PODCAST · comedy
This Day in Jack Benny
by John Henderson
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever."The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
Episodes
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Wings of the Hawk
October 18, 1953 - Jack Benny does a parody of the movie "Wings of the Hawk" in which Van Hefin plays a prospector in Mexico caught up in a fight bewteen the rebels and the federales. References include Bing Crosby and Popeye the sailor.
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Home From Algiers
October 24, 1943 - Jack Benny rides the train and tells another story from his time overseas. This story turns out to be a spoof of the Charles Boyer movie Algiers. References include the Moscow conference, Claudette Colbert, Joan Bennett, Gary Cooper, Fred Allen, the quiz kid Joel Cupperman and…
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The Finale That Never Was (BONUS)
June 3, 2026 - No Soap Radio presents an "The Finale That Never Was" original Jack Benny script written by Craig Shemin. When Jack Benny retired from radio in 1955 no farewell episode was ever produced. Craig has remedied that with our version in which Jack says goodbye to his radio audience. The...
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Jack Benny on the Danny Kaye Show (BONUS)
October 26, 1945 - With Danny Kaye entertaining the troops overseas Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Rochester, Larry Stevens and Don Wilson fill in on The Danny Kaye Show.
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A Day in The Life of Dennis Day (BONUS)
October 3, 1946 - This is the first episode of Dennis Day's show, a spin off of Jack Benny. This episode is titles "Masquerade". In it they mention the racy book "Forever Amber", the housing shortage, and actor Charles Boyer. Enjoy!
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Fred Allen with Jack Haley and Phil Harris (BONUS)
January 23, 1949 - The Fred Allen Show with special guest Jack Haley (Tin Man) and featuring Phil Harris. Phil was out east for President Truman's Inauguration.
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"The Horn Blows at Midnight" on Ford Theater (BONUS)
March 4, 1949 - Jack Benny is the guest star on The Ford Theater for a radio adaptation of his movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight". This program follows the Jack Warner episode of The Jack benny Program. https://thisdaybenny.com/2021/08/13/jack-warner-ford-theater/
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Phil Harris - Tutor for Girls (BONUS)
October 20, 1946 - This is the second (available) episode of The Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show, which was known as The Fitch Bandwagon and this time.
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Theater of Thrills (BONUS)
A new intro to the Jack Benny episode of Suspense "A Good and Faithful Servant" from June 2, 1952. Theater of Thrills Podcast https://thisdaybenny.com/thrills/ YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikJzeXUDQ4U
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Bing Crosby's Gift for Jack Benny (Bonus)
February 12, 1953 - Bing Crosby's General Electric Program with guest star Jack Benny. Bing get's Jack a gift for his birthday. Then he introduces his guest violin soloist, Joe Venuti.
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Recollections at 30 (BONUS)
November 21, 1956 - Thirty years of NBC radio. A look back at the days of old time radio, made durning the days of old time radio. Clips of Jack Benny, Fred Allen and more!
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Move to CBS Unbroadcast Specials (BONUS)
December 22, 1948 - CBS's Experimental Broadcast A preview episode of the Jack Benny show at the CBS studio. December 23, 1948 - CBS Corporate Broadcast A Closed Circuit broadcast for CBS affiliate stations.
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Bob Hope with guest Jack Benny (BONUS)
November 9, 1948 - Bob Hope tore a muscle on the set of his latest movie and Jack Benny stops by to wish him 'get well soon'. In his fast-talking style Bob hope references many songs both old and new.
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G.I. Journal with Rochester and Mel Blanc (BONUS)
August 21, 1943 - Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is guest star on G.I. Journal radio program, with Kay Kyser and Mel Blanc.
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The Charlie McCarthy Show with Jack Benny (BONUS)
October 6, 1946 - Jack Benny guest stars on ventriloquist Edgar Bergan's radio program. It's a fun episode with Jack trying to get some publicity from the dummy.
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Heifetz and Benny 1942 (BONUS)
Summer of 1942 Jack Benny and Jascha Heifetz appear on Command Performance along with Ethel Waters, Richard Haydn and Edward Arnold.
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Parachute Jump
May 23, 1943 - From Gardner Field, near Taft, California. References include pin-up girl Betty Grable, the movie "Hello Frisco, Hello", Beeman's pepsin chewing gum, and rumble seats.
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The Automat
May 17 and 24, 1936 - Everybody's not so hot. Jack leaves New York for California with a visit from the travel agent. Jack and the gang visit the automat. These are two partial episodes edited together for a better listening expirence. References include Greta Garbo, James Cagney, Clark Gable…
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Rancho Benny (Basic 7 Foods)
May 16, 1943 - From the Marine training station at Camp Pendleton, California Jack Benny talks about being a lumberjack and the cast does a Mexican theme sketch. References include Dennis Day's new movie "The Powers Girls" and Rochester's new movie "Cabin in the Sky".
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Going to the Zoo
May 11, 1952 - Jack takes the Beavers to the zoo while Roy and Rochester clean on Mother's Day. References include Johnny Ray, Ike Eisenhower and Senator Estes Kefauver, Tarzan, and animal trainer Clyde Beatty.
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At the Ball Game (Jimmy Durante)
May 4, 1952 - Jack Fixes the Phonograph. Jack and Mary go to a Los Angeles vs Seattle baseball game. References include president Truman's televised tour of the white house, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, songs "Slow Poke", "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", "Dardanella", "The Sheik of Araby", "Keep the...
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Swimming Pool (Loretta Young)
April 18, 1943 - Jack Opens Swimming Pool for the Season. Loretta Young comes for a quick PSA for War Bonds. References include Eddie Cantor, Ronald Colman, Fred Allen, Barbara Stanwick, Ann Southern, Claudette Colbert, the Tom Colins cocktail, victory gardens, and bloomers.
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Seance (Who Stole the Ding Dong?)
April 25, 1954 - Seance at Jack's home after lunch at the diner. References include the song "Somebody Bad Stole de Wedding Bell" by Ertha Kitt, the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Edward R. Murrow confronting Senator Joseph McCarthy, British sportscars called MGs, the "fat, fat lady in the...
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A Yank at Oxford
April 10, 1938 - Jack Benny talks about building a house in Beverly Hills. References include British foreign secretary Anthony Eden, comedian Fred Allen, the song "A Cup of Coffee a Sandwich and You", and the movie A Yank at Oxford with Robert Taylor.
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Don Wilson on Eddie Cantor Show (BONUS)
April 25, 1937 - Texaco Town with Eddie Cantor. Eddie's announcer Jimmy Wallington wants to quit the show and Don Wilson pops in as a surprise guest. Plus Mr. Kitzel as part of his short time on the program. References include the book "Gone with the Wind", movie stars Clark Gable, Gary Cooper,...
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Happy Easter (Eclipse)
April 17, 1949 - A Walk Through The Easter Parade Jack and Mary meet their friends and neighbors from Mr. Kitzel to Frank Nelson. References include Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in the musical "Easter Parade" and the Lunar Eclipse.
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Alan Ladd
March 25, 1945 - Murder Mystery with guest star Alan Ladd. Mary Livingstone was named best dressed woman in radio. References include Humphrey Bogart and Fred Allen.
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How Jack Found Rochester
March 11, 1945 - Jack and the gand practice archery, then a reporter comes and asks about Rochester, featuring guests Amos 'n Andy. References include the songs "Hot Time in the Town of Berlin" and "In My Merry Oldsmobile", the movie "The Last of the Mohicans", the Mr. Anthony advise program, and...
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Haunted House/Western
March 11 & 18, 1934 - Jack sleeps in a haunted house and the cast does an Arizona western play.
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Mad About The Oscars
March 1, 1942 - Jack Benny is upset that his movie "Charlie's Aunt" didn't win him an Academy Award, he falls asleep and dreams of what might have happened. References include Oscar winner Gary Cooper and Joan Fontaine, Fred Allen, Frank Buck, and the old French motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense"…
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Washington DC (The Whistler)
February 26, 1950 - Jack Benny talks about his trip to Washington DC, then they do a parody of the mystery radio show "The Whistler". They did this same parody on the episode from October 20, 1946. References include President Truman, the Gallup Poll, breakfast cereals, and the songs "Dear Hearts...
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House in Palm Springs (I Think)
February 22, 1948 - Jack Benny and the gang are in Palm Springs and they visit the site where his new house is being built. There is also a cameo by Frank Sinatra. References include "The Lady of 29 Palms" by the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna, AFRA (American Federation…
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Surprise Birthday Party
February 15, 1948 - Jack Turns 39 and for his birthday everyone plans to throw him a surprise party. References include Bob Hope, Al Jolson, Jasha Hiefetz, the Academy Awards, the Oranges of Riverside Californiaand Townsend clubs.
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Musical Tribute to Jack Benny
May 11, 1941 - NBC Tribute 10th Anniversary. Jack and the gang talk about the testimonial dinner that took place this weekend in Jack Benny's honor. Then the episode is taken over by the NBC players' telling the life story of Jack in song. References include Jack Oakie, Fred Allen, the Marx...
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Testimonial Dinner (10th Anniversary)
May 9, 1941 - NBC 10th Anniversary Testimonial Dinner. Rudy Valli hosts a formal dinner in Jack Benny's honor with speeches by Edgar Bergan and Charlie McCarthy, Fibber McGee and Molly, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Bob Hope, George Jessel, Paramount Sudios head Y. Frank Freeman, NBC president...
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Salute to Jack Benny (10th Anniversary)
May 4 & May 9, 1941 - Behind the Mike with Don Wilson interviewing Jack Benny and the NBC Special 10th Anniversary Salute to Jack Benny. Plus it's the 10th anniversary of This Day In Jack Benny!
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Elephant's Graveyard (Deleted Scene)
January 9, 1955 - The Elephant's Graveyard Mystery. Jack Benny walks around the neighborhood in the morning, then decides to read an adventure book. References include Burns and Allen, Robert Montgomery, William Bendix, Jane Russell, sanforization of clothes and the book "Tom Swift and His…
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George Burns and Jack Benny are Gypsies (Bonus)
January 8, 1948 - Jack Benny is the guest in Maxwell House Coffee Time with George Burns and Gracie Allen. Jack Benny wants to be appreciated for his violin playing and George Burns wants to be appreciated for his singing voice. Gracie recommends they disguise themselves as Gypsies.
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New Year's Fantasy (1950 In Review)
December 31, 1950 - The old time 1950 gives advice to baby 1951 in this New Year's Eve Fantasy skit. References include the Korean War, radio show "Life Can Be Beautiful", the movie "Harriet Craig", TV host Faye Emerson, singers Frank Sinatra and Al Jolson, bandleaders Wayne King, Kay Kyser and…
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Trimming the Christmas Tree
December 24, 1944 - Jack Benny has some trouble while trying to decorate his Christmas tree in this Christmas Eve episode. Plus Jack gives a heartfelt Christmas speech to those fighting in the war. References include the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas", the author Mark Twain, inventors...
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Frank Sinatra In Person (BONUS)
December 18, 1944 - Jack Benny is the guest on Frank Sinatra's radio show "Frank Sinatra in Person". References include Fibber McGee, Bing Crosby and Fred Allen, plus war bonds and Vigero plant food.
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Going Christmas Shopping (Sinatra)
December 17, 1944 - Jack meets Frank Sinatra in a drug store. Mary drives Jack to go Christmas shopping. References include Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor, Fred Allen, women drivers, rationing, and the Gruen watch time signal.
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Christmas Shopping (Gold Cufflinks)
December 2, 1951 - Jack goes shopping for cufflinks for Don. The racetrack tout plays the department store Santa Claus. References include advertising of the major cigarette brands, Ronson lighters, Napoleon Brandy, oil millionaire Glenn MacCarthy, actors Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Jimmy…
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Turkey Court (Banned in Boston)
November 30, 1947 - Jack Benny has a turkey dream after Thanksgiving. References include Fred Allen, Betty Grable, Stokowski, Toskinini, Rochefort Beer and Coronet Magazine quizzes.
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Biopic of Jack Benny
November 23, 1947 - Movie Of Jack's Life, Thanksgiving Show. References include the royal wedding, cars with motors in the rear, Phil Spitalney, John Wilks Booth, boxers Jack Dempsy and Slapsie Maxie, and actors Roddy McDowell, Mickey Rooney, Cornel Wilde, Errol Flynn, and Clark Gable.
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Madame Zombie (Screeno)
November 13, 1938 - Jack steals a girl from Phil Harris. Jack and Mary go see a fortune teller. References include Screeno.
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All American (Tony Curtis)
November 8, 1953 - Jack Benny plays the role originated by a young Tony Curtis from his football movie "All American". References include newsman Edward R Murrow, the "quiz show with a heart" Strike it Rich, the soap opera John's Other Wife, and the WWII greese collection program Save Your Fat Week.
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The Don Wilson Story (Mr. Anthony)
October 30, 1949 - Don Wilson is celebrating the anniversary of 25 years in radio. Frank Sinatra makes a guest appearance. References include the soap opera "Life Can Be Beautiful" and the advice show of John J. Anthony.
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Lost Golf Ball (Ghost Dance)
October 26, 1947 - Seventh Hole at Hillcrest Country Club. Jack Benny and Rochester look for the golf ball that Jack hit into the woods last week. Jack and Mary talk about their picture in the new issue of Radio Mirror magazine. The Sportsmen Quartet sings The Ghost Dance. References include the...
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House For Sale
October 11, 1953 - Jack tries to sell his house for $100,000. References include Jack's old singer Kenny Baker, Milton Berl, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Nation Wine Week, Cinerama, and the song "I want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad)".
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever."The Jack Benny program, starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and yours truly Don Wilson"
HOSTED BY
John Henderson
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