First, Jack Benny is almost universally regarded   by critics, contemporaries and historians as having the best comic timing of any performer in show business. Jack Benny’s ability to take a pause, stretch out a word, or use a simple hand gesture or roll of the eyes to sell a joke influenced an impressive generation of comedians.  A talented student at the University of Nebraska – Johnny Carson – wrote his entire senior thesis as an analysis of  Jack Benny’s style of comedy!  Bennie’s influence can be seen in the work of  not just Carson, but, Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman,  Ray Romano and Jerry Seinfeld.

Second, Jack Benny had a lifelong, unquestioned reputation as one of  the nicest  men in all of Hollywood. He was charitable, kind, considerate and gracious. He traveled endlessly to entertain the troops during World War II, refusing to take payment from the government to do so. He would appear at any charitable function at the drop of a hat. Professionally, he was courteous and encouraging of talent. Marilyn Monroe, who cast a suspicious eye on the motives of many of the men in Hollywood, absolutely adored  Jack Benny. She recognized in him a genuinely kind and thoughtful person who truly appreciated her talent. Maryland’s reaction is typical of the way almost everyone who ever worked with Jack Benny reacted to him. If you came on his top rated radio show, you are guaranteed to have an opportunity to shine. As he famously said, “I don’t care who gets the laughs as long as my show is funny! Jerry Seinfeld built his show in the exact same way.

This multimedia presentation, laden with film clips and wonderful stories is sure to entertain and uplift you!

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Our popular “Time Capsule.” programs return with this brand new entry:1949 – America 75 Years Ago.

Each program will take you deep into American life during the year in question.  We will look at the famous people who were born and passed away that year, examine the top news stories, and dive into popular culture, sports, and politics.

I hope you can join us for this fresh, fast, and fascinating multimedia history presentation!

1949 – America 75 Years Ago, president. Harry Truman was in office, Rogers and Hammerstein’s most extraordinary musical, South Pacific, revolutionized Broadway, the Goldbergs revolutionized television, the Harlem Globetrotters revolutionized basketball, and the death of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind shocked the Nation.

The post 1949 – America 75 Years Ago appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

Each program will take you deep into American life during the year in question. We will look at the famous people who were born and passed away that year, examine the top news stories, and dive into popular culture, sports, and politics.

This is a history presentation that is fresh, fast, and fascinating!

In 1924, 100 years ago, an electoral sweep emboldened the new Republican government to pass a very restrictive immigration bill; George H.W., Bush, and Jimmy Carter were born, the Model T was revolutionizing America, Ellis Island closed, the Wrigley building opened, and the first winter Olympics were held.

This Program Is Offered Live In Person At Northbrook Senior Center. Contact Them For Registration, Which Is Required

The post 1924 – America 100 Years Ago appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

Each program will take you deep into American life during the year in question. We will look at the famous people who were born and passed away that year, examine the top news stories, and dive into popular culture, sports, and politics.

This is a history presentation that is fresh, fast, and fascinating!

In 1924, 100 years ago, an electoral sweep emboldened the new Republican government to pass a very restrictive immigration bill designed to keep Jewish people and people of color out of the United States.;

George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Marlon Brando, and Truman Capote were born, the Model T revolutionized America, Ellis Island closed, the Wrigley Building opened, and the first winter Olympics were held.

The post 1924 – America 100 Years Ago (PM) appeared first on Speaking For A Change.

Our popular “Time Capsule.” programs return with this brand new entry:1949 – America 75 Years Ago.

Each program will take you deep into American life during the year in question.  We will look at the famous people who were born and passed away that year, examine the top news stories, and dive into popular culture, sports, and politics.

I hope you can join us!  This is a multimedia history presentation that is fresh, fast, and fascinating!

1949 – America 75 Years Ago, president. Harry Truman was in office, Rogers and Hammerstein’s most extraordinary musical, South Pacific, revolutionized Broadway, the Goldbergs revolutionized television, the Harlem Globetrotters revolutionized basketball, and the death of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind shocked the Nation.

The post 1949 – America 75 Years Ago appeared first on Speaking For A Change.