The season from 1936 to 1937 was a big year for Jack Benny. Kenny Baker was still on the show, Phil Harris had just started, and later in the season Rochester would make his appearance. The feud with Fred Allen was just getting started, in fact when today's show was done, it had been going on for a month and a half, and they hadn't even consulted each other about it yet. It would still be a couple more weeks before they finally got together to talk about the feud that would last for years to come.
The famous feud began when Fred Allen had a young boy on his show to play his violin. He made a snide, but friendly, remark about Jack Benny's playing ability. Jack knew that Fred would be listening, so he made comments back at Fred. The verbal volleys went on and found Jack Benny being challenged to play Schubert's 'The Bee,' Well, today isn't that show, but it is mentioned.
Our last podcast was from the Lux Radio Theater with Jack Benny and Mary. In today's show you get to see the aftermath of that experience.
Bonus Tracks: In honor of Jack Benny's western theme, The Coon Creek Girls from 1938. Old Uncle Doodey. OK, I couldn't resist. After the show is a special treat. Jack Benny's rendition of the Bee. It was played the following week.
One comment about Jack Benny
s performance. He was often heard scratching out notes on his violin and driving his music teacher nuts in shows that would air some ten years later. Listen, he does a very good job of it. You will also notice a little extra ragtime tossed in. It goes back to his vaudeville days when he was part of a violin/piano duet billed as, "From Classical to Ragtime." This is probably much the same style and quality that he played before his World War Navy service and his switch to comedy.
