During a show business career that lasted over 60 years, Jack Benny was one of the premier entertainers in the world. Now, almost 50 years after his death, there is little doubt in my mind that his comedy is still as good as ever. But I wanted to see if that thought holds up to scrutiny while also exploring how a guy who almost never told any jokes could become such a comedy star in the first place.

Featuring interviews with author Kathy Fuller-Seeley, TV writer Ken Levine and Laura Leibowitz, the president of the International Jack Benny Fan Club, I’m Thinking it Over!: Jack Benny and Reflections on What Makes a Straight Man So Funny is a journey through the golden age of radio and the early days of TV. It’s also a celebration of a great comedian from yesteryear.

Featured Music

“Who?” Performed by Red Nichols and The Five Pennies

“Love in Bloom,” Performed by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians