Kathryn H. Fuller-Seely traces the development of Benny’s character-focused comedy, his cast of characters, sidekicks and compatriots (including Rochester (Eddie Anderson), Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, Carmichael the polar bear, Jell-O and Lucky Strikes) as they play a part in the evolution of broadcasting in the United States.

Introduction

1. Becoming Benny: The Development of Jack Benny’s Character-Focused Comedy for Radio
2. “What Are You Laughing at, Mary?” Mary Livingstone’s Comic Voice
3. Masculine Gender Identity in Jack Benny’s Humor
4. Eddie Anderson, Rochester, and Race in 1930s Radio and Film
5. Rochester and the Revenge of Uncle Tom in the 1940s and 1950s
6. The Commercial Imperative: Jack Benny, Advertising and Radio Sponsors
7. Jack Benny’s Intermedia Juggling of Radio and Film
8. Benny at War with the Radio Critics
9. Jack Benny’s Turn Towards Television

Conclusion