STEVE EMBER: As a young man, Jack Benny played violin in a vaudeville theater in his home state of Illinois. When the United States entered World War One, he joined the Navy.

He played his violin for other sailors. But the sailors liked his jokes better than his music. So Jack Benny decided to become a comedian.

In the early nineteen thirties Jack Benny got his own radio show. It lasted for twenty-three years.

SHIRLEY GRIFFITH: Listeners loved it when Jack Benny and Fred Allen would say bad things about each other on their shows.

But two comedians could still be friends -- or at least friendly enough to perform together. In nineteen fifty, on Jack Benny's radio program, they did a skit about an early visit to their talent agent.

STEVE EMBER: They are partners in a vaudeville act that they think is wonderful. They hope the agent will get them an appearance in a good theater. But first they have to get past his secretary.

SECRETARY: "Now, uh, what is the name of your act again?"

ALLEN: "Allen and Benny."

SECRETARY: "I thought you said it was Benny and Allen."

ALLEN: " Well, at two o'clock, our billing changes."

SECRETARY: "Well, what kind of an act do you do?"

BENNY: "Violin, clarinet and snappy patter."

SECRETARY: "And where have you played?'

BENNY: "Oh, all over."

SECRETARY: " Well, where?"

ALLEN: "Well, just -- just tell her the important dates, Jack."