Trip to Yosemite 1940

[Jack Benny]

I've been listening the Trip to Yosemite from early 1940. It is one of my favorite story arcs ever in the Jack Benny Show. It seems so different from everything else that was ever done on the Benny show. Was this an experiment that someone felt didn't work. Why was nothing like this ever attempted again. It almost plays like a multi-part Benny audio movie. The closest they come to this sort of feel again is when they take trips to New York and go to the train station and such, but even then it is not an adventure on such a grand scale. I also never realized how new Dennis was at this time, this story takes place just a few months after his "Mother" stopped showing up, and he was just getting his dumb kid character refined. The other characters just started poking fun at the Dennis character. Does anyone know what the deal was with this extended storyline that was never repeated again?

Dennis: I'm having fun Mr. Benny.

Mary: Ever since the doctor dropped you on your head you've been having fun, Dennis.

[Gerry O.]

I don't know the history or reasoning behind the "Trip To Yosemite" multi-part story, but I've always thought that it was a very imaginative way to "hook" the listening audience for several weeks....and each episode is excellent on it's own.

Jack's multi-episode "trip" reminded me of the "I LOVE LUCY" "Trip To Hollywood" and "Trip To Europe" story archs. Lucy's story archs consisted of more episodes per trip, but the basic idea was still the same.

[LLeff]

One of the things I noticed about the Yosemite story arc, when listening to the shows in order for 39 Forever, Second Edition, was that in the show where they arrive and go skiing (I think that's the third show of the series), Mary is an absolute shrew from the opening of the show to its close. Before that time, her character had various qualities, like man-chasing, occasional daffiness, and so on. But that specific show is a turning point for her character.

After that time, she'd have lines like when Jack was disappointed about something, she might say, "Well, here's a gun. Why don't you blow your brains out?" Really harsh, acid stuff that makes me wince more than laugh. Her lines get a good audience reaction, so I may be alone in feeling this way. Her man-chasing came back in the War shows, with her talking of flirting with various military men. But it's unusual to be able to point to a specific show as such a dramatic change in a major character.[/u]

[Jack Benny]

One of the things I noticed about the Yosemite story arc, when listening to the shows in order for 39 Forever, Second Edition, was that in the show where they arrive and go skiing (I think that's the third show of the series), Mary is an absolute shrew from the opening of the show to its close. Before that time, her character had various qualities, like man-chasing, occasional daffiness, and so on. But that specific show is a turning point for her character.

After that time, she'd have lines like when Jack was disappointed about something, she might say, "Well, here's a gun. Why don't you blow your brains out?" Really harsh, acid stuff that makes me wince more than laugh. Her lines get a good audience reaction, so I may be alone in feeling this way. Her man-chasing came back in the War shows, with her talking of flirting with various military men. But it's unusual to be able to point to a specific show as such a dramatic change in a major character.[/u]

I have to disagree with you here Laura, but I have no proof or statistics to back me up, but, of course, that has never stopped me before. My feeling is that Mary was far more harsh with Kenny Baker's character than any of the others. She would say some very harsh things to Kenny about how incredibly stupid he was that would also make me wince. Her attitude toward Dennis always seemed to me like the lovingly tolerant older sister - with the occasional jab. Her relationship with Don was pleasant, and she always had a crush on Phil. The only person left after Kenny was gone for her to unleash her venom on was Jack. I think the writers wanted to keep some of that acid, and so they did, by having her attack Jack more often. The problem here is that her attacks on Kenny slid under the radar, but her attacks on Jack were attacks on all of us because Jack was the character we all empathized with.

[Gerry O.]

I can't help but notice a temporary (but obvious) change in Mary during the 1943 shows where Orson Welles subbed for an ill and absent Jack. In these shows, Mary seems to have taken on some of Jack's qualities during his absence....She insults Don Wilson with "fat" jokes, tells everyone how "that crazy kid drives me NUTS" when Dennis says something stupid, etc.....things which she normally didn't do when Jack was around.
Apparently the writers were trying to use some gags and traits that were normally told and held by Jack, and have them delivered by Mary. Some of these Jack-type lines are quite awkward when said by Mary, but to be fair, the cast and crew had their work cut out for them trying to do several shows without Jack. Actually, it's quite amazing that those Jack-less episodes came off as well as they DID!

[Jack Benny]

I can't help but notice a temporary (but obvious) change in Mary during the 1943 shows where Orson Welles subbed for an ill and absent Jack. In these shows, Mary seems to have taken on some of Jack's qualities during his absence....She insults Don Wilson with "fat" jokes, tells everyone how "that crazy kid drives me NUTS" when Dennis says something stupid, etc.....things which she normally didn't do when Jack was around.
Apparently the writers were trying to use some gags and traits that were normally told and held by Jack, and have them delivered by Mary. Some of these Jack-type lines are quite awkward when said by Mary, but to be fair, the cast and crew had their work cut out for them trying to do several shows without Jack. Actually, it's quite amazing that those Jack-less episodes came off as well as they DID!

Now you've mentioned my other favorite story arc. The Orson Welles takes over the Benny show arc is hilarious! Your're right about Mary, she does kind of take over the Jack part, but Orson is still the main lead and target for everything. It is a tribute to the writers, and to Orson's public persona of the control freak, that they were able to turn the show on a dime and write for a totally different character and his "asstistants" so very well. I have always thought these shows were great for the Benny fan to hear, but sublime fo an Orson fan. It's kind of strange to really think about these shows. Jack plays a character not himself at all. Orson was playing a charicature of himself. I would think this would be very hard to do, but Orson performs brilliantly. In what show does orson play the "bunny," I can't remember, or was that a guest apperance because I remember Jack being in it.

[LLeff]

Apparently the writers were trying to use some gags and traits that were normally told and held by Jack, and have them delivered by Mary. Some of these Jack-type lines are quite awkward when said by Mary, but to be fair, the cast and crew had their work cut out for them trying to do several shows without Jack. Actually, it's quite amazing that those Jack-less episodes came off as well as they DID!

There's a very good Jack-less show on February 2, 1941 where Herbert Marshall subs for Jack (sort of). Everyone stays in character, it's a great show, and Jack's jealousy provides fodder for the next two weeks. So on at least one occasion, Morrow and Beloin were able to turn out a "true" Jack Benny show sans Jack.

[Gerry O.]

Orson Welles also took a "caricature beating" when he guested on Fred Allen's program (usually trying to perform a take-off on "Les Miserable" with Fred)....

I remember an Allen show from 1946 where Orson guested and supposedly was suffering from a severe inferiority complex. He was being shy and withdrawn, and when Fred found out about it, he merely said, "Orson Welles with an inferiority complex?" and the studio audience laughed loudly....

Later in the show Orson is cured of his inferiority complex and starts bellowing his lines, and Fred happily says, "Ah, THAT'S the Orson Welles I know....the old ham, the old BLOWHARD is BACK!".

Yes, Orson was a good sport indeed!

[alain]

I also particularly enjoy the Yosemite arc ...i personally rate most all of the "travel" themed episodes as standouts.

Alain

[Jack Benny]

The Yosemite Trip story arc started exactly 70 years ago today, 2-04-1940! It's on my podcast tonight and I don't have Laura's book handy. Didn't one of the writers play the part of the Ski Shop salesman? Any more observations about this arc that folks would want me to share in my podcasts? I like to do intros with insights and opinions. Also is there anyone on this board that would like to be a guest on my podcast sometime via phone interview, and chat up Benny and favorite bits and characters? Hint, hint, Laura? Anyone? Bueller?

[LLeff]

Also is there anyone on this board that would like to be a guest on my podcast sometime via phone interview, and chat up Benny and favorite bits and characters? Hint, hint, Laura? Anyone?

Wink, wink, Jack? The kerfuffle with CBS has had a number of people wanting me on their show (I'm even booked for next weekend, 2/13 *and* 2/14...two different shows). If you want to do it, drop me a line! president@jackbenny.org

[Chasitykins]

Also is there anyone on this board that would like to be a guest on my podcast sometime via phone interview, and chat up Benny and favorite bits and characters? Hint, hint, Laura? Anyone?

Wink, wink, Jack? The kerfuffle with CBS has had a number of people wanting me on their show (I'm even booked for next weekend, 2/13 *and* 2/14...two different shows). If you want to do it, drop me a line! president@jackbenny.org

Links for either of these shows coming up? :O

[Jack Benny]

Also is there anyone on this board that would like to be a guest on my podcast sometime via phone interview, and chat up Benny and favorite bits and characters? Hint, hint, Laura? Anyone?

Wink, wink, Jack? The kerfuffle with CBS has had a number of people wanting me on their show (I'm even booked for next weekend, 2/13 *and* 2/14...two different shows). If you want to do it, drop me a line! president@jackbenny.org

ooooooh, Goooody! I'll send you an invite right away!

[BIGZIPZ]

Hi, Jack Benny.

Please can you provide the name or address of your podcast? I wish to subscribe to it.

Thanks

[Jack Benny]

Hi, Jack Benny.

Please can you provide the name or address of your podcast? I wish to subscribe to it.

Thanks

I don't know, you might change your mind, when you hear my lousy hosting! Oh well, I have fun! Any episodes that have the word Podcast somewhere in the title are hosted by me, as Buck Benny. Otherwise, it's just the original show, and HQ means 64 bit sound and UHQ means 128 bit sound or greater.

http://jack_benny.podomatic.com/

P.S. I play a lot more stuff than just Jack, but new Jack shows are posted Tuesday, Thursday, and of course Sunday, but with the Superbowl yesterday I haven't gotten this Sundays Jack posted yet.

Here is the current schedule of shows, but subject to change at my whim:

Sunday - Jack Benny Show 1950 and Phil Harris Show 1950!

Monday - The Great Gildersleeve 1950 and W.C. Fields with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on the Chase and Sandborn Hour!

Tuesday - Suspense 1950 and Jack Benny Show 1938!

Wednesday - Jack Webb Wednesday and Mr. Kitzel Kollection from the Jack Haley Show, Al Pierce Show, and Abbott and Costello Show!

Thursday - Jack Benny Show 1940, exactly 70 years old to the day!

Friday - Fibber McGee and Molly 1940 and The Fred Allen Show 1946!

Saturday - Screen Directors Playhouse 1950 and Jimmy Stewart Saturday - going chronologically through Jimmy's over 150 radio appearances!