Recently caught an old film on TCM called “Love in the Rough.” It was a B/W golf musical from 1930 starring George Montgomery (Elizabeth’s dad) and a comic named Benny Rubin. The latter looked terribly familiar, but I just couldn’t place him. Turns out he was huge in vaudeville and later made countless TV appearances on shows like Dragnet, I Dream of Jeannie, The Munsters, Whats Happening, etc. He also appeared in several movies including “Citizen Kane” and “Here Comes Mr. Jordan.” The guy had a great comic presence — and he could actually dance a little bit. His early schtick was similar to Chico Marx … and he was apparently a master of dialects. Jack Benny was a fan and friend and often included Benny in his radio and TV programs. The pictures shown below may ring a bell with some of you Baby Boomers out there.
Benny died of a heart attack in 1986, but he can still be seen and enjoyed on a TV set near you.
I just saw this film and Benny Rubin completely stole Robert Montgomery (not George)’s spotlight with his hilarious antics! Very funny actor.