Blu ray review: Jack Benny Comedy Classics

Because of his massive success on radio and television, Jack Benny’s movie career is too often overlooked.  Some of this is due to Benny himself, as making fun of his cinematic exploits was part of his humor.  In fact, Jack Benny appeared in many delightful comedies, and a handful of genuine classics.  A comic talent at his level could not be contained.

Kino Lorber has released a delightful double feature that includes two of Jack’s best film appearances from the 1930s at Paramount.  These are not B-movies.  Both Artists and Models and Man About Town are top level studio releases with Jack as the star. By the time he appeared in these films during the late 1930s, he had already starred in his own radio show for several years. Both films are featured on one blu ray disc from Kino Lorber

ARTISTS AND MODELS (1937)

Directed by Raoul Walsh.  98 minutes

There is a scene in Artists and Models where a group of show people burst into Jack Benny’s office and start performing dances, juggling, trick bicycling, etc, while Jack stands in his underwear being examined by a doctor played by Donald Meek.  The rest of the film is not quite this surreal or outrageous, but is a pleasant musical comedy in which Jack plays an ad exec trying to secure a million dollar account.  A 19 year old Ida Lupino shows her future potential as a young model trying to pass herself off as a society girl to be picked for the same million dollar ad campaign.  Fun support from Judy Canova, Richard Arlen, Ben Blue, Gail Patrick and some great specialty numbers by the likes of Martha Raye and Louis Armstrong, among others.  The musical sequences are nicely staged by LeRoy Prinz, with the exception of the Raye-Armstrong number which was staged by Vincente Minnelli at the beginning of his career.

One of the highlights features several top artists from the era, including Rube Goldberg in his only movie appearance.  Another highlight has Ben Blue dancing with a group of puppets made up to look like Paramount stars. Connie Boswell sings “Whispers in the Dark,” which was nominated as Best Song at the Academy Awards. And Jack Benny even does a quip about his radio show. Raoul Walsh is an interesting choice for director, as he became known for films like They Died With Their Boots On and White Heat.  He would direct Lupino again in They Drive By Night and High Sierra, and Benny again in The Horn Blows at Midnight.  Artists and Models is thoroughly enjoyable.  It was such a box office hit in its time, it netted a sequel.  Kino’s print includes an excellent commentary track from knowledgeable film historian Eddy Von Mueller.

MAN ABOUT TOWN (1939)

Directed by Mark Sandrich. 85 minutes

The charming and amusing Man About Town is, arguably, better than Artists and Models. Jack Benny’s noted persona was even more established, and the fact that Rochester joins him in this movie bolsters it further.  Jack is an American producer who brings a show to England, and gets involved with two women who use him to upset their jealous husbands.  Morrie Ryskind co-wrote the script from his own story.  He had also written for the Marx Brothers.  Director Mark Sandrich was something of a comedy specialist.  Thus, the comedy is stronger in this film, along with some great musical numbers featuring Dorothy Lamour, as well as Phil Harris and Betty Grable.  The Grable-Harris number is a highlight as it features a great dance by Rochester.  Edward Arnold, Monty Woolley, and Binnie Barnes offer fine support. Dorothy Lamour appears, one year before helping Bob Hope and Bing Crosby ignite the Road series, also at Paramount. Kino’s blu ray includes an informative blu ray commentary by film historians Paul Anthony Nelson and Lee Zachariah.

This double feature is one of Kino Lorber’s most entertaining releases, offering two great Paramount musical comedies starring the iconic Jack Benny.  Each film is filled with laughs, music, and top supporting players.  For fans of Jack Benny, fans of 1930s cinema, and fans of vintage musical comedies, this blu ray is most passionately recommended. 

The blu ray can be ordered here:  JACK BENNY