JACK BENNY PROGRAM, THE: FRED ALLEN SHOW (TV)

Summary

One in this comedy series starring Jack Benny. In this episode, Fred Allen guest stars. Jack opens the program with a monologue, including jokes about his friendship (or lack thereof) with Allen. Suddenly, a producer appears from backstage to announce that the rehearsal is on hold as Allen has not yet arrived. Benny uses the break time to meet with his sponsor -- but not before Rochester and his Meals-on-Wheels cart take the stage, serving ham-and-cheese sandwiches with ketchup. Rochester also sings a song. Meanwhile, Jack arrives at the office of his sponsor, Mr. Lewis. There the receptionist informs Jack that Lewis is busy with someone else, and the comedian waits. Inside the office, Fred Allen is trying to convince the sponsor to drop Jack Benny and take Allen on as a replacement. Allen then hides in a closet while Jack comes in and he and Lewis discuss renewing Jack's option. Lewis says he needs to think the matter over for a few days. As Jack is leaving, he opens the closet door by mistake, revealing Allen in his hiding place. After the two leave, Eddie Cantor comes out of a third closet to suggest that he deserves the sponsor's support. The three comedians close the program joking on stage together. Commercials deleted.

Details

• NETWORK: CBS
• DATE: April 19, 1953 Sunday 7:30 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:25:46
• COLOR/B&W: B&W
• CATALOG ID: T:24938
• GENRE: Comedy/Variety
• SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy/Variety
• SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1950-1964
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Hilliard Marks … Producer
• Ralph Levy … Director
• Sam Perrin … Writer
• George Balzer … Writer
• Milt Josefsberg … Writer
• John Tackaberry … Writer
• Mahlon Merrick … Music (Misc. Credits), Music Director
• Don Wilson … Announcer
• Jack Benny … Host, Cast
• Fred Allen … Cast
• Anderson, Eddie "Rochester" … Cast
• Eddie Cantor … Guest