Jack Benny : The Radio and Television Work

by Museum Of Television and Radio, William A. Henry III

A collection of essays, articles, and transcripts charts and analyzes the development of Jack Benny's onstage persona, from his beginnings in vaudeville to his death

Genres: Biography, Tv

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[C. Moriarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published by the Museum of Television and Radio in conjunction with an exhibit of 150 programs that offered "a comprehensive appreciation and understanding of Jack Benny's professional achievements as well as a sense of the vitality of his work." (p. viii)

The first section is an outstanding series of essays on Benny's career and his importance to American popular culture of the twentieth century. The highlight of the essays is a reprint of an article written by Jack Benny in the March 24, 1951 issue of Collier's magazine ("From Vaudeo to Video via Radio").

The latter half (well, over half, actually) lists details from landmark broadcasts of Benny's radio and television programs, including two complete scripts - one radio, one television. But the real gem of this section is a 25-page blow-by-blow show recap of the legendary "Jack Benny and Fred Allen Feud".

With all this and over 165 photographs, there's something for hardcore Benny fanatics and newbies alike.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads defaults to William A. Henry III as the author, but he's just one of the contributors. The title page just says "The Museum of Television and Radio.

I'm on a Jack Benny tear. This is an excellent overview of his life and career, with the emphasis on CAREER. Synopsises (spelling?) of many radio and TV shows, plus a complete radio script and TV script. Lots of photos and several articles about different aspects. Also a commentary about Jell-O's sponsorship, as Jell-O underwrote an exhibit at the Museum.

Also am reading several other Jack Benny books and listening to his radio shows. Great fun!