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Puff after puff with never a rough puff. Yes, light up a lucky and enjoy a smoother, milder, truly finer cigarette. Make your next carton, Lucky Strike. Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingston, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, the Sportsman Quartet, and yours truly, Don Wilson. This is New Year's Day. And we're going to take you to the home of Mary Livingston in Beverly Hills. At the moment, Mary and her maid Pauline are straightening up the house after last night's celebration. Now, Pauline, when you finish with the living room, start in the den, please. Yes, ma'am. Jean Miss Livingston, that was a wonderful party. You sure are a swell hostess. Well, thanks. Do you really think my guests had a good time? Oh, yes, especially Dennis Day. I bet he never drank champagne before. You're right, Pauline. He took one drink, grabbed a bottle of cat support on his head and yelled, Hey, look at me. I'm Red Skelton. He really was cute, though. He might have been cute then. But when he caught me under the mistletoe, he was a mean, whittle kid. Well, at least everybody had a lot of fun. Yeah. And you can thank your sister, Babe, for that. She was the life of the party. Yeah. She's really a card. That was quite a gag coming to a New Year's Eve party dressed in overalls. There was no gag. She had to go to work at one o'clock. That's a shame having to work on a holiday. Holiday or no holiday, smudge pots have to be lit. But Babe was a lot of fun, and so was Phil Harris. Say, you know what? I don't remember seeing Mr. Harris leave. Oh, he never did leave, Pauline. He didn't? Where is he? You're standing on him. Oh, Miss Livingston, the way you tease me. Now go ahead, Pauline. Take those glasses out to the kitchen. Yes, ma'am. You know, it's a shame that Mr. Benny wasn't at your party last night. Was he ill? No, no. He was all right. Well, I know you invited him. Why didn't he come? Well, it's a long story, Pauline. It all started yesterday evening at CBS. After our usual rehearsal, the entire cast gathered in Jack's dressing room to wish each other a happy new year. Well, kids, here we are at the end of another year. And it brings a warm glow to my heart, having all of you who have been with me so many years gathered here in my dressing room. Jack, that's sweet. I feel that I'm a very fortunate man to have such capable people and such true friends. Oh, Jackson. Not only are we bound together in friendship, but the quality of your individual performances has been a personal demonstration of your loyalty to me. Well, thanks, Jack. So do you, my associates, as well as friends. I just want to say in all sincerity that I'm proud of each and every one of you. Last year, our hooper was down, he spit in our eye. Now this is a serious moment, and I meant every word of it. Well, I think we better break this up and get started for Livy's party. Want to drive over with me, Jackson? Uh, Phil, Jack's not coming to my party. What? That's right, Phil. You kids will have to get along without little Jackie. I got a date myself. I got a date all by myself. A date? Yes, sir. In fact, I'm going to pick her up in about half an hour. Well, so that's why you came to rehearsal in top hat white tie and tails. Yup. I look kind of classy, don't I, Phil? Classy. You look like the head pot man in a forest lawn flower shop. Who have you got this date with? Oh, she's a girl that I met just recently. Her name is Gloria. Gloria? Do we know her? What's she look like, Jackson? Uh, uh, uh, uh, no more questions. I know you're all curious, but I'm not talking. Well, so the old man is definite, huh? Phil, I'm not an old man. You keep saying that all the time, and you know my age as well as I do. Weller. This is a word? You understand now, kid. Around this gang. Hey, Dennis, how about singing a number before we leave? Yes. Would you like to hear, how can that be? Oh! It'll be 1950. All right, you walk. It's right here in the dressing room. We'll drink a toast before we leave. Loosen them wires, Jackson. I have... Cork is awfully tight. Let me try it, Jack. No, no, Don. I'll pull it out with my teeth. I can do it. There. Okay. Uh. We'll drink a toast. Mary, here's a glass for you. Don? Dennis? Now where's Phil? He's over by the water cooler. All that water for. Jackson, I got to get them chasers out of the way. You lose me on your program. You know, I didn't work too much this season. Well, it's not my fault, Mel. I use you when I can, but after all, how often can I hire someone just to imitate Al Jolson? Ah. It's hardly worth it. Yeah, but I got... I got a wife and six kids. Last week, I couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas tree. No. Yeah. My wife can't... My kids can't go to school because they ain't got no shoes. And my wife is walking around in rags and the red is past due. Gee. Things get any worse. I'll have to sell my Cadillac. In case I'll do all I can, Mel. Come in. I just dropped you by to wish everybody seasons greetings. Oh, Mr. Kitzel. Bless your heart, Miss Livingstone. But tonight I'm taking my wife out formal. And for this occasion, I'm renting a car. Renting a car? Where are you taking her? To Simon's Drive-In. Oh, Mr. Kitzel, you're joking. Yeah. Kitzel, I just opened a bottle of champagne. How about having a drink with us? Oh, thank you. And I'd like to propose a toast. Here! A toast! Here's to Jack Benny, who's just like good wine. He improves as he ages, but he stays 39. And here's to you. Thank you. Now, I'd like to propose a toast to every member of my cast. Mary, I'm gonna start with you. Now, hold up your glass. Mary, you've been on my program almost 18 years. And... And... Isn't that funny? There's so much I want to say, but... I don't know how to say it. Well, you don't have to say it, Jack. I know what you mean. And Phil? Yeah, Dad. I want a drink to you, too. You've been with me 14 years. And Phil, sometimes you'll rib me a little, but I love you. And you've certainly gone a long way. Thanks, Jackson. You want to know something? There's no one who takes more pride in my being on your program than my father. Your father? Yep. He knew it was always my ambition to be on your show. And the day you signed me up, I went home, showed my father the contract, and he looked at me and said, Congratulations. It makes me happy to know that you finally reached your goal, son. He said goal, son! Anyway, I thought you'd gone. Well, don't get mad, Mr. Benny. I just hung around because I want you to hear a song I recorded for Capitol Records. Mel, you recorded a song? Yeah, Toot Toot Tootsie, goodbye. Oh, Jolson again? Yeah, but this is different. If you'd just listened to it, you'd want to put it on your program. Well, okay, Mel, let's hear it. I'll use that number on my program. Oh, thanks, Mr. Benny. Goodbye, everybody. You know, kids, he really did a great imitation of Jolson. How do you like the way he imitated the sportsman quartet? That kid's clever. He sure is. Now, what was I saying before Mel did his song? You were drinking a toast to all of us. Oh, yes. Don, you're next. Pull up your glass, Don. Don, as the year comes to a close, I want you to know that my association with you is a very happy one. You're not only a fine announcer, but a gentleman, a scholar, and a friend. Well, thank you, Jack. Don, how long have you been with Jack? Nine years. Nine years? No, no, Don, you've been with me 16. Oh, you're counting the seven years you had me auditioning. Oh, you've got to count everything. Anyway, Don, here's to you. Good luck. And now, Dennis? Yes, sir? Dennis, you've been with me almost 11 years. I remember the day you first came on my program. You were young. You were naive. But you had a beautiful singing voice. And as the years went by, your voice became more matured, more beautiful than ever. And then, suddenly, you blossomed out. And now, now you're a star in your own right. My show is better than yours. Look at me. Yes, sir? Turn away again. This is my own fault. Jack, I've got her on home now and get things ready for my party tonight. Okay, Mary. Jack, are you sure you don't want to join us? No, no, Mary, not tonight. In fact, I'm going to pick my girl up in about 10 minutes. Well, Jackson, why don't you bring her over to Livy's house? No, no, my plans are all made. Gloria and I are going to have cocktails at Ciro's, dinner at Romanoff's, and then dance in the New Year at the Macambo. Yes, sir. Well, run along, kids. Have a good time at the party and don't worry about me. Well, I'll answer Jack. Hello? Yes, he's here. Who's calling? Oh, Jack, it's for you. It's Gloria. Gloria? Give me that phone. Hello, Gloria? I'm all ready and raring to go. I'll pick you up in about... What? You can't? But, Gloria, I've got reservations and everything. And I'm all dressed. But, look, of course I believe you. Gee, it's New Year's Eve. You gotta go. Oh, now, look, Gloria, isn't there some way you can make it? Well, if you can't, I... I guess you just can't. So long, then. Goodbye. Well, what are you all staring at? Gloria had a very good excuse and she's nuts about me, too. Well, she is. Jack, as long as your date is off, how about coming over to my party? Yeah, Jackson, come on. We're gonna have a lot of fun. No, thanks. I don't feel like going anywhere. Oh, come on, Jack. Don't be so stubborn. I'm not stubborn. I just don't feel like going. Jackson, sometimes you act like... Oh, Bill, Bill, leave him alone. Jack, the party is at my house, and if you change your mind and want to come, I'd love to have you. Thanks, Mary, but I'm going home. Where's my top hat and gloves? Oh, here they are. Happy New Year, everybody. Happy New Year, Jack. So long. Gee, I wish Jack hadn't walked out like that. It makes me feel awful. There's no fun for him being alone on New Year's Eve. Well, maybe he'd feel worse in a crowd. I forgot my cane. That's so long. Happy New Year, Mr. Benny. Oh, Happy New Year, Mike. Is your rehearsal over? Yeah. No, I'm just going home. New Year's Eve is just another night to me. Good night, Mike. See you tomorrow. Good night, Mr. Benny, and Happy New Year. Happy New Year, Mike. I'm sorry it was my fault. Watch it, bud. Maybe on this side of the street. I ran into you in the store while I was doing my Christmas shepherd. I was looking for my wife. Oh, yes. The coat's ripped off the back. No, no, those are tails. Oh, he's dressed like this on New Year's Eve. Well, ain't you the dandy? Please, I'm in no mood to talk to you now. This is New Year's Eve. I know, I know. That's why I'm down here in the city. I aim to do a little celebrating myself. Good. I'm going to drink, blow a horn, and catch the bus back to Calabasas. When you join me, you're welcome. I've got a little snort here in my back pocket. No, thanks. I'm going home. Goodbye. Okay, Rube. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. I wonder why he keeps calling me Rube. He was kind of friendly, though. Well, I better hail a cab now. He is kind of cold. I think I'll stop in here and get a cup of coffee first. Good evening, Sheriff. Good evening. No, no, thanks. I'm all alone. I'll just sit at the counter. Oh, please, come sit by the window. I'd like everybody to see how nice my customers dress. No. No, thanks. Some other time. All right. If you'd like to sit at the counter, all right. Go ahead. Thank you. Say, you know, we get a special $2 dinner tonight. Steak, mashed potatoes, string beans, and for dessert, nice apple pie and a moot. Well, if you sit by the window, I give it to you free. Oh, no, thanks. I'll just have a cup of coffee at the counter. I don't know if I just want coffee or... Yeah, I guess coffee's enough. What'll it be? Coffee, please. Would you like a sandwich or some toast with it? No, thanks. Just coffee. Want a little cream with it? No, no. Just black coffee. Okay. Here's your coffee. Thanks. Gee, I'm sorry about tonight. Let me know before the last minute. I'm sorry. I see you're wearing my corsage and on that greasy uniform yet. I don't want this coffee. I'm going home. I'll be through at three o'clock. At three o'clock, I'll be snoring. Goodbye. Always blames everything on Mamie. Mamie did this. Mamie did that. Oh, taxi! Taxi! Here you are, driver. Thank you. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. It's me, Rochester. I thought you were going out tonight and celebrating. I was, but things didn't work out. Rochester, I thought you were going out tonight. I had you better hurry. It's almost midnight. Boys, on Central Avenue, fire the time lingers till we get rolling. I'll just sit by the fire and read a book and then go to bed. I hate to see you all alone on New Year's Eve. That's all right. No, it ain't all right. I'm going to stay home and I'm going to be right here with you. Rochester, you don't have to do that. Sure, boys. We'll greet the New Year together. Well, let it... Hey, we might have fun at that. Have we got any horns in the house? No, we sold them. We've got some Ohio State Palace left. We can wave those. No, no, they don't make any noise. Look, Rochester, it's almost midnight. You better run along. No, sir, I'm staying right here with you. All right, if you insist. I'll get a can of beer out of the icebox and we'll drink to the New Year. No, no, Rochester, if you're willing to stay home with me we're going to do this thing right. We're going to open a bottle of champagne. We're going to open a what? We're going to open a bottle of champagne. There's a cold one in the icebox. Now, hurry up. Yes, sir. Gee, it was nice of Rochester to stay. Maybe it won't be... Gee, it's midnight already. Rochester, hurry! Hurry up! Here's the champagne, boys. Well, open it. Open it up. And here's to it. He's overseas. $10 for food and free food. Delivery guaranteed. Send your contribution to nonprofit care Los Angeles or New York. That's C-A-R-E. Care, Los Angeles or New York. We'll be back in a moment, but first... Six-stage balls. L.S.M.F.T. L.S.M.F.T. Yes, lucky strike means fine tobacco, ripe like tobacco that always smokes smooth and mild. That's why there's never a rough puff in a lucky. Now fine tobacco like this costs more and at the tobacco auctions luckies pay more, millions of dollars more than official parity prices for light mellow leaf that gives you a smoother mild air altogether finer cigarette every puff of the way no doubt about it friends luckies give you more more smoothness and mildness more real deep down smoking enjoyment so light up a lucky and enjoy the mellow taste of truly fine tobacco from first puff to last there's never a rough puff in a lucky good reason to make your next carton lucky strike so round so firm so fully packed so free and easy on the draw ladies and gentlemen to all my listeners everywhere a very happy and prosperous new year from me Jack and from me Mary Livingston and from me Don Wilson and from me Dennis day and from me and from my Phil Harris he's not grammatical folks but he's sincere good night all