Benjamin Kubelsky (1894-1974) was one of the most popular American comedians of the mid-twentieth century, especially in his radio and television work. He was never as successful in films, though To Be or Not to Be (1942) stands out as a major achievement.
Benny featured in four Metro musicals, beginning with the role of Master of Ceremonies in The Hollywood Revue of 1929. He then had a major supporting role in Chasing Rainbows. His voice was heard on a radio in Children of Pleasure. Finally, and best of the four, Benny starred as journalist Bert Keeler in The Broadway Melody of 1936, getting repeatedly punched in the face by Robert Taylor.
