The Jack Benny Program
The Jack Benny Program is an American comedy television series that aired from 1950 to 1965, starring Jack Benny as a fictionalized version of himself — a vain, stingy, perpetually 39-year-old comedian. The show evolved from Benny's long-running radio program and featured a regular cast including Eddie "Rochester" Anderson as Benny's wisecracking valet. Each episode mixed scripted comedy sketches with Benny's signature violin playing and guest appearances by Hollywood stars. The series ran for 260 episodes across 15 seasons and was one of the most acclaimed comedy shows of television's golden age. Many episodes are in the public domain.
This series is:Lighthearted
Season 3
Season 4
Honolulu Trip
Jack talks about his cruise to Hawaii with Rochester, where they encounter a series of characters on the ship. When Jack takes a nap, he dreams Marilyn Monroe is on board with him.
Humphrey Bogart Show
A detective tries to get a confession out of Baby Face Bogart.
Johnnie Ray Show
It is Rochester's day off, and Jack has to make his own lunch. A messenger arrives with Johnnie Ray's contract for a guest appearance, and Jack is horrified to see that Ray wants $10,000.
Irene Dunne Show
Jack reads that Gregory Ratoff is planning a new production starring Irene Dunne and Vincent Price. Since he has always wanted to play against Irene Dunne, he tries to get first Ratoff and then Dunne to give him Price's part.
Reminiscing About Last New Year's
Jack remembers last New Year's Eve: Mary is giving a party, but Jack is not planning to go because he has a date with Gloria.
Liberace Show
Jack tries to call Liberace. Two operators, Gertrude and Mabel, talk about Jack. Jack finally decides to go to Liberace's home. The house is filled with candelabra. Liberace asks Jack to appear with him in concert. After Liberace performs solo, the two play 'September song' together, Jack on his violin.
Jack Dreams He's Married to Mary
When Mary calls to say she is coming over because she has something delicate to discuss, Jack thinks she is going to agree to marry him at last. So daydreams about what their twenty-first anniversary would be like.
Goldie, Fields and Glide
Jack Benny welcomes guests for an evening of comedy sketches and his signature violin performance, with Rochester on hand to deliver his
The Road to Nairobi
The Road to Nairobi — season 4, episode 13 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 5
Jam Session at Jack's
Jack is anxious to get home because some friends are coming over for their weekly jam session.
How Jack Found Mary
Jack tells an interviewer how he met Mary Livingstone years before when she worked at The May Co.
The Life of Jack Benny
The Life of Jack Benny — season 5, episode 5 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Does Christmas Shopping
Jack loses to Rochester at gin rummy and has to do Rochester's chores for the day while Rochester plays golf. Jack goes to the market to buy groceries for Christmas dinner.
San Diego Naval Training Center
San Diego Naval Training Center — season 5, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Bedroom Burglar
Bedroom Burglar — season 5, episode 8 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Four O'Clock In The Morning Show
Jack, awakened by a phone call at 4 a.m., cannot get back to sleep. After he decides to go for an early morning walk, he comes home exhausted, but Mary comes over and reminds him that they were to go shopping for a new suit for Jack.
Jack's Lunch Counter
Jack's Lunch Counter — season 5, episode 11 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Takes Beavers to the Fair
Jack Takes Beavers to the Fair — season 5, episode 12 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
You Bet Your Life
You Bet Your Life — season 5, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Preparing for New York Trip
Preparing for New York Trip — season 5, episode 15 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jackie Gleason Show
Jackie Gleason Show — season 5, episode 16 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 6
Jack Goes to Dennis' House
Jack visits Dennis Day's house to discuss the new season, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and Jack's usual blend of vanity
Massage and Date with Gertrude
Massage and Date with Gertrude — season 6, episode 2 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Peggy King and Art Linkletter
Jack is featured in Look! Magazine. Mel Blanc heckles Jack from the audience. Guest stars Peggy King and Art Linkletter.
Isaac Stern Boosts Jack's Morale
Isaac Stern Boosts Jack's Morale — season 6, episode 4 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Gives Johnny Carson Advice
Jack Gives Johnny Carson Advice — season 6, episode 5 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Hunts for Uranium
Jack Hunts for Uranium — season 6, episode 6 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Frances and Edgar Bergen
Frances and Edgar Bergen — season 6, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
New Year's Day Show
Essentially a filmed radio show, a few chairs and a microphone on a stage, Jack and company re-create what was a tradition on his radio show, a skit where "Old Year" packs up and moves out and "New Year" moves in.
Don Invites Gang to Dinner
Jack is sick with a bad cold and Rochester is his nurse and Mary is fixing him something to eat. Jack is waiting for his lawyer to show up as Jack wants him to break Don Wilson's contract as Jack is blaming him for his cold. In a flashback, we learn that after a show rehearsal, Don Wilson invites them to his house to see some anniversary gifts and Jack repeatedly warns Don to check with his wife, Lois, Don always declines. After arriving at Don's house and after Jack is told by Mary to pay the $1.85 taxi bill and Jack gives the driver a 15 cent tip., Don is now worried that he should have checked with his wife first. Don has them wait at the corner of the house while he checks with Lois. Lois informs Don that she just opened a can of tuna as she didn't have time to go shopping. Don decides to have the gang show up
William Holden & Frances Bergen Show
William Holden & Frances Bergen Show — season 6, episode 11 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Rochester Sleeps Through Jack's Show
Jack relies on Rochester, his toughest critic, to give him an honest evaluation of the show, but when Rochester accidentally sleeps through the program, he tries to cover up with evasive answers to Jack's questions. At first Jack is angry when he discovers the truth, but later he sees Rochester packing and is afraid that he's leaving (unaware that Rochester is simply getting ready for a camping trip). Jack offers him extra days off — even Labor Day — and makes him a steak dinner, and Rochester milks the situation for all it's worth.
Jack Drives to Palm Springs
Jack Drives to Palm Springs — season 6, episode 13 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Opens Beverly Hills Office
Jack Opens Beverly Hills Office — season 6, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Tries to Get a Passport
Jack attempts to get a passport for an upcoming trip, navigating bureaucratic obstacles and his own cheapness with predictably comic
Season 7
George Burns & Spike Jones Show
George Burns & Spike Jones Show — season 7, episode 2 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Is Invited to the Ronald Colmans
Jack Is Invited to the Ronald Colmans — season 7, episode 4 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack's Maxwell Is Stolen
Rochester calls Jack in the middle of his monologue to tell him his Maxwell has been stolen. While he goes to the Beverly Hills Police Station, the Sportsmen cover for him, singing 'Puttin' on my top hat' while they get dressed on stage. Jack is amazed at the sumptuousness of the police station. Eventually the car is found; it has been returned to Jack's house by the thieves.
Jack Locked in the Tower of London
Jack Locked in the Tower of London — season 7, episode 6 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Talent Show
During Jack's monologue about his Christmas gifts, Don comes out to announce a purse has been found. It turns out to belong to Jayne Mansfield, who was sitting in the audience when the usher grabbed her purse she considers this to be a pretty sneaky way to get a guest star. Jack mentions The Girl Can't Help It, her latest picture. The Sportsmen Quartet and Rochester perform New Year's in Trinidad for the Lucky Strike ad. In the sketch, Jack hosts a talent contest. Mel Blanc plays an animal impersonator. The Landrew Sisters trio sings Did you ever see a dream walking. Leon Salvadore, a judo champ, is beaten by the six big men he asserts he will beat.
Jack and Mary in Rome
Jack and Mary in Rome — season 7, episode 9 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack in Paris
Jack makes sure Parisians remember him: he boasts to anyone he can corner that he drives a garbage truck. That's how an under-tipped hotel employee translates "star of stage, screen and television" for Jack. A garbageman compatriot is delighted to give Jack & Mary a free ride in his truck, while Maurice Chevalier takes them nightclubbing.
Mary's May Company Reunion
Mary's May Company Reunion — season 7, episode 15 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 8
The Airport
The Airport — season 8, episode 2 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Hal March Show
During the monologue, the President and Secretary of the Jack Benny Fan Club, Pasadena Chapter, come onstage. Don and Harlow Wilson do a soft shoe to 'Me and my shadow' for the Lucky commercial. Hal March, host of The $64,000 Question quiz show, is the guest; Jack asks him questions, and he tries to answer them for prizes.
Ginger Rogers Show
Hollywood legend Ginger Rogers guest stars in this episode, joining Jack in comedy sketches and trading barbs with Rochester and the
Jack's Life Story
Jack wants to star in the movie version of his life story, but producer Buddy Adler wants Van Johnson. Van Johnson and Buddy Adler play themselves. Announcer: Don Wilson. Rochester: Eddie Anderson.
Christmas Shopping
Christmas Shopping — season 8, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Takes a Beaver to the Dentist
Jack Takes a Beaver to the Dentist — season 8, episode 9 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Honeymooners Show
Dennis sings 'The 12th of never.' In the sketch, Jack plays Ralph Kramden in a take-off of The Honeymooners, with Meadows as Alice and Dennis as Ed Norton.
Jack at the Races
Jack at the Races — season 8, episode 11 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Violin Competition with Gisele MacKenzie
Violin Competition with Gisele MacKenzie — season 8, episode 12 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Railroad Station Show
Railroad Station Show — season 8, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Ronnie Burns Show
Ronnie Burns Show — season 8, episode 15 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Hillbilly Act
Hillbilly Act — season 8, episode 16 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 9
Gary Cooper Show
Gary Cooper Show — season 9, episode 1 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Goes to the Doctor
Jack Goes to the Doctor — season 9, episode 6 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Autolight
Jack appears in a comedic spoof of Autolite commercials, blending his signature character comedy with the sponsor integration that was a
Ernie Kovacs Show
Ernie shows Jack his moustache collection, and Jack tries some of them on. Don, dressed as a Beatnik, does the commercial with the Beatniks, to the tune of 'Beat generation.' In the sketch, Jack and Ernie are in a posh prison on Nob Hill in San Francisco; it is 1970, and Ernie is due to be released, but he doesn't want to leave the cushy life
Jack Goes to a Nightclub
Jack Goes to a Nightclub — season 9, episode 11 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Edgar Bergen Show
Edgar Bergen Show — season 9, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 10
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Stewart Show
Jimmy Stewart and his wife Gloria guest star in this episode, with Stewart playing his usual stammering, everyman persona against Jack's
Ben Blue Show
Ben Blue Show — season 10, episode 8 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Is Arrested
Jack Is Arrested — season 10, episode 11 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Natalie Wood & Robert Wagner Show
Natalie Wood & Robert Wagner Show — season 10, episode 12 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Easter Show
Easter Show — season 10, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 11
Nightbeat Takeoff
Nightbeat Takeoff — season 11, episode 1 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Hong Kong Suit
Jack's legendary cheapness is on full display when he tries to get a suit made in Hong Kong on the cheap, with predictably disastrous and
Lunch Counter Murder
A heavy holds up a cafeteria where Jack is eating. Heavy: Dan Duryea. Announcer: Don Wilson.
Jack Goes to a Concert
Jack takes his girlfriend Mildred to a violin concert, even though she would prefer to go to the fights. Jack spots the Stewarts in the audience and tries to get their attention by tossing peanuts at them, eventually driving them out. When Mildred turns on her transistor radio to listen to the fight, the entire audience leaves.
Jack Casting For Television Special
Jack has written his life story for television, and has his agent hire a child actor who is just as cheap as he is to play himself. Remake of the sketch originally done on November 20, 1954.
Jack Goes to the Vault
Jack Goes to the Vault — season 11, episode 12 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Don's 27th Anniversary With Jack
Jack honors Don Wilson on the occasion of his 27th year working with Jack. The sketch relates how Don and Jack met: Jack's radio sponsor, the Universal Corset Co., holds auditions for an announcer for Jack's program, and Don is the only one who laughs at Jack's bad jokes. John Daly presents Don with a plaque; Jack disagrees with Daly's statement that Don came to his show when it was "down," and ends by breaking the plaque over Don's head. The Sportsmen sing "Down Yonder"
Jack at the Supermarket
Jack at the Supermarket — season 11, episode 14 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Goes To a Gym
Jack goes to a gym so that he can improve his physique and impress a young lady; Don goes with him.
Death Row Sketch
Death Row Sketch — season 11, episode 17 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Becomes a Surgeon
Rochester imagines that a crazy doctor is operating on him. Rochester: Eddie Anderson. Don Wilson is the announcer.
Detective Story
Detective Story — season 11, episode 20 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Goes to Las Vegas
Jack Goes to Las Vegas — season 11, episode 22 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Variety Show
'George Burns' crashes Jack's variety show, which features two songs sung by Ann-Margret and juggler extraordinaire, Francis Brunn.
Main Street Shelter
Jack gets involved with a homeless shelter on Main Street, turning a charitable situation into another opportunity for his character's
Season 12
Jack on Trial for Murder
Jack goes on trial for murder, defended by superstar lawyer Perry Mason (Raymond Burr). The women in the courtroom swoon over Perry, but his defense of Jack is feeble. When Jack asks how Perry always wins on his own show, Perry Mason sneers "because my writers are better than yours !"
Jack Takes the Stewarts to a Play
Jack has four tickets to a new play. He and his new girlfriend were originally going to go with Don Wilson and his wife, but Don called to cancel. Jack's girlfriend gets him to call and invite Jimmy and Gloria Stewart. Jimmy accepts the invitation thinking he's talking to Jack Lemon. He and Gloria panic when they realize that it's Jack Benny instead.
Tennessee Ernie Ford Show
Tennessee Ernie Ford Show — season 12, episode 5 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Plays Golf
Jack demonstrates why he's an insufferable golf partner.
Jack Is Followed Home
Jack Is Followed Home — season 12, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Goes to the Cafeteria
Jack treats Jane Morgan to lunch.
Jack Writes a Song
Jack asks Dmitri Tiomkin to polish an song he wrote.
Christmas Party
Christmas Party — season 12, episode 10 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Alexander Hamilton Show
Alexander Hamilton Show — season 12, episode 20 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Goes Back Into Pictures
Jack Goes Back Into Pictures — season 12, episode 23 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Is a Violin Teacher
Dennis sings 'On the First Warm Day.' After being interviewed for an article on his life story, Jack daydreams about what he would have done had he not left home to go into show business: he would have given violin lessons.
Modern Prison
Modern Prison — season 12, episode 25 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Season 13
Phil Silvers Show
Phil Silvers Show — season 13, episode 3 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Air Force Sketch
Raymond Burr wants to be a comedian, so Jack allows him to host the show.
Lawrence Welk Show
Jack tries to take over Lawrence Welk's baton when the maestro and his orchestra appear. Don Wilson is the announcer.
My Gang Comedy
My Gang Comedy — season 13, episode 6 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Plays Tarzan
Jack Plays Tarzan — season 13, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Meets a Japanese Agent
Jack Meets a Japanese Agent — season 13, episode 9 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack and Bob Hope in Vaudeville
Jack and Bob do a skit about the time they auditioned their vaudeville act.
Jack Referees a Wrestling Match
When Jack is omitted from the Ladies' Club's show, he confronts the entertainment committee: Mmes. Groucho Marx, Phil Silvers, Kirk Douglas and Milton Berle (who play themselves). Announcer: Don Wilson.
Jack and the Crying Cab Driver
Jack encounters nothing but headaches trying to make a flight to New York.
The Story of the New Talent Show
The Story of the New Talent Show — season 13, episode 13 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Meets Max Bygraves
Jack Meets Max Bygraves — season 13, episode 15 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Twilight Zone Sketch
Twilight Zone Sketch — season 13, episode 16 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Peter Lorre & Joanie Sommers Show
Peter Lorre & Joanie Sommers Show — season 13, episode 17 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Rents His House
Jack's opening monologue is interrupted by a picture taking family who join him onstage. In the sketch, Jack and Rochester are leaving on a personal appearance tour, so Jack rents his house while he is gone. The renters are suprised by some of Jack's conditions for rental.
Spanish Sketch
Spanish Sketch — season 13, episode 20 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Connie Francis Show
Connie Francis plays the wife of a composer. Announcer: Don Wilson.
Jack Does the USO Show
Jack Does the USO Show — season 13, episode 22 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Frankie Avalon Show
Frankie Avalon appears with Jack, who signs him on for the show. Engineer: Frank Gerstle. Recording Manager: Cliff Norton. Don Wilson is the announcer.
Jack Is Kidnapped
Jack is held for ransom in this sketch with George Burns. Kidnapper: Merry Anders. Accomplice: Warren Kemmerling.
Jack Fires Don
Jack fires his announcer, Don Wilson, over a trivial argument.
Jack Answers Request Letters
Jack devotes the program to answering request letters from his viewers. One viewer asks about sound effects on his radio program, so he asks Ray Erlenborn to demonstrate; he makes the sounds of horses' hooves, a parade of marching soldiers, the milking of a cow, and a fight between Jack and John Wayne. For the State Farm Car Insurance commercial, Jack invites a serviceman up from the audience, who claims State Farm insured his tank in the Battle of the Bulge. Dennis sings a country western song. Jack's sister Florence has written in asking why he never gives Dennis or Don a chance to work alone; they do a Laurel and Hardy imitation. The last request is that Jack play a piece of serious music. Unfortunately, the accompanist sent over at the last minute by the Musicians' Union completely upstages Jack with his comic antics.
Season 14
Robert Goulet Show
Jack tries to win a girl away from Robert Goulet. Goulet sings "This Is All I Ask." Girl: Joan Marshall. Don Wilson.
Riverboat Sketch
Carol Burnett is Jack's guest in this romp about a gambler (Jack) who's trying to fleece a rich plantation owner (Don Wilson) and his modest daughter (Carol).
Tall Cowboy Sketch
When Clint Walker hints that his movie requires a big man to portray his brother, a rebuilt Jack appears. Usher: Pat Colby. Man on Tour: Ned Miller.
Johnny Carson Show
Johnny Carson Show — season 14, episode 5 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Directs a Film
Jack Directs a Film — season 14, episode 6 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Ed Sullivan Show
Ed Sullivan Show — season 14, episode 7 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Jack Takes a Boat to Hawaii
Hawaiians are thrilled to sing Aloha to stingy Jack Benny, who gets only 1 lei, while a fellow passenger is covered with them. The romantic atmosphere of the Pacific cruise back to L.A. overwhelms Jack, who envisions a zoftig blonde passenger as Jayne Mansfield. Jayne breathes "You're Just Too Marvelous," to love-struck Jack.
Amateur Show
Amateur Show — season 14, episode 12 of The Jack Benny Program (1950).
Details
- Years
- 1950–1965
- Seasons
- 15
- Episodes
- 126
- Genres
- Comedy
- TMDB Rating
- 7.8/10 (17 votes)
- Maturity Rating
- TV-G
- Quality
- SD
- Audio
- English
- Status
- Public Domain Mark 1.0
- Studio
- CBS
