Jack's Later NBC-TV Specials

[Gerry O.]

Someone on this forum was wondering if Jack's hour-long NBC TV specials were bad and a step down from his regular TV series.

Well, I saw those TV specials when they were first telecast, and I also remember seeing clips from those specials on a tribute special hosted by George Burns, Johnny Carson and Bob Hope.

Those NBC specials ("Jack Benny's Bag", "Jack Benny's New Look", "Jack Benny's First Anniversay Special", etc.) were lively, hilarious and FAR superior to the last few seasons of Jack's regular half-hour TV series on CBS.

Jack seemed to have renewed energy and enthusiasm in these hour-long color specials, and they were filled with classic moments....Jack going to Gregory Peck's house to invite him to guest on his special, the roller-skating penguins, the wild spoof of "The Graduate" with Phyllis Diller as Mrs. Robinson and Jack as Benjamin, Jack and George Burns as ancient Roman statues, Jack playing a violin solo during one special's closing credits....and the entire studio audience filing out of the auditorium while he's playing, Ronald Reagan dangling the keys to a new Rolls Royce...which Jack would get as a gift IF he retired, etc.....LOADS of great stuff!

Even when these later specials featured then-popular rock groups as guests, Jack never looked foolish by trying to be "cool" and "hip"....in fact, the humor came from the fact that Jack was so UN-cool and UN-hip that he had no idea what these strange-looking musicians and their music were all about. (However, he never ridiculed them or embarrassed them).

While Bob Hope limped along during the late 1960's and 1970's with one weak, unfunny TV special after another, Jack's later specials were true (and FUNNY) special events, and he still "delivered the goods" right up to the end!

[Maxwell]

One factual clarification here: Jack was back on NBC the last year of his regular series.

I don't remember any of the NBC specials, but it was the late '60s, I was in college at least part of that time period, and well....I do KIND of remember watching them.

One can only speculate on what effect "The Sunshine Boys" would have had on his career had he lived to make the film. It sure gave George Burns's career a shot in the arm after he replaced Jack. I do remember hearing that Jack was going to play one of the parts, and couldn't wait to see it. It wasn't long after that that I remember hearing that he was dying.

[Gerry O.]

Those NBC specials ("Jack Benny's Bag", "Jack Benny's New Look", "Jack Benny's First Anniversay Special", etc.) were lively, hilarious and FAR superior to the last few seasons of Jack's regular half-hour TV series on CBS.

Correction....That should read "Jack Benny's First FAREWELL Special"....although he DID have a "20th TV Anniversary Special", the classic "reunion" hour with the old radio gang....and the cast members didn't just sit around in director's chairs telling each other how funny they were. They actually ACTED "in character" and even re-created the famous "Railroad Station" routine...only THIS time it took place in an airport, and it was as funny as ever!

[Jhammes]

This is one example how Jack would work the younger generation into his show. True, he never makes fun of them. He is even applauding the band after the performance (that is Jack in the lower right hand screen corner, munching on popcorn or something).

Paul Revere @ The Raiders- Too Much Talk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKLJlknHEpM

Way cool Daddy-O !

[Jhammes]

A classic 1960's group...now we know who the sixth "Raider" is:
Also, a classic example of Jack turning the tables on himself.


Paul Revere @ The Raiders - Him Or Me (@ the '6th Raider'?)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4MvtYOQmHs

[Mister Kitzel]

The youtube link does not work right for me, but a quick search for "Paul Revere" and "Him Or Me" brought up the video. Jack may not have been a rock and roll guy, but he appears so natural with the band. Either being gracious toward his guests or appreciating young performers, Jack appeared to be comfortable around the Raiders.

Let's try posting the URL one more time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4MvtY0QmHs