IJBFC Chat - January 5, 2014
(Name of message originator in <> brackets at the beginning of each line)
<LauraLeff>:
Oh no way...
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Hi, Gerry.
<LauraLeff>:
Why is the Halloween thing still here? :\
<LauraLeff>:
OK, I'll make a note to look into that
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I dunno. I wish I had some water to pour on that witch.
<Gerry>:
Hi everyone
<LauraLeff>:
Hi folks,
<R_Hookie>:
Hi folks
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
It's cold here in GA, colder tomorrow. Low will be 4 here.
<Gerry>:
Everyone staying warm?
<havradio>:
trying
<LauraLeff>:
Apologies for the background. I didn't choose it in the first place, it appeared
after our first chat
<R_Hookie>:
Still a little spooky in here
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I'm physic!
<LauraLeff>:
And I thought it would go away on its own
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Fly away, wittle witch.
<Gerry>:
Like Congress
<LauraLeff>:
So, borrowing from Ed McMahon, HOW COLD IS IT?
<LauraLeff>:
Hi Andy
<R_Hookie>:
tomorrow -11 for a HIGH
<Andy>:
Hi all
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Four degrees in Georgia is darned cold. Hasn't happened since 1965.
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie - Celsius or Farenheit?
<LauraLeff>:
Cold either way
<R_Hookie>:
Fareenheit
<LauraLeff>:
Zowie
<Gerry>:
Think good thoughts it's colder in Minn.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
My writing buddy in PA lost the heat in his house yesterday. He called asking
for sympathy.
<LauraLeff>:
Hesitant to ask about the wind chill
<LauraLeff>:
I hope he has a fireplace
<R_Hookie>:
I'm neighboring MN
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Our first day of school's delayed because they're expecting wind chills in the
minus teens.
<R_Hookie>:
all MN schools are closed tomorrow
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
When he called the furnace people were there doing repairs.
<Gerry>:
Lets hope nobody's pipes burst
<LauraLeff>:
I had that happen back in Indiana
<R_Hookie>:
a lot of SD schools are closing too
<LauraLeff>:
Well, let's stay warm by listening to Jack...
<LauraLeff>:
What thoughts on the show for tonight?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I said 1965, but the last time it was this cold here was 1970. Barbara and I
were in our first house, and the pipes froze.
<Gerry>:
Hear Heat
<R_Hookie>:
I still have to work tomorrow, darn it
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I noticed Don was rudely interrupted before he could rhapsodize over Jell-O
early on.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
And there was a drop-out during one of Mary's lines. I guess she got dirty and
was bleeped....
<steve-shimp->:
Hi All
<R_Hookie>:
who was the little girl that hid Jack's toupee?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Hi, Steve.
<steve-shimp->:
Carolyn Lee
<LauraLeff>:
Yes, I wonder if that first commercial drop out was a wax-saving measure
<Gerry>:
Jack paying the fare
<LauraLeff>:
Carolyn Lee was a short-lived recurring character
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Sounded as if it might have been. Just the beginning of the commercial, then
back to the song.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Sort of a Baby Snooks for Jack.
<R_Hookie>:
How voiced her?
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - Yeah, it sounded like a sloppy commercial edit by the transcriptionist.
<R_Hookie>:
Who... I mean
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Voiced her fine, Hookie.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Oh, sure, fix it before I can post. Make me look like an idiot. I don't need
YOUR help, brother!
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I get testy when I'm cold.
<R_Hookie>:
sorry
<Gerry>:
I just love some of the music of the era
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Hookie--that's my written Jack Benny impression.
<LauraLeff>:
It's Carolyn Lee...same part name as the actress
<R_Hookie>:
I see, I see
<havradio>:
Paper hats on New Years Eve?
<steve-shimp->:
Is your heat out Brad?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Yeh, I'm just grumpy.
<LauraLeff>:
I had to pull up 39 Forever to remember this, but guess who played Rodney
Dangerfield?
<Gerry>:
What did Jack want a stale Waiter? lol
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
We had a lot of the "old" Rochester...losing Jack's cufflinks in a
crap game.
<LauraLeff>:
You all picked up on who played the waiter, right?
<Gerry>:
No
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Who played Rodney? Sounded like a sobered-up Yosemite Sam.
<LauraLeff>:
Yes, a lot of drinking, dice, and Central Avenue jokes for Roch
<LauraLeff>:
Nope, not Mel Blanc
<steve-shimp->:
Frank Nelson was the waiter
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Who did play the waiter?
<steve-shimp->:
but who was Rodney?
<LauraLeff>:
There you go
<LauraLeff>:
Hint: An actor who later (on another series) played a character whose last name
also started with R
<steve-shimp->:
OK, going for 39 Forever
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
That was Frank? not his usual characterization. I was thinking "Nelson
would be better in this role."
<LauraLeff>:
And then it got changed to his own name, like Carolyn Lee
<steve-shimp->:
Heh. Got it by cheating so I will not spoil it.
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - Yup. I wondered if it was far enough away from what we think of for Frank
Nelson that people might not make the connectino.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve - Thanks
<Gerry>:
spoil it spoil it
<steve-shimp->:
Curly (not Howard)
<LauraLeff>:
Aw c'mon...that hint should have given it away.
<havradio>:
I thought it was Jimmie Durante
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Mickey Rooney.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Just kidding.
<LauraLeff>:
Who played a character whose name got changed mid-series to his own name?
<R_Hookie>:
Rochester?
<LauraLeff>:
Hi Alex
<AlexBuck>:
Mel Blanc?
<AlexBuck>:
Hi Laura
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie - Not quite...more like Eddie Anderson's name got changed to Rochester
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Radio or TV series?
<R_Hookie>:
I thought so
<LauraLeff>:
Not Mel, but good guess since he did work under his own name on a few Benny
shows.
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - Radio
<LauraLeff>:
Spinoff of Benny
<LauraLeff>:
Kinda
<steve-shimp->:
Good Health to All From Rexall
<R_Hookie>:
dad-gum-it I don't know
<LauraLeff>:
Steve -
<Gerry>:
give up
<R_Hookie>:
oh.......................
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie - An idea before I give it away?
<havradio>:
what is it
<R_Hookie>:
I got nothin'
<Andy>:
don't know
<steve-shimp->:
Mr. Mary Jane Croft
<LauraLeff>:
Elliott........
<LauraLeff>:
?
<R_Hookie>:
Ooo Ooo Ooo
<LauraLeff>:
Wow, everyone's still hung over from New Year's.
<steve-shimp->:
Not Ness
<LauraLeff>:
Elliott Lewis
<LauraLeff>:
played Rodney Dangerfield
<AlexBuck>:
?
<LauraLeff>:
Elliott Lewis played Remley on the Harris-Faye Show
<LauraLeff>:
And then they changed the character name to Elliott mid-series because Jack
owned the rights to Remley
<R_Hookie>:
I did not know that
<Gerry>:
ah Remley
<LauraLeff>:
Hey, learn something new every day
<Gerry>:
yes
<steve-shimp->:
and Rodney Dangerfield played Remley in the little known '80s Harris-Faye
reboot, Phil's Girls.
<steve-shimp->:
or I made that up.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Remley. Wouldn't have thought.
<AlexBuck>:
So I take it there was never an actual guitar player named Remley?
<Gerry>:
me neither
<LauraLeff>:
Benny Rubin played the cabbie. I knew I knew that voice.
<LauraLeff>:
Alex - Oh yes there was...
<LauraLeff>:
His family has been in touch with me
<LauraLeff>:
Frankie Remley. He appears in a number of Jack's TV shows and specials.
<LauraLeff>:
Tip-off: look for the left-handed guitar player.
<havradio>:
I remember Phil Harris bought a gift for Remley on one of Jacks Christmas
episodes - anyone remember what it was?
<Gerry>:
some booze
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I liked the way Jack wouldn't let Dennis order a zombie.
<LauraLeff>:
BTW, if anyone wants to change the color of their font, scroll to the bottom of
the screen, select "Colours" and white is recommended.
<havradio>:
Changed it
<Andy>:
thz
<Andy>:
thx*
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I thought maybe green would be more legible against this fershlugginer
background.
<steve-shimp->:
Only 9 more months and it will be relevant again.
<Gerry>:
all's quiet on the western font
<LauraLeff>:
It seems like when you choose other colors, they don't appear consistently to
others.
<steve-shimp->:
Have patience.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I;m an old-time reader of MAD.
<R_Hookie>:
ever read GRIT?
<LauraLeff>:
So someone picks a color and think it looks fine, and I can't see it
<LauraLeff>:
So what else about tonight's show?
<LauraLeff>:
One of the few times you hear Jack play Love in Bloom
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Hookie-I sold GRIT for a few months.'
<AlexBuck>:
Say - I think later in this season there's a minor story arch that includes
Rochester's race horse. My son was wondering if Rochester did indeed have a race
horse?
<Gerry>:
no encore for Jack again
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Well, partially play it. It got drowned in fireworks and Auld Lang Syne,
<Andy>:
I did not know Benzedrine was legal til the 1050's
<R_Hookie>:
anyone else remember GRIT?
<Andy>:
1950
<LauraLeff>:
Alex - He sure did. A few of them.
<Gerry>:
no
<steve-shimp->:
I remember the ads urging kids to sell GRIT
<LauraLeff>:
Burnt Cork was the one, IIRC, that ran in the Kentucky Derby.
<R_Hookie>:
1050s? How old ARE you???
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Oh, yeh. I've read forties detective novels that have characters who use
benzedrine for a pickup.
<steve-shimp->:
but I can't say I ever laid eyes on a copy.
<LauraLeff>:
And finished abysmally, maybe even last.
<ScottinKC>:
Happy New Year everybody!'
<Andy>:
Well...
<steve-shimp->:
James Bond used to pop benzedrine in the Fleming books.
<LauraLeff>:
What was benzedrine? I didn't look it up
<LauraLeff>:
Hi Scott
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
It was kind of a primitive USA
<Gerry>:
Same to you Scott
<steve-shimp->:
speed
<LauraLeff>:
OK
<LauraLeff>:
Benny on bennys
<Gerry>:
ha ha Laura
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
GRIT was a kind of primitive USA TODAY....weekly paper that was more like a
Farmer's Almanac.
<havradio>:
How come Rochester's part was so short on this show?
<Andy>:
Its an amphetamine (not unlike meth)
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I was surprised that benadryl is mentioned in a 1930s SF story.
<steve-shimp->:
This is an era of the show I don't listen to a lot - the tail end of the Jell-O
years so it was a fun choice.
<Gerry>:
Judy will be wiith us soon
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Roch's role was usually sort of brief up until the mid-forties, wasn't it? Some
notable exceptions, of course.
<LauraLeff>:
Yes, and think about how he'd call into the camp shows, so he'd have just one
scene.
<LauraLeff>:
I think it depends on the demands of the storyline
<havradio>:
oh ok
<Gerry>:
and probably time and availability
<LauraLeff>:
For example, in the New Year's show where Jack ends up at home, Roch is only
seen in the last scene where he decides to stay home.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I was just writing about that, LL!
<AlexBuck>:
A sparingly yet pivotal scene
<LauraLeff>:
Ah sorry to steal your thunder
<R_Hookie>:
my dog still has her boots on.... shocking
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
No worries.
<AlexBuck>:
?
<Gerry>:
she didn't check them at the door
<steve-shimp->:
Laura, fantastic issue of the TIMES btw, really liked the Dorothy Ohman
interview
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
My dog discovered I have a heat pad under my feet. Now the dog's on the pad and
my feet are on the dog.
<R_Hookie>:
no, it's cold outside and she don't like them, so I'm trying to get her used to
them
<LauraLeff>:
Thanks, Steve. It was really fun talking with her. And I got lucky and called
her to confirm a few of the names I couldn't hear on the tape.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
That was a good issue, LL. Congrats!
<steve-shimp->:
It's a nice complement to her interview on the DVD - that's a more general
reminiscence but you get at the more detailed stuff.
<LauraLeff>:
I should transcribe the ends of interviews that have been cut off for space
considerations into an issue...maybe next time.
<R_Hookie>:
I haven't had time to look through it yet, I've been busy
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I forgot...which wine did Jack order from Frank the roller towel--er, waiter?
<LauraLeff>:
Muscatel
<steve-shimp->:
muscatel
<steve-shimp->:
I laughed at that one.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Ah, muscadoodle.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I remembered it was funny, but not being a wine drinker all I could think of was
Manishevivitz.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve - Yes, my interview with Norman Abbott is similar. Actually, I have a
question on the interviews...
<R_Hookie>:
so, Boone's Farm or Ripple, folks???
<Gerry>:
Brr-ad- That's when you cross a muskrat and a poodle
<JudyR>:
jell-o all!
<AlexBuck>:
Has anyone tried Muscatel?
<LauraLeff>:
So when I'm talking with people, if they just go on a tear of telling stories
<LauraLeff>:
Hey Judy
<R_Hookie>:
hi Judy
<steve-shimp->:
Muscatel is like bum wine, it is a "fortified" wine
<JudyR>:
i almost forgot. gerry reminded me
<Gerry>:
or bag wine
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
(Fred Sanford) I invented a new wine. I poured half a bottle of Ripple into half
a bottle of Thunderbird. I call it Thipple.(/Fred Sandford)
<LauraLeff>:
Then I'll just sit back and shut up, unless they say something I know is wrong,
and then it's a delicate dance of teasing their memory to move them to the
authentic events
<JudyR>:
lol brad
<Gerry>:
that
<Gerry>:
that's a good one Brad
<R_Hookie>:
I think I remember that episode Brad
<LauraLeff>:
With Dorothy, it was more of a discussion between the two of us, so you get more
interjections from me.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I like loosey-goosey interviews myself. They go interesting places sometimes.
<LauraLeff>:
When I transcribe it, I always figure that no one is interested in whatever I'm
saying and the time should be given to what the interviewee is saying.
<ScottinKC>:
Laura, is this an appropriate time to ask you how did your Carnegie Hall event
go?
<LauraLeff>:
So sometimes if I tell a story that might spark something from the interviewee,
I generally don't include it.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Barbara says I'm the only guy who gets a DVD of a movie and watches it with the
commentary on first.
<steve-shimp->:
Oh, I don't know about that.
<R_Hookie>:
sometimes the entire discussion is fun to hear too
<LauraLeff>:
I can always reorganize to make it mostly all what the interviewee says, and
just add bracket comments for clarity.
<LauraLeff>:
Just wanted to make sure I hadn't included too much of my own commentary in the
transcription. And feel free to be honest
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Gotcha...will come back to that in a minute.
<steve-shimp->:
That did not even cross my mind Laura.
<steve-shimp->:
I thought it was a very entertaining and informative read.
<LauraLeff>:
OK, great. That's what we want.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
You ought to just run one issue with all the bits you've cut out from all the
interviews. It'd be like an Emo Philips routine.
<JudyR>:
dang. it kicked me out.
<LauraLeff>:
Someone many years ago crabbed at me that they thought that the newsletters were
all about feeding my own ego, and that everything was framed around me.
<R_Hookie>:
happening again
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Welcome back, Judy.
<JudyR>:
you too hookie?
<andy1>:
yep got booted too
<JudyR>:
thanks
<steve-shimp->:
Wow. The Laura Leff Times?
<steve-shimp->:
What a crock.
<R_Hookie>:
not yet Judy
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
No, LL, it's for us. We know that.
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah, I've tried to be very, very careful since then about not focusing too
much, if at all, on myself.
<LauraLeff>:
Hi Tom
<steve-shimp->:
Or, you could acknowledge whoever said that was full of crap and move on!
<R_Hookie>:
well, we think you are interesting.... so there!
<JudyR>:
gerry got me a copy of "to be or not to be" on dvd for christmas. it's
wonderful to have it restored and watch it when i want
<TOM>:
yi "LL"
<LauraLeff>:
Well, I don't ever want the Times to be about me. It should be about Jack and
the people associated with him.
<LauraLeff>:
OK, thanks for the feedback.
<Gerry>:
keep the past alive
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
And you've done a great job of it, Laura.
<steve-shimp->:
It isn't, it is, and you're an important part of that legacy!
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - It went very well. The people there are really lovely. I scanned
everything they had as far as programs, etc.
<LauraLeff>:
Thought about including some of it in this newsletter, but decided to hold it
for now.
<TOM>:
why
<LauraLeff>:
Oh and Scott's not even here
<LauraLeff>:
Duh
<Gerry>:
It's a shame that many of the radio personalities didn't get to tell their
experiences
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - Why hold it for now?
<JudyR>:
he got booted too?
<LauraLeff>:
Or why what?
<R_Hookie>:
another got booted
<JudyR>:
so true sis
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Sorry, looks like I answered your question while you were out
<TOM>:
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Just checked the weather here. 37 and light rain...dropping to 24 and ice/snow
tomorrow morning...high of 24 tomorrow....low of 4 tomorrow night.
<JudyR>:
brad, it's been like that here
<LauraLeff>:
Thanks for reminding me why I moved to California
<JudyR>:
lol laura
<R_Hookie>:
tomorrow will be nasty cold here
<TOM>:
??????
<JudyR>:
here too
<Gerry>:
everyone head to Maui
<JudyR>:
lol wowie!
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Quick recap...my research trip to Carnegie Hall was very productive. The
people there in the archive are lovely.
<R_Hookie>:
warm in Californy?
<ScottinKC>:
I was booted, but I got an idea how the event went. I am happy it went well,
Laura.
<andy1>:
There you go
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Garrison Keillor once told me that when people move from Minnesota to Georgia to
escape the cold, the average IQ goes up in both states.
<JudyR>:
lol
<Gerry>:
lol
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - Not sure if I answered your question (or if it was to me)...why what?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
(GK taught a writing class that I took)
<LauraLeff>:
Any other thoughts on the show for tonight?
<JudyR>:
still listening to it
<TOM>:
steve-shimp are sleaping
<R_Hookie>:
well, the toupee bird's nest was silly....
<JudyR>:
oodles of harris
<Gerry>:
I laughed
<LauraLeff>:
Who didn't know they were talking about Jack's toupee until the reveal of that
joke?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Oh, I got it right away.
<JudyR>:
i knew
<LauraLeff>:
Any show with Mr. Billingsley is good.
<steve-shimp->:
yeah
<Gerry>:
got
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Nice that Carolyn thought of the birdies, though.
<R_Hookie>:
well, ME.... I was clueless I guess
<TOM>:
I got the bird joke
<JudyR>:
yea brad
<TOM>:
??/
<Gerry>:
the bird watchers association should hire her
<LauraLeff>:
I have to wonder if Jack was trying to get Carolyn Lee some Hollywood exposure,
much like Shari Lewis or Gisele
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I laughed at Jack's reaction to Billingsley..."I don't even know what THAT
was about!" or words to that effect. But I shared his bewilderment.
<LauraLeff>:
Thinking that she had talent and should be hired for something
<LauraLeff>:
Oh yeah, did you hear Jack react to the audience?
<ScottinKC>:
Mr. Billingsley sounds like one of the soda jerks Jack and Don frequently saw at
the drug store.
<steve-shimp->:
yes, what was that?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
To the late laugher, that was funny.
<LauraLeff>:
There was someone who had this odd delayed laugh on a gag, and Jack said
something like that as well, "I don't know what THAT was about"
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Same guy. Writer Ed Beloin.
<TOM>:
what?
<ScottinKC>:
Thanks, Laura. I thought I was hearing things.
<LauraLeff>:
I don't know what the guy who laughed late and separate from everyone else was
laughing at...sounds like Jack didn't either.
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Don's Jell-O recipe was disappointingly blah. No wasabi, no Alka-Seltzer
crumbles, nothing.
<LauraLeff>:
Just really unusual to hear him comment on something in the audience.
<JudyR>:
lol
<Gerry>:
or gerotol
<LauraLeff>:
Or ground-up peppermint lifesavers or seaweek
<LauraLeff>:
seaweed
<R_Hookie>:
or Grape-Nuts
<JudyR>:
yea
<JudyR>:
bromoseltzer
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
"For an extra pick-me-up, just dissolve a benzedrine in strawberry
Jell-O....."
<Gerry>:
seaweek instead of shark week
<JudyR>:
ugh
<steve-shimp->:
muscatel Jell-o
<TOM>:
my dad hats grape-nuts
<steve-shimp->:
(sorry had to go there)
<R_Hookie>:
Grape-Nuts are good for if your car gets stuck in the snow
<LauraLeff>:
I wonder if Jell-O would set up if you used bromoseltzer
<Gerry>:
or a beet like we had in grade school
<TOM>:
?????????????/
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I can tolerate hot Grape-Nuts....just microwave them like oatmeal.
<LauraLeff>:
Steve - That could work
<JudyR>:
yea sis
<steve-shimp->:
are you OK Tom?
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - He's not alone.
<ScottinKC>:
I am afraid to ask what LS/MFT really means.
<TOM>:
!!!!!!!!!!!?????????.
<R_Hookie>:
Lucky Strike mean fine tobacco
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - It depends on who you ask
<JudyR>:
tom, you stuck?
<Gerry>:
or how your mind wirks
<LauraLeff>:
I've heard off-color associations with the acronym that are generally attributed
to the military during WWII
<TOM>:
LL wrong
<LauraLeff>:
???????????????????????????
<JudyR>:
brb
<LauraLeff>:
(Just seemed the appropriate response)
<TOM>:
"!!!!!"
<LauraLeff>:
You said it, brother
<TOM>:
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????/
<LauraLeff>:
OK...so if I'm wrong, put me straight
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Oh, we got to meet another of Jack's girlfriends in this episode...the Girl of
the Golden West.
<R_Hookie>:
uh-oh, what's happening?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Hookie, you getting the flicker?
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah, who throws him over for Rodney Dangerfield
<TOM>:
huh?
<R_Hookie>:
not yet
<LauraLeff>:
No flicker here
<steve-shimp->:
I'm not flickering
<JudyR>:
not here
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Just now and then here, not bad. I forgot the character's name--the
girlfriend....Buggenhaven?
<Gerry>:
not here
<R_Hookie>:
hey Josef
<Josef>:
Hi Hookie!
<JudyR>:
stella buggenhaven
<Gerry>:
hi josef
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
STELLA!
<JudyR>:
hi josef
<Josef>:
Hi Gerry, Judy
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Sorry...it's the Brando in me.
<LauraLeff>:
Hey Josef
<Josef>:
Hi Laura!
<R_Hookie>:
dad-gum-it, hold on.... my crock pot is making noises, I'll be back....
<JudyR>:
ugh jell-o
<LauraLeff>:
Hey Tom, you have me curious. What was I wrong about? I'm OK being wrong, but
want to know the right answer.
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie - As long as it's not your crack pot
<JudyR>:
lol
<Josef>:
lol
<Gerry>:
I was thinking the same thing LL
<steve-shimp->:
we're all crackpots here
<Gerry>:
I miss read it
<R_Hookie>:
I don't cook THAT stuff......
<Gerry>:
Right on
<LauraLeff>:
IJBFC Crackpot chat room
<steve-shimp->:
Crockpot Jell-O
<JudyR>:
really? hmm, i thought i was just strange
<Gerry>:
lol
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I wonder if Jack's Rodney Dangerfield inspired the comic Rodney Dangerfield to
adopt that stage name.
<LauraLeff>:
Judy - Believe me, here we're all strange.
<Josef>:
knew we'd all be crackpots at some point
<steve-shimp->:
Friends, simmer your Jell-O on low for 8-10 hours and add an envelope of
Lipton's Onion Soup mix
<TOM>:
oh
<JudyR>:
so true laura
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - I've had a LOT of people ask me that question. And I posed it to
Dangerfield himself in mail, but never got an answer.
<ScottinKC>:
Um, Laura, speak for yourself.
<Gerry>:
We live in the Great Melting Crack Pot
<LauraLeff>:
Steve - Mmmm-hmmm
<JudyR>:
lol sis
<TOM>:
!
<TOM>:
hi
<LauraLeff>:
So what other Benny thoughts/questions/etc.?
<LauraLeff>:
hi!
<R_Hookie>:
I think my roast is getting ready.... I need to start on some spuds
<Gerry>:
Did anyone watch the marathon on New Years Eve
<LauraLeff>:
What is it getting ready to do?
<JudyR>:
just keep mackenzie away from them
<Gerry>:
To Party
<ScottinKC>:
Laura, got any plans to honor this year as 40 years since Jack passed?
<steve-shimp->:
I thought at some point the Rodney Dangerfield "got it from the Benny
show" was confirmed.
<Josef>:
I'll be honest I'm listening to it now. Didn't have time this week. I did play
it Friday, but fell asleep
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Well, Rodney D. the comic was IIRC Rodney Cohen...maybe somebody who'd listened
to Jack suggested the last name to him.
<andy>:
He took the name Rodney Dangerfield, which had been used as the comical name of
a faux cowboy star by Jack Benny on his radio program at least as early as the
December 21, 1941,
<R_Hookie>:
getting ready to satisfy my need for supper
<andy>:
found that on a wiki
<LauraLeff>:
Steve - Good question...I didn't have any plans at the moment. Would have been
more appropriate to have honored last year as 39 years
<TOM>:
what dose this haft to do with jack bennny
<Gerry>:
A special chat would be nice to Memorialize him
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
One of the Ozzie and Harriet boys also used "Rodney Dangerfield" as a
name in an episode.
<JudyR>:
true
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - Rodney Dangerfield was one of the characters on the show for tonight. So
people often wonder about the connection between that and the comedian.
<TOM>:
No yellow
<LauraLeff>:
I believe the name dates back to at least vaudeville as a "comic stock
name"
<TOM>:
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
<LauraLeff>:
I think someone once told me that they had found references to "Rodney
Dangerfield" as a bizarre character name even in the 20s
<Josef>:
wow
<JudyR>:
hmm
<ScottinKC>:
Laura, could you have Joan Benny join us, or would that be a little too
emotional?
<Gerry>:
That's why he got no respect
<JudyR>:
it would be fun to have joan
<Josef>:
Gerry
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Joan isn't very computer-oriented
<Gerry>:
too bad
<LauraLeff>:
We've talked about it, but a chat room really isn't her "thing."
<ScottinKC>:
I am not either, but I manage.
<LauraLeff>:
However, the grandkids stop by once in a great while
<Gerry>:
but her stories live on
<TOM>:
not
<steve-shimp->:
It was fun to have Al's granddaughter last month
<LauraLeff>:
And last time we had the granddaughter of Al Gordon
<LauraLeff>:
Yeah that was fun
<Josef>:
Yes it was, Steve.
<R_Hookie>:
That was fun
<TOM>:
al??????????
<JudyR>:
and i missed it.
<Gerry>:
We missed it
<ScottinKC>:
Laura, maybe one of her kids or grandkids could yext on her behalf.
<Josef>:
one of Jack's writers, Tom
<andy>:
I'm a little late,,,so see you next time folks!
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
She had some nice memories of Jack.
<LauraLeff>:
Thanks, Josef
<steve-shimp->:
bye Andy
<LauraLeff>:
You can still read the transcriptions
<TOM>:
I wish I was
<R_Hookie>:
bye Andy
<JudyR>:
buy andy
<Gerry>:
bye andy
<Josef>:
by Andy
<LauraLeff>:
Have a good one Andy
<ScottinKC>:
yext even....see, I can't type.
<Josef>:
no problem, Laura
<ScottinKC>:
I mean "text"!'
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Show for next time?
<steve-shimp->:
yexting could be the next big thing. Texting is getting obsolete.
<R_Hookie>:
you proved your point
<LauraLeff>:
Thought you were just illustrating the point
<Josef>:
Scott, you came awfully close to ytapmymus
<Gerry>:
I can't even read texting
<LauraLeff>:
I was on the team that put up the first commercial text message system in the US
<R_Hookie>:
yeah, what Laura said
<JudyR>:
hey, the dvd set i got of "to be or not to be" had a radio show with
william powell as josef tura. anyone get that dvd?
<ScottinKC>:
Thanks, Steve, but I made a faux pas.
<LauraLeff>:
Judy - This is the Criterion release?
<JudyR>:
yes
<Josef>:
I have not been able to buy it Judy, I own that movie on Hulu or Amazon....one
of them
<LauraLeff>:
I haven't gotten it yet...didn't know they did it with Powell. Interesting
thought.
<JudyR>:
gerry got it for me
<LauraLeff>:
So they call me Concentration Camp Ehrhardt, eh?
<TOM>:
what dose this haft to do with jack bennny
<Josef>:
To Be or Not to Be is a Benny movie, one of his best Tom
<JudyR>:
it was pretty good. his portrayal was odd though. he seemed to try and emulate
jack on it
<Gerry>:
a Classic tom
<R_Hookie>:
I have the DVD, I think a different release
<TOM>:
I love that move
<JudyR>:
actually to be or not to be was his best
<Josef>:
Yes, Gerry. Between that and Charlie's Aunt, I think those are my favorite Benny
films
<LauraLeff>:
And Lubitsch wrote the part for Jack
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Jack's version;s better than Mel Brooks's. Though that one had its moments.
<JudyR>:
yep
<R_Hookie>:
How about George Washington Slept Here?
<JudyR>:
true brad
<LauraLeff>:
I like that movie, but I haven't seen it in years
<Gerry>:
me neither
<Josef>:
I haven't seen that one, Hookie
<R_Hookie>:
it's on TCM soon
<JudyR>:
tcm had it on back in november
<steve-shimp->:
I would have liked to see Jack Benny in "Dracula Dead and Loving It"
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
GW Slept Here suffers from a terribly lame climax. But Jack's good in it.
<LauraLeff>:
I think Buck Benny Rides Again is pretty good
<JudyR>:
lol steve
<Josef>:
And I still haven't seen The Horn Blows at Midnight
<ScottinKC>:
Is "Love Thy Neighbor" any good?
<LauraLeff>:
Josef - On purpose?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Great showcase for Rochester, LL.
<JudyR>:
not missing much josef
<R_Hookie>:
I have Love Thy Neighbor on DVD too
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Hm. Well...I'm not a big fan of the ending
<LauraLeff>:
I think it's worth seeing once just to see Jack and Fred mixing it up on screen
<Josef>:
no, Laura, I kept forgetting to order it from you and just never thought about
it
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Jack's radio version of "Horn" is better than the movie, I think.
<JudyR>:
the radio version of horn blows at midnight was better
<LauraLeff>:
The whole Jack and Mary Martin romance is kind of unbelievable
<R_Hookie>:
wasn't my favorite
<R_Hookie>:
agreed
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - Have you seen the Omnibus version on the Shout bonus disc?
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Yes indeed! Quite close to the radio script.
<LauraLeff>:
I'm still a big fan of "Man About Town".
<R_Hookie>:
how about The Meanest Man in the World?
<Josef>:
10 Years after being an official IJBFC fan club member and I still haven' seen
many of Jac's films
<TOM>:
luve it
<JudyR>:
oooh hookie. haven't seen that one in years
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I like Meanest Man.
<Gerry>:
I got Safety Last with Harold Lloyd for Christmas and I loved it
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - You may be alone in that.
<R_Hookie>:
I thought that was fun to watch
<LauraLeff>:
Gerry - I saw that on the big screen during the San Francisco Silent Film
Festival
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Well, I wouldn't MARRY it, LL.
<JudyR>:
still haven't picked jack out in "casablanca" though
<LauraLeff>:
It sounded like a pocket of the audience had never seen it before and were
screaming like crazy
<Gerry>:
they restored it beatifully
<LauraLeff>:
Judy - If you do, let me know
<JudyR>:
no prob. i'll have to watch it again
<LauraLeff>:
Brad - I haven't seen it in years either. But I have the one-sheet in my office.
<steve-shimp->:
I got the full set of Three Stooges and Marx Brothers DVDs for Christmas and
have been really enjoying both of them.
<JudyR>:
i think i might have the idea which scene he was in
<TOM>:
what dose this haft to do with jack benny
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
<LauraLeff>:
I've had dozens of people looking for Jack in Casablanca for maybe 15 years or
more. No one's ever come up with a certain answer.
<Gerry>:
comedy at it's best
<Josef>:
steve, awesome gifts man!
<JudyR>:
yea
<Josef>:
Tom, Groucho was a Benny guest and the stooges were contemporaries
<JudyR>:
even if i have to sit there with a magnifying glass!
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
I thought Jack did a good acting job in "Big Broadcast of 1937." Kind
of a radical variant on his radio character.
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - Feel free to ask your questions about Jack Benny. After an hour, I let the
room branch to related topics.
<ScottinKC>:
Laura, off-topic. Was there anyone Jack wanted on his radio or TV show he was
unable to appear?
<LauraLeff>:
I'm sure there were more than this (and it's not off-topic), but I saw a letter
where they talked about having Elvis
<Josef>:
Gerry, agreed. I love Laurel & Hardy the best, although wish they had done
an appearance with Jack Benny later when both were better at their craft.
<LauraLeff>:
And I think he wanted Gable, but Gable didn't do much radio.
<Gerry>:
josef, that would have been a really long show if they did
<LauraLeff>:
Who would you all like to have seen on Jack's show?
<R_Hookie>:
Irean Ryan
<JudyR>:
oh man
<LauraLeff>:
Josef - You know about "Hollywood Revue of 1929" right?
<Gerry>:
Fibber McGee and Molly
<JudyR>:
more of ronnie and benita
<ScottinKC>:
I can't see Jack playing "Hound Dog" on the violin or Elvis singing
"Love in Bloom."
<JudyR>:
lol scott
<Gerry>:
I can't either
<LauraLeff>:
Oh I can imagine Elvis singing Love in Bloom
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Martin Freeman. He seems to be in every bloody movie, so why not Jack's show?
<Josef>:
Yeah and L& H were the only good things in that film, besides Jack, Laura. I
meant I wish they could've done an appearance a little later even on radio when
they were all at their height
<JudyR>:
yea josef
<Gerry>:
June Foray and Mel Blanc doing a voice off
<R_Hookie>:
was Henny Youngman ever a guest?
<LauraLeff>:
Josef - Gotcha. I think of them as such physical comedians that I wonder about
them "coming through" on radio
<JudyR>:
yea sis
<Brrr-adfromGA>:
Gonna sign off. Dog wants out from under my feet. Good night, all!
<LauraLeff>:
Hookie - Not as far as I know. However, I know there's a photo of them together.
<LauraLeff>:
Night Brad!
<R_Hookie>:
good night Brad
<steve-shimp->:
Night Brrr-ad! Stay warm
<Josef>:
There are 3 radio broadcasts they did, Laura, one of which was an audition show
and then a pilot for a radio show in the 40s.
<JudyR>:
ollie was the only one that could sing" shine on harvest moon", i
think
<LauraLeff>:
Before I forget, any requests for next month?
<JudyR>:
night brad
<R_Hookie>:
warmer weather
<JudyR>:
something nice for jack;'s b-day
<LauraLeff>:
Josef - I should know that, but didn't. Are they any good?
<Josef>:
Unfortunately their humor never translated well into radio, and when TV came
they were too old
<ScottinKC>:
Happy New Year, Brad!
<Josef>:
Two of them are.
<Gerry>:
Happy New Year to All
<JudyR>:
ditto
<Josef>:
One was recorded in 38 for Hal Roach, when they were at their best and so it was
really good
<R_Hookie>:
you too Gerry
<TOM>:
5 days late
<Josef>:
Happy New Year Gerry!
<TOM>:
5 days late
<JudyR>:
oh well
<Josef>:
no cut that out, Tom
<R_Hookie>:
Merry Christmas Tom
<Josef>:
*now
<JudyR>:
happy new beer, uh year
<Gerry>:
I forgot to set my clock ahead lol
<TOM>:
5 days late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<ScottinKC>:
I gotta hand it to Benny because he was even on the hip "laugh-In."
<JudyR>:
lol
<JudyR>:
yea scott
<Gerry>:
Jack on Laugh-In
<TOM>:
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
<JudyR>:
yea sis
<Josef>:
Scott, Benny always seemed comfortable with various types of comedy
<LauraLeff>:
Scott - Yes, and the Smothers Brothers too. Eventually it became funny of him
vs. the hippie generation
<Josef>:
okay
<LauraLeff>:
Jack in a Nehru jacket
<JudyR>:
yep
<TOM>:
what dose this haft to do with jack benny
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
<TOM>:
typo on the 1
<Josef>:
Too bad Jack didn't host the Emmys
<TOM>:
Emmys?
<LauraLeff>:
Yes, that could have been good
<Gerry>:
that I would have seen
<TOM>:
Emmys?
<JudyR>:
true
<ScottinKC>:
I would had loved to see him on a park bench with Ruth Buzzi.
<LauraLeff>:
Emmy Awards
<JudyR>:
too young then sis
<Gerry>:
or Peoples Choice
<TOM>:
Emmys? what is that
<Josef>:
Yeah, imagine it. Even in the 60s he would've been great doing it
<JudyR>:
yea
<TOM>:
Emmys? what is that ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<LauraLeff>:
I'm trying to remember whether Ruth Buzzi hit Jack with her purse. I can
envision it, but not sure if it happened.
<TOM>:
Emmys? what is that ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<JudyR>:
tom, tv's answer to the oscars
<Josef>:
I can't see him doing the Academy Awards tho
<R_Hookie>:
TV Awards show
<TOM>:
what dose this haft to do with jack benny
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - The Emmy Awards are given for television programs
<LauraLeff>:
Hey Tom
<JudyR>:
nm
<LauraLeff>:
I'm happy to have you here, and we're happy to answer your questions.
<TOM>:
hi
<ScottinKC>:
I believe she did, Laura, but not in the park.
<LauraLeff>:
It sounds like you're frustrated, though.
<Josef>:
Yay, just finished listening to this month's show
<LauraLeff>:
Do you have Benny-related questions that we can discuss?
<TOM>:
I hade 1 I can't remember it
<LauraLeff>:
We're definitely talking about Jack Benny-related information (mostly), but it
may be a little sketchy if you haven't seen the pieces that people mention
<JudyR>:
or listen to the shows
<LauraLeff>:
Tom - How did you get interested in Jack Benny?
<TOM>:
!
<TOM>:
dad
<R_Hookie>:
your dad was a fan?
<LauraLeff>:
If I may ask, were you old enough to see any of the shows when they were first
aired?
<Gerry>:
thank your dad for getting you into Jack Benny
<JudyR>:
there's a lot on jack we do discuss here. there is a book called "sunday
nights at 7" its a autobiography / biography on jack it's quite good
reading
<LauraLeff>:
(I wasn't, so that always adjusts how people remember Jack.)
<TOM>:
ha
<TOM>:
I know
<LauraLeff>:
Do you listen to more of the radio shows or television shows?
<TOM>:
radio
<TOM>:
for now
<Josef>:
Agreed, Judy. That book helped me out when I first became a fan
<Gerry>:
that's a good beginning
<LauraLeff>:
Is there a particular time period of the radio shows that you like best?
<JudyR>:
antenna tv has the tv shows
<TOM>:
the Jell-O time
<JudyR>:
ah yes his sponser being jell-o
<ScottinKC>:
I feel old. I remember when the TV shows first aired.
<R_Hookie>:
you like the pre-Lucky Strike period
<Gerry>:
I have to go now. Talk to you all next time
<steve-shimp->:
bye Gerry
<LauraLeff>:
I like those too. What do you think makes them funnier than other shows?
<R_Hookie>:
good night Gerry
<Josef>:
Gerry, you have a great month!
<LauraLeff>:
Have a good one Geery
<JudyR>:
me too night all *HUGS*
<ScottinKC>:
Happy New Year, Gerry!'
<TOM>:
bi
<JudyR>:
catch ya all next month!
<TOM>:
5 days late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<R_Hookie>:
you too Judy
<ScottinKC>:
Happy New Year Judy!
<steve-shimp->:
bye Judy
<Josef>:
bye Judy!
<LauraLeff>:
Thanks Judy!
<TOM>:
5 days late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<Josef>:
Scott, what was the first TV show you saw of Jack?
<steve-shimp->:
The first one I remember is the Paris episode (saw it in a rerun)
<R_Hookie>:
speaking for myself, I enjoy the color TV specials... Jack Benny's New Look was
histerical I thought
<steve-shimp->:
and I know I'm not Scott
<ScottinKC>:
Josef, I think it was when a little boy told Jack he USED to play the violin
like Jack.
<TOM>:
not new year for 11 months 25 days 3 hours 34 mim.
<Josef>:
lol steve
<LauraLeff>:
Someone else just told me that they loved "New Look"
<R_Hookie>:
Benny's Bag was funny too
<LauraLeff>:
OK, shall we call it good for this month?
<Josef>:
Tom, none of us have chatted since last year (literally), so in the context, it
makes sense
<LauraLeff>:
You're very patient, Josef.
<LauraLeff>:
Thank you.
<R_Hookie>:
Tom is very literal
<Josef>:
No problem, Laura
<TOM>:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<Josef>:
<Josef>:
Hey, what are we going to listen to next month?
<LauraLeff>:
Josef - Got a request?
<TOM>:
not new year for 11 months 25 days 3 hours 33 mim.
<steve-shimp->:
Depends on your time zone.
<R_Hookie>:
Thanks for the update, Tom
<LauraLeff>:
Sounds like Jack counting the taxi meter on tonight's show
<ScottinKC>:
I'm back. Josef, I am 61, but I have a pretty good memory.
<steve-shimp->:
I'd say pick one out of the hat Laura - total random potluck.
<steve-shimp->:
and see what we get.
<LauraLeff>:
OK, that's what I did for this month and it seems to have gone well.
<Josef>:
Hey, Scott, that's an awesome memory. Hope I have it osne day too
.
Laura, anything but a birthday episode.
<LauraLeff>:
OK, done Josef.
<Josef>:
Thy get overplayed like the Turkey shows
<TOM>:
not new year for 11 months 25 days 3 hours 32 mim. centroll
<R_Hookie>:
a Benny-roulette type of thing?
<Josef>:
*They
<LauraLeff>:
And new tenant
<Josef>:
yes
<TOM>:
not new year for 11 months 25 days 3 hours 31 mim. centroll
<Josef>:
Tom, you could be a forecaster
<LauraLeff>:
OK, thanks again folks. See you next month.
<R_Hookie>:
....or a calendar
<ScottinKC>:
Josedf, I confess, I have seen that episode on DVD, too.