"The Great Gildersleeve" stands as one of the earliest spin-off programs in broadcast history. Born from the radio situation comedy "Fibber McGee and Molly," the series revolves around the character Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve.
Premiering on NBC on August 31, 1941, the show shifts the title character from the familiar Wistful Vista of the McGees to Summerfield. Here, Gildersleeve takes on the role of overseeing his late sister and brother-in-law's estate, raising his orphaned niece and nephew, Marjorie and Leroy Forrester. The household is complete with the presence of their cook, Birdie.
Though Gildersleeve had made occasional references to his silent wife in some Fibber episodes, in his own series, he proudly embraces the status of a confirmed bachelor. Initially managing a girdle manufacturing company ("If you want the best of corsets, of course, it's Gildersleeve"), he later transitions to the role of Summerfield's water commissioner, adding further layers of humor and charm to the show's dynamic.
This episode was originally broadcast December 1st, 1948 on NBC Radio.