It seems we played Jack Benny not too long ago, but just like his sponsor, Jello, there's always room for more. The audio is a little staticky, even after I touched it up. As happens with some of these old programs, some of the musical numbers have been clipped and lost.
In the scheme of things, this is Phil's first season. Jack and Fred Allen have been feuding now for about 5 months. Phil seems a little stiff, but it is just Jack trying to feel out his character, and how to use him in the show. The gang give Jack a hard time about his betting at the horse track. Everybody takes the time to put in their word to recognize Mother's Day. The play for the evening is about school days. Kenny Baker sings, Where Are You? Jack is the teacher. The cast members, joined by Andy Divine, are students who give Jack a hard time. After some class room antics, Phil plays, Riding High. Finally, Jack gives a small taste of the play they are to do the following week.
Trivia Note: In the school house, Jack asks a question about who the first president was. He hints that his first name is George. The answer he gets back is George Olson. To continue the gag, he asks about his wife, and a name is given. George Olson was a popular band leader of the day, the woman who is named is his wife. They both were on Jack's original show as part of the cast when he started out.
Bonus Tracks:
Tune Wranglers. I Can't Change It. and the Ozzie Nelson Orchestra. Swing, Dear Mother In Law, 1937.
PS: My computer is still having some trouble. As long as it holds up, I'll keep posting stuff. My Internet connection is still a little flaky, but as long as I hold a lightening rod, covered in aluminum foil in my right hand, while placing my left hand on my monitor, and holding my left foot at a 87 degree angle, pointing South by South West, stepping on a broken pop can with my right foot, remembering to keep my knees slightly bent, and hold perfectly still for the duration of the upload, it works. Usually.
