In early 1943, funnyman Jack Benny developed a serious case of pneumonia while traveling to entertain the troops. Someone would need to stand in for the sultan of Sunday night radio. But who?Orson Welles, the prestige-project prodigy, was an unlikely but inspired choice. Benny’s regular gang is on hand; Phil Harris returns from the military; and guests George Burns, Gracie Allen, Barbara Stanwyck, and Butterfly McQueen pop in for a visit. This is The Jack Benny Program like you’ve never heard it before.
Includes a Program Guide by radio historian Elizabeth McLeod.
Episodes Include: From San Diego Marine Base 03-08-42; Cavalcade of Last Eight Years for Jell-O 05-31-42; Kit Carson Benny 02-28-43; Hosts: George Burns and Gracie Allen 03-07-43; Host: Orson Welles (Return of Phil Harris) 03-14-43; Orson Welles Takes Cast to His Movie Lot 03-21-43; Murder at Midnight 03-28-43; Little Red Riding Hood 04-04-43; Jack Returns After Illness 04-11-43; Renting Eddie Cantor's House 05-02-43; Dennis Wants a Raise 11-28-43; Split Personality 05-21-44
