Fibber Resented Jack?

[Slowdream101]

I recently heard a recording of a tribute dinner done in 1941 celebrating Jack's 10th anniversary in radio. It was obviously not meant for broadcast since there were a few "hells" and "damns" and many inside jokes all but uninintelligble to those not in the know. There were speeches by Bob Hope, George and Gracie, Edger Bergen, Georgie Jessel and others. What struck me was the tribute by Jim and Marian Jordan. Even taking into account the comedic intent of the speech Jim Jordan seemed genuinely resentful that NBC was giving Jack this tribute while he had been on the air longer and never received such a tribute. I'm sure others have heard this recording, does anyone else believe that the Jordans were less than gracious during their short segment or am I reading too much into this? Since Benny and the Jordans had top rated programs for many years, was there a less than friendly rivalry between them?

[Gerry O.]

Hmmm....very interesting observation! Of course, Fibber McGee's character was (like Jack) that of a petty ham. He would always want to be in the spotlight, and he was jealous of anyone who was receiving more attention or compliments than he was....so I'm sure that most (if not ALL) of the Jordan's "schtick" on that tribute show was just keeping in character and was for show.

However, it's also interesting to note that for the most part, Jack Benny and the Jordans traveled in different radio "circles". Jack's program was in the "show biz" circle of Fred Allen, Eddie Cantor, Burns & Allen, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, etc....these performers would trade guest appearances on each other's shows and make references about each other.

The Jordans belonged to the quieter "sitcom" world of The Great Gildersleeve, The Aldrich Family, Ozzie and Harriet, Blondie, Lum & Abner, etc. These shows and characters usually weren't included in the "show biz inner circle" that Jack and his friends belonged to. Of course, occassional guest appearances would be made, but for the most part, these sitcom shows didn't have the glitzy "show biz" feel that the comedy-variety programs did. As a rule, comedy-variety programs like Jack Benny's received more attention than sitcoms (not ALWAYS, but USUALLY), and this COULD have led to some resentment on Jim Jordan's part.....but I'm just guessing at that.