What's My Line Jack Benny

[@DarrenGauthier]

How can anyone not love Jack Benny? His act was tied to the reaction of his audience. He loved 'em and they loved him back.

[@olenfersoi8887]

Also, known for his generosity in real life, it was the opposite of the stingy character he portrayed for decades. Known for being able to crack people up with just "his look"...His great friend George Burns was always able to get the same response from Benny, with just a look or a word, even when not trying to be funny!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Well put & well said! No one ever had a bad thing to say about the late great Jack Benny. Truly beloved!

[@manidig]

"Oh shut up!" Jack's timing and wit is flawless.

[@mja91352]

"WERE flawless"

[@paulyricca3881]

🥃👴🏻AWW SHUT UP

[@paulyricca3881]

@@mja91352 🥃👴🏻 IS flawless,BUTTHEAD

[@traceya9615]

I could watch him do that 1,000 times and never get tired. Great man.

[@scottmiller6495]

You'll Never Ever See anyone like this great man again Ever PERIOD!!!!!

[@soulierinvestments]

I'd say Benny had more "glamour" in his little finger than most of the modern comedians have put together in their whole bodies.

[@MobilDJ50]

he was funnier just rolling his eyes than most of today's comedians are performing their routine

[@scottmiller6495]

One of the greatest entertainers of all time Period!!!!!

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur !!

[@grandcosmo]

The crowd's reaction when he walked out said it all.

[@SwordsmanRyan]

And he walked from the blackboard like he owned the show.

[@kpyng]

"Do Mischa Elman and Jascha Heifetz scream with horror at mere mention of your name?" Priceless wit from Bennett Cerf.

[@jonmusicia2595]

"Oh, Shut up!"

[@33maisie]

Rare to see a sincerely humble person in today's world. Refreshing.

[@shooter-mq5rp]

What a class act. He was just as genuine in person as he was on stage.

[@rachelemmerton6638]

shooter4287 Reigate

[@nadcordois]

Jack Benny not the penny pincher that he was portrayed on the screen, a real gentleman. may God rest his soul.

[@victorkong82]

Bob Hope on the other hand biggest cheapskate in show business

[@olenfersoi8887]

Nor only was he not a penny pincher...in real life he was known for his generosity.

[@waylonward]

What a great performer! He seldom told a joke, but he was funnier than them all! He will never been replaced.

[@BrooklynJackBlue]

One of the funniest men of all time. Perfect delivery, generosity, he had the best writers, he had the best supporting cast, and isn't it so that he always gave his guests the funniest line, and insisted that he had the line immediately after that so that he could milk the pause for laughter for all it was worth? And just that iconic pose at 0:25...!

[@mehboobkm3728]

And a great human being!!

[@TheDoctor1225]

@@mehboobkm3728 Agreed. I remember reading that during the days of segregation, the hotel they were going to stay in would not allow the gent who played Rochester to stay there and so both Mr. Benny and the entire company were going to leave. Needless to say, the hotel had a rather rapid change of heart.

[@erzbet07]

I haven't laughed so much in AGES. Long live Jack Benny! I grew up watching the Jack Benny Program with my family and also saw a few of his films. He's outstanding as Josef Tura, husband of Carole Lombard, in TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Jack Benny was THE BEST! Thanks for sharing.

[@ediekoller2636]

Jack Benny you were great and just as funny as bob hope. R.I.P. I still watch your old tv shows on rerun. I was so sad when you died in 1975 I cried. God Bless you. And I know you were a generous person too. Benny Kubelsky your real name from Waukeegan Illinois.

[@yesnobabu]

True jack benny and bob hope .....Terrific comedy.......Benny is always distracted with bob's unexpected joke that irks benny to react ......Especially hunting tiger in jungle ......Both were themselves into splits.......With audience with bob's unexpected jokes and cracks ........

[@commandoxy]

Jack Benny is a national treasure.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I agree 100 percent !!

[@windstorm1000]

Why don't we have great performers like this anymore?

[@royveteto4134]

someone should make a movie about jack benny. he's been gone to long and there are so many that would enjoy learning of him who don't know anything about him

[@EverydayIsNow]

Right??

[@kath7477]

Oh, please no! They'll only butcher it...

[@jhecht424]

His timing, delivery, and facial expressions were among the finest of any comedian in history.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I could not agree more!

[@TomBarrister]

This was aired June 21, 1959. Benny appeared on "What's my Line" three times as mystery guest in 1953, 1959, and 1965. Daly reciprocated by appearing once on Jack Benny's program in 1961. The comment Jack makes to Jayne Meadows "That was as nice a kiss you've gotten in a long time.....Steve!" is a ribbing to the fact that Allen and Meadows were happily married (and they remained married until Allen's death).

[@sandybeach123]

Thank you for writing the air date for this video.

[@JLPB60]

One of my most favorite WML clips, if not the most favorite.

[@LEIMALOCCA]

He was SOOOOO sweet!!! omg when he died, his wife, Mary, received flowers on her birthday for the rest of her life, from Jack. this man was adorable!!!!!! sooo sweet and sooo cute!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE JACK BENNY!!!!

[@rlkinnard]

no, she received a rose every day for the rest of her life.

[@TheDoctor1225]

@@rlkinnard What a pedantic, pointless answer. I pity you, and people like you.

[@1966gto1000]

One of my fav's of all time. The incredible Jack Benny. I think I've seen all of his shows - even from the '50's thanks to DVD rentals from the library! One of the greatest funny men of all time. Mr. Benny was univerally appealing and liked by EVERYONE. Awesome talent and perfect timing.

[@MrSaxman77]

I think what I love most about Jack, and its evident here, is his reaction to scenarios or jokes or gags. They were priceless. I think that's why I laugh so much at his work!

[@zaygezunt]

Jack Benny - the sweetest, loveliest guy and the funniest.

[@jubalcalif9100]

True !!

[@drednm]

One of the most durable and popular comedians of all time.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Indubitably !

[@54rein]

That "look" he he always gave was priceless! Miss you Jack

[@TerryArtanis]

Benny's arsenal of physical expressions is were weapons of mass destruction

[@TheDoctor1225]

Outstanding video - funny, clean, and such a pleasure to watch. Ranks right up there with the episode in which Bishop Fulton J. Sheen appeared on the show and, after some questions, one of the panelists said "Weekly on television and non-profit?" (laughter) "Oh, boy, have YOU got a crazy sponsor!" (crowd falls apart) As someone else said in the comments - these are so therapeutic to simply watch and enjoy :)

[@illadrobici]

I love the three point glance that he uses each and every time for the laugh.

[@daleroberts8772]

The original so many people have copied jack over these years and still do and will forever!

[@MechaBlazeEagle]

I'm also a fan now. Thanks for posting this! This shows clean comedy is the best!

[@DeBeer-z8z]

Before my time but I love watching this old shows

[@Lava1964]

This is one of the funniest game show segments, period! Great stuff.

[@PlayIt4MeAgainSam]

A great episode, filled with class! Everyone is having a great time.

[@crucisnh]

The old school comedians who were guests on this show were side splitting funny!!!

[@enniscorthylad]

As per previous comments: He was a genius and from what I've read about his life was also a hard working man who looked after his family and the people he worked with. He had (and still has thanks to the medium of film) an ability to make people laugh by his mere physical presence. We will never see his like again!

[@highplainsdrafter595]

This man was adored, admired, and more. Johnny Carson cried the day Benny died.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes indeed. George Burns (Jack's best friend) broke down in tears & couldn't finish delivering the eulogy at Jack's funeral.

[@disgruntledgrrl]

Loved the pummeling on the glamor question.

[@jimwednt1229]

Jack Benny is proof that you can be funny without profanities and vulgarity. A man with class !

[@forrestcalkins93]

he is one of my favorite comedians

[@flgators32901]

One of the classiest entertainers of All time !!

[@razorback9926]

Jack Benny was the most popular person that ever lived. When told he had a 97% approval rating, he said “what did I do to the other 3%?”

[@TrevorMoses312]

😆😆

[@DeBeer-z8z]

Before my time but I LOVE watching these old shows frank Sinatra jerry Lewis and Dean Martin Mia farrow and more of them too many to remember now

[@bailinnumberguy]

If you took a poll of who the greatest comedian/comedic performer of all time was, a whole lot of votes would be cast for Jack Benny.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I know you're right !!

[@lindasime2188]

Jack Benny, what a great entertainer. Loved him!

[@thetiler]

Thanks was funny. Not even sure if TV now is capable of having entertainment like this. Terrific !

[@ShermanWestlake]

Possibly the most enthusiastic audience reaction I've ever heard on 'What's My Line?'

[@eddylauterback1312]

when he walked out on any stage, he owned it and he knew it. I named my son after him! He always thought it was Jack Nicklaus!

[@Cerph]

People were so sweet and caring back then- it's therapy just to watch these videos.

[@Bixfan78]

This is wonderful! Thank you for posting this!

[@Lava1964]

Whenever I need a laugh or two (or six) I watch this clip. How come TV can't be this good anymore?

[@robertpinch1608]

Programs such as What's My Line, Jack Benny, I Love Lucy, You Bet Your Life, Burns and Allen from the 50s and 60s saved my life. Without them, I would have died of boredom or despair growing up in suburban Toronto. They gave me hope that there was something beyond the narrow conformity and prejudices of my working-class family.

[@68lincoln]

Great! Love that Jack Benny! He will always be "39" years old and hearing his slightly intentionally off key violin playing "Love In Bloom" and watching his silent, long stares always bring a smile to me...and remember his 1927 Maxwell, the car was practically a part of the cast of his show with sound effects by the great Mel Blanc! This What's My Line episode appears to be from about 1964 and Jack looked great!!

[@kenmartin9106]

Truly enjoyed every thing this man did so funny

[@tonydalcon]

One of the funniest WML cameos ever!

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Jack loved his fans. He kept a stack of his photos on a table in the foyer of his home in Hollywood. When a fan would knock on the door he would often answer it himself, and sign a photo for them.

[@robdewey317]

And Bob Hope made fun of his stride.

[@MariselaMorales-o5c]

Jack Benny one of my favorite T.V. Show

[@hmaltravers]

What a hilarious bit! And Benny didn't have to say a word! Now THAT's comic genius.

[@xxcharmed1xx]

love jack benny.. he was such a charmer.

[@NellsStuff]

If only this were a Fred Allen episode... it would have been an all-time classic for Jack & Fred fans...

[@billybarty2948]

👸🏻🚬 U STUPID JACK DIED BEFORE FRED WAZ BORN

[@petercrabtree8471]

True, but I believe this WML was from 1959, & Fred Allen died in 1956.

[@razorback9926]

BILLY BARTY Are you dense? Fred Allen and Jack Benny appeared on each other’s show dozens of times. Their lives intersected for over 50 years.

[@NellsStuff]

@@razorback9926 it is possible he MIGHT have been making a joke about Jack's age... sorta like on his radio show when he said his Social Security number was 2 (Al Jolson was #1!) ;-)

[@razorback9926]

NellsStuff Who makes a joke by calling someone else stupid?

[@HeatherSVideos1]

I always love seeing the smile on Bennett Cerf's face after he takes his blind fold off.

[@debalmitra1]

Yes. Same here.

[@LazlosPlane]

It seems as if he were always just "himself," yet always drop dead funny. God do miss him.

[@bjbell52]

My mother watch Jack when he returned to Waukegan and drove down the main street -> Genesee street.

[@supremes1964]

I was born in 1964 what a great year! lol

[@shigermuleye5203]

I like his face. What a lovely person.

[@soulierinvestments]

Heifetz was a violinist, and Benny played the violin badly as part of his comedy routine. However, Benny practiced the violin seriously and could play well . . . well, well enough when he wanted. If it is not already posted on KZbin, I wish someone would post a duet of "Getting to Know You" Benny did on live TV with Giselle McKenzie. That illustrates Benny's talent with the violin.

[@pwoessner4478]

Way before my time but I love this !!!!

[@TheRecordSaver]

There was a "rivalry" between Benny and Allen during the radio days. Allen made a comment about Benny's violin playing, and when Benny fired back at Allen on his own show, people started to think there was a war betwee, the two of them, and they milked it for all it was worth. Away from the airwaves they were the closest of friends.

[@mazzyjulio]

As of July 2012, the The Jack Benny Program airs Mon-Thu Nights 2a ET | 11p PT & Saturday Nights 12a ET | 9p PT. GOD BLESS THE WOMAN WHO BROUGHT THAT MAN INTO THIS WORLD! P.S. and ROCHESTER TOO! :)

[@bailinnumberguy]

1:26: Watch how he waits for the audience to quiet down. His great timing was instinctive and tuned to the reaction of the audience.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

He was in vaudeville before he came to Hollywood.

[@TheIrishrogue68]

You can see why Johnny Carson idolized him.

[@xxcharmed1xx]

Love JB so much. My MIL actually live in the town where he was from. Waukegan, IL :)

[@carvcom1]

Your MIL is lucky! I am from Waukegan also. I attended Benny Jr. High school too.

[@markbailey1970]

I love what he says about his home town.

[@nexttimewelove51]

this was absolutely hillarious. Jack Benny was awesome.

[@TheIgnatzz]

Jack Benny played a character who was cheap, vain, and petty. And the man himself was generous and humble and one of the most loved people in show business. He once said he was fascinated people would like such an awful character, as long as he made them laugh.

[@karlakor]

@zamusicza Jack once said in an interview that if God were to offer him the proposition of making him a great violinist, but in return Jack could never tell another joke as long as he lived, Jack said he would take Him up on it. He was an accomplished player, but never rose to the heights that he aspired to, and it is interesting to know that in spite of his legendary status in show business, he would have traded it all to be a concert violinist.

[@goodiesguy]

Watching this i now see how much an influence he was on Benny Hill.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Interesting. I see what you mean. I love them both!!

[@Operafiend22]

Heifetz...love it!

[@mkrobinson95]

Jack's slap at 2:17 is hilarious

[@wmlfan9]

If I absolutely HAD to name my all-time favorite comedian I would choose Jack Benny. You just have to like him. The way he looks, acts, talks - there's only one Jack Benny.

[@fromthesidelines]

This was during the late summer of 1959, just before Jack moved to 10pm(et) on Sundays, right before "WML?" in the '59-'60 season. John Daly himself would guest star on one of Jack's filmed episodes in January of 1961. You knew the game was pretty much over when Bennett made his keen observation and Jack HAD to say, "Oh, shut up!".

[@jajaeeyore93]

I love Jack Benny. (And yes, Waukegan is the greatest city in the world. Indeed.)

[@yannschonfeld5847]

i am clearly addicted to this one.

[@JayTemple]

It may interest you to know that Rochester was a Mystery Guest as well.

[@Polydunami]

If you guys are wondering, Mr. Benny signed in as Jascha Heifetz, who was a Lithuanian-born violinist who toured with Benny in the USO during World War II. His name was dropped by Mr. Cerf when he realized that it was Jack Benny. Now, I don't know very much else besides this, so look it up for yourselves.

[@Scutshakes]

Well to add more information to those whom may be unfamiliar with some of Jack Benny's running gags: Part of the humor of Jack Benny's radio and TV programs often poked fun at Benny's fictional flaws (his flaws when in character), such as being incredibly cheap and stingy, or in this case, being a horrible violinist. He would often egotistically say he was as good as, or even better than, Jascha Heifetz, who was an incredibly talented violinist. But, humorously, on radio and TV, whenever he played the violin, it sounded worse than a dying cat, and the other characters would sometimes interrupt him or prevent him from playing altogether. So, basically, Benny signing in as Heifetz just added to an old recurring joke that he pretended to be an amazing violinist. I actually think Jack Benny was a fine violinist, unfortunately I have never had the pleasure to hear him play properly. The one time that I remember he did try to play normally on his TV program (by a letter request), he was paired with a pianist (played by a comedian who I regret to not remember the name of) that would interrupt him by playing loudly, and even started dancing around, whenever he tried to play.

[@GinaGreenlee]

Polydunami Thank you for clearing that up. that reference soared over my head. I would have Googled it but I couldn't read the writing.

[@tnerbtnerb5136]

+Scutshakes Look on KZbin for Mel Blanc's final sketch with the Jack Benny Show. After deciding not to return for any more seasons, Benny chose to honor his long time friend by writing a long sketch where at the end, to prove a point, he plays the violin fantastically for about a minute. Amazing stuff.

[@googoo-gjoob]

21:14 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioHXdZV-jdB3ppY&frags=pl%2Cwn

[@teriannebeauchamp254]

Ty

[@VanWADebbie]

I miss Jack Benny.

[@kali8188]

Considering how much the easy audience Jack always was, how he kept silent during his appearance is the greatest mystery. :-)

[@frankwalker5040]

It would have been wonderful to have seen the Great Jascha Heifetz on this fantastic show.

[@freespeech1946]

I agree with all the positive comments but no mention of how great his radio show was. Well worth checking out. Began I believe in 1932 and really hit stride by 1934 1935 and great. Download and listen in bed!

[@robertszvetics210]

ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER

[@everettfuqua114]

Jack had such a an expressive face. He could get a laugh with just a look.

[@tonylilley6611]

Love these shows,

[@over50andfantabulous59]

I wish we could have seen the audience in this and other episodes.

[@RonRicho]

He was quite simply the best.

[@sandrahn]

Benny was a god of comedy!

[@plcwecub]

I love Jack Benny

[@Rec0rdz7]

Main man jack wish they ran his shows more often

[@Robert4770]

Show business royalty on the most sophisticated show TV ever had

[@zaygezunt]

@GeminiNightOwl Classy is the word! Interesting that he said he would rather have a been a good violinist than a comedian. However, he has given us many years of terrific entertainment and he is unique - thanks Jack!

[@TheKingFriday]

He kissed her, and I hit the like button. :-)

[@subwayjoefrombrooklyn4471]

Good old fashion hysterical comedy.

[@thespotteddog]

Jack Benny....the funniest straight man of all time.