I was only eight or nine years old but I remember sitting around in the living room in the evening watching Jack Benny with both my parents and brothers what precious times were those and we didn’t even know it.
I saw Mr. Benny on stage in the 70's. He was hilarious he called for someone to bring his " Stradivarius and the man came running down the isle with it and tripped and through it into the air and smashed on the stage and the whole audience just gasped. And then he went into the famou scrossed arms and deadpan stare and a prolonged "welllll" looking all around the theatre. And the house Just erupted and that was the end of the show. Brilliant.
He was my alll-time favorite, so much so that I remember exactly where I was in my house when it was announced on radio that he had passed away. He was one of a kind and I still enjoy his televised Jack Benny sitcoms, nor will I ever get tired of viewing them. RIP JACK BENNY; YOU ARE SORELY MISSED.
Met Jack Benny after one of his fundraiser concerts in Des Moines, IA. He was tired, but still stopped to give a kid an autograph. A true gentleman and a consummate entertainer. God bless him.
I am both thrilled for you and ENVIOUS at the same time. I was just a toddler when he died, never would have met him. Glad you could meet the finest comedian ever!!
I recall listening to the Jack Benny Show on radio every Sunday evening from 7:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. on WTAG, Worcester, MA which I believe was a CBS affiliate. The simplicity and innocence of his humor made me laugh as a very young child in the early 1950s and this carried over to his television programs. His cast of regulars such as his butler Rochester, his wife Mary, and his announcer Don added to this gem of comedy which is no longer in existence. We are so fortunate to view this history with such ease and convenience. Thank you for sharing.
I would sit and as my mother would say, 'with my ear glued to the radio' and listen to Jack, Rochester, Denis, and Mary every week. Loved the man and the show.
Thank you so very much David for sharing this gem treasure of a video of Jack Benny. God had a very special plan when He created the 80+ years life of Benjamin Kubelsky aka Jack Benny on this earth to share with other humans.
I'm envious we do not have good clean entertainers with personality in the mainstream like this today. I am blessed to be of the final generation that will remember people like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, George Burns, etc while they were still alive and performing.
Ditto! I'm 59 and remember fondly as a guest on other stars "variety shows" in the late 60's and 70's. Thank God for the old vinyl albums and VHS tapes available at the local public library. We still get to enjoy ALL of his work. (Yes, even the, achem, MOVIES too!).
nobodyaskedbut : I feel that way about the Carnac the Magnificent skit involving Ed McMahon...........and revere all the MIGHTY CARSON~ARTS PLAYERS AND SKITS! FMI: did Doc or Ed ever guest host ?
Watching this makes me appreciate having been around long enough to see such giants as Jack, Groucho, and Jack Paar..we shall never be as lucky to see people like this ever again..
Thank you so much for posting this important remembrance of a true comedian icon. I’m 56 and recently discovered his radio show which has enabled me to survive my work’s stress. My youngest daughter who is 18 is a fan of the 30s and 40s (she believes she was born in the wrong era) but I am sharing this man’s brilliance. Thank you again. I encourage you to share of other talents we all should be reminded of. Thank you so much!
A very sad day indeed in my heart he was like family, a fantastic talent and a good human being. I still miss him, he i'm sure is now making the Heavens roar with laughter eternally Tommy G
One comment that made a deep impression on me, was when someone recalled their grandparents sobbing & crying the day that Jack Benny died. They weren't of a generation who were much into public emotion, but what it *meant to them*
A few months before Jack Benny died I was lucky enough to see him in concert. He played a hot swing number on his violin. He was damn good! He played in the orchestra for the Marx Brothers Broadway shows. You couldn't do that if you were bad.
I bought Jack Benny radio shows when we were traveling around New England. Back when cars had cassette players. We would ride down the road, laughing hysterically. Best road trips ever! People would look at us like we were nuts. Lol
J.R. Taylor Fortunately, there are many recordings of their programs, and the internet makes them more available. One great sketch (which lasted weeks) was Jack Benny’s “feud” with Fred Allen, which they both did on both their programs. It was so well done that many people thought the feud was real.
djmcnerney I’m not sure Jack Benny would agree. While many remember Gracie Allen as the comic to George Burns’ straight man, who would snap off one-liners in between, it was George Burns who was writing the material for both of them. In comedy, it’s often more difficult to do the straight part, as the timing has to be perfect. If you’ve ever watched Bob Newhart’s television programs, you’ll get a sense of what I mean. Or look at Abbot and Costello. Their most famous bit was “Who’s on First?” They didn’t create it; it had been around for a long time. But they were the best at performing it, largely because they had perfect timing. In most of those comedy duos, the straight man was usually paid more - because it was more difficult to perform that role. Jack Benny and George Burns were very close friends. Burns was so upset at Jack’s funeral that he couldn’t finish the eulogy. Bob Hope stepped up and finished. But George was known as “the comedian’s comedian”, because he could make Jack Benny laugh uncontrollably. Jack was supposed to do one of the leads in the movie version of “The Sunshine Boys”, but had been told by his doctors that he would be unable to because he had cancer (which took his life). The producers weren’t sure what to do; how do you replace Jack Benny? Well, it was Jack Benny who suggested George Burns. Burns had been struggling since the death of his wife, he was known as part of a team, “Burns and Allen”. Anyway, Burns was cast in the role, and only went on to win an Oscar, and revive his career as a solo act. And that struggle was not just a professional one. Burns really had a tough time coping with grief with the loss of his wife.
Loved this. It took me back "home" watching Jack Benny on our very first 10 or 12-inch black and white TV. And of course with my family and/or friends. 🤗💕 Good memories...What a different time it was!
john chapman Well, If he didn’t, his writers did. Jack took very good care of his writers. Many worked with him for decades, which was unusual even back then. Jack’s fictional stinginess was completely fictional. In reality, he was an extremely generous man. Even in his final illness, he was helping one of his best friends, George Burns. Jack was supposed to do the film version of “The Sunshine Boys”, but his cancer, which was terminal, prevented him from doing it. The producers were dismayed, and were unsure whether to even go ahead. Jack suggested giving the role to George Burns. Burns was having a very difficult time, mourning the loss of his wife, Gracie Allen. The two also were a team for decades, and George was having trouble maintaining his career without her. But George got the part in the film, and I think he won an Oscar for it. But it revived his career in the 1970’s, as a solo act. It probably wouldn’t have happened without Jack Benny’s generosity in recommending him. One thing Jack Benny didn’t have (in real life), was an overinflated ego, which is an occupational hazard in show business.
He was a genius and his TV and radio work is a masterclass in the art of comedy. It's a privilege to have these documents to enjoy and study. That last bit with the violins is hilarious and so smart. I'm so glad his work is saved for us to enjoy now. Thanks.
Mr. Jack Benny was a national treasure. Never did anything to insult anyone or to hurt anyone. I wish more "entertainers" would emulate his style and his manners.
Without any hesitation, I would give Jack Benny first prize as the greatest comedian of all time. What other comic could get an audience to break up in Gales of laughter just by staring at them! He was such an original. He wasn't afraid to surround himself with funny people and give them all the jokes. He could always top them simply by his silent reaction and by saying nothing. I never Tire of watching his TV episodes on RUclips. And don't get me started on the unique and hilarious Frank Nelson... "Yeeeeeesssssss..." Oh, they were great! The greatest!
This came on following an episode of The Jack Benny Show, and I was delighted to watch it. Jack Benny was such a wonderful, genuine man who loved to make people happy and laugh. All those on his show were wonderful folks as well, and made eachother shine brighter. Especially now, the world needs more Jack Bennys.
He always looks at the audience after the gag. I love the early Danny Thomas part at 2:07. “What’s so funny about you?” It was frustrating for Danny because Jack had to do nothing to get laughs. 8:39 Carol Burnett’s, “the greatest reactor” is so true. The “contained look”. He got a second laugh and he played it out perfectly.
"I've been in show business... probably... sixty years." Which is pretty good for a guy who's only 39. Loved the dueling violins in the closing credits. =)
My father's favorite comedian and rightfully so! I remember as a child watching that wonderful "Getting To Know You" duet. Gisele MacKenzie was an amazing talent but the two of them together was something very special. Thank you, David Levecke, for posting this documentary. As for Jack Benny, what can be said that hasn't already been said? He was all the superlatives that have described him over the years.
I'm with you! Gisele MacKenzie had it all: good singer; fine pianist; impressive violinist; actress; comedienne; dancer; warm personality. I can't think of another person in show business with such breadth and depth of talent. I miss Jack and Gisele both and I'm so glad I own a 4-DVD set of Jack's TV show that features Gisele, too. I play them many times over,.
@@fredericmartin7148 We both have excellent taste! It's sad that with all of Gisele's talents, to me, it seems that she never got the notoriety that she so much deserved. I've watched the "Getting To Know You" duet many times on youtube. It's such a shining example of perfect entertainment! To quote Frank Sinatra in "That's Entertainment", "you can sit around and hope but I'll tell you, you'll never see the likes of that again."
I also grew up with Jack Benny. I still listen to him on vintage radio and watch his shows on RUclips….I absolutely LOVE that man and consider him to be the BEST comedian of ALL TIME.
I'm an old guy (78) and was lucky to know and listen to all the old radio programs too. I loved every minute of each. Not sure if I liked radio more than TV, it's very close. However his show was and still is fabulous comedic entertainment. Such great family fun. Thanks for putting all this together. It just gives me wonderful memories. He was the most generous personality that gave so much to his guests.
So, I am old and my childhood was entertained by Jack Benny and so many comedy RADIO shows before TV made it to our city. I enjoyed those shows as much, probably more, that the televised ones. Using your imagination made it more fun. Really, you young whippersnappers, it was great. Fibber McGee and Molly, Amos and Andy where the Kingfisher became a bigger character than the leads, Baby Snooks, I would love to relive those shows.
Me too! At almost 74, I grew up with some of the best: Jack Benney, Jackie Gleason, Sid Ceaser, Carol Burnett, etc. Listening to these Golden Oldies, after so many years, is wonderful! 😍💖
I grew up in the early 1950s listening and watching Jack Benny on a small black and white TV when I lived in teh Camp Kilmer area whee broadcasts came out of New York City. Watching this brough some tears of joy ans remembrance of those days. Those days are gone, but memories live on forever in my heart!
There’s nothing like a good comedy! You might be interested in this NEW one, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners AND two ghost stories listed at my channel “Claude Chabot Presents” right here on YT. Just follow the link here and enjoy! ruclips.net/video/Hex2ltykNTM/видео.html--Claud.
Jack Benny was my absolute favorite comic growing up in the late 80's. My dad exposed me to "the Golden Age of Radio" and I listened to those cassettes hundreds of times. Some of my best memories, hands down. My brother's and I still quote things from Jack Benny's show. Many others too, but Benny was and is my favorite.
It is now September 2019. I just watched the part (around 27:00) of Benny, Mel Blanc and the "Sy, Sue, Si" routine. Which I just watched for somewhere arournd the 2,417th time. I am dying. I remember the routine from black and white television in the 1950s...
I'm 56 also and discovered his genius on satellite radio -Radio Classics channel. He is even funnier when you can see his facial expressions on TV. I also believe I was born in the wrong era. I love old radio and TV shows. I always remember an old looney tunes cartoon where he and Rochester were mice. Didntceven know who he was and still thought he was great!
Mel Blanc was with Jack for many years. The man was jam packed with tallents, he played MANY characters. He even played the voice of his parrot! He was absolutely fantastic. BTW, he played Jack's violin teacher on here
In Vietnam we paid honor to Jack Benny by using the phrase when changing to a different FM radio frequency by saying "from Jack Benny add or subtract such and such" as we all remembered Jack Benny always said he was only '39'.
I have been laughing at Jack Benny for YEARS. But I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as when Merv Griffin asked him about his first laugh at 9:55. Most comics would have had a stroke trying to blurt out the first 'clever' thing. Not Jack. He Owned timing... it was his to do with as he wished.
He perfected the art of being funny by being the straight man. Amazing talent in doing this. It was his reaction to others that was funny, of being made the brunt of scorn and ridicule. No one before or since can do this.
Loved Jack and every member of the cast. Brilliant humor. Know they loved and respected one another. Thank you, RUclips for carryomg Jack and Friends. 🙏♥️✝️✡🇺🇸🇮🇱🎺📣
I appreciated that Jack wasn't greedy with allowing others to get the laugh or the joke , He never had to be crude or profane and entertained for all those years . some of today's comics should take notes , Just a thought . .
Yes, but today's comics are no where near Jack's caliber and that's why they are here today gone tomorrow and no one misses them much less love them as Jack Benny was loved.
When your comedy comes from the characters and situations, you want the punchline to be said by whichever character will make it the funniest, whether that's you or not. I absorbed this concept without realizing it, by listening to records of old radio shows, and watching "The Carol Burnett Show" when I was a kid. Once, when I was rehearsing in an original show, I came up with a great bit, and gave the best line to the other person in the scene. He couldn't believe it, and said, "Are you SURE you want to give me that line? It's the best one." I said, "Of course. It's funnier that way." (Until that moment, it hadn't occurred to me that it was unusual *not* to keep the best line for myself.)
What is with the constant parroting of "X was never profane or resorted to filthy language..." in comments on every damn classic performance clip on youtube? Many (not all) of those guys would've *loved* to get lewd and crude or drop an F-bomb on the unsuccessful public. The difference then was that a CENSOR had control or what they could or couldn't say and they weren't ALLOWED to determine for themselves what boundaries their audiences would like to see them cross! Nevertheless, at least such comments are innocent ones, born of forgetfulness or simple self-delusion. The same cannot be said of the inevitable follow-up, in which some self-important clod puffs out his liver-spotted chest and spouts a bunch of uninformed blather about how today's no-talen't slobs are "here today gone tomorrow and no one misses them". Yeah, thanks a heap, Gene Shalit Jr. Good to know you're out there with your finger on the pulse of the world's letest cutting edge entertainers! The all-time greats need your offhand dismissal of the entire current talent roster like they need a harp instructor at this point! Do you also look at old fruit salad recipes in fading Family Circle magazines and feel a deep need to pontificate on how today's bananas are nothing but tasteless, obscenely-shaped hacks that are utterly unworthy of making a Chaplin or Keaton slip and fall on his ass? (Schmuck!)
I saw him in person perform when I was a kid. It was amazing. I believe that this (the caveman sketch) was his last CBS show. Sad. But by then, all the regulars had gone.
These shows are priceless. Toooo bad more people are not watching. It could change their way of thinking. Jack was a person. Without anger and quick to laugh.
In the opening scene, the first violinist was with Jack for 23 years and actually taught to be a better violinist. Believe it or not. He was a guest on the show To Tell The Truth about that.
April 15, 2019 ~ Thank God for RUclips. I relive mine and the history of the past through youtube's recorded history of events, screen movies, The Jack Benny Show and him on Johnny Carson. People like jack are gone in life but their spirit lives on and on. What a great tribulation speech from his friend that lived on to be a 100 "Bob Hope" Jack's up there playing the Violin at the Pearly Gates at age 39. Thanks for the laughs Jack // P.S. Yesterday, Sunday April 14, 2019 Tiger Woods won his 5th Green Jacket at the Masters in Augusta Georgia. We all have a comeback if we have a mind to.
There’s nothing like a good comedy! You might be interested in this NEW one, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners AND two ghost stories listed at my channel “Claude Chabot Presents” right here on YT. Just follow the link here and enjoy! ruclips.net/video/Hex2ltykNTM/видео.html--Claud.
That’s very true John. His frozen, silent stare was hilarious. It’s odd that Jack, being such a great visual comedian, liked radio much more than television.
DoubleMrE Well, silence can work over the radio as well. In some ways, television can be limiting. One of Jack’s sketches was designed for radio, and would have been difficult to do on television. That would be his trips to his vault, which were creative over radio, as the sound effects were vital. That would be impossible over television, especially with the primitive visual effects used during the early days of television.
Oh my stars that last duet was hilarious. As Spike Jones taught us if you are going to make comedy with music you have to be very good. Top notch documentary.
One thing I am surprised was not mentioned was the fact of how prior to his death he made arrangements with a local floristto make sure that roses were delivered to his wife Mary Livingston every year on her birthday now that was a very touching sentiment
I used to listen to replays of his radio program on AFRTS radio in Greece in in 70s as a youngster. It aired in the late a.m. hours and i would wake up hours before i had to get up for school. I later did stand up comedy in life...and attribute it to him...he made me appreciate comedy and making people laugh.
I give my thanks for sharing the documentary of Mr. Benny, if only a film can be dedicated to his journey on this world to help bring awareness to people who have yet to watch his show or listen to his radio station.
Joanne was adopted and VERY close to her dad. She appeared on one episode where Jack dreamed about being married. Of course, he was married. Joanne had a hard time with her mother but Jack made her see the value Mary was to her life.
My Dad worked in advertising and his firm was a sponsor of Jack's show. Jack played the violin for dad and he and Rochester would often go out to eat together with Dad. They treated everyone like family.
Jack Benny was really a lot of fun, laughter and so very very talented. One of the all time great comedians. Was a wonderful time to enjoy the era of television shows that brought laughter and fond memories of watching his program. Thank you for sharing this program.
I am so glad that I watched this ! I had listened to and watched his movies and tv shows and knew nothing about Jack Benny ! now I will watch and listen to it all again !
Jack Benny could play today as much as any comedian we have I mean how do you top jokes like your money or your life hey I said your money or your life and Jack says hang on I’m thinking about it pure gold pure gold
I was a little boy when the Benny show aired, and I never understood why everyone thought he was so funny. Only 40-years later do I fully realized his comic genius. Better late, than never.
I STILL WATCH HIM I AM 83 AND I CAN LAUGH ALL DAY XX😁😁😁
I noticed that I was smiling during the entire documentary. Such a warm memory!
I'm 72 years old, my childhood memories of Jack and his show both in radio and television were and will always remain such pleasant memories.
@HalYourPal G
You and me both! Who knew we were watching Classics?
I was only eight or nine years old but I remember sitting around in the living room in the evening watching Jack Benny with both my parents and brothers what precious times were those and we didn’t even know it.
58 years old. My Grandmother had a bunch of Radio Days 12inch vinyls. Only started watching the show a few years ago.
$🤫🤣
I’m 9 years your junior but dad made me appreciate Jack
I saw Mr. Benny on stage in the 70's. He was hilarious he called for someone to bring his " Stradivarius and the man came running down the isle with it and tripped and through it into the air and smashed on the stage and the whole audience just gasped. And then he went into the famou scrossed arms and deadpan stare and a prolonged "welllll" looking all around the theatre. And the house
Just erupted and that was the end of the show. Brilliant.
He was my alll-time favorite, so much so that I remember exactly where I was in my house when it was announced on radio that he had passed away. He was one of a kind and I still enjoy his televised Jack Benny sitcoms, nor will I ever get tired of viewing them. RIP JACK BENNY; YOU ARE SORELY MISSED.
Met Jack Benny after one of his fundraiser concerts in Des Moines, IA. He was tired, but still stopped to give a kid an autograph. A true gentleman and a consummate entertainer. God bless him.
I am both thrilled for you and ENVIOUS at the same time. I was just a toddler when he died, never would have met him. Glad you could meet the finest comedian ever!!
George Burns "...he was a quiet riot"! Brilliant 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I recall listening to the Jack Benny Show on radio every Sunday evening from 7:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. on WTAG, Worcester, MA which I believe was a CBS affiliate. The simplicity and innocence of his humor made me laugh as a very young child in the early 1950s and this carried over to his television programs. His cast of regulars such as his butler Rochester, his wife Mary, and his announcer Don added to this gem of comedy which is no longer in existence. We are so fortunate to view this history with such ease and convenience. Thank you for sharing.
I would sit and as my mother would say, 'with my ear glued to the radio' and listen to Jack, Rochester, Denis, and Mary every week. Loved the man and the show.
Thank you so very much David for sharing this gem treasure of a video of Jack Benny. God had a very special plan when He created the 80+ years life of Benjamin Kubelsky aka Jack Benny on this earth to share with other humans.
This guy was a big part of my childhood, and I wasn't even around during his real heyday, and I still love the guy.
I'm envious we do not have good clean entertainers with personality in the mainstream like this today. I am blessed to be of the final generation that will remember people like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, George Burns, etc while they were still alive and performing.
how old are you? I am 52, and remember them fondly - especially their tv shows starting in the mid-late 1970’s
Ditto! I'm 59 and remember fondly as a guest on other stars "variety shows" in the late 60's and 70's. Thank God for the old vinyl albums and VHS tapes available at the local public library. We still get to enjoy ALL of his work. (Yes, even the, achem, MOVIES too!).
It’s sad all of those wonderful people are gone now. They brightened the lives of several generations.
One of the half dozen or so true comic geniuses. He allowed his supporting players to become legends in their own right.
nobodyaskedbut : I feel that way about the Carnac the Magnificent skit involving Ed McMahon...........and revere all the MIGHTY CARSON~ARTS PLAYERS AND SKITS! FMI: did Doc or Ed ever guest host ?
Watching this makes me appreciate having been around long enough to see such giants as Jack, Groucho, and Jack Paar..we shall never be as lucky to see people like this ever again..
Jack Benny's radio show is a favorite of mine. I've heard scores of shows on my phone while walking or driving. This program is a real treat.
Thank you so much for posting this important remembrance of a true comedian icon. I’m 56 and recently discovered his radio show which has enabled me to survive my work’s stress. My youngest daughter who is 18 is a fan of the 30s and 40s (she believes she was born in the wrong era) but I am sharing this man’s brilliance. Thank you again. I encourage you to share of other talents we all should be reminded of. Thank you so much!
I loved Jack Benny. Still do. What a treasure. I remember the day he died and how sorry I was to hear it. No one ever like him... One of a kind
A very sad day indeed in my heart he was like family, a fantastic talent and a good human being. I still miss him, he i'm sure is now making the Heavens roar with laughter eternally Tommy G
Yes a tragedy to die at such a young age (39).
One comment that made a deep impression on me, was when someone recalled their grandparents sobbing & crying the day that Jack Benny died. They weren't of a generation who were much into public emotion, but what it *meant to them*
A few months before Jack Benny died I was lucky enough to see him in concert. He played a hot swing number on his violin. He was damn good! He played in the orchestra for the Marx Brothers Broadway shows. You couldn't do that if you were bad.
even though i wasnt alive when Mr Benny was on TV , looking back on his life in tv I have laughed so much .
I bought Jack Benny radio shows when we were traveling around New England. Back when cars had cassette players. We would ride down the road, laughing hysterically. Best road trips ever! People would look at us like we were nuts. Lol
It's a shame this modern generation can't appreciate the brilliant talent and comedy from geniuses like Benny and Burns.
Different comedy with different eras/cultures. This comedy just doesn't work in this era, this culture.
Oh but we can sir. Oh but we can.
J.R. Taylor Fortunately, there are many recordings of their programs, and the internet makes them more available. One great sketch (which lasted weeks) was Jack Benny’s “feud” with Fred Allen, which they both did on both their programs. It was so well done that many people thought the feud was real.
Jack Benny is in a different league from George Burns.
djmcnerney I’m not sure Jack Benny would agree. While many remember Gracie Allen as the comic to George Burns’ straight man, who would snap off one-liners in between, it was George Burns who was writing the material for both of them.
In comedy, it’s often more difficult to do the straight part, as the timing has to be perfect. If you’ve ever watched Bob Newhart’s television programs, you’ll get a sense of what I mean. Or look at Abbot and Costello. Their most famous bit was “Who’s on First?” They didn’t create it; it had been around for a long time. But they were the best at performing it, largely because they had perfect timing. In most of those comedy duos, the straight man was usually paid more - because it was more difficult to perform that role.
Jack Benny and George Burns were very close friends. Burns was so upset at Jack’s funeral that he couldn’t finish the eulogy. Bob Hope stepped up and finished. But George was known as “the comedian’s comedian”, because he could make Jack Benny laugh uncontrollably.
Jack was supposed to do one of the leads in the movie version of “The Sunshine Boys”, but had been told by his doctors that he would be unable to because he had cancer (which took his life). The producers weren’t sure what to do; how do you replace Jack Benny?
Well, it was Jack Benny who suggested George Burns. Burns had been struggling since the death of his wife, he was known as part of a team, “Burns and Allen”. Anyway, Burns was cast in the role, and only went on to win an Oscar, and revive his career as a solo act. And that struggle was not just a professional one. Burns really had a tough time coping with grief with the loss of his wife.
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary of Jack Benny, a clean, funny comedian.
Loved this. It took me back "home" watching Jack Benny on our very first 10 or 12-inch black and white TV. And of course with my family and/or friends. 🤗💕 Good memories...What a different time it was!
There will never be another like Jack Benny.
Dave Theknave : did Benny write that skit: {MUGGER}: "YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE".......(long pause)......{BENNY} "I'M THINKING!"
john chapman Well, If he didn’t, his writers did. Jack took very good care of his writers. Many worked with him for decades, which was unusual even back then. Jack’s fictional stinginess was completely fictional. In reality, he was an extremely generous man. Even in his final illness, he was helping one of his best friends, George Burns.
Jack was supposed to do the film version of “The Sunshine Boys”, but his cancer, which was terminal, prevented him from doing it. The producers were dismayed, and were unsure whether to even go ahead. Jack suggested giving the role to George Burns. Burns was having a very difficult time, mourning the loss of his wife, Gracie Allen. The two also were a team for decades, and George was having trouble maintaining his career without her.
But George got the part in the film, and I think he won an Oscar for it. But it revived his career in the 1970’s, as a solo act. It probably wouldn’t have happened without Jack Benny’s generosity in recommending him. One thing Jack Benny didn’t have (in real life), was an overinflated ego, which is an occupational hazard in show business.
He was a genius and his TV and radio work is a masterclass in the art of comedy. It's a privilege to have these documents to enjoy and study. That last bit with the violins is hilarious and so smart. I'm so glad his work is saved for us to enjoy now. Thanks.
Instablaster.
A great and funny man
Mr. Jack Benny was a national treasure. Never did anything to insult anyone or to hurt anyone. I wish more "entertainers" would emulate his style and his manners.
The two things you need to be funny. A sense of humor and a heart. He had those abundantly.
Hey, is that your real name? =)
Amen Bon! He had those two and more!
You liked bon scott? :)
Amen billy :)
Without any hesitation, I would give Jack Benny first prize as the greatest comedian of all time. What other comic could get an audience to break up in Gales of laughter just by staring at them! He was such an original. He wasn't afraid to surround himself with funny people and give them all the jokes. He could always top them simply by his silent reaction and by saying nothing. I never Tire of watching his TV episodes on RUclips. And don't get me started on the unique and hilarious Frank Nelson... "Yeeeeeesssssss..." Oh, they were great! The greatest!
Wright, Newhart come to mind.
Thank god he had numerous writers to provide him with the jokes....
Well, he was funny for the time but there have been a lot of amazing comedians since.
@@dougg1075 true
Absolutely👍🏻
Wonderful documentary on one the most talented comedians ever! Great to see some these classic routines performed by Jack Benny.
This came on following an episode of The Jack Benny Show, and I was delighted to watch it. Jack Benny was such a wonderful, genuine man who loved to make people happy and laugh. All those on his show were wonderful folks as well, and made eachother shine brighter. Especially now, the world needs more Jack Bennys.
I have some of Jack's shows in my collection. There was no one else like him. Loved that man.
He always looks at the audience after the gag. I love the early Danny Thomas part at 2:07. “What’s so funny about you?” It was frustrating for Danny because Jack had to do nothing to get laughs. 8:39 Carol Burnett’s, “the greatest reactor” is so true. The “contained look”. He got a second laugh and he played it out perfectly.
"I've been in show business... probably... sixty years."
Which is pretty good for a guy who's only 39.
Loved the dueling violins in the closing credits. =)
My father's favorite comedian and rightfully so! I remember as a child watching that wonderful "Getting To Know You" duet. Gisele MacKenzie was an amazing talent but the two of them together was something very special. Thank you, David Levecke, for posting this documentary. As for Jack Benny, what can be said that hasn't already been said? He was all the superlatives that have described him over the years.
I'm with you! Gisele MacKenzie had it all: good singer; fine pianist; impressive violinist; actress; comedienne; dancer; warm personality. I can't think of another person in show business with such breadth and depth of talent. I miss Jack and Gisele both and I'm so glad I own a 4-DVD set of Jack's TV show that features Gisele, too. I play them many times over,.
@@fredericmartin7148 We both have excellent taste! It's sad that with all of Gisele's talents, to me, it seems that she never got the notoriety that she so much deserved. I've watched the "Getting To Know You" duet many times on youtube. It's such a shining example of perfect entertainment! To quote Frank Sinatra in "That's Entertainment", "you can sit around and hope but I'll tell you, you'll never see the likes of that again."
He asks the the little boy, " Can you play like me ? " And the boy repliies " Well, I used to." That never gets old. Hilarious !!
Isn't that Ronny Howard?
@@imapaine-diaz4451 No.Different boy.
I also grew up with Jack Benny. I still listen to him on vintage radio and watch his shows on RUclips….I absolutely LOVE that man and consider him to be the BEST comedian of ALL TIME.
I'm an old guy (78) and was lucky to know and listen to all the old radio programs too. I loved every minute of each. Not sure if I liked radio more than TV, it's very close. However his show was and still is fabulous comedic entertainment. Such great family fun. Thanks for putting all this together. It just gives me wonderful memories. He was the most generous personality that gave so much to his guests.
So, I am old and my childhood was entertained by Jack Benny and so many comedy RADIO shows before TV made it to our city. I enjoyed those shows as much, probably more, that the televised ones. Using your imagination made it more fun. Really, you young whippersnappers, it was great. Fibber McGee and Molly, Amos and Andy where the Kingfisher became a bigger character than the leads, Baby Snooks, I would love to relive those shows.
Me too! At almost 74, I grew up with some of the best: Jack Benney, Jackie Gleason, Sid Ceaser, Carol Burnett, etc. Listening to these Golden Oldies, after so many years, is wonderful! 😍💖
If you are computer saavy, I suggest "you tube".
Thanks for sharing, I loved this, it disturbed a lot of cobwebs in this old man. Mr Benny was a one of a kind, a unique person.
I miss Mr. Benny, being Mr. Benny. Makes me smile, tear up, and blessed to have had the honor to have been entertained by such a unique person
True funny man that was Jack and his whole cast were funny and very special love ya Jack
I grew up in the early 1950s listening and watching Jack Benny on a small black and white TV when I lived in teh Camp Kilmer area whee broadcasts came out of New York City. Watching this brough some tears of joy ans remembrance of those days. Those days are gone, but memories live on forever in my heart!
There was a stretch in the fifties when I could listen to repeats of Jack Benny followed by George and Gracie. I was always in hysterics.
Saw Jack at the London Palladium in the 1970's, amazing, funny and genuine, sadly missed. xx
There’s nothing like a good comedy! You might be interested in this NEW one, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners AND two ghost stories listed at my channel “Claude Chabot Presents” right here on YT. Just follow the link here and enjoy! ruclips.net/video/Hex2ltykNTM/видео.html--Claud.
Jack Benny was my absolute favorite comic growing up in the late 80's. My dad exposed me to "the Golden Age of Radio" and I listened to those cassettes hundreds of times. Some of my best memories, hands down. My brother's and I still quote things from Jack Benny's show. Many others too, but Benny was and is my favorite.
I guess I remember most of these stars growing up. God I must be getting old..
Just love Jack Benny, simply love him!!
I just started watching Jack Benny on RUclips funny funny funny
It is now September 2019. I just watched the part (around 27:00) of Benny, Mel Blanc and the "Sy, Sue, Si" routine. Which I just watched for somewhere arournd the 2,417th time. I am dying. I remember the routine from black and white television in the 1950s...
What's not to love about this man?
I'm 56 also and discovered his genius on satellite radio -Radio Classics channel. He is even funnier when you can see his facial expressions on TV. I also believe I was born in the wrong era. I love old radio and TV shows. I always remember an old looney tunes cartoon where he and Rochester were mice. Didntceven know who he was and still thought he was great!
Mel Blanc was with Jack for many years. The man was jam packed with tallents, he played MANY characters. He even played the voice of his parrot! He was absolutely fantastic. BTW, he played Jack's violin teacher on here
Jack played for the Troops in WW2, He was in Cairo , Shepheards Hotel 1943 , my Father chatted to him in the bar.
He was great
I did
Excellent show !
such a gentle person. the BEST!
In Vietnam we paid honor to Jack Benny by using the phrase when changing to a different FM radio frequency by saying "from Jack Benny add or subtract such and such" as we all remembered Jack Benny always said he was only '39'.
The Horn Blows at Midnight was a gem. It got the rap of being bad as a joke and then grew into it more fully. However, it was very funny.
I have been laughing at Jack Benny for YEARS. But I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as when Merv Griffin asked him about his first laugh at 9:55. Most comics would have had a stroke trying to blurt out the first 'clever' thing. Not Jack. He Owned timing... it was his to do with as he wished.
this was chock FULL of love...good stuff!
A TRUE LEGEND FOR ALL TIME
A great man and true genius!
What a talent .... Gone but never forgotten
He perfected the art of being funny by being the straight man. Amazing talent in doing this. It was his reaction to others that was funny, of being made the brunt of scorn and ridicule. No one before or since can do this.
Greatest comedian ever.
Thank you to whoever put this up .
Whoever? The name is right up there at the top of the page. If you had cared, you could have scrolled to the information, slack jaw.
@@dehoedisc7247 silly man. you do not follow jack benny. if you did, you'd have your mouth shut
BROOKLYN New York, Such a True Legend, GoD Bless u Jack, Rest in Paradise, Thanks For All The Joy& Laughter you Brought to us
Loved Jack and every member of the cast. Brilliant humor. Know they loved and respected one another. Thank you, RUclips for carryomg Jack and Friends. 🙏♥️✝️✡🇺🇸🇮🇱🎺📣
I appreciated that Jack wasn't greedy with allowing others to get the laugh or the joke , He never had to be crude or profane and entertained for all those years . some of today's comics should take notes , Just a thought . .
rc5chi 😋
Yes, but today's comics are no where near Jack's caliber and that's why they are here today gone tomorrow and no one misses them much less love them as Jack Benny was loved.
When your comedy comes from the characters and situations, you want the punchline to be said by whichever character will make it the funniest, whether that's you or not. I absorbed this concept without realizing it, by listening to records of old radio shows, and watching "The Carol Burnett Show" when I was a kid.
Once, when I was rehearsing in an original show, I came up with a great bit, and gave the best line to the other person in the scene. He couldn't believe it, and said, "Are you SURE you want to give me that line? It's the best one." I said, "Of course. It's funnier that way." (Until that moment, it hadn't occurred to me that it was unusual *not* to keep the best line for myself.)
What is with the constant parroting of "X was never profane or resorted to filthy language..." in comments on every damn classic performance clip on youtube? Many (not all) of those guys would've *loved* to get lewd and crude or drop an F-bomb on the unsuccessful public. The difference then was that a CENSOR had control or what they could or couldn't say and they weren't ALLOWED to determine for themselves what boundaries their audiences would like to see them cross! Nevertheless, at least such comments are innocent ones, born of forgetfulness or simple self-delusion. The same cannot be said of the inevitable follow-up, in which some self-important clod puffs out his liver-spotted chest and spouts a bunch of uninformed blather about how today's no-talen't slobs are "here today gone tomorrow and no one misses them". Yeah, thanks a heap, Gene Shalit Jr. Good to know you're out there with your finger on the pulse of the world's letest cutting edge entertainers! The all-time greats need your offhand dismissal of the entire current talent roster like they need a harp instructor at this point! Do you also look at old fruit salad recipes in fading Family Circle magazines and feel a deep need to pontificate on how today's bananas are nothing but tasteless, obscenely-shaped hacks that are utterly unworthy of making a Chaplin or Keaton slip and fall on his ass?
(Schmuck!)
whell......oh for heaven sake...........now cut that out
He still makes me laugh out loud! Jack Benny was a gift from God after such a horrendous war. The world needed him. The world loved him.
This made me happy.
I saw him in person perform when I was a kid. It was amazing. I believe that this (the caveman sketch) was his last CBS show. Sad. But by then, all the regulars had gone.
This was wonderful.....all the way through. I'm such a fan of this veteran! :)
He was the world's best 'reaction' comedian.
As a kid watching on TV, I thought he was funny.
As an adult comedian, I think he was a genius.
These shows are priceless. Toooo bad more people are not watching. It could change their way of thinking. Jack was a person. Without anger and quick to laugh.
In the opening scene, the first violinist was with Jack for 23 years and actually taught to be a better violinist. Believe it or not. He was a guest on the show To Tell The Truth about that.
That was great. Very informative. Thanks for posting!
April 15, 2019 ~ Thank God for RUclips. I relive mine and the history of the past through youtube's recorded history of events, screen movies, The Jack Benny Show and him on Johnny Carson. People like jack are gone in life but their spirit lives on and on. What a great tribulation speech from his friend that lived on to be a 100 "Bob Hope" Jack's up there playing the Violin at the Pearly Gates at age 39. Thanks for the laughs Jack // P.S. Yesterday, Sunday April 14, 2019 Tiger Woods won his 5th Green Jacket at the Masters in Augusta Georgia. We all have a comeback if we have a mind to.
Jack Benny the absolute BEST!!!!!
There’s nothing like a good comedy! You might be interested in this NEW one, “A Trip to the Moon” starring Joyce Randolph of The Honeymooners AND two ghost stories listed at my channel “Claude Chabot Presents” right here on YT. Just follow the link here and enjoy! ruclips.net/video/Hex2ltykNTM/видео.html--Claud.
Had one of those up at 1am jobs. Found his show on early morning digital channels. Amazing entertainer. Picked up a few vinyls of radio shows.
Jack could do more with silence than most comedians do with words.
That’s very true John. His frozen, silent stare was hilarious. It’s odd that Jack, being such a great visual comedian, liked radio much more than television.
His timing was perfect.
DoubleMrE Well, silence can work over the radio as well. In some ways, television can be limiting. One of Jack’s sketches was designed for radio, and would have been difficult to do on television. That would be his trips to his vault, which were creative over radio, as the sound effects were vital. That would be impossible over television, especially with the primitive visual effects used during the early days of television.
John Cronin vi OK Google me pones OK Google RUclipspornod OK Google RUclips OK Google me ponespptnpdpornod
SheridanJazz was perfect
Oh my stars that last duet was hilarious. As Spike Jones taught us if you are going to make comedy with music you have to be very good. Top notch documentary.
Not to mention Victor Borge.
I was born in 1967. I love jack.
One thing I am surprised was not mentioned was the fact of how prior to his death he made arrangements with a local floristto make sure that roses were delivered to his wife Mary Livingston every year on her birthday now that was a very touching sentiment
I used to listen to replays of his radio program on AFRTS radio in Greece in in 70s as a youngster. It aired in the late a.m. hours and i would wake up hours before i had to get up for school. I later did stand up comedy in life...and attribute it to him...he made me appreciate comedy and making people laugh.
This is wonderful.
A true comic great.
I so enjoyed watching this ..., my head is filled with memories of laughter which made me laugh even more, now.
2021. - Thanks Mr. Benny
Jack and Rochester were brilliant together
Krydon952 : wouldn't you know Rochester's voice anywhere in the world?....
I loved Jack and Frank Nelson as well 👍
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I give my thanks for sharing the documentary of Mr. Benny, if only a film can be dedicated to his journey on this world to help bring awareness to people who have yet to watch his show or listen to his radio station.
Joanne was adopted and VERY close to her dad. She appeared on one episode where Jack dreamed about being married.
Of course, he was married.
Joanne had a hard time with her mother but Jack made her see the value Mary was to her life.
Jack. Everybody knew it was from the heart and with love.
My Dad worked in advertising and his firm was a sponsor of Jack's show. Jack played the violin for dad and he and Rochester would often go out to eat together with Dad. They treated everyone like family.
There is no comedy better than Jack Benny
Thanks Jack!
Jack Benny was really a lot of fun, laughter and so very very talented. One of the all time great comedians. Was a wonderful time to enjoy the era of television shows that brought laughter and fond memories of watching his program. Thank you for sharing this program.
I am so glad that I watched this ! I had listened to and watched his movies and tv shows and knew nothing about Jack Benny ! now I will watch and listen to it all again !
I was born 1948 Jack Benny with George Burns were my favorites
Jack Benny could play today as much as any comedian we have I mean how do you top jokes like your money or your life hey I said your money or your life and Jack says hang on I’m thinking about it pure gold pure gold
Thanks for posting this. I have been looking for this special for a long time and it's as wonderful as I remember from the first time.
Me too.
I was a little boy when the Benny show aired, and I never understood why everyone thought he was so funny. Only 40-years later do I fully realized his comic genius. Better late, than never.
Jack was the best on radio.
Jack Benny died Dec 26 , 1974 at the age of 39! That's Jack for ya.
he was 80 rita
5 days later, I was born on January 1, 1974. Wish I grew up in in the 30, 40, 50 eras.
LaoSoftware That would have meant going through the Great Depression, WWII, and the Korean War. Not an easy three decades.
@@LaoSoftware, He was always 39.
@@pratikparajuli5991 That was Jack's shtick, always saying he was 39.