Premier Collections: 
Fibber McGee and Molly - The Lost Episodes, Volume 4
Liner notes written by Ivan G. Shreve, Jr.

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"They tell me at the drugstore that you studied with Swift & Company...did your post-graduate work with Armour’s, and you interned at the packing house..."

It’s a scene all-too-familiar to animation fans: a lush cartoon forest that does little to camouflage a figure, shotgun in hand, stealthily making his way through the dense brush as dawn begins to break. Suddenly aware that he’s being watched, the hunter turns to the camera, places a finger to his lips, and declares with smug satisfaction:

"Be vew-wy quiet…I’m hunting wabbits."

Cartoon devotees will instantly recognize this figure as Elmer J. Fudd, mansion-and-yacht owner and ineffectual adversary to animation legend Bugs Bunny. Serious cartoon devotees know that for nearly twenty years, Fudd’s trademark speech impediment was supplied by one of the greatest (if unsung) character actors in show business: Arthur Q. Bryan. His credits encompass the world of cartoons, movies, television, records, etc...but, of the many pies in which he had a finger, its radio that perhaps showcased his talents best.

Born May 8, 1899 in Brooklyn, New York, Arthur Q. Bryan had the fortuitous timing to come of age at the same time as the medium of radio. His ambition was to become a tenor singer, but instead he found ready employment as an announcer, beginning at WEAF in 1923 (where he auditioned for the soon-to-be-legendary Milton Cross). As he moved around from station to station, his announcing talents were in much demand, though he refused to give up his dream of singing, and he gradually obtained work in and around New York for his burgeoning comedic qualities as well, working alongside luminaries like Jack "Vas You Dere, Sharlie?" Pearl. A California vacation in 1938 convinced Bryan to put down permanent stakes in the Golden State and he soon secured work at KFWB, where he became one of the regulars on a show called "The Grouch Club," written by legendary radio scribe Nat Hiken. Future "Today Show" host Jack Lescoulie was the host and co-creator, and the Warner Brothers Studios took such a liking to the program that they produced a series of six one-reel comedies in conjunction with the series, allowing Bryan to gain his first experience in front of the camera.

KFWB shared space with the Leon Schlesinger animation studio and Schlesinger’s directors often hired much of the talent (in particular Lescoulie, who did a fabulous Jack Benny imitation) for their Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Director Tex Avery loved Bryan’s "little man" characterization on "Grouch Club" so much that he adopted it - and Bryan’s voice - for the character of Egghead in shorts like "Dangerous Dan McFoo" (1939) and "The Hardship of Miles Standish" (1940). (Egghead, who was originally patterned on the voice and mannerisms of radio comedian Joe Penner, proved to be just as obnoxious as his namesake and was redesigned with Arthur’s persona in mind.) Over the next few years, Egghead was retooled into Elmer Fudd, who achieved cartoon immortality opposite Bugs Bunny in Avery’s "A Wild Hare" (1940).

Bryan soon made the jump from local to network radio, appearing on programs like "The Texaco Star Theater," "The Burns and Allen Show," "Blondie." and "Band Wagon" (with Dick Powell). It was on "Band Wagon" that he introduced a Fudd-like character named Waymond W. Wadcliffe, who soon began to make appearances on other programs as well. Arthur worked alongside a plethora of old-time radio’s most glittering talents: Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Red Skelton, Milton Berle, Al Pearce, and Charlotte Greenwood, just to name a few. He even branched out into roles on such varied series as "Red Ryder," "The Lux Radio Theater," "Favorite Story," and "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," where he replaced Ed Begley as Diamond’s friendly cop-nemesis Lt. Walt Levinson. He even achieved what every second banana aspires to: a starring role as the title character on "Major Hoople," a 1942-43 radio sitcom based on the comic strip "Our Boarding House" -- which, interesting enough, co-starred his fellow cartoon-voice actor, Mel Blanc, as the ever-complaining Tiffany Twiggs.

But for scores of old-time radio fans, Arthur Q, Bryan will always be best remembered as Dr. George Gamble on "Fibber McGee & Molly." First introduced on an April 6, 1943 broadcast, the Gamble character was brought onto the show to provide Fibber with a suitable nemesis in the mold of Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, who had long since been spun-off onto his own sitcom, and Mayor LaTrivia, who disappeared from the program after actor Gale Gordon entered the Coast Guard. "McGee" creator Don Quinn cast Bryan in the part of Gamble as a suggestion from his new writing partner Phil Leslie, who had scripted Bryan’s "Major Hoople" series. Doc Gamble was far less bombastic than Gildy or LaTriv, making him the perfect foil for Fibber, but his joviality and quick-wittedness allowed him to get the better of McGee on many occasions. Despite their constant barrage of insults - Fibber referred to the medico as "bone-bender" and "Fatso" while Doc countered with "Marblehead" and "Wobblejaw" - the two men really were the best of friends. (As Gamble himself once observed on a January 6, 1948 broadcast, "Yes, ours is a very warm friendship...on a hot day you can smell it for 50 miles...") At the same time Bryan was emoting as Gamble, he did double duty on "The Great Gildersleeve" as well, voicing fellow "Jolly Boy" Floyd Munson, an acerbic barber whose advice to the Great Man was often best unheeded. (Don Quinn later cast Arthur as Professor Warren on his post-Fibber & Molly sitcom, "The Halls of Ivy.")

Bryan continued to work on "Gildersleeve" and "Fibber" well into the 1950s; he was with Jim and Marian Jordan to the very end when their program was cancelled on March 23, 1956. By that time, he began to branch out into television, often appearing on shows like "I Love Lucy," "Our Miss Brooks," and "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet," in addition to theatre work and, yes, continuing to pronounce L’s and R’s as W’s as Elmer Fudd. Bryan never really received the recognition that Mel Blanc did in the field of cartoon voices — though, admittedly, the fact that Mel Blanc signed an exclusive contract with Warner Brothers might have had a lot to do with that. But it’s a testament to Bryan’s talents that, with his passing on November 30, 1959, not even Blanc could duplicate Bryan’s Fudd...nor could the other actors hired to do so. Old-time radio fans, of course, know and revere Arthur Q. Bryan’s work; all they have to hear is Doc Gamble’s familiar admonishment "Take off your shirt, McGee!" and they know hilarity is not far behind.

You’ll have the chance to find this out for yourself in this fourth volume of a new series of Premier Collections transferred from the long-lost original NBC Reference Recordings of the series. Radio Archives invites you to listen to forty more full-length programs that, for the most part, have not been heard since they originally aired over fifty years ago. An additional bonus is their sparkling audio quality; thanks to the innovations of the digital age, these classic shows can now be heard at a level of clear and crisp high fidelity that far exceeds what was available to the average listener in 1954. The result is shows that sound - and are - just as bright, fresh, and entertaining as they were when first heard, a real tribute to the time, talent, and devotion to quality that went into their production.

Here is the complete content of this exciting new Premier Collection:

Snapped Shot
Fibber locates some thirty-year-old photographs of a picnic in Peoria he and Molly attended, the one at which they became engaged. But Fibber’s jealousy is stoked when he finds a candid of Molly with an arm around her that he swears isn’t his! With Bill Thompson.
Monday, August 9, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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Good Housekeeping
Molly returns from a club meeting to find Fibber straightening up the living room! Doc Gamble and Teeny find Fibber’s clean-up efforts surprising as well. With Arthur Q. Bryan.
Tuesday, August 10, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums
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What’s in the Box?
After receiving a rental bill for $5.40, Fibber and Molly make a trip to the Third National Bank to check on the contents of their safety deposit box. With Arthur Q. Bryan and Bill Thompson.
Wednesday, August 11, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Arrid Deodorant
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His Papers are in Order
It’s "Old Newsboys’ Day" in Wistful Vista, a charity event being held to raise money for a roof for the Old Newsboys Home. The winner will make a speech celebrating the holiday -- and there’s no one more competitive than Fibber when it comes to speechifying! With Arthur Q. Bryan and Myra Marsh.
Thursday, August 12, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes
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Don’t Count Your Geigers Before They’re Hatched
While examining a Geiger counter at a downtown store, Fibber discovers uranium...in the Old Timer’s pocket! Together with Doc Gamble, the three men are off to Mojave, Utah in search of untold radioactive riches. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, and Bob Bruce.
Friday, August 13, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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Dig That Uranium
Fibber and Doc Gamble find themselves relying on the Old Timer’s memory as the three men retrace the codger’s steps in search of the uranium "strike" he claims to have filed fifty years ago. With Arthur Q. Bryan and Bill Thompson.
Monday, August 16, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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A Bit Sheepish
Fibber regales Doc Gamble and the Old Timer with a typical McGee yarn about his days on his Uncle Sycamore’s sheep ranch. When the prospecting trio finally arrives at the Old Timer’s site, Doc’s Geiger counter starts clicking like crazy! With Arthur Q. Bryan and Bill Thompson.
Tuesday, August 17, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums
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In Days of Ore
Since he hasn’t worked it in nearly fifty years, the Old Timer’s uranium claim may have to be refilled. But before our heroes can accomplish this, they come face-to-face with two strangers who just may be claim jumpers! With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Lou Krugman, and Tyler McVey.
Wednesday, August 18, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Carter’s Little Liver Pills
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To Bee or Not to Bee
Fibber is determined to get a subscription to The Beekeeper’s Guide...but only to obtain the free premium that comes with the publication. With Arthur Q. Bryan and Bill Thompson.
Monday, August 23, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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You Say It’s Your Birthday
Molly overhears the Old Timer engaged in conversation on the phone and discovers that today is his birthday, so she and Fibber treat their pal with dinner and a movie. With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, and Jack Kruschen.
Tuesday, August 24, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums
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A Change is Gonna Come
After buying a thirty-nine pound watermelon on impulse, Fibber doesn’t have any change with which to pay his and Molly’s bus fare...and the driver refuses to take McGee’s prized two-dollar bill! With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Jack Moyles, and Jack Kruschen.
Wednesday, August 25, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Arrid Deodorant
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Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall
Fibber goes to great lengths to keep Molly from discovering a special surprise: a full-length mirror for the bedroom closet door. In retrospect, however, it was probably not in his best interest to allow the Old Timer to install it. With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, and Robert Easton.
Thursday, August 26, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes
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I Auto Be More Careful
Dad-rat this dad-ratted memory! While running errands downtown, Fibber manages to forget where he’s parked his car...and Wallace Wimple and Teeny provide little assistance. With Bill Thompson, Robert Easton, and Herb Vigran.
Friday, August 27, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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A Day of Rest
After Sunday services, all Fibber and Molly want to do is kick back and unwind. A steady stream of visitors to 79 Wistful Vista soon lays that notion to...um, rest. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Myra Marsh, Peggy Knudsen, and Natalie Masters.
Sunday, August 29, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sustaining
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Big Bass Man
Molly’s out of town visiting Aunt Sarah, so Fibber talks Doc Gamble and Wallace Wimple into taking a fishing trip to a "secret" place where the bass are "running like dishonest Congressmen." With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, and Jess Kirkpatrick.
Monday, August 30, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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On an Island with You
Fibber’s fishing trip heads for a downward spiral when he, Doc Gamble and Wallace Wimple are stranded on the island in the lake that serves as his "secret" fishing spot. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, and Jack Moyles.
Tuesday, August 31, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums
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Office Space
With Fibber underfoot and an entire house to clean, Molly asks her spouse to disappear until dinnertime. Surprisingly, McGee is amenable to this arrangement, announcing that he’s going downtown to put in some time "at the office." With Bill Thompson and Arthur Q. Bryan.
Wednesday, September 1, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Carter’s Little Liver Pills
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The Whistler
Fibber plans to invite the gang over to listen to NBC’s "Cavalcade of Sports" in its new timeslot. One problem, though: he first has to figure out why a strange whistling sound is emanating from the radio.
Thursday, September 2, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes and RCA Victor
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Boast to Boast
After a weekend jaunt to Twin Rock Falls, Fibber can’t stop going on and on about the majestic sights of the vacation spot. It proves to be of no consequence to his friends, who are too busy describing their own vacations. With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, and Robert Easton.
Sunday, September 5, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sustaining
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Cattin’ Around
Prodigal feline Gregory returns to 79 Wistful Vista, prompting Fibber to dutifully spoil his adopted pet. The troubles begin when the Old Timer claims it’s his cat, Beauregard. With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, and Jack Kruschen.
Monday, September 6, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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To Err is Human...To Forgive, Feline
The argument rages on as to who is the rightful owner of tomcat Gregory Beauregard Homer and Molly refuses to let Fibber, the Old Timer or Doc Gamble have any breakfast until the issue is settled. With Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Robert Easton, and Jack Kruschen.
Tuesday, September 7, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums
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Antiques Road-Race
Molly finally finds a match to the antique bookend she received as a wedding gift...but an absentminded customer runs off with it by mistake. Can Molly and the Old Timer get to the railroad station on time? With Bill Thompson, Joe Forte, Elvia Allman, and Frank Gerstle.
Wednesday, September 8, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Arrid Deodorant and RCA Victor
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The Shirt Off His Back
Molly is upset when Fibber insists on returning a sports shirt she bought for him to the Bon Ton. (It would appear that the shirt is covered with - gasp! - daisies!) With Bill Thompson, Robert Easton, Elvia Allman, and Natalie Masters.
Thursday, September 9, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes and RCA Victor
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Never End a Sentence with a Premonition
Fibber and Molly dine on Chinese food, but McGee isn’t particularly enjoying the celebration. He’s been pestering Doc Gamble to introduce him to some influential friends at the doc’s country club for some time, and now for some reason doesn’t want to go... With Arthur Q. Bryan, Jack Kruschen, and Herb Ellis
Sunday, September 12, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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The Joke’s on Me
Fibber is dying to tell Molly a real rib-tickler he heard down at the Elks Club, but he’ll have to stand behind aspiring comedians Wallace Wimple, Doc Gamble and the Old Timer first. With Arthur Q. Bryan and Bill Thompson.
Monday, September 13, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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Point of Disorder
Molly has to chair a committee meeting of her women’s club, so Fibber invests in a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order to help show her the ropes of parliamentary procedure. With Bill Thompson and Arthur Q. Bryan.
Tuesday, September 14, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums and RCA Victor
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...And Not a Drop to Drink
The Water department shuts off all H2O to the neighborhood in order to fix a busted main. Subsequently, Fibber’s tall tales about hailing from "hardy pioneer stock" have made him the thirstiest man in Wistful Vista. With Bill Thompson and Robert Easton.
Wednesday, September 15, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor and Carter’s Little Liver Pills
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Many Happy Returns
Fibber gets a notice in the mail that gives him seven days to return an overdue library book. It’s not that our hero is being a deliberate scofflaw…it’s just that he’s forgotten where he misplaced the book! With Arthur Q. Bryan, Jack Kruschen, and Mary Jane Croft.
Thursday, September 16, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes and RCA Victor
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Your Three Minutes are Up
At Cramer’s Drugstore, Fibber and Molly invite Teeny to accompany them on a drive through the country. She uses the pay phone to call her parents for permission...and winds up getting her hand stuck in the coin slot! With Arthur Q. Bryan and Joe Kearns.
Sunday, September 19, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Murine and RCA Victor
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Gone With the Windfall
With a tax refund amounting to $4.88, Fibber throws caution to the winds and takes Molly to the swanky Ritz Vista’s Sump Room for a buffet dinner. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Jack Moyles, and Fritz Feld.
Monday, September 20, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by RCA Victor
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One Froggy Evening
After the disastrous French cuisine at the Ritz Vista, Fibber is inspired to go into business when the restaurant’s chef promises him $1.25 per pound of frog legs! He’s soon joined by Les Nelson and the Old Timer on a midnight hunt for frogs at Dugan’s Lake. With Bill Thompson and Robert Easton.
Tuesday, September 21, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Tums and RCA Victor
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Low-Lying Frog
Fibber has dumped his "livestock" of lake frogs into the bathtub for safe keeping...and it's something that does not sit well with the lady of the house, his wife Molly. With Bill Thompson.
Wednesday, September 22, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Arrid Deodorant and RCA Victor
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A Leg Up in Business
Fibber’s dreams of a frog ranch come crashing down when he’s told he has to dismantle the "ranch" due to multiple ordinances. To add insult to injury, the chef at the Ritz Vista only needs the legs, not the entire frog! With Arthur Q. Bryan, Robert Easton, and Jack Moyles.
Thursday, September 23, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by L & M Cigarettes, RCA Victor and Murine
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Feed ‘Em and Weep
Fibber and Molly have agreed to feed Mort and Mabel Toops’ obnoxious dog Tarzan while the couple is out of town. After devouring his dinner, the dog repays his hosts by refusing to let them out of the house! With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Mary Jane Croft, and Fritz Feld.
Sunday, September 26, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance, Murine, and Jell-O
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Party Whine
Fibber needs a fourth man to take Doc Gamble’s place at a bowling outing...and his attempts to locate that individual are hampered by a female who is incessantly chattering on the McGee’s party line. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Robert Easton, and Mary Lou Harrington.
Monday, September 27, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance, RCA Victor, and Jell-O
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Golden Gov
When the Governor who beaned Fibber with an opening baseball pitch returns to Wistful Vista, McGee is determined to use the incident as leverage towards getting a cushy government job. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Hy Averback, Jack Mather, and Herb Vigran.
Tuesday, September 28, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance, Tums, and Jell-O
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A Prince of a Regent
Fibber has made up his mind: he’s going to demand that Governor Pottle make him a regent. He and Molly venture downtown to discuss his prospects with the Gov’s right-hand man. With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Hy Averback, and Richard Beals.
Wednesday, September 29, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance, Carter’s Little Liver Pills, and Jell-O
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Advice and Content
At Walt’s Malt Shop, Cora the waitress reads to Fibber a newspaper column offering advice on how to have a happy marriage. McGee decides to take the column’s suggestions to heart. With Arthur Q. Bryan and Elvia Allman.
Thursday, September 30, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance and Jell-O
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Where Do We Eat?
Fibber and Molly have just returned home from Sunday services when Molly remembers they’ve been invited to dinner...only she’s forgotten at what house! Fibber’s new secretary Teeny is on the case! With Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Robert Easton, and Mary Jane Croft.
Sunday, October 3, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance and Better Farming Magazine
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Cover Charge
Molly struggles to get ready at the last minute to meet Mabel Toops downtown to take in a matinee. She gets no help from her husband, who refuses to budge from the easy chair (with the new slipcover), claiming he’s "saving his health." With Bill Thompson and Arthur Q. Bryan.
Monday, October 4, 1954 - 15:00 - NBC, sponsored by Prudential Insurance and Murine
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