Radio Show WTFs

[JohnM]

Are you ever listening to a Jack Benny radio show when something hits you as a real "what the frick was that?" moment? Maybe something risque or totally out of character or context? There was an episode I heard awhile back which had a great bit involving hearing one side of a phone call that implied a Hollywood hunk was in bed with a starlet at the other end of the line. The audience gasped and laughed heartily and so did I.

But this week I heard another one where I went "what the (heck)? Did he just say that?"

5/5/46 - Leaving for Chicago

DON: "......so let's go out to Jack's home in Beverly Hills where Rochester is helping him to pack..."

JACK: "...now let's see, I packed my aspirin, vitamins, blood tonic, nerve tonic, sleeping pills, liver pills, listerine, benzedrine..."

BENZEDRINE?

I know, I know, it wasn't a controlled substance back then. Wikipedia tells me it was used for bronchial and nasal congestion as well as an appetite suppressant up until 1949 when doctors started worrying about its effects, and it wasn't a prescription drug until 1959.

It was just odd, in the context of today, to hear him mention it so casually with no reaction from the crowd.

When I come across other moments like these, I'll post them here.

[epeterd]

I just listened to a show recently (don't know the date) where Jack has been bathing and asks Rochester to dry his back. That certainly sounds a bit odd today.
Peter

[Jack Benny]

The first episode featuring Eddie Anderson as the train porter has Jack and Mary at the train station. Mary offers to get Jack a magazine and Jack says he wants a nudist magazine, Mary jokes about it then buys it for him! WTF?

[epeterd]

Listening to the 10/10/43 show. Jack & Rochester discussing Mr Billingsley. Rochester says Mr B. tried to mail himself then says he put Rochester in the filing cabinet because he wanted to keep a carbon copy. Pretty funny actually & I guess the fact that Rochester said it makes OK.
Peter