The Jack Benny Hour 1966

Jack's back with the first of two specials he'll do this season. Joining him are madcap Phyllis Diller, singer-guitarist Trini Lopez and the Smothers Brothers, comedy folk singers. During the hour, Jack does a reprise of his famous 'si' routine with side-kick Mel Blanc playing the leader of a misfit Mariachi band asks Trini for a guitar lesson and presents his very own beauty pageant, a parody of every beauty contest you've ever seen. Highlights: Fly me to the moon, This train--Trini; I talk to the trees--Smothers; Spanish flea--band; Here she is, Miss Northern and Southern Hemisphere--Jack"--TV guide, December 1, 1966. In his opening monologue, Jack describes the negotiations with General Sarnoff of NBC concerning his pay for this show. Jack agrees to the deal when General Sarnoff allows him to return all of the empties from the Dean Martin rehearsals. Benny starts to talk about how he always wanted to have his own beauty pageant, and will be doing so tonight, when he is interrupted to have his picture taken with "the beauties"--which turn out to be American Motors' new cars; the photographer from Acme Photo is played by Frank Nelson. Benny introduces Trini Lopez, who sings Fly me to the moon. Benny talks with him about playing the guitar, then tries singing Fly me to the moon himself. Phyllis Diller runs out; she has volunteered to be the chaperone for the beauty pageant contestants but they are making her ill--they're too beautiful; she shows Jack how she thinks they should walk. Trini Lopez sings This train. Benny introduces the Smothers Brothers; Tommy gives an overly flowery speech, which, when chided, he modifes to "It's nice to be on your dumb show." They argue about who their mom liked best. While Dick is trying to introduce their song, Tommy insists on asking him about the fastest animal in the world; when they begin the song, I talk to the trees, Tommy quickly interrupts to assert that it is a stupid song from a stupid show (Paint your wagon); "I'm an American--I don't have to see something to know it's stupid." They try to guess Benny's age. Benny has to substitute the Tijuana Strings, because Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass couldn't make it; Mel Blanc, head of the Tijuana Strings, does his Si routine, then the Strings play The Flea; Benny plays their second number with them on the violin--Love in bloom which turns into a country fiddle piece. The Miss Southern and Northern Hemisphere Beauty Pageant begins, featuring Jack as the Bert Parks of Beverly Hills. When Benny is presenting the girls, Miss Greece keeps trying to kiss everyone, Miss Argentina bursts into tears and throws herself into Jack's arms, Miss Uruguay says "I'm very happy to be here in Long Beach," and Miss Japan speaks with a Southern accent, and when asked if she is really from Japan, says "Si." The Smothers Brothers give Jack 8 points for his walk. Just before first place is awarded, Phyllis Diller runs up and points out there is no contestant from the U.S.; she decides to represent the U.S. herself and is awarded the crown as the others leave in a pique