Mysteryshows.com

human · Joined: 20 Nov 2007 Posts: 233

I was just mousing around at archive.org and found an interesting rarity called The Private Life of Rochester Van Jones. Yes, it's that Rochester. Apparently, Jack Benny's valet came very close to getting his own spinoff show. Unfortunately, CBS didn't pick the show up so all there is of what might have been is the two-part audition show.

Amazingly for something so rare, the recording is absolutely pristine. It's really hard to believe that it dates from 1950.

If you're interested in hearing/downloading this little gem, here's the URL: http://www.archive.org/details/ThePrivateLifeOfRochesterVanJones

Jimbo · Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Posts: 190 Location: Georgia, USA

Yep, I have that in my collection, it's in 2 15 minute parts. They were auditions and are well done.

Also, there is an audition I have for a Mr. Kitzel show - I have all these stuck in my Jack Benny folder.
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Zap · Joined: 16 Nov 2010 Posts: 53 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA

I'm betting the recording is so good because it wasn't a broadcast recording, but a direct recording. IE: many of these shows we're listening to, even some of the best quality, are actually recordings of broadcasts, probably made at local radio stations. The Rochester recording was probably made directly to tape or disk in a network studio, and lingered in their archives for ages until being discovered.

Jimbo · Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Posts: 190 Location: Georgia, USA

I think you might be right,Zap as I think it's an unaired audition...
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