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
Violin Lesson (Lionel Barrymore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:26
December 5, 1948 - Professor LeBlanc give Jack a violin lesson, and Don is mad at Jack. References include the desert hot springs earthquake, Princess Elizabeth's new baby, actors Charles Boyer, Lionel Barrymore, Don Ame…
Football Coach (Mustard Plaster) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:50
November 27, 1938 - Football with coach Flash Benny. Jack has a cold Phill rips off his mustard paster (along with his chest hair). Then they do a football play like the they did last year called "Hold That Line". Refere…
Too Hot To Handle (Cannibals) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:55
November 20, 1938 - Jack Benny does his version of the Clark Gable and Myrna Loy movie "Too Hot To Handle". Refrences include the song "Pocket Full Of Dreams", quiz programs, actor Robert Taylor and Frigidaire refrigerat…
Television Director (Ralph Levy) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
November 15, 1953 - Jack repares for his TV show with Johnnie Ray. References inlude TWA airline, 1954 Cadillac, Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey, Thrifty's drug store, the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest, and his guitar play…
Echo-Ay-Hee-Hoo (Election Upset) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
November 7, 1948 - Jack Sees Psychiatrist About Echo and Mel Blanc does Bugy Bunny and Porky Pig. References include the election where Truman was re-elected after the polls predicted a Dewey win. Plus Bob Hope, Fred All…
Trick Or Treat (Election Day) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
October 31, 1948 - Jack goes trick or treating with the Beverly Hill Beavers. Plus clips from the Phil Harris Alice Faye Show. References include the Wolf-Man, the presidential election, the Olympics, boxer Gene Tunny, t…
Airport (Swing Low) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
October 22, 1950 - Dennis Tries to Borrow Fifty Thousand Dollars. Jack is getting ready to fly to New York for his first ever TV episode. References include the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", Duz soap, Lifesavers mints…
Casablanca (BVDs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
October 17, 1943 - Jack Benny is back from his USO trip to Casablanca and recounts a story similar to the motion picture of the same name. Rochester sings "As Time Goes By". Plus Jack talks with his new writers. Referenc…
Home from North Africa (Creaking Door) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
October 10, 1943 - Jack Recalls His African Trip. Broadcasting from New York as Jack returns from his USO tour. Behind the scenes there is a new group of writers. References include Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Eleanore Roos…
Beverly Hills Police Department [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
October 1, 1950 - The Maxwell is Stolen. Jack Benny and the gang have a meal at the drug store and Jack finds out his car has been stolen. References include ethyl Gasoline, the draft for the Korean war, Duncan Heins, Ma…