THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM & WORD DETECTIVE

A few weeks back, we presented the radio drama version of the classic film, “Sunset Boulevard.” Tonight, “The Jack Benny Program” is going to render (in the best sense of the word) its version. Mary is out sick, but her real-life sister, Babe, is on hand to play the Gloria Swanson role. Then we present three episodes of the little-known Basil Rathbone series, “Word Detective.” These three-minute investigations into word origins were really just ads for the Underwood typewriter company, but they are informative and entertaining nonetheless.

Episodes

The Jack Benny Program

March 25, 1951

“Sunset Boulevard”

2:33

Word Detective

November 2, 1959

“Tangerine”

November 5, 1959

“Melba Toast”

November 6, 1959

“Stoic”