio where he runs into Mary Martin.

Download

November 21, 1940 – Baby Snooks with Jack Benny (Bonus)

In this variety show EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny is featured alongside Baby Snooks.

Download

November 24, 1940 – Don is a Newlywed

Don Wilson has just gotten married and invited the whole gang to his house to meet his new wife Peggy.

Download

December 1, 1940 – Jack Catches a Cold

In this EPISODE Jack Benny has a cold so Mary Livingstone add vapour rub to his omelette.

Download

December 8, 1940 – Don Wilson Walks Out

In this EPISODE from 1940 Jack Benny does his impression of Kit Carson.

Download

CarmenMiranda1940 December 15, 1940 – The Bodyguard

Just ahead of the premier for “Love Thy Neighbor”, Jack Benny gets a bodyguard to protect himself from Fred Allen’s goons. Plus Jack’s Carmen Miranda hat.

Download

December 17, 1940 – “Love Thy Neighbor” Preview (Bonus)

Jack Benny and Fred Allen Star in the movie “Love Thy Neighbor”. This EPISODE is a radio preview of the movie.

Download

roseland December 22, 1940 – Dennis vs Kenny

In this EPISODE of Jack Benny, just days before Christmas 1940, Dennis Day and Kenny Baker try to out smart each other.

Download

-> Proceed to 1941