Ep 1. Comic Legends Of The '50s - Jack Benny (1/17/73)
- TV-14
- January 17, 1973
- 59 min
The Johnny Carson Show was a popular late-night talk show that aired from 1962-1992 on NBC. Season 5, episode 1 titled "Comic Legends of the '50s - Jack Benny" aired on January 17, 1973. In this episode, Johnny Carson pays tribute to one of the biggest names in comedy during the 1950s, Jack Benny.
Carson begins the episode by discussing Benny's impact on the world of comedy. He talks about Benny's style of humor, which was known for its clever one-liners, and his notoriously long pauses that kept audiences in suspense. Carson shares anecdotes of his own experiences with Benny, including an instance where he was invited on Benny's show as a guest.
Throughout the episode, Carson interviews guests who knew Benny personally and professionally. These guests provide insights into Benny's life and career. Rich Little, a comedian who impersonates Benny, delivers a heartfelt eulogy to the comedian. Little talks about Benny's kindness and generosity, and how he often helped other comedians in the industry.
Alan King, another comedian who worked with Benny, shares stories of Benny's legendary tightness with money and how he would carry around a plain wallet despite his immense wealth. King also recounts how Benny would pay for everything with exact change and never tip more than a dime.
The episode is filled with clips of Benny's performances from his television show, "The Jack Benny Program". These clips showcase Benny's witty humor and his ability to make people laugh without saying a word. The episode also features an interview with Benny himself, discussing his early years in comedy and his approach to writing jokes. Benny shares that he never wrote down his jokes, preferring to keep them in his head for fear of someone stealing them.
Carson and his guests praise Benny for his groundbreaking work in comedy, paving the way for future generations of comedians. They discuss how Benny influenced their own careers and gave them the confidence to pursue comedy.
Overall, "Comic Legends of the '50s - Jack Benny" is a heartwarming tribute to a true comedy legend. The episode provides a glimpse into the life and career of one of the best comedians of his time and celebrates his impact on the world of comedy.
