Live Comedy Before an Audience

2 May 1932 · 30 min

Benny's first broadcast under his own name, opening with the line that begins American situation comedy: “This is Jack Benny talking. There will be a slight pause while everyone says, ‘Who cares?’” Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

26 Sep 1934 · 17 min

Burns and Allen broadcasting from London in the middle of a British tour, playing to a live house an ocean away from their sponsor. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

25 Nov 1936 · 31 min

A Thanksgiving-eve broadcast built entirely on Gracie's logic, played straight to the studio audience. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

7 Mar 1937 · 29 min

The Benny company stages a prize-fight burlesque before the Hollywood studio audience, two years before the Benny–Allen feud gave the gag a real opponent. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

22 Jan 1939 · 29 min

Benny's version of the origin of the feud, told to a studio audience already in on the joke. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

5 Feb 1939 · 29 min

The feud escalates on air: Benny throws down the challenge that will end in a live meeting between two rival networks' biggest stars. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

4 Oct 1939 · 59 min

Allen's writing room at full strength: a topical satire staged live, with the audience laughter left exactly where it fell. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.

3 Mar 1940 · 29 min

Gracie Allen brings her Surprise Party presidential campaign — a stunt that ran across several networks' comedy shows at once — onto Benny's stage. Recording held by the Internet Archive; public domain.