I love this show and I am thankful that my cable carrier includes a retro channel that plays episodes of Jack's show every day.
Benny is a lovable, self-deprecating comic whose television show provides a happy combination of stage performances and skits. One example is an episode in which he introduces Peter, Paul and Mary, who then perform "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Then, he asks them to join him onstage, where he pretends to confuse their names. The seemingly serious trio loosens up as Jack banters and sets them up for a few jokes. Jack asks them to demonstrate how folk songs are written, using him as a subject. Then he asks them to come by his house later, to discuss an important matter, which leads into a skit.
Jack's antics have Eddie "Rochester" Anderson as a foil. Their pairing began during the radio days of Benny's program. Jack frequently uses Mel Blanc and Frank Nelson to play important supporting roles in his skits, and they are great.
An example of Jack's wink-and-a-nod brand of humor is an episode in which Mel Blanc portrays a violin instructor with amnesia. The skit requires Benny to play the violin badly in his customary way. Later, he plays the violin well, but admonishes the psychiatrist who is treating the instructor to keep his secret, because he has made plenty of money by leading audiences to believe he is an incompetent musician.
Benny's comic style appeals to both intellectual and blue collar audiences. And the writing on his show is both innovative and comfortably familiar.
One final note: Benny knew talent, which is why Dennis Day was a regular. Dennis possessed great comic timing and range as well as his beautiful voice.
Benny is a lovable, self-deprecating comic whose television show provides a happy combination of stage performances and skits. One example is an episode in which he introduces Peter, Paul and Mary, who then perform "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Then, he asks them to join him onstage, where he pretends to confuse their names. The seemingly serious trio loosens up as Jack banters and sets them up for a few jokes. Jack asks them to demonstrate how folk songs are written, using him as a subject. Then he asks them to come by his house later, to discuss an important matter, which leads into a skit.
Jack's antics have Eddie "Rochester" Anderson as a foil. Their pairing began during the radio days of Benny's program. Jack frequently uses Mel Blanc and Frank Nelson to play important supporting roles in his skits, and they are great.
An example of Jack's wink-and-a-nod brand of humor is an episode in which Mel Blanc portrays a violin instructor with amnesia. The skit requires Benny to play the violin badly in his customary way. Later, he plays the violin well, but admonishes the psychiatrist who is treating the instructor to keep his secret, because he has made plenty of money by leading audiences to believe he is an incompetent musician.
Benny's comic style appeals to both intellectual and blue collar audiences. And the writing on his show is both innovative and comfortably familiar.
One final note: Benny knew talent, which is why Dennis Day was a regular. Dennis possessed great comic timing and range as well as his beautiful voice.