Jack Benny - Guest Johnnie Ray (1/4)

[fromthesidelines]

...and if you're wondering about the RADIO show Jack did that evening {recorded in advance}, before this originally aired [7-7:30pm(et), CBS Radio], the plot concerned an exaggerated version of Jack's preparation for this episode, featuring an appearance by his television producer/director, Ralph Levy.

[fran9860]

Lucky's taste better; Lung Cancer tastes better.

[spacepatrolman]

0:02The jack benny theme and sky pilot by eric burdon uses the kruetzer violin etude #7

[fromthesidelines]

Yes, especially when you consider that Johnnie Ray was primarily a singer, and not an "actor" or "comedian". But Jack knew he could be funny, provided the right script was available; Jack later claimed he never invited a guest star until he and his writers created the material to have them appear at their best advantage [i.e. the Marilyn Monroe episode two months before]. Bob Hope, though, always changed his lines, so Jack usuallly counted on him to ad-lib and cause him to break up as well.

[hwy61media]

Very smart of Jack. To say that he mastered his trade (art) is an understatement.

[fromthesidelines]

This episode originally aired live on November 15, 1953 (and Mary Livingstone, Jack's wife, who preferred not to appear "live", WAS in Palm Springs). Danny Thomas made a special guest appearance to promote "MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY", which was then beginning its initial season on ABC for Jack's sponsor, American Tobacco, on behalf of "Pall Mall" cigarettes. Benny took a personal interest in [and close friendship with] Danny, and both often appeared on each other's programs for the rest of the decade.

[hwy61media]

They made a great pair, like Benny and Hope almost. Jack was great in the sketch with Johnnie Ray!