Although Jack Benny's portrayal of Buck Benny in Buck Benny Rides Again (1940) is perhaps the high point of his career, it should be remembered that the Buck character was originally created and developed on Jack's radio program. A series of Buck Benny skits, while a little too humorous for many tastes, presented Buck as the straight-shooting, no-nonsense hero that would eventually emerge with such brilliance on the silver screen.
In the Photo: Eddie Anderson, Dennis Day (he replaced Kenny Baker, who is in the B.B. skit), Phil Harris, Mary Livingston, Jack, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc. Not pictured: Andy Devine (of Hiya Buck! fame.) Judging from the expressions, the gang is happily listening to a Fred Allen radio show--much to Jack's chagrin.
For more skits featuring everyone's hero, Buck Benny, click on the radios below (Streaming RealMedia):
One final note: I suspect that long after the movie was made Jack would strap on his sixgun and reminisce about his days in the saddle.
Main Section of Teddy Blue's Bunkhouse.
