Irene Dunne Show (6 Dec. 1953)

Jack attempts to steal a movie role from Vincent Price, whom has been promised the lead in Irene Dunne's next picture.

Director:

Ralph Levy

Writers:

Sam Perrin, George Balzer,

Stars:

Jack Benny, Rex Evans, Rolfe Sedan

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Jack Benny	...	Jack Benny
Rex Evans	...	Gordon--Butler
Rolfe Sedan	...	The Barber
Bea Benaderet	...	Gertrude - Switchboard Operator (voice)
Lois Kimbrell	...	Gregory Ratoff's Secretary
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Dorothy Collins	...	Lucky Strike Commercial
Irene Dunne	...	Herself
Vincent Price	...	Himself
Gregory Ratoff	...	Himself
Don Wilson	...	Himself

Storyline

Jack attempts to steal a movie role from Vincent Price, whom has been promised the lead in Irene Dunne's next picture.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 December 1953 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[Jack is convinced he can steal an upcoming leading role, which has already been promised to Vincent Price]
Jack Benny: It looks as though I'm going to take your place in this picture.
Vincent Price: You're taking my place? Oh, that's ridiculous, old boy.
Jack Benny: Oh, no it isn't. You see, at rehearsal tonight you and I are both going to read the parts, and, uh, the best man will win.
Vincent Price: The, uh, *best* man?
Jack Benny: Yes.
Vincent Price: Mr. Benny, when two people are involved in a statement, the comparative is used. You don't say 'the best man will win', ...
[...]

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Connections

References Private Secretary (1953)

User Reviews

Skillful reutilization of a great idea

This television episode is classic Benny. You will find all the great elements that his character had become: stingy, prissy, vain. I still do not understand why he was so loved by audiences of the day. In this show, he tries once again to become a romantic leading man by inviting himself to audition for a part already promised to Vincent Price. The leading lady is Irene Dunne, and Jack mooches his way into her house for the scene. The show is an exact copy of a radio episode, which starred Basil Rathbone and Claudette Colbert; and Benny's director of To Be of Not to Be, the great Ernst Lubitch. The results are hilarious. Simply hilarious.