The Jack Benny Program

Fred Allen Show (3x7)

Air date: Apr 19, 1953

While rehearsing for his show, the producers give him a two hour break and Jack decides to visit his sponsor to renew his option. While waiting in the lobby, Fred Allen is inside talking with Mr. Lewis, President and sponsor. Allen is trying to convince Mr. Lewis not to renew Jack's option and hire him instead. Mr. Lewis says he needs some time to think about it and Allen starts to leave. Seeing Jack in the lobby, he races back in to Mr. Lewis' office and Mr. Lewis hides him in the closet. Mr. Lewis asks for Jack to come in and they discuss his option. What is normally a formality affair becomes increasingly evident to Jack that this time, it is not so. He eventually finds his option in the trash can and is shocked. Mr. Lewis convinces him that the wind blew it off his desk but that he does want just a few days to think about it. Jack, seemingly appeased, starts to leave but chooses the wrong door, thereby exposing Allen. Jack hits the roof but quickly forgives Allen and they leave tog