For several decades, Jack Benny was a household name; one of the most famous comedians on television and radio. It has been asked by some why his reruns are not as popular and revered as Lucy and Andy Griffith are. Jack's show is largely not seen in reruns anymore.
The answer is, the years have not been kind to Jack's formula. The majority of his shows have him bolted to a stage, cracking jokes, and bantering with celebrity guest stars (most of whom are forgotten today). There were also musical numbers and spoofs of then-current movies. This "variety show" type of comedy was popular in its day but is very stale now. The episodes that depicted Jack's everyday home life were much funnier, but even most of these had the action stop periodically so someone could sing a song, because it was believed this was what viewers wanted.
That is why this episode, with the crying cab driver at the airport, is one of Jack's best. It is non-stop slapstick from beginning to end. No monologues, no musical interludes, just laughs. It works wonderfully. Find it on YouTube. If Jack Benny had done more episodes like this, perhaps he would still be more widely seen and remembered in reruns.
The answer is, the years have not been kind to Jack's formula. The majority of his shows have him bolted to a stage, cracking jokes, and bantering with celebrity guest stars (most of whom are forgotten today). There were also musical numbers and spoofs of then-current movies. This "variety show" type of comedy was popular in its day but is very stale now. The episodes that depicted Jack's everyday home life were much funnier, but even most of these had the action stop periodically so someone could sing a song, because it was believed this was what viewers wanted.
That is why this episode, with the crying cab driver at the airport, is one of Jack's best. It is non-stop slapstick from beginning to end. No monologues, no musical interludes, just laughs. It works wonderfully. Find it on YouTube. If Jack Benny had done more episodes like this, perhaps he would still be more widely seen and remembered in reruns.
