Parachute Jump

Parachute Jump

Author: John Henderson June 3, 2026 Duration: 32:14

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.


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
Date with Giselle MacKenzie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
March 7, 1954 - Jack's big date at the Acme Plaza Hotel with Giselle Mackenzie broadcast from New York, New York with guest Frank Fontaine. References include the play "Tea and Sympathy", movies "Beat the Devil", "It Sho…
Hollywood Canteen (Eddie Cantor) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:22
February 27, 1944 - At the Hollywood Canteen Jack Benny and the gang broadcast for soldiers with guest Eddie Cantor. References include celebrities Hetty Lamarr, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Dorothy Lamour, Larry Adler, Th…
Buying A Camel (Liquid Stockings) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:16
February 13, 1944 - From March Field Jack tells the story of buying camels in Egypt last summer. Larry Adler the harmonica player joins him to re-create a portion of their USO act. Refrences include liquid stockings, Pep…
Douglas Fairbanks Jr (90-Foot Putt) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
January 28, 1951 - Douglas Fairbanks Jr Guest Show. Jack Benny and the gang are in New York getting ready for Jack's second-ever television show. Phil Harris had won the Bing Crosby Pro-Amateur Golf Tournament at Pebble…
Alexis Smith (Shoo Shoo Baby) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:45
January 23, 1944 - From Camp Muroc in the Mojave Desert Jack Benny broadcasting for a crowd of soldiers with guest Alexis Smith returning for the second week. References include Jack's article in Liberty Magazine, Philli…
The Constant Nymph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:16
January 16, 1944 - From El Toro, California Alexis Smith makes guest appearance. References include the Corsair aircraft with folding wings, Good Humor wagons, silent film actress Theda Bara, and Oscar Levant who names p…
Suspense (Death of a Salesman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:51
January 6, 1952 - Jack Benny and the gang talk about the Rose Bowl then do thier version of the mystery radio show "Suspense". References include Los Angeles cross streets Pico and Supulvida, director of price controls M…
New Year 1950 (I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
January 1, 1950 - Jack's broken new year's date. Mary invites Jack to her New Year's Eve party but Jack is all dressed up for a date. Mel Blanc sings an Al Jolson song to promote his new record and Dennis Day sings "I've…
The Train Home (Ol' Man Mose) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
December 18, 1938 - Returning to Hollywood by train. An unnamed announcer introduces the show even though Don Wilson appears in the episode. Jack Benny and the gang are coming home from New York. References include Red C…
Relaxing Day Off (Pumpkin Microfilm) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:07
December 12, 1948 - Jack Tries to Relax at Home, Eddie Cantor stops by briefly. References include the Pumpkin Papers, "White Christmas" and "Who Threw The Overalls In Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" by Bing Crosby, bandleader Sp…