Built around Hal Peary as Throckmorton Philharmonic Gildersleeve, The Great Gildersleeve (8/31/41-6/2/54) was one of broadcast history's earliest spin-off programs. Gildersleeve was first introduced on Fibber McGee and Molly as a bombastic nemesis to Fibber. Willard Waterman, who sounded just like Peary, took over the part in 1950.
With the transition to his own show, Gildersleeve became a well-off uncle who takes domestic charge of a deceased siblings' children, Marjorie and LeRoy. Rounding out the household is a cook named Birdie--a true treasure.
Gildy is a pillar of the community, serving as Summerfield's water commissioner. A loving and dedicated uncle, he also takes time to enjoy the bachelor side of his life with a regular boys' night out; and he finds himself to be something of a ladies' man as well.
The show was running throughout the war years, and there were frequent references to rationing, war bonds, and volunteer service. It was at a time when doors were unlocked, newspapers were left to an honor system of pay, and children wandered around the neighborhood without fear.
The show is genuinely witty, warm, and wonderful. Reference: Cinema media classics
Simple family-time Christmas magic: The Great Gildersleeve
Gildersleeve - Great Iron Reindeer 12-14-41 (Short of money for Christmas, each within the Gildersleeve household try to sell 'Buck,' an iron reindeer. Listen for Mel Blanc's voice.)
Gildersleeve - Fibber McGee's Christmas Gift 12-21-41 (Gildy receives gift via a singing telegram from Fibber which he isn't to open until Christmas. In the meantime, he finds an expensive gift for his old friend.)
Gildersleeve - Christmas Program 12-20-42 (Leila leaves for Savannah while Gildy and the Judge exchange gifts which they both bought at Peavy's drug store.)
Gildersleeve - Christmas 12-19-43 (The family goes to watch the school Christmas play. At home they enjoy their Christmas tree, friends, chocolates, and a surprise gift at the door.)
Gildersleeve - Christmas Eve Program 12-24-44 (Gildy invites friends to his home on Christmas Eve. Once again, he reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' to the children who already have it memorized. 'Joy to the World.')
Gildersleeve - Christmas Eve at Home 12-23-45 (Gildy gets his feelings hurt because his niece seems to prefer spending Christmas with her boyfriend than with him, but that changes when her boyfriend's family wants him home with them. 'Joy to the World.')
Gildersleeve - LeRoy wants a motor scooter 12-18-46 (Craig is getting a motor scooter, Gildy's got a problem, and Eve helps him...but Gildy overplays her advice. Fortunately, a solution shows up on its own.)
Gildersleeve - Christmas Caroling at Gildersleeve's 12-25-46 (The children listen to their uncle read Dickens' 'Christmas Carol' once again. Gildy gets to feeling sentimental and wants to help neighbor boy Craig whose parents are away for Christmas, but the boy is a brat. The parents come home and are appreciative of Gildy's efforts. Intermission message: All good citizenship must come out of following the teachings of the greatest Teacher of all mankind. 'Joy to the World.')
Gildersleeve - Christmas Shopping 12-10-47 (Gildy knows LeRoy wants a model airplane already, so what's the hold-up? Women, of course. Gildy shows off his rich singing voice.)
Gildersleeve - Christmas Stray Puppy 12-24-47 (Gildy has trouble finding a model airplane for LeRoy. LeRoy is delighted with a stray puppy instead. LeRoy meets a 'twerp' named Donald White who brags about all his material possessions, but it turns out Donald needs the puppy more than LeRoy does. 'Joy to the World.')
Gildersleeve - LeRoy's Holiday Job 12-01-48 (Gildy is slow getting off to work but not so slow to encourage LeRoy in finding holiday work. In fact, he'll help...even if it's a cold day. )
Gildersleeve - Disappearing Christmas Gifts 12-08-48 (The household thinks it's a joke, but Gildy is determined to hide presents this year. They're hidden all right.)
Gildersleeve - Economy this Christmas 12-15-48 (A Christmas list isn't so easy to make, not if you're trying to cut back on expenses. 'O Little Town of Bethlehem.')
Gildersleeve - Family Christmas 12-22-48 (Baby's first Christmas, and this year Christmas is just for the family...with a few exceptions...and a surprise too many. 'Deck the Halls.')
Gildersleeve - The Christmas Spirit 12-14-49 (While waiting for Kathryn Milford to return so he can give her his present, Gildersleeve reads "Why the Chimes Rang" to children and learns a lesson for himself.)
Gildersleeve - Bronco and Marjorie Engaged 12-21-49 (So stunning a surprise. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.")
Gildersleeve - Christmas 12-20-50 (Repeat from 1949.)
Gildersleeve - Leroy Sells Christmas Trees 12-12-51 (In order to show off to his girlfriend Babs, LeRoy starts a business - he buys 144 Christmas trees to sell. It doesn't go too well until the Jolly Boys and Birdie help out. "Deck the Halls" "Jingle Bells'" "O Christmas Tree.")
Gildersleeve - Christmas Present for Paula 12-19-51 (While waiting for Paula Winthrop to return so he can give her his present, Gildersleeve reads "Why the Chimes Rang" to children and learns a lesson for himself. Repeat from 1949.)
Gildersleeve - Opening Last Christmas Presents 12-26-51 (LeRoy gets an expensive gift from his girlfriend Babs, and it's driving Gildy crazy. Then Gildy finds out that LeRoy got her an expensive gift as well. No wonder Bronco and Marjorie are dis-satisfied with their practical gifts.)
Gildersleeve - Gildy and Leroy Alone for Christmas 12-24-52 ('It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' Gildy and LeRoy tell each other they don't need to be with a lot of people for Christmas. Gildy decides to get LeRoy an extra gift from Hogan Bros. and runs into LeRoy there. They see other friends as well and listen to carolers. Back home it's too quiet and lonely until a little magic shows up.)
Gildersleeve - Gildy Raises Christmas Money 12-02-53 (Gildy looks for ideas to make extra money. He finds one but isn't too successful with it. In fact, he makes Irene mad.)
Gildersleeve - Gildy and Judge Renew Friendship at Christmas 12-16-53 (Has the Judge been neglected? Guess not. Peavy fixes things with a Christmas present.)
Gildersleeve - Selling Trees for Needy Children's Party 12-23-53 (Gildy brags about his so-called business sense to impress 'his girl' Irene Henshaw. Then he uses his knowhow to raise money for a good cause and volunteers himself for a few other jobs as well. 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,' 'DingDong Bells,' 'Joy to the World.')
Notes: "Where yesterdays live," click here. Cinema media classics, click here.
OTR.CAT IT'S A GILDERSLEEVE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS Gildersleeve Episodic Log Listing The Great Gildersleeve The Great Gildersleeve Gildersleeve
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