This Day in Jack Benny

A podcast of the greatest Old Time Radio ever, The Jack Benny Program! Starring Jack Benny with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson. The Jack Benny Show AKA The Jello Program AKA The Lucky Strike Program aired from the 1930's right through to the 1950's. Each week your host, John Henderson, brings an episode from that week 60-80 years ago. It's old, yet still as funny as ever. An OTR podcast.

Wings of the Hawk 10/14/2026

Wings of the Hawk October 18, 1953 - Jack Benny does a parody of the movie "Wings of the Hawk" in which Van Hefin plays a prospector in Mexico caught up in a fight bewteen the rebels and the federales. References include Bing Crosby and Popeye the sailor. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/43289884

Home From Algiers 10/07/2026

Home From Algiers October 24, 1943 - Jack Benny rides the train and tells another story from his time overseas. This story turns out to be a spoof of the Charles Boyer movie Algiers. References include the Moscow conference, Claudette Colbert, Joan Bennett, Gary Cooper, Fred Allen, the quiz kid Joel Cupperman and a list of gossip columnists. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/43206618

The Finale That Never Was (BONUS) 09/30/2026

The Finale That Never Was (BONUS) June 3, 2026 - No Soap Radio presents an "The Finale That Never Was" original Jack Benny script written by Craig Shemin. When Jack Benny retired from radio in 1955 no farewell episode was ever produced. Craig has remedied that with our version in which Jack says goodbye to his radio audience. The usual cast of characters make appearances along with a number of guest stars including George Burns and Gracie Allen. The episode was produced, directed and edited by Paul Kovit of No Soap Radio. Find more old time radio recreations at or on Cast: Annette Bochenek as Mary Livingstone Stephanie D'Abruzzo as Gracie Allen / Sheldon Leonard / Luck Strike Singer Zach Eastman as Dennis Day Victoria Gordon as CBS Page / Mable the Swichboard Operator Larry Groeb as Fred Allen / Mr. Kitzel Andy Hartson-Bowyer as Phil Harris / Lucky Strike Singer John Henderson as Don Wilson Eric Jacobson as George Burns Paul Kovit as Frank Nelson / Mel Blanc / Lucky Strike Singer Pete Lutz as Lucky Strike Singer Laura Mirsky as Gertude the Switchboard Operator Paul Patterson as Rochester Mark Saunders as Lucky Strike Singer Craig Shemin Gene Twombly John Bell as Jack Benny /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/43083238

Jack Benny on the Danny Kaye Show (BONUS) 09/16/2026

Jack Benny on the Danny Kaye Show (BONUS) October 26, 1945 - With Danny Kaye entertaining the troops overseas Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Rochester, Larry Stevens and Don Wilson fill in on The Danny Kaye Show. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42925052

A Day in The Life of Dennis Day (BONUS) 09/09/2026

A Day in The Life of Dennis Day (BONUS) October 3, 1946 - This is the first episode of Dennis Day's show, a spin off of Jack Benny. This episode is titles "Masquerade". In it they mention the racy book "Forever Amber", the housing shortage, and actor Charles Boyer. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42840025

Fred Allen with Jack Haley and Phil Harris (BONUS) 09/02/2026

Fred Allen with Jack Haley and Phil Harris (BONUS) January 23, 1949 - The Fred Allen Show with special guest Jack Haley (Tin Man) and featuring Phil Harris. Phil was out east for President Truman's Inauguration. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42711780

"The Horn Blows at Midnight" on Ford Theater (BONUS) 08/26/2026

"The Horn Blows at Midnight" on Ford Theater (BONUS) March 4, 1949 - Jack Benny is the guest star on The Ford Theater for a radio adaptation of his movie "The Horn Blows at Midnight". This program follows the Jack Warner episode of The Jack benny Program. https://thisdaybenny.com/2021/08/13/jack-warner-ford-theater/ /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42558470

Phil Harris - Tutor for Girls (BONUS) 08/19/2026

Phil Harris - Tutor for Girls (BONUS) October 20, 1946 - This is the second (available) episode of The Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show, which was known as The Fitch Bandwagon and this time. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42467950

Theater of Thrills (BONUS) 08/13/2026

Theater of Thrills (BONUS) A new intro to the Jack Benny episode of Suspense "A Good and Faithful Servant" from June 2, 1952. Theater of Thrills Podcast YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikJzeXUDQ4U /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42415400

Bing Crosby's Gift for Jack Benny (Bonus) 07/29/2026

Bing Crosby's Gift for Jack Benny (Bonus) February 12, 1953 - Bing Crosby's General Electric Program with guest star Jack Benny. Bing get's Jack a gift for his birthday. Then he introduces his guest violin soloist, Joe Venuti. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42254275

Recollections at 30 (BONUS) 07/22/2026

Recollections at 30 (BONUS) November 21, 1956 - Thirty years of NBC radio. A look back at the days of old time radio, made durning the days of old time radio. Clips of Jack Benny, Fred Allen and more! /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42178095

Move to CBS Unbroadcast Specials (BONUS) 07/15/2026

Move to CBS Unbroadcast Specials (BONUS) December 22, 1948 - CBS's Experimental Broadcast A preview episode of the Jack Benny show at the CBS studio. December 23, 1948 - CBS Corporate Broadcast A Closed Circuit broadcast for CBS affiliate stations. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42098685

Bob Hope with guest Jack Benny (BONUS) 07/09/2026

Bob Hope with guest Jack Benny (BONUS) November 9, 1948 - Bob Hope tore a muscle on the set of his latest movie and Jack Benny stops by to wish him 'get well soon'. In his fast-talking style Bob hope references many songs both old and new. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/42020385

G.I. Journal with Rochester and Mel Blanc (BONUS) 07/01/2026

G.I. Journal with Rochester and Mel Blanc (BONUS) August 21, 1943 - Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is guest star on G.I. Journal radio program, with Kay Kyser and Mel Blanc. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41919425

The Charlie McCarthy Show with Jack Benny (BONUS) 06/17/2026

The Charlie McCarthy Show with Jack Benny (BONUS) October 6, 1946 - Jack Benny guest stars on ventriloquist Edgar Bergan's radio program. It's a fun episode with Jack trying to get some publicity from the dummy. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41677345

Heifetz and Benny 1942 (BONUS) 06/10/2026

Heifetz and Benny 1942 (BONUS) Summer of 1942 Jack Benny and Jascha Heifetz appear on Command Performance along with Ethel Waters, Richard Haydn and Edward Arnold. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41597540

Parachute Jump 06/03/2026

Parachute Jump May 23, 1943 - From Gardner Field, near Taft, California. References include pin-up girl Betty Grable, the movie "Hello Frisco, Hello", Beeman's pepsin chewing gum, and rumble seats. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41520005

The Automat 05/28/2026

The Automat May 17 and 24, 1936 - Everybody's not so hot. Jack leaves New York for California with a visit from the travel agent. Jack and the gang visit the automat. These are two partial episodes edited together for a better listening expirence. References include Greta Garbo, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Fred MacMurray, Fred Atair, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Mae West, W.C. Fields, Fanny Brice, Walter Houston, George M. Cohen, Guy Lombardo. They also mention the Hindenburg Zeplin. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41447625

Rancho Benny (Basic 7 Foods) 05/20/2026

Rancho Benny (Basic 7 Foods) May 16, 1943 - From the Marine training station at Camp Pendleton, California Jack Benny talks about being a lumberjack and the cast does a Mexican theme sketch. References include Dennis Day's new movie "The Powers Girls" and Rochester's new movie "Cabin in the Sky". /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41361115

Going to the Zoo 05/14/2026

Going to the Zoo May 11, 1952 - Jack takes the Beavers to the zoo while Roy and Rochester clean on Mother's Day. References include Johnny Ray, Ike Eisenhower and Senator Estes Kefauver, Tarzan, and animal trainer Clyde Beatty. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41288915

At the Ball Game (Jimmy Durante) 05/07/2026

At the Ball Game (Jimmy Durante) May 4, 1952 - Jack Fixes the Phonograph. Jack and Mary go to a Los Angeles vs Seattle baseball game. References include president Truman's televised tour of the white house, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, songs "Slow Poke", "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", "Dardanella", "The Sheik of Araby", "Keep the Home Fires Burning", "K-k-k-Katy", and "After the Ball is Over". /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41199570

Swimming Pool (Loretta Young) 04/29/2026

Swimming Pool (Loretta Young) April 18, 1943 - Jack Opens Swimming Pool for the Season. Loretta Young comes for a quick PSA for War Bonds. References include Eddie Cantor, Ronald Colman, Fred Allen, Barbara Stanwick, Ann Southern, Claudette Colbert, the Tom Colins cocktail, victory gardens, and bloomers. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/41060330

Seance (Who Stole the Ding Dong?) 04/22/2026

Seance (Who Stole the Ding Dong?) April 25, 1954 - Seance at Jack's home after lunch at the diner. References include the song "Somebody Bad Stole de Wedding Bell" by Ertha Kitt, the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Edward R. Murrow confronting Senator Joseph McCarthy, British sportscars called MGs, the "fat, fat lady in the sideshow", and the rule that you can only eat oysters in a month containing the letter R. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40970715

A Yank at Oxford 04/15/2026

A Yank at Oxford April 10, 1938 - Jack Benny talks about building a house in Beverly Hills. References include British foreign secretary Anthony Eden, comedian Fred Allen, the song "A Cup of Coffee a Sandwich and You", and the movie A Yank at Oxford with Robert Taylor. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40878925

Don Wilson on Eddie Cantor Show (BONUS) 04/08/2026

Don Wilson on Eddie Cantor Show (BONUS) April 25, 1937 - Texaco Town with Eddie Cantor. Eddie's announcer Jimmy Wallington wants to quit the show and Don Wilson pops in as a surprise guest. Plus Mr. Kitzel as part of his short time on the program. References include the book "Gone with the Wind", movie stars Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Robert Taylor and Carol Lombard, and cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40770290

Happy Easter (Eclipse) 04/01/2026

Happy Easter (Eclipse) April 17, 1949 - A Walk Through The Easter Parade Jack and Mary meet their friends and neighbors from Mr. Kitzel to Frank Nelson. References include Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in the musical "Easter Parade" and the Lunar Eclipse. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40693870

Alan Ladd 03/26/2026

Alan Ladd March 25, 1945 - Murder Mystery with guest star Alan Ladd. Mary Livingstone was named best dressed woman in radio. References include Humphrey Bogart and Fred Allen. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40630340

How Jack Found Rochester 03/18/2026

How Jack Found Rochester March 11, 1945 - Jack and the gand practice archery, then a reporter comes and asks about Rochester, featuring guests Amos 'n Andy. References include the songs "Hot Time in the Town of Berlin" and "In My Merry Oldsmobile", the movie "The Last of the Mohicans", the Mr. Anthony advise program, and Hedda Hopper. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40524570

Haunted House/Western 03/11/2026

Haunted House/Western March 11 & 18, 1934 - Jack sleeps in a haunted house and the cast does an Arizona western play. /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40399915

Mad About The Oscars 03/04/2026

Mad About The Oscars March 1, 1942 - Jack Benny is upset that his movie "Charlie's Aunt" didn't win him an Academy Award, he falls asleep and dreams of what might have happened. References include Oscar winner Gary Cooper and Joan Fontaine, Fred Allen, Frank Buck, and the old French motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" or "Evil to him who evil thinks". /episode/index/show/jackbennypodcast/id/40309270

This Day in Jack Benny

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