Jack Benny radio show 12/3/50 How Jack Found Rochester

This episode tells the story, in flashback, of how Jack and Rochester met, when Rochester was driving a taxi for Amos and Andy's cab company.
You can trace much of the course of race relations in the mid-20th century by watching the character of Rochester Van Jones, played masterfully by Eddie Anderson. When Anderson joined the show in 1937, much of the humor around Rochester was based on old racial stereotypes. By the time of this episode, and until the end of the TV series in 1965, the stereotypes were no longer referred to. While Rochester was still ostensibly Benny's valet, they were equals in every other way, and Rochester often got the better of Benny, of course. The show was pioneering in this regard, as it was very unusual to depict a person of color "talking back" to his boss. Also, Anderson was the first black regular on a national radio show.
www.otrcomedy.com

[@christopherhaas7739]

Love Jack Benny and Rochester’s interaction with Amos & Andy is hilarious!!

[@johntabler349]

Mary was so a wonderful character and her occasional flubs are radio gold thanks for sharing this little bit of radio history

[@howardoller443]

One of my all-time favorite Jack Benny episodes. Great memories listening to this episode over the decades.

[@michaelarmenta]

This is actually a rebroadcast from March 11, 1945.

[@LeeJGreen]

My birthday 🥳

[@derektownsend3569]

I love Mary. She shines in this episode. Thanks for sharing. Love me some JBP.

[@scottgearhart8500]

Pure, and perfect, comedy.

[@artroraback8663]

This is a hilarious episode! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@steverudder3321]

Sadly, the part with Phil Harris singing about "The Thing" was removed.

[@jmbwithcats]

Was it Rochester who said, "What do you expect on a moment's notice, a best seller?!"

[@kelvintorrence5994]

The best 1 yet

[@4redniwediS]

classic comedy!!!

[@georgimihailov4906]

This is the legendary "grass reak" episode, where Mary Livingstone goofed on "grease rack".

[@user-ul3lx2sl1q]

Hooray for Rochester, and for butlers and chauffeurs everywhere!

[@kelvintorrence5994]

I never liked Amos and Andy. Or kingfish

[@howardoller443]

Rumor has it they didn't like you either. :D

[@user-ul3lx2sl1q]

Amos and Andy may be racist, but it’s also ART! And that’s all that matters to me; I’m an artist!