Podcast Summary: NBC The Jell-O Show Starring Jack Benny 1936-12-20 – An Old Fashioned Christmas

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 3, 2025 (originally aired December 20, 1936)
Main Cast: Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson

Overview

This episode is a festive edition of the classic Jack Benny Jell-O Program, first broadcast on December 20th, 1936. Set in the heart of the Golden Age of Radio, Jack Benny and his ensemble deliver an evening of holiday humor, heartwarming exchanges, musical performances, and comic sketches all themed around the joys and petty quarrels that come with Christmas. The episode captures both the warmth and irreverence of Benny’s legendary comedy, culminating with moments of genuine affection among the cast.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

**Holiday Excitement and Jello Promotion

[00:31–02:03]**

• Don Wilson opens by harnessing the Christmas excitement, touting Jell-O as the perfect holiday dessert, emphasizing its flavors and festive appeal.
• Tone: Cheerful, enthusiastic, and reminiscent of the era's classic radio advertising.

**Jack Benny’s Dual Personality & Cast Banter

[02:03–05:56]**

• Don introduces Jack Benny as a man who stands for "good, wholesome entertainment—bright, sparkling humor. In fact, a man who stands for almost anything." [02:03]
• Jack teases about his easygoing persona, claiming he does have a temper:

  "There are really two Jack Bennys... the patient, amiable, fun loving fellow... and then there's that other me... Stark, savage, primitive. A throwback to the Stone Age." —Jack Benny [03:10–03:29]

• This sparks a running gag: each cast member claims to have a “dual personality,” culminating with Don Wilson’s quip referencing both his love for Jell-O and his girth:

  "You may not believe this, but there are really two Don Wilsons." —Don Wilson [05:41] "A little dieting will take care of that, you know." —Jack Benny [05:47]

**Comedy, Quarrels, and Reconciliation

[08:09–10:59]**

• Jack grouses about Phil Harris “two-timing” during musical numbers (waving to women instead of the band), bemoans the cast’s lack of support, and laments his annual holiday squabble.
• The playful insults escalate ("Horseless cowboy!"/"Brainless master of ceremonies!"), but Don and Mary try to broker a truce.
• Jack, feeling wronged, shares a melodramatic “poem” about betrayal and enduring slights during the holidays:

  "When your soul is torn asunder by some fellow's thoughtless blunder... Bear it with a grin." —Jack Benny [10:22–10:46]

• Mary's deadpan response highlights the continual ribbing among the group:

  "And say it with a groan." —Mary Livingstone [10:55]

**Kenny Baker’s Song: “Summer Night”

[11:26–13:36]**

• Kenny sings the romantic ballad “Summer Night,” impressing with tenderness despite earlier slapstick critique.
• Jack pokes fun post-song:

  "How can you say so many dumb things and yet sing so sweetly?" —Jack Benny [13:36]

**Gift Exchange & Gags

[14:02–18:23]**

• The cast exchanges tongue-in-cheek Christmas gifts:
  • Jack receives a gold buttonhook (with an attached toothpick in case "teeth ever come back" – a running joke about it being outdated). [14:21–15:00]
  • Jack regifts a “red silk necktie” Kenny believes he gave Jack last year. Mary chimes in:

    "Yeah, it's got spots on it now." —Mary Livingstone [16:33]

  • Don receives a box of Jell-O to pair with his wife's “sliced pineapple.” [16:49]
  • Mary is the recipient of a single earring (with the promise of getting the matching one “some other Christmas”).

    "Now I'll be lopsided." —Mary Livingstone [17:18]

  • Phil gets a curling iron for his already curly hair.

    "If it ever straightens out, you'll be all right." —Jack Benny [17:56]

• The scene is light-hearted, lampooning re-gifting and the often odd nature of group gift exchanges.

**Special Guests & Comic Interruptions

[20:23–22:13]**

• Pat C. Flick, a recurring comic character, drops by to “give” Jack a suit as a Christmas present—minus the coat, which will cost $75 extra.
• Physical comedy ensues as Pat critiques Jack’s current suit, “ripping” it apart on air.
• Jack’s exasperation and Mary’s quip:

  "If it's a rag doll, you're all set." —Mary Livingstone [22:30]

**Buck Benny Sketch Teased & Andy Devine Appearance

[22:51–24:32]**

• Sheriff Andy Devine arrives expecting to participate in the Buck Benny sketch. Jack explains it’s postponed, with Andy expressing disappointment.
• Andy shares his own Schmutz-style poem as consolation:

  "When you're just a buckaroo and Buck Benny you cannot do, don't feel bad... Just bear it with a grin." —Andy Devine [24:09–24:22]

• The segment ends on a humorous and warm note, with Andy having a crush on Mary and Jack teasing him about blushing.

**Sincere Friendship and Final Reconciliation

[25:07–27:32]**

• As Jack prepares to leave for a date, Phil stops him for a heart-to-heart:

  "I've been with you 12 weeks now, and I've enjoyed every minute of it... you’re a regular guy." —Phil Harris [25:29]

• Phil presents Jack with a luxurious platinum and diamond watch, demonstrating true holiday generosity and friendship.
• Jack is genuinely moved and apologizes for their spat.

  "Phil, all I can say is I'm terribly sorry for everything that happened... if you ever want to know what time it is, don't hesitate to ask me." —Jack Benny [27:03–27:19] "I don’t value anything, Jack, as much as I do your friendship." —Phil Harris [27:19]

**Epilogue and Christmas Wishes

[27:40–30:19]**

• Don Wilson, visibly touched, stumbles over his final Jell-O pitch as the whole cast is momentarily overwhelmed by the tender exchange.
• Short messages of “Merry Christmas” to all listeners are exchanged.
• Jack suggests he’d rather spend Christmas with his radio family than at a party, inspiring the group to head out together.

  "As long as I’m with you." —Jack Benny [30:19] "And Phil don't care as long as he's with a girl." —Mary Livingstone [30:22]

• Episode ends with musical tags and the traditional J-E-L-L-O chorus.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There are really two Jack Bennys... and then there's that other me. Stark, savage, primitive." —Jack Benny [03:10]
• "If you're a false friend should forsake you... point at him and say, you snake, you." —Jack Benny's “poem” [10:46]
• "He doesn't know enough to come in out of the rain." —Mary Livingstone (about Kenny) [05:17]
• "Well, if teeth ever come back, you'll be all set." —Mary Livingstone (after Jack’s buttonhook gift) [14:52]
• "A curling iron? My hair is naturally curly." —Phil Harris [17:46]
• "If it's a rag doll, you're all set." —Mary Livingstone [22:30]
• "I don't value anything, Jack, as much as I do your friendship." —Phil Harris [27:19]
• "Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you could all be here to witness this touching display of friendship. In fact, I personally am so moved that I can hardly say...Jello is the most tempting..." —Don Wilson, breaking character [27:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:31 – Jell-O introduction and Christmas excitement
• 02:03 – Jack Benny’s dual personality & cast banter
• 11:26 – Kenny Baker sings “Summer Night”
• 14:21 – Gift exchange sequence
• 20:25 – Pat C. Flick’s comedic interruption
• 22:51 – Andy Devine guest appearance and poem
• 25:07 – Final reconciliation and Phil’s heartfelt gift to Jack
• 27:40 – Emotional denouement & Merry Christmas wishes

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases the best of classic radio: quick-fire banter, affectionate teasing, and genuine warmth among the cast. Anchored by Jack Benny's wry self-deprecation, the show deftly blends holiday sentimentality with laugh-out-loud gags and musical interludes. The climactic moment between Jack and Phil Harris is particularly poignant, standing out in a show known more for its comedy than its sincerity. For fans of Old Time Radio or those seeking a snapshot of vintage holiday entertainment, this episode remains a heartwarming classic.