Here is Liberace and Jack Benny performing on Liberace's 1969 television Series. The 3 DVD set will be released on September 18th. Titled Liberace Ultimate Entertainer.
Jack wasn't half bad when he really wanted to play, which wasn't often. His comic timing was legendary. He could crack you up with just the expression on his face followed by a few choice words.
No reason to lie about this, and if true that must have been an amazing experience. But anyone who’s name has the word fake in it, you might have to question. Lol
Everybody says he was the nicest most generous man in show business. Nobody has an unkind word to say ever. What a legacy for someone who had every justification to be arrogant.
The Nobel Prize for Peace should be awarded to people like these, those who put a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts...I'm sure that up there, wherever it is, everyone is having a ball...
Benny was speechless, many times..... Jack invented the "pregnant pause." The longer the pause, the bigger the laugh. And, Jack didn't mind if someone else got the laugh, as long as people were entertained. Liberace was great at piano, but Jack took his insecurity with the violin and turned it into a successful comic act. These are two great entertainers and they work well together! They are both missed!
Benny had been doing that for looong time and that stare was one of his trademarks. People would laugh the second he stated it!! that’s really not courage, it’s showmanship and years of experience - and people knowing you’re going to do it! what does take courage sometimes is that some actors have terrible stage fright - even after years. once they’re on, they just do their job enjoying every minute of it :) 🎭
So classic. Two of the best all time entertainers doing a clean comedy routine while incorporating their talents is something we just don't see today. Thanks for sharing this.
Love this film clip. They were both great! Saw Liberace in person many times. A fabulous entertainer, not to mention a very kind and sincere person. His shows were so entertaining, you never wanted them to end.
This was the funniest goddamn bit, I knew it would be. Jack Benny is funnier when he doesn't speak. Comes out looking uncomfortable in that gold lamme jacket and the laughs started right there. What other comic could do so much with so little? Pure comedy magic.
What a pianist Liberace such a class act and Jack Benny god bless him. Two great individuals who brought joy to so many people during there time on earth.
Jack was so delightful..what timing. Glad to hear him play his signature song..even with the "squeaky" notes. They made a great team. Sad shows like this are a thing of the past. Modern audiences don't know what they're missing. Thanks for posting.
@@stranraerwal Actually, though he might not have been the world's finest, as a young man, Liberaci's playing was highly praised even as a teenager. Again, while not the world's finest, no-one would omit him from the ranks of great performers.
@@stranraerwal Liberace was a classically trained concert pianist. He debuted in 1940 with the Chicago Symphony orchestra. People criticize him because of his commercial success. He was a master pianist, no doubt. He may not be Arthur Rubinstein to the snobby purists but that doesn't make him any less of a pianist.
To say they don't make them like they used to is an understatement!!! Thank you for posting and grateful this was preserved because you'll never say entertainment or performers like this again
@blkchk ...True - Eddie Anderson was the highest paid black performer of his day. Another great story is about the time they were on the road and in a small diner - and the owner comes out (looking at Anderson) and says: "We don't serve his kind in here." And Jack said: "Well then you don't serve any of us", and the whole entourage got up and walked out. He was such Class.
@@debbietoornman5780 - In the late 40's, when Sammy Davis Jr. was denied entry into the Copacabana, Frank Sinatra made sure he got in the next time. When Sammy wasn't allowed to stay at the hotel where he was performing, Sinatra put his foot down, and said Either he stays or we both go. When Sammy had the auto accident that left him blind in one eye... Sinatra picked up the medial bills. It was a troubled time, for sure.. but it was also a magical time.. when miracles began happening. Enough was enough, and things were about to change!
In the words of Andrew Lloyd Weber for Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard: ...with one look! Jack Benny made a career out of that look like Hope said in one of their skits together. Talent in using brevity with timing is the mark of a superb comedian. Also notice how they never used blue but still made us laugh!
Thank you for putting this on UA-cam. I was a little girl when Jack Benny had his show, my parents would watch because my Dad played violin and we loved his deadpan humor. Now that I'm old, I have to marvel at people who can keep a straight face when someone is actually funny. I kept waiting for Jack to tell Liberace "Now cut that out!"
Well, my main language is Spanish but I can speak English with some fluency. I think if we put aside the dialogue in this video, the musical part alone would surely make someone who doesn't understand English laugh. Regardless of language, Jack Benny and Liberace are artistic heritage not only of the United States but of the entire world. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Mexico City.
This was pure GOLD. Television performance and talent at its finest. Two of the greatest musicians who ever lived. What a treat for us all. Thank You so very much.
These are two of history's greatest Master Artists and performers. I hope they are both performing for the Angels and Saint's in Heaven now. You said it well MrMagnusFogg!
Jack Benny was a top notch comedian! "Its been done to death, everyone is humming it." Lol.. And what about the candelabra on his violin...the jacket.. I can't stop laughing..
I have the piano my mother, trained pianist and beautiful lyric soprano that purchased right after Liberace designed the Yamaha baby grand antique white and aged gold to open the 1967 Montreal Worlds Fair with. All she ever owned. I was 8 years old. Its in front of me as I write in my home ( mom is in heaven). I use it to teach voice (degreed as well), write with. Im so grateful that her life lives on through me! Thank you Liberace and MOM
I'm 56 and grew up with this entertainment. I'm delighted to see old stuff from when i was growing up. Jack Benny was the best and so was Liberace - thanks to whoever posted these old clips. wow - fabulous to see again
there is the story of benny going to the white house to play ..carrying his violin cASE...THE guard at the gate asks him whats in the case...benny says its a machine gun...the guard replies..thank god i thought it was ur violin...
Benny was known to be careful with money.....the story goes that he was held up in new York...the theif says ..ur money or ur life Mr Benny...jack looks at the gun in silence...the theif tries again...jack remains silent....the theif gets mad and again says ..ur money or ur life Mr Benny.......jack looks him in the eye and says shut up for goodness sake I'm thinking about it!
I miss these two so much. I was raised on the Liberace’s midday television program while living in Columbus Ohio in the early 50’s, and of course Jack Benny’s dead pan humor had us all in stitches.
You could never top Jack Benny even the Great Liberace was a standby on his own show. Jack always had that flare that none could top. Lovely on both of their parts. A great skit from two superb showman.
Grinning ear-to-ear as I watch this. I was 26 years old in 1969. Now that I'm almost 80, I can't tell you how much I miss these people.
I'm 82 now so I can see what you are talking about
I miss them too they don't make people like that anymore
Me too
When entertainers actually entertained... Great times. Great entertainers both.
Funny with no vulgar language. They didn't NEED to be vulgar.
"That's been done to death... you know EVERYBODY'S humming it..." THIS KILLS ME EVERY TIME! LOL!
Back when TV had talented entertainers.....
How many comedians could get people screaming with laughter, standing absolutely perfectly still and saying nothing.
Jack wasn't half bad when he really wanted to play, which wasn't often. His comic timing was legendary. He could crack you up with just the expression on his face followed by a few choice words.
HYSTERICAL!! When I was a kid, I used to delivery Jack Benny his afternoon newspaper, usually right to him at his office... he was very nice to me.
Get the hec outta here. Thats amazing
No reason to lie about this, and if true that must have been an amazing experience. But anyone who’s name has the word fake in it, you might have to question. Lol
Everybody says he was the nicest most generous man in show business. Nobody has an unkind word to say ever. What a legacy for someone who had every justification to be arrogant.
@@capsfan3940 He gave me $5 for Christmas, which was a generous gift for a kid back then... I still have the card he signed.
Yes we remember you. Absolutely amazing.
That innocent look on Liberace's face when Jack looks at him with daggers is priceless.
Not a lot of people can make a violin screech like that on purpose. That's how good Jack Benny was.
Lol I can and I don't play violin
Yes Jack Benny is a very good violinist but He played foolishly for a laugh. You should hear Him play with an orchestra Bach very good.
@@lrn_news9171 🤣👍me too!
Benny was the comic and straight man all rolled up into one...
huh! interesting concept. never thought of it that way :} 😋
Jack's ability to get a laugh by just standing there po faced was priceless.
Jack Benny "SOLD" the same jokes over and over for decades, BRILLIANT AND WONDERFUL.
No matter how many times I hear those scratchy/painful notes from Jack Benny's violin, I crack up. I love this.
THAT was great violin playing: good tone, on key wonderful note slide. I would say Jack Benny and Liberace are comparable musicians!
The days of sweet entertainment and happy showmanship. I'm so glad I lived to see them.
The Nobel Prize for Peace should be awarded to people like these, those who put a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts...I'm sure that up there, wherever it is, everyone is having a ball...
Love it. There are no shows like this today. No one can replace these performers.
Carol Burnett's comedy is right up there.
They can't be replaced, thankfully. There's shows like this today if you know what to search for.
Benny was speechless, many times..... Jack invented the "pregnant pause." The longer the pause, the bigger the laugh. And, Jack didn't mind if someone else got the laugh, as long as people were entertained. Liberace was great at piano, but Jack took his insecurity with the violin and turned it into a successful comic act. These are two great entertainers and they work well together! They are both missed!
There will never again be a Jack Benny. Thank heaven for video.
Dennis nor Liberace!!!!
Oh, the candelabrum on Benny's violin cracks me up every time.
It's a CANDLEABRA
Candelabra!
Sorry, but ‘candelabrum’ is also correct with ‘caldelabra’ as the plural form….
It takes courage and skill to get a laugh just by standing there without moving or talking and get a laugh.
Because they were professional
That was what made Jack Benny the comedic genius he was, and always will be.
Benny had been doing that for looong time and that stare was one of his trademarks. People would laugh the second he stated it!! that’s really not courage, it’s showmanship and years of experience - and people knowing you’re going to do it! what does take courage sometimes is that some actors have terrible stage fright - even after years. once they’re on, they just do their job enjoying every minute of it :) 🎭
So classic. Two of the best all time entertainers doing a clean comedy routine while incorporating their talents is something we just don't see today. Thanks for sharing this.
These two great talents just crack me up in this bit. Rest In Peace Gentleman..
Why the emphasis on gentle"man'?
What a gift they were!!
Hilarious comedic timing from both!!! Two hams!!!! Love it!
I adore watching Jack Benny. I’m 77 and from the UK. I remember watching him on tv as a child. Mum and dad always watched him. A truly great showman
The candelabra on Jack's violin is hysterical.
Did you see the look on Lee's face when he first noticed it? Hilarious!
Love this film clip. They were both great! Saw Liberace in person many times. A fabulous entertainer, not to mention a very kind and sincere person. His shows were so entertaining, you never wanted them to end.
How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore
Jack Benny, the man that said; “If l can’t take it with me when l go, l’m not going.” Pure gold.
Thurston Howell aka Jim Backus said it first
@@zapkvr
Probably borrowed it from Jack Benny.
@@davegreene8588 ah, wrong.
They were both outstanding showmen !
God, I miss these days
Yes, so very, very much....
Jack Benny's expression when Liberace goes on one of his incredible runs is priceless, incidentally the butler is British actor Richard Wattis.
I knew I recognized him from The Prisoner; he played Fotheringay in The Chimes of Big Ben.
Ytavck
Please bring that type of entertainment back
@@HeartoftheDragonColo "I am not a number! I am a free man!"
This was the funniest goddamn bit, I knew it would be. Jack Benny is funnier when he doesn't speak. Comes out looking uncomfortable in that gold lamme jacket and the laughs started right there. What other comic could do so much with so little? Pure comedy magic.
Gold lamme or Gold sequins?
It really doesn't get any better than this--RIP gentlemen...
nycbbbco h
I remember Jack Benny on TV as kid back in the 60s and early 70s.His timing was amazing.
Liberace is definitely the king of melodic embellishment--there's no mistaking his "touch" and the unique TONE he gets from the piano.
What a pianist Liberace such a class act and Jack Benny god bless him. Two great individuals who brought joy to so many people during there time on earth.
He stank at it. He said so himself. Technically he was about average.
@@zapkvr He was better than 99% of us.
Jack Benny, one of the funniest men ever to grace a stage.
Those old showmen had class they respected easch others unique capability a and where able to bounce off each other in skits
Jack staring offstage after Lee’s exit cracks me up.
@@innputinnput7049 Young spirit.
Yes he was. He was way before my time, but absolutely love him. He was a comedy genius.
Jack was so delightful..what timing. Glad to hear him play his signature song..even with the "squeaky" notes. They made a great team. Sad shows like this are a thing of the past. Modern audiences don't know what they're missing. Thanks for posting.
Now THAT'S entertainment, and brilliant comedy by two giants of talent.
Both of these men were national treasures.
Liberace could hold his own with any celeberity. he was funny, witty and entertaining and above all wonderfully talented
Perfect timing from two greats of a bygone era.
Rip Jack Benny and Liberace
Mr. Benny was the master of the long take. I'm laughing so hard that I've got tears in my eyes. Bless him.
Two amazing performers to ever grace this fine earth.
+Ian Cudny ~ So VERY true
Wow! As a septuagenarian I remember these moments so well. Thanks so much for the video. Both of these performers were a class act!
2023 1 a.m...looking for something nice to see cannot sleep This was a great find
As child my grandma and I loved Liberace
I was born in Sept too 😅
@CarolinePoindrxter-rs7fr
No one gives a fuck about what you can remember.
They played very well off each other, musically and comically.
Definitely!
True . I loved watching it .
Thoroughly enjoyed watching these two greatest stars. Great talent. Great humour. R.I.P guys. XXX
Jack Benny...the man who made deadpan hilarious as hell LOL
And Liberace...one of the world's FINEST pianists! RIP both of you guys.
morbius109 Agreed
norbius109: Liberace was in no way "one of the world's FINEST pianists"...Google him !
morbi
John Wayne
@@stranraerwal Actually, though he might not have been the world's finest, as a young man, Liberaci's playing was highly praised even as a teenager. Again, while not the world's finest, no-one would omit him from the ranks of great performers.
@@stranraerwal Liberace was a classically trained concert pianist. He debuted in 1940 with the Chicago Symphony orchestra. People criticize him because of his commercial success. He was a master pianist, no doubt. He may not be Arthur Rubinstein to the snobby purists but that doesn't make him any less of a pianist.
These programs are so outrageous, classy and historical... 3 cheer's for the jack Benny program!!!!
To say they don't make them like they used to is an understatement!!! Thank you for posting and grateful this was preserved because you'll never say entertainment or performers like this again
Its a special kind of humor with musical instruments only...just brilliant!
Two of a kind.
Thank you both, for memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
2 fantastic showmen and artists !!
PRICELESS!
Two TV icons at the top of their game.
These two showmen operated with dignity. I salute them. Watched this show religiously.
It is 2018 and I still miss Jack Benny......he had class and wonderful timing........him and his friend George Burns/Gracie Allen
@blkchk ...True - Eddie Anderson was the highest paid black performer of his day. Another great story is about the time they were on the road and in a small diner - and the owner comes out (looking at Anderson) and says: "We don't serve his kind in here." And Jack said: "Well then you don't serve any of us", and the whole entourage got up and walked out. He was such Class.
thank you
So the "good ol' days" weren't necessarily all good. 😊
@@mickeyray3793 - Actually, they were better.
Most non white or Jewish groups were having trouble getting into hotels, concert halls and restaurants in the late 1960s and likely later than that.
@@debbietoornman5780 - In the late 40's, when Sammy Davis Jr. was denied entry into the Copacabana, Frank Sinatra made sure he got in the next time. When Sammy wasn't allowed to stay at the hotel where he was performing, Sinatra put his foot down, and said Either he stays or we both go. When Sammy had the auto accident that left him blind in one eye... Sinatra picked up the medial bills. It was a troubled time, for sure.. but it was also a magical time.. when miracles began happening. Enough was enough, and things were about to change!
I was 10 in ‘69. Liberace always seemed so happy and cheerful and it feels good. This will be the first time I’ll see Jack Benny actually play.
there talent as fresh and vibrant now as then!!! To Great Masters!!! very much missed by millions!!!
LOL Jack Benny can just stand there and be hilarious
Benny is missed. He was an original!
Greatest deadpan expression ever. God bless Jack Benny!
USDA Grade A Hams, two of em, and lovin it!
OMG! The memories.... I was about 14 yrs old when this aired. I have a tear in my eye right now.
Jack Benny was the absolute master of comedic pauses.
One of my very favourite acts of all time. Genius!!!!
It's always entertaining to hear the inimitable Jack Benny play his signature song "Love in Bloom" from scratch (pardon the pun). 🎻🎶
Ha, good one!
In the words of Andrew Lloyd Weber for Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard: ...with one look! Jack Benny made a career out of that look like Hope said in one of their skits together. Talent in using brevity with timing is the mark of a superb comedian. Also notice how they never used blue but still made us laugh!
We need entertainment like this to come back again and soon.
Thank you for putting this on UA-cam. I was a little girl when Jack Benny had his show, my parents would watch because my Dad played violin and we loved his deadpan humor. Now that I'm old, I have to marvel at people who can keep a straight face when someone is actually funny. I kept waiting for Jack to tell Liberace "Now cut that out!"
Well, my main language is Spanish but I can speak English with some fluency. I think if we put aside the dialogue in this video, the musical part alone would surely make someone who doesn't understand English laugh. Regardless of language, Jack Benny and Liberace are artistic heritage not only of the United States but of the entire world. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Mexico City.
Liberace-El mejor pianista de todo el mundo.
I have been to Mexico City once. I live in "Ohio, the heart of it all".
@@rickbailey189Absolutamente! Saludos fraternos.
@@lisakeller9105Well, I hope you liked Mexico City. Greetings from Mexico City!
This was pure GOLD. Television performance and talent at its finest. Two of the greatest musicians who ever lived. What a treat for us all. Thank You so very much.
I wish the young kids of today would give stuff like this a chance. They have no idea what humor really is.
They haven't the patience for it. Besides, this bit predates both these guys by about 50 years. You'll see it again, just a little different.
These are two of history's greatest Master Artists and performers. I hope they are both performing for the Angels and Saint's in Heaven now. You said it well MrMagnusFogg!
Jack Benny was a top notch comedian! "Its been done to death, everyone is humming it." Lol.. And what about the candelabra on his violin...the jacket.. I can't stop laughing..
Never again will there be talent like this.
no, there's definitely tallent like this. Just Entertainment Corp prefers pretty faces and autotune and canned comedy they can control.
Sad but true. Look at the rubbish we get today. Start with the Academy Awards ! .
I have the piano my mother, trained pianist and beautiful lyric soprano that purchased right after Liberace designed the Yamaha baby grand antique white and aged gold to open the 1967 Montreal Worlds Fair with. All she ever owned. I was 8 years old. Its in front of me as I write in my home ( mom is in heaven). I use it to teach voice (degreed as well), write with. Im so grateful that her life lives on through me! Thank you Liberace and MOM
My favorite out of many hilarious skits involving Jack Benny. He was just a master… a head tilt could get hysterical laughter. Genius.
Two true originals!
I'm 56 and grew up with this entertainment. I'm delighted to see old stuff from when i was growing up. Jack Benny was the best and so was Liberace - thanks to whoever posted these old clips. wow - fabulous to see again
It is just hilarious when Mr Benny just stares at Liberace.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!
Masters of entertainment, both of them.
Oh brother look at those jackets. Jack Benny was the greatest straight man ever....LOL!
there is the story of benny going to the white house to play ..carrying his violin cASE...THE guard at the gate asks him whats in the case...benny says its a machine gun...the guard replies..thank god i thought it was ur violin...
Benny was known to be careful with money.....the story goes that he was held up in new York...the theif says ..ur money or ur life Mr Benny...jack looks at the gun in silence...the theif tries again...jack remains silent....the theif gets mad and again says ..ur money or ur life Mr Benny.......jack looks him in the eye and says shut up for goodness sake I'm thinking about it!
LMAO
ha ha good and funny story
@@posnerist Ha, good one!
LOL
The best entertainment ever.Two great performers. Doing what they do best. RIP Guys.🎼😄❤❤ No one will ever match their talents
Pure talent, charisma, humor and depth in life!!!
Notice how they respected the audience.. 'ladies and gentlemen'..
Legends.
Jack knew just when to place the laugh with his strat.
It was a real Stradivarius!
Two of a kind; excellent musicians and performers who could arouse and audience in great laughter for several minutes!
Such great entertainers. Wish they could come back and thrill us again.
Two great entertainers 💜💜
How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore
I'm terribly sad that I can not remember Jack Benny the first time around......so funny...I just love Liberace!
Beautiful ❤️
Pure talent you won't see THIS today
Love it! A little Victor Borge thrown in by both of them!
I miss these two so much. I was raised on the Liberace’s midday television program while living in Columbus Ohio in the early 50’s, and of course Jack Benny’s dead pan humor had us all in stitches.
In case you didn't notice. those scratches were precisely placed and well executed.
That's what I call real entertainment :-)... Great mix of extraordinary talent and humor. Thumbs up !
Jack plays the violin very sweetly. The bloke on the piano was good too.
You could never top Jack Benny even the Great Liberace was a standby on his own show. Jack always had that flare that none could top. Lovely on both of their parts. A great skit from two superb showman.