Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Jell-O Show Starring Jack Benny (1940-12-22 - Christmas Shopping)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: December 9, 2025 (Originally aired December 22, 1940)

Overview

This festive episode of the Jack Benny Program is a classic Christmas shopping romp, filled with the show's signature banter, barbs, and quick-witted humor. The gang—Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, and a cameo by Rochester—navigate the chaos of last-minute holiday preparations in bustling New York City. It’s a lighthearted look at the madness of Christmas shopping, friendship, and the spirit (and, yes, competitiveness) that arises during this annual tradition.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Holiday Shopping Mayhem

[02:31-07:02]

• Jack Benny shares his harrowing experiences braving holiday crowds, humorously lamenting how he was pushed around and even lost his pivot tooth.
• The conversation slides into a broader, tongue-in-cheek observation of women’s shopping prowess around the holidays:
  • Jack Benny: “All year long they're so helpless...then about two weeks before Christmas, a mad glint comes into their eyes. And with an umbrella for gouging and a handbag for slugging, off they go. Come on girls, let's mangle the mail.” [03:24]
• Mary Livingston’s witty retorts—suggesting Jack’s “doll” hair is glued on—set the comedic, teasing tone for the rest of the episode.

2. Gift-Giving Antics and Team Banter

[04:30–06:47]

• Friendly ribbing abounds as Jack threatens to rescind gifts based on his friends’ wisecracks or lack of flattery, especially regarding his film debut and rivalry with Fred Allen:
  • Jack Benny: “We both don't pay your salary, so start leaning my way.” [06:35]
• Phil Harris teases Jack with a joke gift:
  • Phil Harris: “You remember that camel's hair overcoat...Well, I got you a box of nuts.” [07:42]

3. Musical Interludes

[08:48–10:39]

• Phil Harris and his “Central Park Troubadours” play “Jingle Bells.”
  • Jack Benny: “Troubadours meaning they are traveling musicians and Central park meaning they ought to get a room tonight.” [10:39]
• Later, the cast sings a medley of carols including “The First Noel,” “Away in a Manger,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” in warm, festive harmony. [19:12–21:47]

4. Rochester’s Absentee Exploits

[14:03–18:30]

• Jack’s valet Rochester calls in after being MIA for nearly two weeks, concocting increasingly elaborate excuses, including being waylaid by a black cat and ending up at 125th Street.
• The repartee between Rochester and a sassy Susan Brown is a highlight:
  • Mary Livingston (as Susan Brown): “You threaten me, Shorty, and I'll cut them $9 out of your hip pocket.” [17:54]
• This playful exchange exemplifies the blend of slapstick and wordplay that made the show legendary.

5. In-Store Escapades

[21:47–26:59]

• The group hits the store, and Jack’s attempts to buy mundane gifts (lipstick for Aunt Molly, a collar button for himself) spiral due to unhelpful sales staff and surreal pseudo-customer service:
  • Jack Benny (to salesman): “I'd like a lipstick, please.”
  • Salesman: “Oh, come now.”
  • Jack Benny: “It's not for me. I'm buying it for my Aunt Molly.”
  • Salesman: “A lipstick for your Aunt Molly? That's who it's for. She lives in Chicago on LaSalle Street. What number?” [22:54–23:04]
• A woman mistakes Jack for a floorwalker while seeking an evening gown “so I should look like Lena Turner”:
  • Mary Livingston: “Lena. Lana. I'll never make it.” [24:18]
• Attempts to buy a simple collar button are met with a package deal including a suit and shoes:
  • Salesman: “Sorry, we never break up a set.” [25:15]

6. Encounters with Old Friends

[25:56–28:29]

• Jack and Mary run into Kenny Baker, former cast member, who now works for Fred Allen. The reunion is amiable, with reminiscences about shared Thanksgivings and Halloween mishaps.
  • Kenny Baker: “With Mr. Allen, I don't have to play treasure hunt [for my paycheck].” [27:52]

7. Signature Jell-O Pitches

[00:37, 28:44–29:41]

• Don Wilson delivers the classic Jell-O commercials, waxing poetic about its shimmering beauty and new improved flavors:
  • Don Wilson: “…a grand treat made with genuine Jell O and you'll realize right away why Jello is America's favorite gelatin dessert.” [01:30]
• He also promotes a special “calendar of desserts” booklet.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On holiday crowds:
  • Jack Benny: “I can understand my derby getting caved in, my muffler torn, and the sleeve of my coat ripped off, but how I lost my pivot tooth I'll never know.” [02:50]
• On Christmas Shopping Tactics:
  • Jack Benny: “…come on girls, let's mangle the mail. That's their battle pride.” [03:55]
• Mary’s classic quip:
  • Mary Livingston (to Jack): “Because your hair is glued on.” [04:44]
• Workplace rivalry:
  • Jack Benny: “Well, we both don't pay your salary, so start leaning my way.” [06:35]
• Jack vs. store clerk:
  • Salesman (on lipstick purchase): “Oh, you don't know the number, and yet you want to send a lipstick to your Aunt Molly?” [23:04]
• Rochester’s excuse:
  • Rochester: “Just as I was about to enter, a black cat ran across my path...I did (walked around it) and wound up at 125th Street.” [15:12–15:44]

Important Timestamps

• [02:31] – On Christmas shopping chaos and women's “battle pride”
• [04:41] – Mary’s zingers and Jack rescinding the mink coat gift
• [06:35] – Jack and Don discuss Hollywood rivalry and loyalty
• [07:42] – Phil Harris jokes about Jack’s gift being just a box of nuts
• [10:39] – “Jingle Bells” and musician banter
• [14:03–18:30] – Rochester’s phone-in and alibis
• [22:54–23:29] – Lipstick purchase gone awry
• [25:09–25:15] – Collar button “package deal” gag
• [26:03–28:29] – Reunion with Kenny Baker
• [19:12–21:47] – Cast Christmas carol medley

Final Thoughts

This episode epitomizes the comedic timing and ensemble chemistry that defined The Jack Benny Program. The relatable holiday stress, quirky shopping experiences, friendly squabbles, and heartfelt musical numbers make it a perfect slice of golden-age radio entertainment that’s as enjoyable today as it was in 1940.