I watch these clips and I am amazed at how these people were so close as friends. The talent is incredible. The humor is second to none. But the comradary is astounding. You are right, those days of this humor is gone. That was a world of its own. I do miss those days also.
What comedy artists these people were! True class and pure comedy gold! Not one single obscenity, such as the juvinile, filthy trash that is foisted on us today and called "a roast."
The Entertainment Culture can and will ((NEVER)) BE LIKE this AGAIN...THAT'S impossible.....and it's only getting WORSE! Today is Superficial,Un-funny ,and downright TALENTLESS!
One of the best guys and entertainers of all time, very enjoyable and thanks for posting. The Walmart DVD set is very entertaining and the best value ever. Hope someday the digital enhance more footage of him because generations down the line (such as myself) can enjoy and see what classic comedy really was. This is priceless!
Jack Benny made us all laugh, watch Frank Nelson just destroy Jack. Yet we still miss him, I have about 100 of his old radio show and they are still funny. God Bless Jack Benny
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Yes, there was some funny stuff on these roasts. But usually not nearly as funny as the celebrities on the dais pretended, with their exaggerated reactions -- acting as if every joke was the funniest ever told. The roasts were a brilliant idea, though; it gave all these celebrities a chance to keep themselves in the public eye, and by laughing uproariously at each other, to convince the TV audience that they were more brilliant and wonderful than they really were.
The best part of Rich Little's routine is Stewart's reading of the day's football scores...unfortunately this video cuts right before that moment. It's on Youtube elsewhere though!
I've got a private recording of a roast Benny did in the '40s (not for broadcast) with a fair amount of cursing. Very out of character for Jack. But then he knew it wasn't (supposed) to be heard by anyone outside of the attendees.
Hey, same here. I used to be a very serious collector of old radio and anything connected with it, and recorded sound. This was in the days btw, of reel to reel. I have that recording you mention stored heaven knows where. Somewhere between Calif. and Tn. Shocker to hear Benny that way huh? Altho not really the kind of mindless junk put forth today by would be 'comics.' I mean, he didn't do it to shock I don't think. He was a funny man. That generation produced giants.
My uncle used to collect reel to reel tapes of comics and old radio broadcasts. The parents would put us to bed and I would sneak out to the landing and listen. There was some pretty racy stuff on those reels. Mostly "off-color" without using profanity. Brilliant stuff!
radio was really great before it died. I mean really, except for Brits radio which can be brilliant at times, our own radio (USA) is pretty dismal today. I had a huge collection and even supplied our own Natl.Achieves with something. Forgot what but I did a swap with them. Musta been 35years ago. Maybe more.
Hey, if you ever wanna scare the bejabbers outta yourself at Halloween, find an olde show, possibly Suspense, titled, "The House in Cypress Canyon." And keep the lights on!
The closest thing the US has to quality comedy on the radio is Car Talk on NPR. Even though it's a call-in information show, it's some of the funniest stuff on the air. And unscripted for the most part, too!
Prairie Home Companion is pretty good too but sometimes they just try too damn hard (i.e. too many sound effects, taming down their humor for midwest audiences while west and east coast audiences get edgy, more interesting material, etc) and its uncomfortable. :P Ever heard Molly Ivins? Not exactly a radio program, per se, but she did them occasionally and was hilarious.
The Jack Benny Show (the TV show) still hasn't received a DVD issue. And I don't think it's had even a VHS issue, either, at least not beyond a "Best of" tape or two (educated guess). Its sad. I'd totally rent it if it got an issue.
Wait...when were they released? Are they good DVDs? I remember when Time Life issued the Ren & Stimpy cartoon on DVD, it was a half-assed "Best Of". It was okay, but Time Life missed the point. People want the WHOLE SERIES.
There has never been an official, DVD release of "The Jack Benny Program," Benny's TV series from 1950-65; on CBS from 1950-64, on NBC its last season, '64-'65.
I'm not sure if the other posts here refer to Benny's series or the celebrity roasts of Jack? But apparently there are official releases of many of the "Dean Martin Roasts" series, which were occasional specials aired in Martin's variety show time slot.
The Friar's Club Roasts were entirely separate from Martin's roasts. But supposedly the Friar's club has uploaded sample clips of their roasts here on Tube, and are orderable from them.
MCA/Universal DID release an official collection of six, VHS videos (two episodes each tape) of "The Jack Benny Program" in 1994. But they have been out-of-release for years, even though one may still find extant copies for sale at websites such as Amazon, eBay, etc.
There are several (50+) public domain (or "PD") episodes of the Benny program available on DVD and VHS sets, most just copies (of varying quality) from syndicated prints of Benny's show. I can recommend the ones from Good Times, Madacy Home Video and Mill Creek as the best presented, most economical and extensive DVD sets available.
There are also many of these same PD episodes available to download from websites such as Internet Archive, RetroVision, Veoh, and here on You Tube.
Most of these PD Episodes online are downloadable for free, I should add.
While most are very watchable and the audio listenable, the program would still benefit from a digital restoration, not only for quality enhancement but also because the syndicated prints used for most of them are edited, meaning there is program content missing.
Joan Benny, Jack's daughter, donated all her father's shows and artifacts to the UCLA Film & TV archives some years ago. But it remains for her and/or Universal to lease the rights to those shows to some video production entity, so that official (from original masters), digitally enhanced versions of all Jack Benny's programs may someday be made available, on DVD and/or for download online.
Probably the best thing for any Benny fan to do is write to UCLA Film & TV Archives and/or Universal requesting full digital restoration and release of this legendary comedian's TV programs.
Incidentally, most of Benny's 350+ radio shows (1933-55) are available free online at multiple websites, probably best found through the International Jack Benny Fan Club (IJBFC) website.
The Jack Benny Show DVDs are excellent and very good copies of the original. I bought quite a few as gifts for others. Look in the $5 bargin bin at Wallmart. Some places have put them out on shelves but most are in a big bin. There are also copies of Best of Rin Tin Tin and Cisco Kid, Beverly Hillbillies etc.
What you have purchased and viewed are public domain sets of "The Jack Benny Program," culled from syndicated prints. In the absence of "official," unedited, digital home video releases on DVD or online , these are fairly watchable (albeit edited) episodes of Benny's show.
But for a better representation of how the shows looked & sounded when originally broadcast, try to obtain the six, VHS sets released by MCA/Universal in 1994, copies still circulating even though officially out-of-release.
It cost $5 for a four dvd set in the wallmart bin. thats 40 shows approx. If they were ediited I like to know where. The Shows included the original cigarette comercials and most run 30 min. These aren't pristine copy's. For $5 why would they be? I am all for more shows and restoration. I appreciate your effort.
Just happen to think of it. Did you ever hear the NOT for broadcast Gunsmoke foul up rehearsal program. With the late Wm Conrad, radio days of course. About the funniest 20 unintended minutes I've ever heard. All ad-lib after the first flub. Actors kept going and the studio engineer kept the recording going.
Celebrity roasts today simply aren't as great as they used to be. To see such legendary performers all roast another legendary performer is absolutely amazing! Jack Benny is awesome!
For those wondering, the man doing impressions was comedian Rich Little. The roast was aired about 10 days after Benny's 80th birthday. The others you see are George Burns, Pearl Bailey, Jimmy Stewart, and of course Dean Martin.
Thanks for the clip... This is around the time when comedy had CLASS. Today no one can say a funny word without swearing. These old-time comedians knew how to craft humor and how and when to deliver it with a class.
Jack was my Grandmother's first cousin and the kindest, sweetest, most generous and beloved of men, his like will not be seen again.... thanks cousin Jack! You were and always will be the greatest!
Is that Jack's last appearance before he died?
tpir1972 4 months ago
Comedy at it's very best -a real classic-they didn't need talent shows in those days
candw87 9 months ago
The laughter is genuine -
candw87 11 months ago
Jack Benny, that man was so sweet!
LEIMALOCCA 11 months ago
I watch these clips and I am amazed at how these people were so close as friends. The talent is incredible. The humor is second to none. But the comradary is astounding. You are right, those days of this humor is gone. That was a world of its own. I do miss those days also.
Trying00 1 year ago 2
These roasts were great back in the seventies....sadly noted that most everyone at these classic roasts are now all gone !
ronnied828 1 year ago
What comedy artists these people were! True class and pure comedy gold! Not one single obscenity, such as the juvinile, filthy trash that is foisted on us today and called "a roast."
AmazingGordo 1 year ago 2
These comedians survived and were the cream of the meat-grinder of Vaudeville. Nothing to compare with today's flavor of the week comics.
ScarletVarlet 1 year ago 3
watch this with the CC on, they butcher it horribly, but its funny
c3wichman 1 year ago
The Entertainment Culture can and will ((NEVER)) BE LIKE this AGAIN...THAT'S impossible.....and it's only getting WORSE! Today is Superficial,Un-funny ,and downright TALENTLESS!
FTWEVERYONE 1 year ago 3
@FTWEVERYONE And filth
candw87 9 months ago
I mention Benny and Martin in The Celebrity Song.
superdavid002 1 year ago
The seventies were great, if only because all these showbiz greats were still alive and firing on all cylinders. Thanks for the memories!
gragrn 1 year ago
One of the best guys and entertainers of all time, very enjoyable and thanks for posting. The Walmart DVD set is very entertaining and the best value ever. Hope someday the digital enhance more footage of him because generations down the line (such as myself) can enjoy and see what classic comedy really was. This is priceless!
JASHUH 1 year ago
Always great stuff. Sadly, Jack Benny died very shortly after this.
aitraining 1 year ago
Jack Benny made us all laugh, watch Frank Nelson just destroy Jack. Yet we still miss him, I have about 100 of his old radio show and they are still funny. God Bless Jack Benny
DocMEDICK 2 years ago 3
"Now what the hell am I going to do with another elephant?"
5*
HawkReborn 2 years ago 4
These entertainers were pure class with a capital C
starr522 2 years ago 10
Great video, thanks
doglostflorida 2 years ago
I wish somebody would upload the entire Jack Benny roast. :D
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
that was a nastalgia wasnt it...flashback. Yup. All dead now right, how about Rich Little, is he still alive?
Paully41 2 years ago
Rich Little still alive. And still performing. I believe he was on Letterman a year or 2 ago. The video is on youtube somewhere.
jrring 2 years ago 2
Don Rickles is also still alive and very active. He was on Leno a few weeks ago. I'm still waiting for somebody to upload the segment (I missed it).
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
I think it is on now
CJinMaine 2 years ago
'Fraid not.
dabble778 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Yes, there was some funny stuff on these roasts. But usually not nearly as funny as the celebrities on the dais pretended, with their exaggerated reactions -- acting as if every joke was the funniest ever told. The roasts were a brilliant idea, though; it gave all these celebrities a chance to keep themselves in the public eye, and by laughing uproariously at each other, to convince the TV audience that they were more brilliant and wonderful than they really were.
bus114 3 years ago
Comment removed
danoinreno 2 years ago
to bus114
gee's your a really a kill joy
remind me to call you next time
I have a party
danoinreno 2 years ago 3
Lol, I agree with you danoinreno. bus114 you really are a kill joy!
Susan20s 2 years ago 2
The best part of Rich Little's routine is Stewart's reading of the day's football scores...unfortunately this video cuts right before that moment. It's on Youtube elsewhere though!
EdOscuro 3 years ago
I nearly fell of my chair when Rich Little began his comedy impresonations. LOL.
yardleyaloe 3 years ago 2
This was back when Rich Little was in his prime. He always did the best Jack Benny impression.
Mowac 3 years ago 6
GREAT PERSONS.
VSALANDIN 3 years ago
This is classic & no cursing. Don't make comedy like this anymore.
CadillacL 3 years ago 8
I've got a private recording of a roast Benny did in the '40s (not for broadcast) with a fair amount of cursing. Very out of character for Jack. But then he knew it wasn't (supposed) to be heard by anyone outside of the attendees.
FlamingoKicker 3 years ago 3
Hey, same here. I used to be a very serious collector of old radio and anything connected with it, and recorded sound. This was in the days btw, of reel to reel. I have that recording you mention stored heaven knows where. Somewhere between Calif. and Tn. Shocker to hear Benny that way huh? Altho not really the kind of mindless junk put forth today by would be 'comics.' I mean, he didn't do it to shock I don't think. He was a funny man. That generation produced giants.
JazzMad1 3 years ago
My uncle used to collect reel to reel tapes of comics and old radio broadcasts. The parents would put us to bed and I would sneak out to the landing and listen. There was some pretty racy stuff on those reels. Mostly "off-color" without using profanity. Brilliant stuff!
muppetkiller 3 years ago
radio was really great before it died. I mean really, except for Brits radio which can be brilliant at times, our own radio (USA) is pretty dismal today. I had a huge collection and even supplied our own Natl.Achieves with something. Forgot what but I did a swap with them. Musta been 35years ago. Maybe more.
Hey, if you ever wanna scare the bejabbers outta yourself at Halloween, find an olde show, possibly Suspense, titled, "The House in Cypress Canyon." And keep the lights on!
betteroffsingle 3 years ago
The closest thing the US has to quality comedy on the radio is Car Talk on NPR. Even though it's a call-in information show, it's some of the funniest stuff on the air. And unscripted for the most part, too!
BTLemming 3 years ago
Prairie Home Companion is pretty good too but sometimes they just try too damn hard (i.e. too many sound effects, taming down their humor for midwest audiences while west and east coast audiences get edgy, more interesting material, etc) and its uncomfortable. :P Ever heard Molly Ivins? Not exactly a radio program, per se, but she did them occasionally and was hilarious.
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
The Jack Benny Show (the TV show) still hasn't received a DVD issue. And I don't think it's had even a VHS issue, either, at least not beyond a "Best of" tape or two (educated guess). Its sad. I'd totally rent it if it got an issue.
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
check Netflix. They have Benny on DVD....
HowardOfOz3565 2 years ago
They do???? Is it just "Best Of"?
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
Got to WallMart. They have a four DVD set for $5 in their Bargin DVD bin. You must dig thru the bin, at some stores, it is well woth it.
Bigstooler0 2 years ago
Wait...when were they released? Are they good DVDs? I remember when Time Life issued the Ren & Stimpy cartoon on DVD, it was a half-assed "Best Of". It was okay, but Time Life missed the point. People want the WHOLE SERIES.
ragemanchoo82 2 years ago
There has never been an official, DVD release of "The Jack Benny Program," Benny's TV series from 1950-65; on CBS from 1950-64, on NBC its last season, '64-'65.
I'm not sure if the other posts here refer to Benny's series or the celebrity roasts of Jack? But apparently there are official releases of many of the "Dean Martin Roasts" series, which were occasional specials aired in Martin's variety show time slot.
gymnastix 2 years ago
The Friar's Club Roasts were entirely separate from Martin's roasts. But supposedly the Friar's club has uploaded sample clips of their roasts here on Tube, and are orderable from them.
MCA/Universal DID release an official collection of six, VHS videos (two episodes each tape) of "The Jack Benny Program" in 1994. But they have been out-of-release for years, even though one may still find extant copies for sale at websites such as Amazon, eBay, etc.
gymnastix 2 years ago
There are several (50+) public domain (or "PD") episodes of the Benny program available on DVD and VHS sets, most just copies (of varying quality) from syndicated prints of Benny's show. I can recommend the ones from Good Times, Madacy Home Video and Mill Creek as the best presented, most economical and extensive DVD sets available.
There are also many of these same PD episodes available to download from websites such as Internet Archive, RetroVision, Veoh, and here on You Tube.
gymnastix 2 years ago
Most of these PD Episodes online are downloadable for free, I should add.
While most are very watchable and the audio listenable, the program would still benefit from a digital restoration, not only for quality enhancement but also because the syndicated prints used for most of them are edited, meaning there is program content missing.
gymnastix 2 years ago
Joan Benny, Jack's daughter, donated all her father's shows and artifacts to the UCLA Film & TV archives some years ago. But it remains for her and/or Universal to lease the rights to those shows to some video production entity, so that official (from original masters), digitally enhanced versions of all Jack Benny's programs may someday be made available, on DVD and/or for download online.
gymnastix 2 years ago
Probably the best thing for any Benny fan to do is write to UCLA Film & TV Archives and/or Universal requesting full digital restoration and release of this legendary comedian's TV programs.
Incidentally, most of Benny's 350+ radio shows (1933-55) are available free online at multiple websites, probably best found through the International Jack Benny Fan Club (IJBFC) website.
gymnastix 2 years ago
The Jack Benny Show DVDs are excellent and very good copies of the original. I bought quite a few as gifts for others. Look in the $5 bargin bin at Wallmart. Some places have put them out on shelves but most are in a big bin. There are also copies of Best of Rin Tin Tin and Cisco Kid, Beverly Hillbillies etc.
Bigstooler0 2 years ago
What you have purchased and viewed are public domain sets of "The Jack Benny Program," culled from syndicated prints. In the absence of "official," unedited, digital home video releases on DVD or online , these are fairly watchable (albeit edited) episodes of Benny's show.
But for a better representation of how the shows looked & sounded when originally broadcast, try to obtain the six, VHS sets released by MCA/Universal in 1994, copies still circulating even though officially out-of-release.
gymnastix 2 years ago
It cost $5 for a four dvd set in the wallmart bin. thats 40 shows approx. If they were ediited I like to know where. The Shows included the original cigarette comercials and most run 30 min. These aren't pristine copy's. For $5 why would they be? I am all for more shows and restoration. I appreciate your effort.
Bigstooler0 2 years ago
Please see my complete comments about the Benny DVD releases posted as a reply to "ragemanchoo82."
gymnastix 2 years ago
Just happen to think of it. Did you ever hear the NOT for broadcast Gunsmoke foul up rehearsal program. With the late Wm Conrad, radio days of course. About the funniest 20 unintended minutes I've ever heard. All ad-lib after the first flub. Actors kept going and the studio engineer kept the recording going.
JazzMad1 3 years ago
This video has made my day.Thank you.
oldpapajohn 4 years ago
Comedy at it's best You don't get talent like this today.
An era gone, but not forgotten.
Thanks for posting this video
sparti555 4 years ago 22
a legendary talent...they don't make em like Jack Benny anymore
HowardOfOz 4 years ago 7
Who is the guy imprestionest?
Nolotto 4 years ago
the legendary Rich Little
HowardOfOz 4 years ago 3
Thanks so much...
Nolotto 4 years ago
thanks for posting, i had forgotten how truly funny they were.
can`t believe how much i miss those days.
lorrainegate 4 years ago 2
Just love those Dean Martin roasts! Jack Benny's is no exception..too funny! Thanks for sharing!
sherryquilts 4 years ago 3
Celebrity roasts today simply aren't as great as they used to be. To see such legendary performers all roast another legendary performer is absolutely amazing! Jack Benny is awesome!
JackBenny1924 4 years ago 4
The Jimmy Stewart joke was very good.
Tendoking 4 years ago
Lol
Meevitiva 4 years ago
Rich Little is amazing. Don't look at the screen and just listen. It's incredible how much he sounds like them!
DueTrombe 4 years ago
For those wondering, the man doing impressions was comedian Rich Little. The roast was aired about 10 days after Benny's 80th birthday. The others you see are George Burns, Pearl Bailey, Jimmy Stewart, and of course Dean Martin.
TomBarrister 4 years ago
Theirs only one Jack Benney - Great Post
GenericGene 4 years ago 3
Thanks for the clip... This is around the time when comedy had CLASS. Today no one can say a funny word without swearing. These old-time comedians knew how to craft humor and how and when to deliver it with a class.
KDKAPOOR 4 years ago 39
Thanks for the clip... This is around the time when comedy had CLASS. Today no one can say a funny word without swearing.
THEY DIDN'T DARE. america would hang them by their thumbs in those days
siamdesperado 4 years ago 3
Jack was my Grandmother's first cousin and the kindest, sweetest, most generous and beloved of men, his like will not be seen again.... thanks cousin Jack! You were and always will be the greatest!
lesliekorshak 11 months ago 2
thanks, george!! This made my night - I loved these shows. They just dont have REAL stars anymore.
MoontideJM 4 years ago 6
One of the best ever, and a gentleman from what I have heard/learned!!! MR JACK BENNY!!! (LOL) :-))) THANKS geocall
668ENTERPRISE 4 years ago
Thanks for posting!
Do you by any chance have the "Indian Chief" bit from the Michael Landon roast? That one was a classic!
shutterbun 4 years ago
nice one there...
burtmurdoch 4 years ago