A hilarious collection of episodes from the beloved radio show The Great Gildersleeve
Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was a popular character, appearing each week on the Fibber McGee & Molly radio show. On August 31, 1941, Gildersleeve landed his own situation comedy show, The Great Gildersleeve, which was radio's first spin-off. Gildersleeve moved from the town of Wistful Vista to Summerfield, where he oversaw his late brother-in-law's estate and took on the rearing of his orphaned niece and nephew, Marjorie (originally played by Lurene Tuttle and followed by Louise Erickson and Mary Lee Robb) and Leroy Forrester (Walter Tetley). The household also included a cook named Birdie.
The Great Gildersleeve was the first show to be centered on a single parent balancing raising children, work, and a social life, accomplished with taste and genuine wit, often at the expense of Gildersleeve's slightly understated pomposity. Radio veteran Hal Peary originated the role of Gildersleeve but left the series at the height of its popularity in 1950, giving way to well-known character actor Willard Waterman. Waterman continued in the radio role until 1957 and also played Gildersleeve in a television version syndicated in 1955.
Episodes include:
- In "Leroy's Old Car," it's finally time to teach Leroy how to drive.
- In "Friendly to Bullard," it's time for the county fair. Gildersleeve goes to war with Mr. Bullard once again.
- In "Meets Paula Winthrop," it's school time, and Gildy seems to be falling in love with Mr. Bullard's sister.
- In "Marjorie as Secretary," Marjorie gets a job in the water commissioner's office after taking care of the twins becomes too much for her.
- In "Jolly Boys Speak Candidly," Gildersleeve's re-election as president of the Jolly Boys is delayed by a session of self-criticism.
- In "Leroy Stays with Judge Hooker," Leroy spends a few days at Judge Hooker's house, and it become too quiet at the Gildersleeves's.
- In "Anniversary of First Date," Bronco almost forgets about the date he had with Marjorie.
- In "Babs Frustrates Romance," Gildersleeve takes Mrs. Winthrop and her daughter Babs on a picnic.
- In "Lost Boy on Halloween," Gildersleeve can't decide to spend the evening with the Jolly Boys or with a date on Halloween, when a little lost ghost settles the question.
- In "Couple Buying a Lot," Bronco and Marjorie buy a lot for their home of the future.
- In "Oak Tree Problem," will the old oak tree remain standing or not? Only Gildersleeve and Mr. Bullard know for sure!
- In "Inviting Guests for Thanksgiving," who should be invited for Thanksgiving dinner at the Gildersleeve house?
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“The Great Gildersleeve is one of the most fondly remembered of radio’s comedic figures.”
—
Elizabeth McLeod, Sirus XM Satellite Radio