Memory of Jack's Passing

[Roman]

Yesterday was the 31st anniversary of Jack Benny's death. My memories of Jack at the time were from his late 1960s/early 70s specials and his guest appearances on other shows (Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Lucy, Merv Griffith). Even though I had only seen a tiny fraction of his work and not the best by any means, I always liked Jack Benny. There were a number of entertainers from Jack's era who my mother adored but whose appeal was a mystery to me (especially Bob Hope). But there was something about Jack that was just plain funny, from his miser gags to the way he walked and held himself, and especially that great way he had of reacting to the jokes made at his expense. I loved his comedy and I remember feeling very sad when I heard that he had died. New York's Channel 5 ran a week of Jack's old TV show at 11 pm in his memory. That was my first exposure to Don and Rochester and the show that made Jack's reputation. It was also so much funnier than just about every comedy then on television. Thirty years later, I was finally able to listen to the Benny radio programs which were truly Jack at his best.

[scottp]

A month earlier my grandmother had given me a Groucho book for Christmas... I don't remember the title, but it was basically a long interview. He said about Jack, "I hope he lives forever."

(I also remember some rather colorful language in that book... and wondering if my grandmother had any idea it was in there!)

[LLeff]

A month earlier my grandmother had given me a Groucho book for Christmas... I don't remember the title, but it was basically a long interview. He said about Jack, "I hope he lives forever."

(I also remember some rather colorful language in that book... and wondering if my grandmother had any idea it was in there!)

Ah, the Marx Brothers Scrapbook. Very saucy book, with a good Benny interview.