tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post6818355054194612333..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Jack BennyBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-27094226611044535012022-01-05T04:24:20.331-08:002022-01-05T04:24:20.331-08:00Love and The Hustler (1969)
Written by Robert L Go...Love and The Hustler (1969)<br />Written by Robert L Goodwin<br />Starring<br />Eddie Anderson<br />Mantan Moreland<br />Flip Wilson<br />Gail Fisher<br /><br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH7wm5by2Lg<br /><br />Regina Ghttps://www.nitrateville.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4742565162745789452020-05-03T12:02:28.575-07:002020-05-03T12:02:28.575-07:00Another great Levine remembrance. Another great Levine remembrance. waldcasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15953366119099361711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63009788674628041202018-12-29T01:29:08.950-08:002018-12-29T01:29:08.950-08:00Interesting that you dont have the integrity to pu...Interesting that you dont have the integrity to put a real name on your post. Not saying you don't have a right to your opinion but its all predicated on comics "being edgy."Comics do not have to be edgy to be funny. Benny, Hope, Burns and others of their era will ALWAYS be funnier..I will say George Carlin could be hilarious, especially in his early days. Tim Loneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15208281099970788558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-31867398666760737132015-12-05T18:21:55.429-08:002015-12-05T18:21:55.429-08:00Sometime I think it was in the seventies, I went t...Sometime I think it was in the seventies, I went to see Jack Benny and Wayne Newton in concert in West Covina, Newton was brand new in those days and I think benny had taken him under his wing, It was both Wayne newton and his brother conduction the orchestra, Something I will always remember was Jack Benny Passing around a collection plate because he said he needed the money, never knew where the money went, but people ran down the aisles to put money in his collection basket, my self included, but I always wondered what charity he might have given the money too. Not long after his concert the theater was taken down. but I will never forget seeing him in person.. bob hughesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75927332394377380692015-11-29T03:04:25.418-08:002015-11-29T03:04:25.418-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02903578390521740935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-61085119614993900892014-06-29T08:53:11.092-07:002014-06-29T08:53:11.092-07:00It is a shame so many of the pre and golden age mo...It is a shame so many of the pre and golden age movies are owned by a singular company, you know the company who likes to ruin the wonderful lighting and ambient of B/W movies via of coloring them, cough, airing them only on their paid channel, aka cabe/satellite. These films are national treasures. <br /><br />Benny was in many solid movies always with perfect timing, ex To be or not to Be. On his radio and TV shows he always surrounded himself with amazing guest talent and like Johhny Carson never upstaged them. <br /><br />Benny's soft gentle humor of the "star" trying to get by seems to "wear well" even today as he goes thru life "just not getting the respect he thinks he deserves", either as a comedian or as a "fiddle" player. <br /><br />I do not think today you would see the cut of real humanity based on a diversity of shape/sizes, age. These days it is shinny, no one over the age, or hiding it, 30, cast. Or you get the lopsided "Golden Girls" show, aka no one under the age of ..... fill in the blank.<br /><br />Eddie "Rochester" was another comedian, character actor with wonderful timing. Rochester would best defined as "glue" in these Benny shows.<br /><br />He was in a lot of wonderful movies, Brewster's Millions comes to mind and an very early, I can not remember the title, B/W all black musically where you can see his talent. <br /><br />Seinfeld and Newhart ? Please, like Carson, Jack made it look easy. Carson once called a "replacement" after seeing the Tonight Show and said, "it looks easy, doesn't it", when the replacement was struggling. <br /><br />Shock, tattoo comedy is really the cheap cop out, the real test here is if you had a few thousand comedians doing it, the novelty would soon wear thin, off. You know, The Howard Stein Syndrome, it gets old very fast after the shock wears off quickly, and you realize the true cruelty of "his same old, same old, gags". You realize how lazy and phone it in of a performance it is. <br /><br />Like, Stein, Lettermen and Jack Paar both had mean streaks and of the same ilk as Stein, Paar's treatment of Elvis and Letterman's pank on Richard Simmons isn't funny even by shock stands. I can not stand Simmons TV personally, but still, Letterman isn't funny and owes this guy an apology.<br /><br />I wonder who of this bunch would have a staff of 30 or more leave a hotel because your black performer wasn't allowed to stay in the same hotel? My guess that took some balls, back then, down south.<br /><br />Who among the above would sell the copyrights of a Radio/TV writer's "personality" character to the black performer of that character for one dollar? Talk about a cheap skate? Well...it wasn't Jack. This was a copyright worth thousands. <br />. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-26536842986507869612013-11-28T20:46:40.474-08:002013-11-28T20:46:40.474-08:00Well, many will disagree with me but I'm havin...Well, many will disagree with me but I'm having my say. Jack Benny was not much of a comedian. In fact he stunk. My parents only had his show on a couple of times and switched channels early on. Bob Hope and George Burns were way overrated as well. Their style is a "lazy" style of comedy; banal, tacky and lack luster. There's no edge to it. Today's comedians are bright, edgy and illuminating. Heck, even Bill Maher's deadpan style comedy grants me a giggle-fest. And Bill's an intellect too! Don't assume that I'm some ignorant kid trolling here; I'm 63 years old. Two of the first comedians that ever wowed me were the late, great George Carlin and Lenny Bruce. I enjoyed their cutting edge style especially when their comedy showcased the stupidity and irrationality of religion and belief in god. Yep, I'm an atheist. I also liked Buddy Hackett. I saw Buddy live in Vegas and literally pee'd myself in laughter. What a funny guy he was! Anyway, I give kudos to the bright, young comedians and the not so young edgy comedians who are way better than their successors from the dark age. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5681919186681631272013-07-18T15:37:51.882-07:002013-07-18T15:37:51.882-07:00What a wonderful page to find ! Thank you, Everyon...What a wonderful page to find ! Thank you, Everyone for all your rich stories and comments about our beloved Jack Benny.<br /><br />I am falling more in love with Jack Benny by the minute.<br />What an adorable person he was.<br /><br />Lately I've been watching reruns of his old programs at 3 in the morning and I find myself laughing real belly laughs OUTLOUD. which I rarely do these days.<br />Despite the cranky persona, the truth is Jack Benny was pure love. It poured out of his eyes when he smiled. And he was so bright and that dry wit just slys me every time.<br />Jack Benny was a true gentleman. But more than that, he was a gentle man.<br /><br />I love you Jack!<br /><br />Us Jack Benny lovers have to stick together. Great to be here! I joined the Fan Club also. It's been quite a day.<br /><br />God BLESS Jack Benny. Long May He Wave.<br /><br />xoMartha Mageenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75521444028679970222013-01-08T10:18:26.981-08:002013-01-08T10:18:26.981-08:00What a wonderful blog page. Jack Benny may have b...What a wonderful blog page. Jack Benny may have been the single funniest comedian of the century. Thank you for sharing your affection and appreciation of Jack with all of us. <br /><br />JohnnyJohnny Savagehttp://kalx.berkeley.edu/programs/johnny-savagenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11897966374928714972012-08-25T19:13:18.020-07:002012-08-25T19:13:18.020-07:00Nearly all the Jack Benny radio shows and many, ma...Nearly all the Jack Benny radio shows and many, many other radio shows are available for free over the internet at OTR.net<br /><br />Old Time RadioAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18270231359342250362011-12-25T21:40:41.770-08:002011-12-25T21:40:41.770-08:00If you would like to here some Jack Benny episodes...If you would like to here some Jack Benny episodes for free. I run a podcast about the Benny show and every week we run the Benny episodes that are exactly 60, 65, 70, and 75 years old each and every week! Come join us as we celebrate this absolutely wonderful brilliant man and the exploits with his stellar cast at www.jack_benny@podomatic.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88326331526520527612008-07-18T18:38:00.000-07:002008-07-18T18:38:00.000-07:00I am a big fan of Jack Benny. Was raised on his T...I am a big fan of Jack Benny. Was raised on his TV shows and now such a big fan of the old Radio Shows. I must share this. A few months ago in Los Angeles, I was on my way to see a customer. I was listening to a radio show from I think 2/20/55. Jack (who is the treasurer of the Beverly Hills Beavers club) has been told by the club they are doing a fund raiser at their grammer school. Jack, Mary, and Dennis go to the school and are sitting in the audience watching the show. <BR/><BR/>Each member of the club will portray a member of the Jack Benny radio cast in their own version of the Jack Benny Program. Well, Once kid played Jack (excellent), Mary, Bob Crosby, Dennis, Rodchester, Don Wilson, Race Track Tout, etc. They even had a "school sounding" orchestra playing the opening theme. Each segment was a gem. I laughed so hard I was crying. Fat Jokes on Don, Dumb Jokes for Dennis, Letter from Mother for Mary. The kid who played Dennis even sang "Clancy Lowered the boom".<BR/><BR/>What made me almost drive off the road was when "Little" Jack goes off stage to get a candy bar and some other kid doing an ACE imitation of Sheldon Leonard doing the Tout.<BR/><BR/>Find the show and listen.<BR/><BR/>It has to be one of the all time funniest.Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01614214777056644207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48080248039100499462007-12-26T01:48:00.000-08:002007-12-26T01:48:00.000-08:00I have loved Jack Benny since I was a boy, and the...I have loved Jack Benny since I was a boy, and the void that he left has never totally been filled. That is the effect of a great artist. <BR/>I watched all the Tv programs as a boy and always laughed so much with the Benny programs and specials. Many people on stage today even if they are not aware of it, are very influenced by Benny. He is still very much a part of us.<BR/><BR/>I have always kept a daily ledger and diary. I looked to the date Dec. 27, 1974, and saw that I wrote a bit about Benny's death on the 26th. Ending it all with the statement.. "We we laugh again, but never so well." <BR/><BR/>In my work today I am often in large crowds and on stage. I have always remembered Benny in my work and have borrowed from him to hone my skills. <BR/>One may call much of his work a "Master Class" in the field of dealing with the public at large. Watch him and you will learn much.<BR/><BR/>In closing I had the chance to interview Isaac Stern in 2000, and we had a number of laughs over Jack Benny in our conversations. Stern also had a great sense of humor. Thanks for having this page...JackJack Stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00630287034140371292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-43268937942737226632007-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:002007-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00I accidently stumbled across this website last nig...I accidently stumbled across this website last night while doing some research on an email containing a letter he had supposedly written to his wife about the Roses he sent her every year. Here is that letter whether it is actually true or not I cannot say but perhaps someone can verify...<BR/>The person who did this was Jack Benny....<BR/><BR/> You have to read this it is absolutely beautiful......<BR/><BR/> Each year he sent her roses,<BR/> and the note would always say,<BR/> I love you even more this year,<BR/> than last year on this day.<BR/> My love for you will always grow,<BR/> with every passing year.'<BR/><BR/> She knew this was the last time<BR/> that the roses would appear.<BR/> She thought, he ordered roses<BR/> in advance before this day.<BR/> Her loving husband did not know,<BR/> that he would pass away.<BR/><BR/> He always liked to do things early,<BR/> way before the time.<BR/> Then, if he got too busy,<BR/> e verything would work out fine.<BR/> She trimmed the stems and<BR/> placed them in a very special vase.<BR/><BR/> Then, sat the vase beside<BR/> the portrait of his smiling face.<BR/> She would sit for hours,<BR/> In her husband's favorite chair.<BR/> While staring at his picture,<BR/> and the roses sitting there.<BR/><BR/> A year went by, and it was<BR/> to live without her mate.<BR/> With loneliness and solitude,<BR/> that had become her fate.<BR/><BR/> Then, the very hour,<BR/> The doorbell rang, and there<BR/> were roses sitting by her door.<BR/><BR/> She brought the roses in,<BR/> and then just looked at them in shock.<BR/> Then, went to get the telephone,<BR/> to call the florist shop.<BR/><BR/> The owner answered, and she asked him,<BR/> if he would explain, Why would someone would<BR/> do this to her, causing her such pain?<BR/><BR/> 'I know your husband passed away,<BR/> more than a year ago,'<BR/> The owner said,<BR/> 'I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.<BR/><BR/> The flowers you received today,<BR/> were paid for in advance.<BR/> Your husband always planned ahead,<BR/> he left nothing to chance.<BR/><BR/> There is a standing order,<BR/> that I have on file down here,<BR/> And he has paid, well in advance,<BR/> you'll get them every year.<BR/><BR/> There also is another thing,<BR/> that I think you should know,<BR/> He wrote a special little card...he did this years<BR/> ago. Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here,<BR/> that's the card that should be sent to you the following year.'<BR/><BR/> She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard.<BR/> Her fingers shaking,<BR/> as she slowly reached to get the card.<BR/><BR/> Inside the card, she saw that he<BR/> had written her a note.<BR/> Then, as she stared in total silence,<BR/><BR/> this is what he wrote...<BR/><BR/> 'Hello my love, I know it's been a year<BR/> since I've been gone.<BR/> I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to<BR/> overcome.<BR/> I know it must be lonely,<BR/> and the pain is very real.<BR/> Or if it was the other way,<BR/> I know how I would feel.<BR/><BR/> The love we shared made everything<BR/> so beautiful in life.<BR/> I loved you more than words can say,<BR/> you were the perfect wife.<BR/> You were my friend and lover,<BR/> you fulfilled my every need.<BR/> I know it's only been a year,<BR/> but please try not to grieve.<BR/> I want you to be happy,<BR/> even when you shed your tears.<BR/><BR/> That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.<BR/> When you get these roses,<BR/> think of all the happiness that we had together,<BR/> and how both of us were blessed.<BR/><BR/> I have always loved you and<BR/> I know I always will.<BR/> But, my love, you must go on,<BR/> you have some living still.<BR/><BR/> Please...try to find happiness,<BR/> while living out your days.<BR/> I know it is not easy,<BR/> but I hope you find some ways.<BR/><BR/> The roses will come every year,<BR/> and they will only st op,<BR/> When your door's not answered,<BR/> when the florist stops to knock.<BR/><BR/> He will come five times that day,<BR/> in case you have gone out.<BR/> But after his last visit,<BR/> he will know without a doubt!<BR/> To take the roses to the place,<BR/> where I've instructed him<BR/> and place the roses where we are,<BR/> together once again.<BR/><BR/>I have too say I am completely taken in and thoroughly enjoyed reading all the comments here. The letter itself is heart moving as well. I got to catch some of Jaack Benny in the early 60's when I was just young but as many of you have stated, these were the masters of comedy and many can laern from them.......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-945850512746230432007-11-03T03:55:00.000-07:002007-11-03T03:55:00.000-07:00It is the recordings of the Jack Benny Show that k...It is the recordings of the Jack Benny Show that kept my sanity through two years of living in Japan, and now in the Philippines.<BR/><BR/>The quality of his work is as close to timeless as comedy can be, and 20 and 30-somethings who are exposed to it today do enjoy it. I agree that his television work needs to return to the air and that a biopic is LONG overdue.<BR/><BR/>What is more, kids need to learn about him and the other vaudevillians who really are the ones who are responsible for the creation of what we call American culture today.Jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00799497892846386116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-57082313835892151112007-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:002007-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00Who can tell me the address of Jack and Mary's las...Who can tell me the address of Jack and Mary's last home?<BR/>I remember in daughter Joan's book that Mary wanted a bigger house than the one on Roxbury that everyone associates with him, and he didn't. She says he spent a lot of money and bought the one he ended up dying in. Haven't found an address or pic anywhere.<BR/>I saw him at the Sahara not too long before he died...he was perfect on stage. In the morning he spent 30 minutes in the gift shop in his robe and pajamas! I was going to talk to him but was put off by the behavior. Now I wish I had.<BR/>Good blog barry.nulph@cox.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2547100348205606682007-08-14T07:17:00.000-07:002007-08-14T07:17:00.000-07:00I got into Benny when Gary Giddins came to a class...I got into Benny when Gary Giddins came to a class I was taking and gave a great lecture about Bing Crosby. I instantly became both a Crosby and Giddins fan, and devoured his biography. After that, I picked up Giddins's "Faces In The Crowd," the opening essay of which is an encomium to Benny. I've been hooked ever since; him, Crosby, and Britt Daniel are the three role models who might help get through this life with my dignity flapping in the breeze but still somewhat intact...<BR/><BR/><BR/>Now, my useful two cents: there's a great series of interviews on emusic.com with various comedians -- very formalist and shoptalky, just how I like it. Seinfeld, Carson, Benny, and Carlin are all worth hearing, although since the tracks are often short and emusic charges by the track, you might want to try some of the longer ones first and see what you think...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-75360199708377589502007-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:002007-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:00I appreciate your appreciation of Jack Benny. The ...I appreciate your appreciation of Jack Benny. The Loevly Mrs. Hunter and I raised our kids (now teenagers) on te KNX Drama Hour and one of our fondest memories is going to see The Dopey Griffith Park Christmas Light Show and the traffic being so backed up we heard The Jack Benny Program and Burns and Allen while we were inching forward.<BR/><BR/>HOWEVER <BR/><BR/>When you were at the Sahara watching Jack Benny, I was watching the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, August 31, 1965. And I can assure you that the audience kept quiet -- relatively -- during the songs. Between songs it was pandemonium.<BR/><BR/>Was Benny in the Congo Room? I remember when I was watching The Amazing Johnathan there that it must have been a HELL of a venue to see Johnny Carson.<BR/><BR/>--tAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1129534079115685842007-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:002007-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:00It is a true testament to the CLASS that Benjamin ...It is a true testament to the CLASS that Benjamin Kubelsky brought to this earth. Here it is, almost 33 years since he died at the age of "39",(yes, I realize it was 80 by the calendar)... and Ken's posting has generated near fifty responses. Jack Benny was a true gentleman, a comic genius, and an entertainer that never had to resort to vulgarities to get laughs. For anyone interested, Laura Leff has a fantastic website dedicated to Jack at www.jackbenny.org Laura has also researched two incredible volumes entitled "Forever 39", documenting Benny's radio career.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25838658894857650602007-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:002007-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:00I was born in the same general time period that Ja...I was born in the same general time period that Jack died. He makes me laugh out loud more than anything generated in my life time.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05094066600314503299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-30151312767241030572007-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:002007-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:00Oops. Left out the Benny story came from Milt Jos...Oops. Left out the Benny story came from Milt Josefsberg.<BR/>Wayne KlineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17227693282294409232007-08-09T19:36:00.000-07:002007-08-09T19:36:00.000-07:00Here's another story I got from legendary Benny wr...Here's another story I got from legendary Benny writer, whom I had the pleasure of working on the same Norman Lear lot with in the 70's.<BR/>The "your money or your life" is famous for getting one of the longest laughs ever. Over 40 seconds.<BR/>But a tape I listened to of the famous radio show, the laugh was 23 seconds. I asked Milt if the live laugh was really over 40 seconds. He said "yes, it was." So why was the taped laugh 23 seconds? <BR/>Back then, the recording was made by making a vinyl record of it. And they changed records on long laughs.<BR/>And now you know the rest of the story.<BR/>Wayne KlineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-16696958502429415442007-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:002007-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00One forgets that Benny's shows had about as much '...One forgets that Benny's shows had about as much 'plot' as Seinfeld's too - Jack goes to the grocery store, Jack takes a day off,Jack takes a walk for Petes sake...and some things were just sacrosanct in the Benny Universe - people had to have been waiting for the annual 'Jack goes Christmas shopping' 'storyline'; people HAD to look forward whenever Jack traveled - time to break out 'Anahiem....A-ZU-sa..and CUC-------------------amonga' -one time they actually slipped a whole <I>scene</I> in between 'Cuc' and 'amonga'! One mention of booze, and sure enough, Phil Harris shows up!<BR/><BR/>nothing like him then..and sure as hell nothing like him today!LouOCNYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16151395857835632917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36871406896253614632007-08-09T15:50:00.000-07:002007-08-09T15:50:00.000-07:00Commenter Ted mentions that Jack Benny cast himsel...Commenter Ted mentions that Jack Benny cast himself as the villain for the sake of laughs. The 1960 episode from which the Frank Nelson clip is a great example. Jack is buying Christmas presents, and Mel Blanc is in charge of gift wrap. Jack insists on having his gift for Don Wilson wrapped and rewrapped, with absolutely no consideration for Mel's hard work, oblivious to the suffering he's imposing. <BR/><BR/>You can watch the whole thing in three parts -- it'll make you laugh til you cry:<BR/><BR/>http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnqct_jack-benny-xmas-shopping-1<BR/>http://www.dailymotion.com/NilbogLAND/video/xnqpd_jack-benny-christmas-shopping-2<BR/>http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnqvh_jack-benny-xmas-3-christmasMichael Bateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14605909006103411407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17052800973660106442007-08-09T15:30:00.000-07:002007-08-09T15:30:00.000-07:00I have been reading all these wonderful comments a...I have been reading all these wonderful comments about your glorious piece about Jack Benny and I was so moved that I found myself in tears....tears of joy from being so happy to see that Benny has such a huge following almost 33 years after his passing.<BR/><BR/>My best friend and I were lucky enough to be friends with Mel Blanc fron 1978 on....I have always been convinced that Mel took to us partly because we were huge Benny fans.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Ken, for sharing .Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05589335152905464270noreply@blogger.com