JACK BENNY'S BAG, Still Wanted!!!

[David47Jens]

Yep, I'm gonna keep begging for this NBC special -- first broadcast on November 16, 1968, which was my twelfth birthday -- either until I get it, or until I grow too old and feeble to tap out a posting on my computer keyboard.

Or, in the words of Al (later known as David) Hedison in "The Fly," "Hellllp meeee!! Hellllp meeee!!"

[Roman]

Perhaps this may help you to locate a copy. http://www.radiogoldindex.com/cgi-local ... enny's+Bag

[Roman]

I see that the hyperlink didn't work right. Here's what you'll find on that webpage:

5076. Jack Benny's Bag. November 16, 1968. NBC-TV net, WNBC-TV, New York aircheck. Participating sponsors. A fast moving variety show that includes a satire of, "The Graduate." Eddie Fisher, Jack Benny, Jack Lemmon, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Diller, Eddie Anderson, Rowan and Martin, Walter Matthau, Irving Fein (execuitve producer), Norman Abbott (producer, director), Bob Fisher (writer), Arthur Marks (writer), Hilliard Marks (writer), Sam Perrin (writer), Ray Singer (writer), Jack Elliott (music arranger), Allyn Ferguson (conductor), Earl Brown (special music). 1 hour. Audio condition: Excellent. Complete.

[David47Jens]

An Open Letter to Roman:

Roman, thanks so much for your efforts on my behalf. Here's what I found (including some info which Roman obviously knows already, but may be of interest to other IJBFC members, hence my "open letter" designation):

I'd seen the RadioGOLDINdex site before, a couple of years ago -- and I highly recommend it for researchers and other historical buffs -- but hadn't encountered his listing for "Jack Benny's Bag," since I was looking for other stuff at the time and didn't even think to search for a TV program on a site which is primarily radio-oriented. So thanks, once again!

J. David Goldin, the guy who runs the RadioGOLDINdex website has a ton of OTR, as well as (in the case of "Jack Benny's Bag") audiotapes of a great many TV shows. He has the show in question, but he's not selling it. He doesn't retail pieces from his collections.

He did suggest a certain website, Radio Spirits, for those interested in purchasing items like those on his own RadioGOLDINdex site, but I had no luck there, either.

I'll probably be contacting Mr. Goldin shortly anyway, just to see if he can or will help...

Funny thing, I'd very happily "settle" for an audio version of the show, at least until the elusive video drops into my lap. As I stated in my earlier post, "Jack Benny's Bag" was broadcast on November 16th, 1968, my 11th birthday. It was one of the first -- if not the first -- programs recorded on my brand new Panasonic cassette recorder, the first cassette recorder I'd ever seen! So all I ever had was the audio recording!

Just thought I'd post this to show my sincere appreciation for the efforts of one of the newer members of the club. (I should mention that Laura's been doing her best to help in this regard as well, btw! What a great group!) And FYI, I've enjoyed your intelligent and analytical postings very much!

Finally, here's a shot for all Benny fans... of J. David Goldin and Jack Benny himself, from August of 1974. One of the last photos of our beloved Jack, I suspect!

[David47Jens]

As I stated in my earlier post, "Jack Benny's Bag" was broadcast on November 16th, 1968, my 11th birthday.

Wow, what an embarrassing typo... November 16th, 1968 was my 12th birthday! 12th!

[LLeff]

Wow, what an embarrassing typo... November 16th, 1968 was my 12th birthday! 12th!

*Mental calculations* Let's see... ...that would make you.....39.

[LLeff]

I'll probably be contacting Mr. Goldin shortly anyway, just to see if he can or will help...

Keep in mind that you'll have to pick up the phone. Dave doesn't do E-mail.

He also just recently sent me a couple other photos he took of Jack. And Dave says he doesn't like the photo of me on the back of the IJBFC books. But I chose it for three reasons:

1) I don't have a more recent headshot that's good,

2) I didn't feel like investing a few hundred in a new perm/style and photo shoot, and

3) In writing a book on Jack Benny (or any comedy figure), there seems to be an underlying expectation that the author is going to be some sort of comedian or generally amusing on their own. While many may find me amusing in my moments, I think of the 39 Forever series as a scholarly work on Jack's programs. As I've said many times, "I take my comedy very seriously." So I figured that a serious photo on the back would be more fitting of my own personal approach.

Please don't read this in a negative light...I'm not upset and I don't want to be defensive. I'm just so busy that I haven't had time to write back to Dave, so I figure if anyone here contacts him, you can relay the message.

[Roman]

David47Jens, thank you so much for your very king comments. Believe me, I'm sure I get far more joy reading all the great posts here than you're all getting from whatever small contributions I make. This is a fantastic website. I love reading everyone's insights about Jack Benny and his wonderful cast and program.