Not Rated | 30min | Comedy,TV Series | Episode aired 18 February 1964
In desperation, a psychiatrist phones Jack for his help with a distraught patient. An amnesiac with a violin has been found on the street, and he's bitterly muttering Jack's name - over and over. Jack identifies him as his long-time, long-suffering violin teacher, Professor LeBlanc, who reveals he couldn't lose his hearing, so he lost his mind.
Director: Norman Abbott
Writers: George Balzer, Hal Goldman, Al Gordon, Sam Perrin
Stars: Jack Benny, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Mel Blanc
In desperation, a psychiatrist phones Jack for his help with a distraught patient. An amnesiac with a violin has been found on the street, and he's bitterly muttering Jack's name - over and over. Jack identifies him as his long-time, long-suffering violin teacher, Professor LeBlanc, who reveals he couldn't lose his hearing, so he lost his mind.
Director: Norman Abbott
Writers: George Balzer, Hal Goldman, Al Gordon, Sam Perrin
Stars: Jack Benny, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Mel Blanc
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00From Hollywood.
00:06The Jack Benny Program.
00:23Uh-huh.
00:25Well, Roy, I must admit, I don't either tonight.
00:30Mr. Benny just wasn't funny.
00:34Of course I work for him.
00:37But after all, when the floors are dirty, he doesn't tell me they're clean.
00:42Mr. Benny and I are always honest with each other.
00:46I'm sorry, Roy, but Mr. Benny just didn't have it tonight.
00:51Okay, Roy, I'll talk to you later.
00:56Well, boss, you home kind of early.
00:59Yeah, when I got through, I didn't feel like hanging around the studio, so I came home.
01:04By the way, what did you think of my show tonight?
01:07Sensational, boss! Sensational!
01:12You know, Rochester, coming from someone else wouldn't mean much.
01:15But I know that you always get an honest opinion.
01:18By the way, were there messages for me?
01:20Oh, get rid of this pet.
01:22Let's see.
01:26Dr. Johnson.
01:29I don't think I know Dr. Johnson.
01:32Look, the one who treated for the flu was Dr. Allen.
01:38And then for my sinus, I had Dr. Miller.
01:42Then my knee went out of joint.
01:44I had Dr. Smith.
01:46Wait a minute. Who took out my appendix?
01:50I did!
01:53Yeah, that's when my knee went out of joint.
01:57Dr. Johnson. Are you sure you got the name right?
02:00That's what he said. And I think it's important.
02:02Because he called three times.
02:04Well, I better call him then.
02:07Dr. Johnson. Isn't it funny? I don't know a doctor.
02:12I hate to call this late, but if that's what he wants...
02:19Hello?
02:20Oh, hello. Is this Dr. Johnson's office?
02:23Yes, this is Dr. Johnson speaking.
02:25Oh, well, I got a message to call you. This is Jack Benny.
02:29Oh, Mr. Benny. I'm delighted to hear from you.
02:31Could you come right over to my office?
02:33Well, doctor, what's it all about?
02:36I'd prefer not to discuss it over the phone.
02:38I'm in the Beverly Medical Building.
02:40Well, if it's that urgent, I'll be right over. All right.
02:47I can't imagine what it could be.
02:50Anyway, Rochester, I'll be back right away.
02:52Okay.
02:53Dr. Johnson. Isn't it funny? I don't know what it...
03:03Hmm. Psychiatrist.
03:07Oh, Mr. Benny?
03:09Yes.
03:10I'm Dr. Johnson. I hated to ask you over like this, but as I said, it's quite urgent.
03:13I know, but what is it you wanted to see me about?
03:16Well, I have a man in the other room who's suffering from acute amnesia.
03:20Oh, that's a shame. Can't sleep at all.
03:25Insomnia is when you can't sleep.
03:28Oh.
03:29He has amnesia.
03:30Oh, of course.
03:32He doesn't remember who he is.
03:34Well, what's that got to do with me?
03:36Well, in all his mumblings, the only name he keeps mentioning is yours.
03:40Well, I mean, that could be anybody. I have millions of fans.
03:45From what he's been mumbling, I don't think he's a fan.
03:53Well, I hope you can identify him. I'll bring him right in.
03:56All right.
04:01Come in with me. No one's going to hurt you.
04:05Just walk in very slowly. That's fine.
04:09Sit down. Right here.
04:12There you are. That's a good lad.
04:17Do you know him?
04:18Why, yes. That's Professor LeBlanc, my French violin teacher.
04:23Violin teacher?
04:24Yes.
04:25Oh, and that explains why he had this with him when I found him in the gutter.
04:30Oh, certainly.
04:31Professor. Professor LeBlanc. What are you doing here?
04:36Professor, don't you recognize me?
04:40No. No.
04:42Don't you remember me?
04:44How can I remember you? I can't even remember me.
04:50Where am I? What am I? Where am I?
04:58This is pathetic, Doctor. I mean, how did it happen?
05:03Well, Mr. Benny, when the mind suffers a traumatic experience, the brain has a way of blocking it out.
05:11So he's your violin teacher.
05:13Well, I mean, he used to be. I mean, he gave me lessons for years.
05:17When did he give you your first violin lesson?
05:20Well, that was, oh, that's a long time ago. I would say 18 or 19. About 19 years.
05:28I'll never forget. I was home waiting to take my first lesson from him.
05:35Oh, Rochester.
05:37Yes, boss.
05:39Did you set up my violin stand?
05:41Oh, yes, sir.
05:49Boss.
05:50What?
05:51Why did you decide to take violin lessons again?
05:53Well, because, Rochester, I haven't played the violin since I was at the Palladium Theater in London.
05:59And I want to get my fingers back in shape.
06:02Why? What did they do to them?
06:07They didn't do anything to them.
06:10Gee, I hope my new teacher turns out to be all right.
06:15Oh, that must be him now.
06:20Mr. Benny?
06:21Yes?
06:22I am Professor LeBlanc. Pierre LeBlanc.
06:25Oh! Oh, yes, yes. Come right in.
06:28Si.
06:29Come right in.
06:30My, you have a lovely home.
06:33Thank you. Thank you, Professor.
06:35Mr. Benny, on the phone you told me that you have been playing the violin for many years and you just wanted to take a sort of a refresher course.
06:43That's it. That's it exactly. I just want to sort of smooth out the rough spots.
06:49Will you take my hat?
06:50Oh, yes. Here. Oh, yes.
06:51Thank you very much.
06:54Well, I will be happy to give you the lessons. Shall we proceed?
06:58Well, first, Professor LeBlanc, I think I ought to know what your fee is. I mean, what do you charge for violin lessons?
07:05Oh, with me, music is a passion. To teach it is a great joy. So I would prefer to leave the price entirely up to you.
07:13Good. Good.
07:16Well, come on. I'll get my violin and we'll...
07:19Oh, Mr. Benny, before you commence, perhaps it would be well if I saw a little of your technique. Would you play something for me?
07:27Why, certainly. What would you like to hear?
07:29Anything. Anything you know well.
07:31Well, supposing I play the first movement, the start of the first movement of the Mendelssohn Concerto.
07:38Oh, oui. Mendelssohn. Very good. Very good.
07:40You know...
07:41You know...
07:42Yes, yes, yes.
07:44Eh?
08:07There. There. How was that? Do you think you can make a good violinist out of me?
08:12Well, I think I can do something, but it will take time.
08:19How old are you?
08:21Why?
08:22How much time have we got left?
08:29Gee, I thought I played that very well. I mean, I've been playing since I was a kid.
08:35Oh, Mr. Benny, do you mind if I tell you something?
08:38No.
08:39Forget you ever took any lessons. Let us wipe this slate clean. We will start with the exercises.
08:46Exercise? But that's for a rank beginner.
08:49Exactly. We play the Kreutzer exercises.
08:53Kreutzer?
08:54Oui, the Kreutzer exercises. I got...
08:56Oh, I have them. I have them here.
08:57Oh, you do? Good, good.
08:58I have... I have them here.
09:00Gee, I haven't played this in a long time. It's for kids.
09:04Kreutzer exercises.
09:05All right. You want me to... I'll take... I'll start from scratch.
09:11That I am sure.
09:12That I am sure.
09:26Do not hold your bow too tightly. It will help you play more lightly.
09:33Play it softly, not so brassy. Pull your tongue in, you're not lassy.
09:46So that day, 19 years ago, was the first time Professor LeBlanc gave you a violin lesson.
09:51That's right.
09:52And then on, week after week, he came to my house and continued to give me lessons.
10:03What?
10:10No, no, no, no.
10:12What? Did I do something wrong, Professor?
10:14No, no. Perhaps it is my fault. But do you mind if I tell you something?
10:18No, no, not at all.
10:20The violin is an instrument that is like the singing of the angels,
10:25the murmur of the breeze, the rippling of the brook.
10:29Now, play.
10:42Is that better? Is that what you mean?
10:44Monsieur Benet, perhaps if you held the violin upside down.
10:50Upside down? I wouldn't be able to play it that way.
10:53Let us try anything.
10:56We'll go back to the exercises.
10:58Again the exercises?
10:59Yes, the exercises. Play, please.
11:07Raise your wrist a little higher.
11:13Play it softly while you're learning. Not so loud, my stomach's turning.
11:26Monsieur Benet, the music of the violin is supposed to soothe you, to calm you,
11:31to make you relax, to settle your nerves, to the rippling of the brook,
11:36the singing of the angels, the murmur of the breeze.
11:42Pardon me, I lost my temper, Monsieur Benet.
11:47I wish it was my hearing.
11:50What?
11:52Monsieur Benet, could I have some water, please?
11:55Water? Yes, there's some in the cooler out in the hall.
11:58That is not enough. I would like to drown myself.
12:05Drown?
12:06Proceed with the exercises, please, please.
12:11Shall I start now?
12:12Oui, start, start.
12:19Two and three and four, I wish I was in Singapore.
12:31Bend your wrist and slide your finger, pull the switch, don't let me linger.
13:01Professor, I've played these exercises so much, now can't I play my number?
13:06Oui, oui, play. But, Monsieur Benet, lately you always make me come back for my money.
13:12Could I be paid for the lesson today?
13:15Well, of course, Professor, certainly.
13:17Oh, Rochester!
13:20Yes, boss? You called me?
13:22Yes, yes, of course, Professor.
13:25Rochester, in my bedroom on the dresser, my money is there.
13:29Bring me a dollar seventy-five.
13:32Wait, Rochester, Monsieur Benet.
13:34Now, please, do not get excited.
13:36No, why?
13:37But the cost of living is so high, I must raise the price of the violin lesson.
13:42But, Professor!
13:44Look at me. I am in rags. Look at my shoes. These soles are worn out.
13:51I owe everybody money. I am overdrawn at the bank. I have bowed on my insurance.
14:00Next week, my wife is expecting another baby. That will make eight miles to be.
14:08Our rent is overdue. We are being dispossessed.
14:13Yes?
14:18Professor, well, of course, I'll raise your salary, I'll raise your price.
14:26Rochester?
14:27Yes, yes, boss.
14:29Rochester, you are crying.
14:31Yes, until he got to the wife and children, I thought he was talking about me.
14:38Go inside. Go get him.
14:43Please hurry, Rochester. The lesson, she is done.
14:47No, no, no, no. The lesson isn't over yet. Look at the clock. I got fourteen seconds.
14:53Fourteen seconds. He cannot read a note, but time he can tell.
14:59Play, play, play the Wieniawski.
15:02No, no, no. I'll play the Brahms.
15:04Play anything.
15:07The Brahms.
15:15The Brahms.
15:18Now she is off. The lesson, she is finished. I am liberated. Liberated.
15:24Play, play.
15:38It went for nineteen years.
15:40Nineteen years. And every week he came over to your house to give you a lesson.
15:45Well, no, not exactly. I remember once he called me to tell me that he had broken his ankle and he couldn't come over, you see.
15:53So, after he hung up, rather than miss my lesson, I went to his house.
15:59To his house.
16:04Pierre.
16:06Pierre, I cannot understand you. There you sit with a broken ankle and here there is such a happy look on your face.
16:14Well, mon chéri, because of this broken ankle, I do not have to give Monsieur Benny a violin lesson.
16:22Who can that be?
16:23I will see.
16:25Oh, does Professor LeBlanc live here?
16:27Oui, I am Mrs. LeBlanc.
16:29Oh, well, I'm Jack Benny.
16:31Oh, please, my dear.
16:36Pierre, in the hall, it is Monsieur Benny.
16:39Monsieur Benny? Well, what shall we do? What shall we do?
16:43Oh, oh, I know, I know, I know. I will lie down in the cedar chest and I will cross my arms.
16:50In the cedar chest and I will cross my arms.
16:53You light a candle and cry a little.
16:56Maybe he will believe it and go home.
17:01No, no, Pierre, it is too drastic.
17:05I suppose so.
17:08Oui.
17:12You may come in, Monsieur Benny.
17:15Oh, Professor, you know, you called me and said you couldn't come over to my house.
17:19And I thought rather than miss my lesson, I'd come here.
17:22I know, I know.
17:23How is your broken ankle?
17:25It was a miserable failure.
17:27It was not worth it.
17:32Well, come on, let us proceed with the lesson.
17:34If you came here to take a lesson, get it over with.
17:36Okay.
17:37I'll get out my violin.
17:40Now, Professor, what were we doing the last time you gave me a lesson?
17:46You were playing the blue Danube and I was picking up the dead flies.
17:52I mean after that.
17:54You were trying to play the number you were trying to learn for ten years.
17:57I know.
17:58Wieniawski concerto.
18:00Well, do you want me to try that now?
18:01Oui, oui, try Wieniawski concerto.
18:05Suzette, aren't you going to kiss me goodbye?
18:09I am not going out.
18:11You will in a minute.
18:15Say concerto.
18:16Concerto, Wieniawski concerto.
18:27Pierre!
18:29You have been teaching him to play the violin for 19 years.
18:33I have only heard one note, but he is the worst player I have ever heard.
18:40Oui, oui.
18:42What did she say?
18:44Well, it loses something in the translation, but it means you stink.
18:50You stink.
18:56It sounded so good in French.
18:59It was like what?
19:01Oui, oui, continue.
19:03I'll take it from the start again.
19:05From the start and it means oui, oui.
19:10Oh, actually.
19:14Suzette.
19:16I know, I know.
19:19Sorry, I have to go, I'm quiet.
19:25Monsieur Benet.
19:26Monsieur Benet, please, please.
19:27The baby.
19:35Monsieur Benet.
19:36Please, stop playing.
19:37The baby is crying.
19:39My wife is nervous.
19:41I have a broken ankle and you stink.
19:45Please, stop.
19:47Stop.
19:48Stop.
19:53And that's the last lesson I ever took from him.
19:56I'm sorry, doctor, that I couldn't be of any more help.
20:00On the contrary, you've been a great help.
20:02I have?
20:03Yes.
20:04From what you've said, I'm sure his loss of memory is a subconscious effort to escape from reality.
20:09A reality in which he sees himself as a failure because of his inability to teach you to be a good violinist.
20:15But that's ridiculous.
20:17I am a good violinist.
20:19I...
20:20Professor.
20:21Professor LeBlanc.
20:22Professor, you must listen to me.
20:25You're not a failure.
20:26You're a success.
20:27I'm a fine violinist.
20:28I play Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn.
20:31I'm telling you, you're not a failure.
20:34Monsieur Benet, you're just not getting through to him.
20:37I know.
20:39Hey, I got an idea.
20:40So why don't I take his violin and prove to him that I'm a good violinist.
20:46Yes.
20:47Yes, maybe if he hears you play well, the shock will bring him back to reality.
20:55I didn't like the way you phrased it, but that's the idea.
21:00Professor.
21:01Professor, I'll play... I'll play the Wieniawski Concerto for you.
21:05You remember that one.
21:16Oh, my God.
21:47Oh, Monsieur Benet.
21:49Monsieur Benet.
21:51Oh, that is beautiful.
21:53That is beautiful, Monsieur Benet.
21:55Monsieur Benet, I play...
21:59That is beautiful.
22:00I am a success.
22:01I am not a failure.
22:03Professor LeBlanc is not a failure.
22:05Oh, I am not a failure.
22:07So that's the goal.
22:09I am coming home.
22:11I'm on the fountain of my life.
22:21Monsieur Benet, you did a wonderful thing.
22:24You brought that man back to normal.
22:26It was a great favor you're coming here tonight.
22:28Well, thank you.
22:29Thank you, Doctor.
22:30And now, you could do me a great favor.
22:33What's that?
22:34Well, during my long career as a comedian,
22:38I've made a lot of money getting laughs with my violin.
22:42So please, please, Doctor,
22:46don't tell anyone that I play that well.
22:56Jack will be back in just a moment, but first...
22:58But first...
23:08Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
23:10I hope you all enjoyed the show.
23:12And I certainly want to thank the fellow who played the part of my violin teacher,
23:18one of the most versatile performers that I know,
23:22Mr. Mel Blanc.
23:29You were just, just wonderful.
23:32Thank you very much, Jack.
23:33And you know, ladies and gentlemen,
23:35he's played so many characters besides my violin teacher.
23:39So many characters going back over years, ever since the days of radio.
23:44But Mel, I want to ask you something.
23:47Now that you have played my violin teacher for so many years,
23:50what do you honestly think of my violin playing?
23:54Sensational, boss. Sensational.
23:59What?
24:06Good night, folks. I'll be seeing you soon.
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