The Jack Benny Program (TV Series) Jack on Trial for Murder (1961) User Reviews

Give Perry the old soft shoe

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 5 March 2011]

One of the most memorable shows that Jack Benny did in his television years was have Raymond Burr on his show playing Perry Mason and defending Jack on a charge of murder.

The wonder is that Jack would shell out the money to pay Perry Mason's retainer. That must have been the unkindest part of the whole affair for America's most beloved tightwad.

The thing I remember best was after Perry was addressing the jury, Raymond Burr broke into a soft shoe dance for them. Usually Perry Mason never got as far as addressing the jury, not in the original series or later with those television films. Burr who had a remarkable sense of humor about himself and his character must have loved doing this show.

It certainly is an episode not to be missed if ever broadcast or put out on DVD.

Wonderful Example of Benny Comedy

[DKosty123 · 8/10 · 25 February 2019]

A lot of people have forgotten Jack Benny comedy, the sketches and the way he would make the most of either being a guest (like when Jack was on You Bet Your Life), or having a famous guest on his own show. Thanks to this being posted on You Tube, you can see why Benny was successful on Radio and Television.

Jack starts out at his home getting pestered by a Rooster in his neighborhood constantly crowing. Then he falls asleep on his couch and dreams that he has been charged with the roosters murder. Of course Jack goes to court to face the charge, and makes sure he has the best defense lawyer he can get, Perry Mason. This is Raymond Burrs only guest shot on the series and he makes the most of it.

Since is it a dream, the script gets away with a wide swath of humor. They reference more than Mason here, as there is also reference to the most famous American Defense Lawyer of all-time, Abe Lincoln. The script is almost ludicrous and very funny. Burr plays the comedy extremely well and manages to paraody his Perry Mason tv persona perfectly. There are throw away lines like the one about the DA being so good because he has been "watching him on television."

So did Benny actually choke the rooster to death in his back yard like a witness (who looks suspiciously like Don Wilson) says he did? Will Mason lose this case because Della and Paul are not here to help him (they aren't even mentioned in this show. Must be Benny's budget could not afford the extra guests.

A great send up of the classic Mason, and a show of Benny's great timing.

THE CASE OF THE GUILTY COMEDIAN!

[alydar21 · 10/10 · 10 February 2023]

Yes the year is 2023 and I'm new to The Jack Benny show. After a dozen episodes of enjoyable comedy, this episode is next. Jack goes to court for MURDER! Facing large fines and long jail time, he somehow secures a decent lawyer. What ensues is top tier. I'll stop now and let the reader do their own research.

Jack Benny's comedy was a different brand. He would play a normal guy, then branch off into small eccentricities of behavior that seemed almost normal. Maybe we all have friends that have his same characteristics. I'm sure I do and maybe that is why we can identify with his brand of humor.