While Jack Benny starts his recollection with “This I actually remember, the start of the feud…”, I cannot say I remember verbatim what was said. Child violinist Stewart Canin played “Flight of the Bumblebees” on Fred Allen’s show, and Fred said that Jack ought to be ashamed of himself, for being outplayed by a child. Jack replied in kind, and for the rest of their lives, friends Allen and Benny were ‘at war.’ I actually have, on CD, the pinical of their fight, with Jack showing up on Fred’s parody of “Queen for a Day.” Even now, if someone says ‘You haven’t seen the end of me!’ I cackle and remember Allen crowing ‘It won’t be long now, Benny!’
Good times.
This came to mind when I saw this video of Lang Lang, famous pianist, walked out on stage and played flight of the bumblebee on his iPad.
Jack and Fred, where ever you are, I hope you’re laughing with me.