Premier Collections:
The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 1
Liner notes written by Ivan G. Shreve, Jr.

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"What a character!”

In the early 1940’s, actor-singer Harold “Hal” Peary was savoring the fruits of show business success as a result of his enormously popular role as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve on radio’s Fibber McGee & Molly. A regular on the program since 1937, Hal’s talents ran the gamut of parts from a Chinese laundryman named Gooey Fooey to that of Perry, the Portuguese Piccolo Player. One day, Peary sold the series’ creator, Don Quinn, into giving him a much meatier part in the weekly proceeding; Quinn, who had experimented with a number of one-shot characters with the surname of “Gildersleeve,” began casting Hal in various “Gildersleeve” occupations (optometrist, dentist, etc.) until finally settling the actor into permanency as girdle company entrepreneur (and Fibber’s pompous next-door neighbor) on October 17, 1939.

Gildersleeve was a delight as the only man windy enough to match McGee’s legendary bluff, and Peary played him to perfection. But the role soon became a problem for Hal, in that he had become so identified with the part that it became impossible for him to take on other assignments. Furthermore, Peary felt that his musical talents were being sidelined due to his being locked into the role. In 1941, he seriously considered giving up Gildersleeve - causing both the National Broadcasting Company and McGee sponsor Johnson’s Wax a bit of consternation, as they did not want to lose the actor’s services.

An idea soon developed: why not “spin-off” the Gildersleeve character into his own series? Hal found himself amenable to this arrangement, for he felt he had a better chance of resurrecting his love of music on a program in which he was the star. So in an audition recorded May 14, 1941, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve bid goodbye to his employees at the Gildersleeve Girdle Works (and also toodle-loo to his wife and nagging mother-in-law, neither of whom were mentioned again) and hopped a train to nearby Summerfield, where he went to oversee the estate of his recently departed younger sister and her husband, and look after their children, Evelyn (later changed to “Marjorie” in the series) and Leroy Forrester.

The audition, which was titled The Great Gildersleeve, was underwritten by Fibber McGee & Molly sponsor Johnson’s Wax and it was assumed by all involved that the company would offer it up as Fibber’s 1941 summer replacement. But the Boys from Racine, Wisconsin took a pass and went with another show (Hap Hazard) instead. Fortunately, the Gildersleeve audition was so well-received that the Kraft Foods Company agreed to take on the show and pay its bills—so on August 31, 1941 (with a slightly revised version of the pilot), The Great Gildersleeve made its official debut over NBC Radio and would continue on General Sarnoff’s network for nearly sixteen years, becoming a cherished audience favorite.

Once The Great Gildersleeve got under way, its main character for all intents and purposes had left Wistful Vista for good - though he would make occasional guest appearances on his parent show. Settling down in Summerfield, he continued to be both executor and uncle to Marjorie (first played by veteran actress Lurene Tuttle, followed by Louise Erickson and Marylee Robb) and Leroy (Walter Tetley), and even landed a position as the town’s water commissioner. He often found himself going up against a Fibber McGee-like nemesis in the persona of Judge Horace Hooker (Earle Ross), and found friends in mild-mannered druggist Richard Quincy Peavey (Richard LeGrand) and wisecracking barber Floyd Munson (Arthur Q. Bryan). Other Gildersleeve regulars included family maid Birdie Lee Coggins (Lillian Randolph), town police chief Charlie Gates (Ken Christy), snooty next-door neighbor Rumson Bullard (Gale Gordon) and Bronco Thompson (Richard Crenna), who as Marjorie’s steady boyfriend ended up proposing to and marrying her, becoming the father of twins in 1951.

The Great Gildersleeve is considered one of old-time radio’s best examples of the situation comedy format, and it differed from its parent show, Fibber McGee & Molly, in that it emphasized a gentler humor that grew out of its realistic characters and situations as opposed to Fibber’s vaudeville-based verbal slapstick. (OTR historian Elizabeth McLeod once referred to the series as “the One Man’s Family of situation comedy.”) Gildersleeve was also unique in that many of its episodes utilized a semi-serialized format; while the shows certainly could be enjoyed as stand-alone episodes (which comes in handy for today’s listeners, since there have been broadcasts lost to the ravages of time) they often featured extended story arcs - examples of this include Gildy’s run for mayor in 1943-44, and an abandoned baby storyline featured in the 1948-49 season.

But perhaps the most interesting facet of The Great Gildersleeve was the fact that the titled character was in possession of old-time radio’s most active libido, or as authors Charles Stumpf and Ben Ohmart put it, “was involved in more matters of the heart than a cardiologist.” Throckmorton P. was Summerfield’s most notorious bachelor on the prowl, and as a ladies’ man had a bevy of quail…er… girlfriends. The best remembered was the syrupy Southern belle Leila Ransom (played by Shirley Mitchell), who always threw in a few extra syllables when calling him “Thrawk-maaahhhtin”, and who also managed to get Gildy to the altar (in a broadcast dated June 27, 1943) before a fluke of luck saved him from being manacled to the coquettish flirt till death do them part. Other girlfriends included schoolteacher Eve Goodwin (Bea Benaderet), who was romanced and proposed to by Gildy during his mayoral campaign, Leila’s cousin Adeline Devereaux (Una Merkel) and Nurse Kathryn Milford (Cathy Lewis).

Except for a few minor cast changes, The Great Gildersleeve continued happily on NBC until trouble appeared on the horizon in 1950 when the show’s star decided to rock the boat. Hal Peary, in an example of the Columbia Broadcasting System’s famed “talent raids,” signed a contract with CBS - believing, of course, that his current show would follow him to his new network digs. But Kraft Foods was perfectly happy with NBC, and so while Peary moved on to a “Gildersleeve-lite” series called Honest Harold (a.k.a. The Hal Peary Show), his Gildersleeve role was recast with actor Willard Waterman - a performer whose tones were a dead ringer for Hal’s. (Waterman often lost acting parts due to his vocal similarity to Peary, and vice versa.) There were a few minor adjustments made to the series – Waterman eliminated Hal’s “dirty laugh” and depended on another singer for Gildy’s vocalizing - but unless you were a sharp-eared listener, the transition was positively seamless and Waterman would continue on in the role of the Great Man until Gildersleeve left the airwaves on March 16, 1957.

The Great Gildersleeve remains a favorite for old-time radio enthusiasts even today, as its fine writing, engaging characters and brilliant blend of comedy and drama sets a high watermark for classic situation comedy. You’ll be certain to enjoy the sixteen original broadcasts offered in this Premier Collection - transferred directly from original 16” NBC Orthacoustic master recordings and are presented exactly as broadcast, complete with commercials for Kraft Foods.

Here is the complete content of this eight CD collection:

Gildy Wants to Be Re-Elected President of the Jolly Boys Club (#412)
Gildy plans to run for another term as president of the Jolly Boys Club, but his suggestion that the club members engage in “constructive criticism” of one another soon alienates both his family and his friends.
Wednesday, October 3, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Leroy Visits the Judge (#413)
Driven to distraction by his nephew’s antics, Gildy takes Judge Hooker up on his offer to have Leroy stay as his houseguest for a few days. When Gildy and the family begin to miss Leroy, the Great Man goes to collect his nephew - only to discover that Leroy wants to stay another week!
Wednesday, October 10, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Bronco Almost Forgets About His First Date With Marjorie (#414)
Marjorie fears that Bronco has forgotten the anniversary of his and Marjorie’s first date, but Gildy comes to his rescue and reminds him of the special occasion. Gildersleeve then learns to his chagrin that he’s told Bronco the wrong date!
Wednesday, October 17, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Gildy Takes Mrs. Winthrop and Babs On a Picnic (#415)
Gildy’s romantic aspirations towards Paula Winthrop (Elsie Holmes) - the sister of his snooty next-door neighbor Rumson Bullard - are constantly being thwarted by her daughter Babs (Barbara Whiting). Gildy decides to ingratiate himself with the young girl by inviting both mother and daughter on a picnic.
Wednesday, October 24, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Gildy Finds a Lost Boy (#416)
Gildy suggests that the Jolly Boys throw a Halloween party for the youth of Summerfield - then finds himself backing out on the festivities when Paula Winthrop invites him to a dance at the country club. His plans get scotched when a lost trick-or-treater (Tommy Rettig) shows up at his front door.
Wednesday, October 31, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Marjorie and Bronco Want to Build a House (#417)
Bronco’s parents (Jeanette Nolan and Joseph Kearns) suggest that he and Marjorie move out of their cramped quarters at Gildersleeve’s and into their larger home. Gildy attempts to thwart Mrs. Thompson’s scheme by subtly suggesting that the young couple look into purchasing the vacant lot next door in order to build a house.
Wednesday, November 7, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Marjorie and Bronco Decide Which Lot to Buy (#418)
Marjorie and Bronco’s newly purchased lot houses an old oak tree that promises to be an obstruction when building their new house. Gildy manages to get next-door neighbor Rumson Bullard to pay for the tree’s removal, but when the young couple reconsider chopping it down, Bullard threatens to sue Gildy.
Wednesday, November 14, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Inviting Thanksgiving Guests (#419)
When Marjorie and Bronco plan on skipping Thanksgiving dinner to attend a college football game, Gildersleeve decides to invite some people to share in the family’s repast - including the little boy he discovered lost on Halloween. The well-meaning child accidentally re-ignites Gildy and neighbor Rumson Bullard’s long-running feud, Judge Hooker prods the Great Man into having his nemesis over for dinner.
Wednesday, November 21, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Getting Leroy to Study and Grow Up (#420)
Gildy is concerned about the influence that a high school friend named “Tiger” Davis (Gil Stratton) is exerting on his nephew Leroy. When his new friend expresses an interest in neighbor Babs Winthrop, Leroy decides that maybe it’s time for him to get with the program and start acting more mature.
Wednesday, November 28, 1951 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Gildersleeve Versus Golf (#469)
Gildy’s been invited by the mayor to play a round of golf at Hizzoner’s country club. While taking a few practice swings, the Great Man gets a crick in his neck - necessitating a visit to the doctor, where he waits…and waits…and waits…
Wednesday, November 5, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Problems with Leroy’s Teacher (#470)
When Leroy complains of unfair treatment from his new history teacher (Mary Shipp), Gildy takes matters into his own hands and decides to have a talk with Miss Tuttle about his nephew’s grades. He gets off on the wrong foot with the instructor - just when Leroy needs him to attend a Parent-Teacher’s open house meeting at school.
Wednesday, November 12, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Leroy’s Gift (#471)
Gildy lectures Leroy on being careless with mislaying one’s possessions - then can’t seem to locate the cufflinks his nephew presented him with on his birthday. As a result, the Great Man becomes concerned that Leroy is disappointed with him.
Wednesday, November 19, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Miss Grace Tuttle and Bird Watching (#472)
Anxious to become better acquainted with Leroy’s new teacher, Gildy is elated when Grace Tuttle invites him to tea. Gildy is convinced that Miss Tuttle has romantic inclinations - but she only want his assistance in starting up a local bird-watching club.
Wednesday, November 26, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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The Birthday Duck Dinner (#473)
After acquiring some ducks from Cooley the ice man (Bud Stefan), Gildy makes elaborate plans to dine on the fowl - inviting Peavey and his hypochondriac friend Mrs. Potter (Elizabeth Patterson), who is celebrating her birthday that day. The repast, however, is in danger when the birthday girl insists on taking over Birdie’s kitchen!
Wednesday, December 3, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Leroy's Part Time Employment (#474)
Leroy is anxious to make some extra money to buy Christmas presents, so he asks Mr. Peavey for a job in the drugstore. Peavey hires him on as a salesman and, though he’s working strictly on commission, he comes up with a scheme to be a super salesman by dropping hints to Summerfield residents to buy gifts for one another.
Wednesday, December 10, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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Grace Tuttle’s Brother Sydney (#475)
After lecturing Leroy about his mooching friend Mickey, Gildy finds he has his own freeloader to deal with in the form of his girlfriend Grace’s big-shot brother, Sydney Tuttle (George Neise).
Wednesday, December 17, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
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The Discovery of the "Lost" Great Gildersleeve Episodes
by Jerry D. Burling

(The shows included in this set originated from 16" NBC lacquer transcriptions from the collection of Jerry Burling, retired NBC engineer and audio technician. We've asked Jerry to share with us the story of how these discs came to be saved from destruction, providing us with a brief insight into how much of our radio heritage exists today purely by chance, luck, and the foresight of a few admirable radio veterans.)

During my tenure with the NBC Television Network in Burbank, California, I had the occasion to discuss NBC's history with a number of other employees who had been with the network much longer than myself. I was interested in its radio history, especially during the so-called "Golden Age of Radio."

One fellow named James "Jim" Gardner came from this era. Jim had formerly been a maintenance engineer with NBC Radio when it was located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood. Being a technical type, he naturally migrated in the same capacity into the company's television operation and became Supervisor of Video Tape Maintenance in Burbank.

The subject of his experience at NBC Radio happened to come up in conversation one day. I told him of my love for NBC and its radio history. I specifically mentioned NBC's situation comedies, such as The Great Gildersleeve. His eyes lit up and he replied that he had a surprise for me.

The next day he led me out to the trunk of his automobile and, lo and behold, there was a stack of NBC Radio Reference Transcriptions of The Great Gildersleeve. It wasn't until later that I learned these were the eagerly sought after "lost" episodes of this series.

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