Welcome to a new Wildcard Wednesday! This week, we’re paying tribute to Jack Benny, who was born 39 years ago on February 14, [redacted]. Regular readers of this blog may remember that I’ve done full coverage for 16 seasons of this entertainment icon’s classic comedy-variety radio series (later brought to TV), which boasted a remarkable ensemble of well-defined characters whose utilization came to resemble an influential and still-early version of situation comedy.
Since then, I’ve received several Q&A submissions about the show, one of which asked what my MVE (Most Valuable Episode) selections would be from my coverage. Fortunately, I started keeping track of my favorite favorites, including MVEs, around 2017, adding a few more every time I covered another season, so I am prepared to provide answers for you now. However, I should note that I never went back and revisited anything, which means these picks don’t necessarily represent my current thoughts… Although, when glancing at the curation below, each MVE choice feels like a solid ambassador for that season and its particular charms. So, this should be helpful! (Oh, and click the blue seasonal headings for links to my original lists!)
1936-1937
March 14, 1937: Jack has a showdown in New York with Fred Allen.
1937-1938
June 12, 1938: Jack agrees to perform the upside-down scene opposite Joan Bennett.
1938-1939
March 19, 1939: Jack listens to his show while laid up in bed with Carmichael’s cold.
1939-1940
February 11, 1940: The gang is getting closer to Yosemite.
1940-1941
February 09, 1941: Jack is jealous of Herbert Marshall’s performance last week.
1941-1942
December 07, 1941: The cast reacts to Jack’s work in last week’s sketch.
1942-1943
May 09, 1943: Rochester needs money for a double date with Louis Armstrong.
1943-1944
December 12, 1943: Dennis’ mother heckles Jack about giving her son a raise.
1944-1945
April 29, 1945: Jack takes a violin lesson and goes on the Sympathy Soothing Syrup program.
1945-1946
December 09, 1945: Jack goes to the Colmans’ house for dinner.
1946-1947
March 16, 1947: Don assembles a famous trio to join Dennis as Jack’s new quartet.
1947-1948
March 28, 1948: Jack borrows Ronald Colman’s new Oscar and is mugged.
1948-1949
April 24, 1949: Jack goes to trade in his Maxwell.
1949-1950
April 09, 1950: Jack feels good after giving 50 cents to a bum on the street.
1950-1951
May 20, 1951: The cast wants to negotiate their new contracts with Jack.
1951-1952
January 20, 1952: George Burns appears on the show to sing Jack’s song.
Come back next week for a new Wildcard! And stay tuned Monday for another musical rarity!