Going Christmas Shopping (Sinatra)

Going Christmas Shopping (Sinatra)

Author: John Henderson December 10, 2025 Duration: 32:52

December 17, 1944 - Jack meets Frank Sinatra in a drug store. Mary drives Jack to go Christmas shopping.

References include Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor, Fred Allen, women drivers, rationing, and the Gruen watch time signal.


Step back into a world of radio dials and living room entertainment with This Day in Jack Benny. Host John Henderson curates a weekly trip to the past, pulling an original broadcast from the same calendar week, but sixty to eighty years prior. These episodes, known variously as The Jello Program or The Lucky Strike Program, capture the iconic comedy that aired from the 1930s through the 1950s. What you'll hear is the timeless rhythm of Jack Benny's legendary stinginess and his impeccable timing, surrounded by the familiar voices of Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and announcer Don Wilson. The humor, built on character and situation rather than dated references, remains surprisingly fresh and effective. This podcast offers more than just nostalgia; it's a direct line to a golden age of comedy that still delivers genuine laughs. Henderson presents each episode as a preserved artifact, allowing the original performances to shine without unnecessary commentary. It’s a family-friendly listen that bridges generations, proving that great comedy is truly timeless. Tune in and discover why these classic routines have endured, finding a perfect home in the modern podcast format where their charm can be appreciated all over again.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

This Day in Jack Benny
Podcast Episodes
Trimming the Christmas Tree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
December 24, 1944 - Jack Benny has some trouble while trying to decorate his Christmas tree in this Christmas Eve episode. Plus Jack gives a heartfelt Christmas speech to those fighting in the war. References include the…
Frank Sinatra In Person (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
December 18, 1944 - Jack Benny is the guest on Frank Sinatra's radio show "Frank Sinatra in Person". References include Fibber McGee, Bing Crosby and Fred Allen, plus war bonds and Vigero plant food.
Christmas Shopping (Gold Cufflinks) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:08
December 2, 1951 - Jack goes shopping for cufflinks for Don. The racetrack tout plays the department store Santa Claus. References include advertising of the major cigarette brands, Ronson lighters, Napoleon Brandy, oil…
Turkey Court (Banned in Boston) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
November 30, 1947 - Jack Benny has a turkey dream after Thanksgiving. References include Fred Allen, Betty Grable, Stokowski, Toskinini, Rochefort Beer and Coronet Magazine quizzes.
Biopic of Jack Benny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:42
November 23, 1947 - Movie Of Jack's Life, Thanksgiving Show. References include the royal wedding, cars with motors in the rear, Phil Spitalney, John Wilks Booth, boxers Jack Dempsy and Slapsie Maxie, and actors Roddy Mc…
Madame Zombie (Screeno) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:39
November 13, 1938 - Jack steals a girl from Phil Harris. Jack and Mary go see a fortune teller. References include Screeno.
All American (Tony Curtis) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:37
November 8, 1953 - Jack Benny plays the role originated by a young Tony Curtis from his football movie "All American". References include newsman Edward R Murrow, the "quiz show with a heart" Strike it Rich, the soap ope…
The Don Wilson Story (Mr. Anthony) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
October 30, 1949 - Don Wilson is celebrating the anniversary of 25 years in radio. Frank Sinatra makes a guest appearance. References include the soap opera "Life Can Be Beautiful" and the advice show of John J. Anthony.
Lost Golf Ball (Ghost Dance) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
October 26, 1947 - Seventh Hole at Hillcrest Country Club. Jack Benny and Rochester look for the golf ball that Jack hit into the woods last week. Jack and Mary talk about their picture in the new issue of Radio Mirror m…
House For Sale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
October 11, 1953 - Jack tries to sell his house for $100,000. References include Jack's old singer Kenny Baker, Milton Berl, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Nation Wine Week, Cinerama, and the song "I want a Girl (Just Like the…