The Spirit of Jack Benny comes to EMPL

The began the holiday celebrations on Thursday by presenting a film tribute to legendary comedian and actor Jack Benny. 

The film "Jack Benny, Comedy in Bloom," was compiled by New York independent filmmaker John Carpenter, featuring Benny in a Christmas-themed episode as well as a documentary on the comedian. Carpenter, who appeared at the library to introduce the film and to speak with the audience, stated that Jack Benny "was the perfect person to show during the holiday season." 

Although the characters he portrayed through his long career were often "cheapskates," according to Carpenter, there were few similarities between characters he played, and Benny himself. The real-life Jack Benny was known for his generosity to various charities throughout his life, Carpenter told the audience. In short, Benny's character embodied what the true holiday season is, making it all the more fitting for his work to be honored at this time of year. 

The film tribute began with "Christmas Shopping" from his 1950s self-titled television show. The segment featured Jack shopping for his friends for the Christmas holiday, and the chaos which sometimes ensues with holiday shopping.

"Christmas Shopping" demonstrated Benny's master skills at comic timing. Somehow, he had the ability to get a laugh from an audience just by making a facial expression or pausing after another actor spoke. The tribute audience thoroughly enjoyed the whole segment, as evidenced by all the laughter. 

"Christmas Shopping" was followed by a documentary about the life and career of Benny. The audience learned about his early days in vaudeville and then his long career on radio, which made him a household name, and then even greater fame on television. The documentary also gave the audience more insight into his life, including his relationship with his wife (and television co-star) Mary Livingstone.

Many celebrities who became acquainted with Benny throughout his career were interviewed in the documentary, including such legendary television figures as Johnny Carson and Carol Burnett. In interviews with these celebrities, Benny was recalled as being "a man devoid of any ego."

Benny was also noted for being one of the first people on television to work with an interracial cast, at a time when racial segregation was still common. His daughter, Joan, said in the documentary that her father was friends with everyone, it did not matter where they came from or what they looked like. 

Watching Carpenter's tribute to the true comic genius of Jack Benny, was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and audience members left with smiles on their faces. 

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