Ep 2. Comic Legends Of The '50s - Jack Benny (7/20/73)

The Johnny Carson Show was an iconic American talk show that ran for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992. Hosted by the legendary comedian and presenter Johnny Carson, the show featured interviews with celebrities from all walks of life, stand-up comedy, musical performances, and skits. One of the most popular segments on the show was the "Comic Legends" series, which honored the pioneers of the comedy world. In the fifth season episode 2 of The Johnny Carson Show, titled "Comic Legends of the '50s - Jack Benny" (7/20/73), the focus was on one of the most beloved comedians of all time - Jack Benny.

The episode starts off with Johnny Carson introducing the show and explaining why Jack Benny was so important to the world of comedy. Carson talks about Benny's unique style of humor, his mastery of timing, and his incredible ability to make people laugh without ever resorting to crude or vulgar jokes. He also speaks about the impact that Benny had on the comedy industry, paving the way for future comedians like Bob Hope and Johnny Carson himself.

The first guest of the night is one of Benny's closest friends and collaborators - George Burns. Burns shares some funny anecdotes about his time working with Benny, including the time they both appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show together and Benny accidentally set fire to Sullivan's desk. Burns also talks about how Benny's humility and generosity made him so beloved among his peers in the industry.

Next up is Benny's wife, Mary Livingstone, who reminisces about her early days with Benny and how she managed to keep up with him on stage despite being incredibly nervous. She talks about how Benny's humor always came from a place of kindness, and how he often used his fame to make the world a better place - like the time he helped integrate the Beverly Hills Country Club.

The episode then takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane as clips from some of Benny's classic performances are shown. From his hilarious interactions with his sidekick Rochester to his witty banter with guest stars like Bing Crosby and Ronald Reagan, the clips give viewers a taste of what made Benny such a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Towards the end of the episode, Johnny Carson himself takes the stage to pay tribute to Jack Benny. He talks about how Benny inspired him as a young comedian, and how grateful he is to have had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions. Carson then introduces a surprise guest - Bob Hope. The two legendary comedians share some funny stories about their times working together, and Hope presents Benny with a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the comedy industry.

The episode ends with a touching tribute to Jack Benny, with Carson and his guests all sharing their favorite memories of the man who helped shape the world of comedy for generations to come. The Johnny Carson Show may have ended over 25 years ago, but thanks to episodes like this one, the legacy of Jack Benny and other comic legends of the past lives on.