Orson Wells

[krledu]

I have been listening to the show when Orson Wells was taking Jack's place. I don't think these shows were very funny. Why was Orson taking Jack's place when he wasn't really known as a comedian? I think the timing of the show was just off. And what was the gag about with writers and one being under the table?

[TheSportsmenQuartet]

I disagree. I enjoy those shows. I liked how Welles made fun of his persona and didn't take himself seriously.

[Clyde]

That's odd, I've often found these shows to be hilarious! Oh well, I guess that's why there's vanilla and chocolate. I never fail to laugh over Dennis being so in awe of Welles, and in one of the episodes, (3-21-43), Rochester has taught Welles how to roll dice. (Now THERE'S an image!!)These shows all showcase Welles' grand image of himself, but also show that he had a sense of humor, too.

[Gerry O.]

The funniest part of the whole thing was that Orson WASN'T a comedian....He was a dignified, respected actor who was clearly out of his element working with Jack's cast of characters, and that was the main humor in the situation.

A similar bit of casting occurred a few years earlier when Herbert Marshall subbed for Jack.

Of course, those episodes where Jack is absent aren't going to be nearly as good as ones where he's there. While the cast was very talented and funny, Jack was truly the glue that held the whole show together.

[JohnM]

The funniest part of the whole thing was that Orson WASN'T a comedian....He was a dignified, respected actor who was clearly out of his element working with Jack's cast of characters, and that was the main humor in the situation.
...
Of course, those episodes where Jack is absent aren't going to be nearly as good as ones where he's there. While the cast was very talented and funny, Jack was truly the glue that held the whole show together.

Sums it up pretty well. I see krledu's point that the Wells shows were a bit off, but also felt the humor in the situation. For me, though, it only sustained itself for about one show and then the gag was used up. I like chocolate and vanila.

[Roman]

It should also be remembered that Orson Welles was substituting for Jack on short notice. This was during the time that Jack was hospitalized for pneumonia. I thought these shows were great and I enjoyed how Orson Welles made fun of his reputation for being pompous and overbearing.

[TimL2005]

It should also be remembered that Orson Welles was substituting for Jack on short notice. This was during the time that Jack was hospitalized for pneumonia. I thought these shows were great and I enjoyed how Orson Welles made fun of his reputation for being pompous and overbearing.

I've never really heard the shows in question, but I think another one who would have done just as well in a similar situation..Vincent Price. Granted he wasnt terribly well-known in the 1940's, but his diginifed/horror film bit would have worked with Jack's cast I believe for a while. By all accounts he was a great guy and never took himself too seriously. He would have had a blast on Jack's show..

[Maxwell]

I never saw Vincent Price sub for any comedians, but he used to appear on occasion on show's like Red Skelton's on TV. He was quite good at comedy.

[Clyde]

The Benny show from Feb 6 1949 features Vincent Price and Claudette Colbert. This show was during one of my favorite running gags....when Don was locked in the den during contract talks. Jack has one of his corniest lines when discussing "The Ford Theater". Seems Jack tried to get on the show and replace Vincent Price, because he could beat Vincent's price.

As a sidenote about Mr. Price, back in 1978 I believe, Mike Douglas had Red Skelton as his co-host for the week. Vincent Price was a guest on one of the shows, and, if I remember correctly, he and Red Skelton were good friends. The rapport between Skelton and Price was incredible.

[mrdj]

I enjoyed the Orson Welles guest-hosted shows. Another sub that I enjoyed was Spangler Arlington Brugh AKA Robert Taylor. I wish I could spell out the way Phil said his name!

[krledu]

It should also be remembered that Orson Welles was substituting for Jack on short notice. This was during the time that Jack was hospitalized for pneumonia. I thought these shows were great and I enjoyed how Orson Welles made fun of his reputation for being pompous and overbearing.

I guess I don't know enough about Orson Welles to get the humor about his persona. I guess you need that background to make it funny.

A similar bit of casting occurred a few years earlier when Herbert Marshall subbed for Jack.

I thought Herbert Marshall was a very good sub for Jack. He had good timing and he just seem to fit in with the cast. The shows flowed better I think. I just recently heard that show again and enjoyed it.

The Benny show from Feb 6 1949 features Vincent Price and Claudette Colbert. This show was during one of my favorite running gags....when Don was locked in the den during contract talks. Jack has one of his corniest lines when discussing "The Ford Theater". Seems Jack tried to get on the show and replace Vincent Price, because he could beat Vincent's price.

I loved that running gag with Don. I enjoyed when a running gag focused on Don. I noticed that didn't happen very often. But Don always played it up to its fullest. Though, Don always had a hard time not laughing when he was supposed to be mad. I remember another show, I think it was when Don and Jack got mad at each other when Jack got held up at Don's house. I remember Jack telling Don "Stop laughing when your supposed to be mad at me"

Another running gag I liked was with the firing of the Sportman Quartet. I thought those shows were hilarious. I always loved the Sportsman.

[TheSportsmenQuartet]

I enjoyed the Orson Welles guest-hosted shows. Another sub that I enjoyed was Spangler Arlington Brugh AKA Robert Taylor. I wish I could spell out the way Phil said his name!

To quote Phil..."Aw, Spangie!!!!"

[Jack Benny]

I thought Orson did a great job, and those episodes are some of my favorites of the entire series. The rest of the cast really stepped up with expanded parts. Orson worked with each cast member beautifully, I especially liked the Phil bashing, and the episode where Mary returned. Great character/story arc throughout these episodes!

[ZEjackbennykid]

Orson rules