INFORMATION, PLEASE & THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM

For New Year’s, we sum up all of 1939. First it’s “Information Please” from January of that year. The guest is Alexander Wolcott, the inspiration for the titular character in our previous episode, “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” The panelists take questions from columnist Walter Winchell, make up poker hands from Mother Goose, and identify famous generals. Then on the “The Jack Benny Show” it’s New Year’s Eve. Jack has a date, but forces conspire to prevent him from keeping it. Western star Andy Devine drops by to talk about taking his parents to Phil Harris’ wild late show.

Episodes

Information Please

January 10 1939

Guest: Alexander Wolcott

2:22

The Jack Benny Show

December 31,1939

“Gladys Zybisco Disappoints Jack on New Year’s Eve”

33:19