Podcast Summary: Jack Benny Program 33-03-31 (082) "She Done Him Right"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Episode: Jack Benny Program 33-03-31 (082) "She Done Him Right"
- Release Date: May 31, 2025
Overview
In this episode of the Jack Benny Program, listeners are treated to a blend of humor, music, audience interaction, and a theatrical performance titled "She Done Him Right." Hosted by the legendary Jack Benny, the show features interactions with characters such as Mary Livingston, Frank Black's orchestra, and guest performer Jimmy Melton. The episode skillfully weaves comedic sketches with musical interludes, showcasing Jack Benny's signature wit and timing.
1. Opening and News Dispatches
The program kicks off with Jack Benny delivering his characteristic monologue, introducing the latest news with a humorous twist.
- Jack Benny (00:57): “Hello, optimists. This is Jack Benny, the Earth Galloper, coming to you again with all the late news events through the courtesy of the Morning Eye Opener.”
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Benny (02:00): “...more Derby news. Frank Black had better buy a new hat. That's for the orchestra, boys, you know.”
Benny humorously references global events, blending real news with fictional anecdotes, maintaining an engaging and light-hearted tone.
2. Interactions and Banter
Throughout the program, Jack engages in playful banter with fellow cast members Mary Livingston and Frank Black's orchestra.
- Mary Livingston (04:51): “Shanghai, China. Jigsaw. Everybody is riding around in them.”
- Jack Benny (04:56): “You mean rickshaws? Rickshaws?”
This exchange showcases the dynamic chemistry between the cast, setting the stage for upcoming segments.
3. Reading Fan Mail
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reading and responding to fan mail, adding an interactive element to the show.
- Mary Livingston (10:00): “Here's some fan mail. You got an answer to your Ladies Night program last Friday?”
Jack humorously addresses both positive and critical feedback from listeners, highlighting his ability to engage with the audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Benny (10:16): “You can’t please everybody. Oh, well, you can’t please everybody.”
- Listener from Omaha (10:04): “You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time. But this Friday, we're going to bed early.”
These interactions emphasize Jack's self-deprecating humor and his knack for turning criticism into comedy.
4. Musical Performance by Jimmy Melton
The episode features a musical interlude performed by Jimmy Melton, adding variety and entertainment value.
- Jack Benny (10:57): “Thanks, boys. You just heard from the Chevrolet section. And now, James Melton, our own Jimmy, 6ft 2, bless his little heart, will add a little class to this program by singing that popular Irish ballad, 'Mavis.'”
Notable Quotes During Interaction:
- Jack Benny (12:00): “Jimmy, what did you really think of my violin solo last Friday?”
- Jimmy Melton (12:30): “...only to end up sunlight and fumes under the joy in my heart.”
Jimmy's heartfelt performance contrasts with Jack's comedic segments, showcasing the program's diverse appeal.
5. The Play: "She Done Him Right"
The highlight of the episode is the live performance of the play "She Done Him Right," a comedic take on Mae West's famous works.
Setting and Characters:
- Howard Claney: Plays Spider, the bartender.
- Mary Livingston: Portrays Lou, a charming lady with many suitors.
- Jack Benny: Takes on the role of Cummings, the mission worker who is actually the antagonist, the Hawk.
- Frank Black: Appears intermittently to promote Chevrolet.
Plot Summary: The play unfolds in Spider Webb's bar room on the Bowery in 1898. Lou is a sought-after woman with multiple suitors, each vying for her attention. The tension escalates when Chick Anderson, a recently escaped convict, arrives to claim Lou. It is eventually revealed that Cummings, the mission worker, is actually the Hawk, posing a threat to Lou. The comedic interactions culminate in a confrontation where Lou outsmarts the Hawk, leading to a humorous resolution.
Notable Quotes:
- Lou (Mary Livingston) (28:05): “I'm wise to you, big boy. You're the Hawk.”
- Jack Benny as Cummings (28:18): “I'm gesture gigolo. Me singing folks.”
- Howard Claney as Spider (26:09): “The heck, Chick hates me too.”
The play intersperses humor with clever dialogue, highlighting the actors' comedic timing and the show's ability to perform live theatrical pieces seamlessly.
6. Chevrolet Advertisements Integration
Throughout the episode, Chevrolet advertisements are cleverly integrated into the program without disrupting the flow.
-
Frank Black (02:00): “The best reasons for liking the new Chevrolet, the best in the opinions of the judges, win the free Chevrolet cars.”
-
Albert Einstein (30:23): “Starting tomorrow and continuing throughout the month of April, as a feature of National Drive a Chevrolet month, a brand new Chevrolet 6...”
These segments are presented in a manner that complements the show's content, maintaining listener engagement while promoting the brand.
7. Conclusion and Closing Remarks
As the program draws to a close, Jack Benny wraps up the evening with plans for future episodes and acknowledges the contributions of his cast.
- Jack Benny (17:36): “Well, great. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, that was Albert Einstein singing or Jimmy Melton singing maybe...”
He humorously hints at upcoming content and maintains his signature comedic flair until the end.
Conclusion
This episode of the Jack Benny Program masterfully blends comedy, music, audience interaction, and live theater, encapsulating the essence of Golden Age radio entertainment. Jack Benny's impeccable timing, combined with the talents of his co-stars, creates an engaging and memorable listening experience. Whether through humorous monologues, heartfelt performances, or interactive fan mail segments, the show delivers a well-rounded and entertaining program that resonates with both contemporary and modern audiences.
Notable Timestamped Quotes:
- Jack Benny (00:57): “Hello, optimists. This is Jack Benny, the Earth Galloper..."
- Mary Livingston (10:00): “Here's some fan mail..."
- Jack Benny (12:00): “Jimmy, what did you really think of my violin solo last Friday?”
- Lou (Mary Livingston) (28:05): “I'm wise to you, big boy. You're the Hawk.”
- Jack Benny as Cummings (28:18): “I'm gesture gigolo. Me singing folks.”
These quotes encapsulate key moments of humor, character development, and the show's interactive nature.
For More Episodes: Subscribe to Harold's Old Time Radio to explore more classic radio programs from the Golden Age, featuring beloved shows like "The Shadow," "Abbott & Costello," "Amos & Andy," "Dragnet," and many others.