Jack Benny's Final Radio Season

[Roman]

As I was listening to Jack's last radio season (1954-55), I was impressed with how funny the show was even as Jack and his writers were clearly focusing their efforts on the television show and much of the season was composed of recycled bits from earlier years. The last season must have been a particular strain for all concerned with the increasing demands of the television program (broadcast every other week) and the virtual absences of Mary and Bob Crosby. Even Frank Nelson appeared less often. The radio show's continued strength in the face of all that is clearly a testament to Jack's greatness as a comedian. Jack could have read the telephone book and he'd be funnier than most every other comedian of his day or ours.

Some have written that Jack never did a proper closing episode a la Seinfeld, MASH, etc. I noticed that, in the final episode, Jack talked about returning in the fall. But it seemed to me that Jack knew by at least mid-season that 1954-55 would be his last. There's an episode where Professor LeBlanc informs Jack this will be his final lesson. Another has Ed the guard coming up from the vault and then returning to its safety after being overwhelmed by the modern world. Both of these had the flavor of farewell appearances, which, in fact, they were. And the close of the final show has Rochester and Jack repeating "GOODBYE" to each other, supposedly because of the soundman forgetting his cue, but clearly, at least to me, as Jack's signoff to 23 years on the radio. I actually found that conclusion to be kind of haunting.

[Jhammes]

Today, a show can run one season, and still have an emotional final episode. Well, I exaggerate...

Whatever the reason, final "wrap-up" episodes were mostly unheard of.
A series just ended as a regular episode. The final radio Benny shows probably come closest for that time, to saying goodbye. Yet, Jack still signs off with "Goodnight folks, I'll be seeing you in the Fall", probably a reference to the television season (maybe also in regard to the CBS Sunday night radio re-runs, those would continue a few years).

The final 1964-1965 television shows were still funny and classy, though lacking the excitement of the earlier seasons (those aired live, that would explain it). Good as the Smothers Brothers episode was, I would have preferred something special to end a thirty-three year broadcast series.

Then again, Jack's broadcast career would still continue nine more years. Jack Benny's First and Second "Farewell" specials did give the closure lacking in the regular series. Well, some closure... it was really treated as a running gag.

[LLeff]

The final radio Benny shows probably come closest for that time, to saying goodbye. Yet, Jack still signs off with "Goodnight folks, I'll be seeing you in the Fall", probably a reference to the television season (maybe also in regard to the CBS Sunday night radio re-runs, those would continue a few years).

Since the show was prerecorded months in advance, they didn't actually know at that time if it was going to be the last show or not.

The final 1964-1965 television shows were still funny and classy, though lacking the excitement of the earlier seasons (those aired live, that would explain it). Good as the Smothers Brothers episode was, I would have preferred something special to end a thirty-three year broadcast series.

Again, the show was prerecorded. Irving Fein wanted to continue the series (and says something fairly blunt in his book about that), but Jack made the call not to continue. Chances are strong that Jack hadn't officially made that decision yet as of this taping.

Then again, Jack's broadcast career would still continue nine more years. Jack Benny's First and Second "Farewell" specials did give the closure lacking in the regular series. Well, some closure... it was really treated as a running gag.

And again, Jack was working on the Third Farewell Special (although under a different working title) just before his death. Which goes to show...you never can tell.

[Gerry O.]

Sometimes it's best for a series NOT to have a "wrap-up" series finale......

The series finale of TV's "Newhart" was one of the wildest and funniest finales ever....but it also prevented me from enjoying reruns of the show. Now when I watch an episode of "Newhart", I keep thinking that everything that's going on in the story is just part of Bob Hartley's crazy dream!

[Yhtapmys]

Sometimes it's best for a series NOT to have a "wrap-up" series finale......

It's also a concept that wasn't done until long after Jack finished his radio show.

The first one on TV I can think of was 'The Fugitive'; comedy shows didn't do it until much later.

Yhtapmys
"Drive Your Blues Away!"

[Mister Kitzel]

I recall hearing the last episode of one of the later seasons in which Jack introduced everyone in the cast including the incidental characters like Mabel, Gertrude, and Kitzel. Each person was named and given a generous "spotlight" in which to perform. Jack may have allowed that in case his program on radio was about to end.

[LLeff]

I recall hearing the last episode of one of the later seasons in which Jack introduced everyone in the cast including the incidental characters like Mabel, Gertrude, and Kitzel. Each person was named and given a generous "spotlight" in which to perform. Jack may have allowed that in case his program on radio was about to end.

Actually not...that's a sign of Jack's respect for his performers. Jack did that on many occasions, including when he was at the top of his game.

One wonders if it has, in any small part, a connection to what happened with Harry Conn (Jack's first radio writer). Conn claimed that he was never given the credit he was due, although Jack did publicly thank him on a number of shows (and this claim was probably more about Conn's ego than Jack's praise). But I think based on the accounts of Jack the man, it probably has most to do with Jack knowing and appreciating the talent on his show.

Does anyone know if other shows ever similarly showcased their supporting staff?

[TimL2005]

I know Fibber McGee and Molly would build entire episodes around Gale Gordon or Bill Thompson coming back from the service (In character) but there would always be kind words for them at the end of the show. I know on Televison, Tennessee Ernie Ford would most seasons, turn the spotlight on the musical group the "Top Twenty" and all the support personnel on his Thursday Night NBC show..

[Fred Allen]

At the end of a number os seasons of the Hal Peary run of The Great Gildersleeve, Peary would give a near the closing credit to the cast.

[Alan]

And again, Jack was working on the Third Farewell Special (although under a different working title) just before his death. Which goes to show...you never can tell.[/quote]

Is the content of that never-completed show known? (whether recorded or otherwise).

I don't recall any mention of it in any of the biographies.