"The Jack Benny Program" The Peter Lorre/Joanie Sommers Show (1963)

Director:

Frederick De Cordova

Writers:

Sam Perrin (written by) and
George Balzer (written by) ...
(more)

TV Series:

"The Jack Benny Program" (1950)

Original Air Date:

22 January 1963 (Season 13, Episode 17)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Jack is thrilled to introduce his guest, actor Peter Lorre, who seems very modest and timid - until...

Plot Keywords:

Based On Radio Show | Laugh Track | Vaudeville | Entertainment | Monologue

Cast

Jack Benny	...	Jack Benny
Peter Lorre	...	Himself / Luverne Goodheart
Joanie Sommers	...	Herself / Heinzinger's Nurse
Don Wilson	...	Don Wilson
Mel Blanc	...	Dr. Heinzinger
Dave Willock	...	Stagehand
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Frankie Darro	...	Himself Stagehand (uncredited)

Directed by
Frederick De Cordova

Writing credits
Sam Perrin		(written by) and
George Balzer		(written by) and
Al Gordon		(written by) and
Hal Goldman		(written by)

Produced by
Frederick De Cordova	....	producer
Irving Fein	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Mahlon Merrick

Cinematography by
Nicholas Musuraca		(director of photography) (as Nick Musuraca)

Film Editing by
J.R. Whittredge

Art Direction by
Frank Arrigo

Set Decoration by
John McCarthy Jr.		(as John McCarthy)
James Redd		(as James S. Redd)

Makeup Department
Jack Barron	....	makeup artist
Florence Bush	....	hair stylist

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Frank Fox	....	assistant director

Sound Department
Richard J. Pietschmann Jr.	....	sound (as Richard Pietschmann)

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Vincent Dee	....	costume supervisor

Editorial Department
David J. O'Connell	....	editorial department head

Music Department
Mahlon Merrick	....	conductor
Stanley Wilson	....	music supervisor

Other crew
Hal Burke	....	assistant to the producer

Production Companies

• J&M Productions
• Revue Studios

Distributors

• Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) (1963) (USA) (TV) (original airing)

Runtime:

USA:30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Stage 1, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company:

J&M Productions

Quotes:

Jack Benny:[reading the introduction written by Peter Lorre] Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time I am proud and happy to present one of the sweetest men in show business, a man, whose emotional sensibilities are touched equally by the cry of a lost child, the chirp of a wounded sparrow, or the silent protest of a crushed petunia.

Soundtrack:

I Want A Girl (Just Like The Girl That Murdered Dear Old Dad)

Peter Lorre is hilarious in Jack Benny Program role

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Paired on Universal VHS with the last episode ever with The Smothers Brothers. Peter Lorre is hilarious whether trying to convince Jack he's not who he's like in the movies or in the sketch in which he tries to hide his identity as a wanted man in a doctor's waiting room with Jack as one of the waiting patients and Mel Blanc as the doctor! Joanie Sommers sings a wonderful love song that probably sold some records despite rock'n'roll already conquering the country (and with the Beatles U.S. arrival the following year, the world). This was one of Mr. Lorre's last performances before his death the following year so it's a real treat seeing him with one of the most deadpan comedians ever! By all means, check this one out!