Jack's Benrus TV Specials

[Gerry O.]

In 1959 Jack starred in at least two live, hour-long TV variety specials which were sponsored by Benrus watches.

I've been wondering about these specials....Why were they done?

I wonder about it because at the time Jack was still starring in his regular half-hour program. Also, these Benrus specials didn't have special "themes" (like most of his later NBC specials did, i.e. "Carnival Nights", "Jack Benny's First Farewell Special", etc.)....the Benrus specials were just regular variety hours with monologues, songs, sketches, etc.

You don't usually see entertainers host non-themed specials when they're already starring in a regular weekly or bi-weekly series.

Does anyone know the story behind the Benrus specials? Were these hour programs a special "perk" of Jack's CBS contract? Any info will be greatly appreciated....Thanks!

[Gerry O.]

I forgot to mention....Along with Benrus watches, Greyhound Bus was a co-sponsor of those 1959 Benny specials.