Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was a popular character appearing regularly on The Fibber McGee & Molly Show. On August 31, 1941, the character landed his own situation comedy show, The Great Gildersleeve, becoming radio’s first spin-off.

Gildy moved from the town of Wistful Vista to Summerfield, where he raised his orphaned niece and nephew, Marjorie (originally played by Lurene Tuttle and followed by Louise Erickson and Mary Lee Robb) and Leroy (Walter Tetley). The household also included a cook named Birdie (Lillian Randolph).

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 Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve but left the series at the height of its popularity in 1950, giving way to Peary sound-alike and well-known character actor Willard Waterman. Waterman continued in the radio role until 1957 and also played Gildersleeve in a TV version syndicated in 1955.

Now, enjoy 16 half-hour comedy episodes of The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary.

05/06/45 - Boy Problems
05/13/45 - Neighborhood Boy Visits
05/20/45 - What to do with a Windfall
06/17/45 - Neighbor’s Party
09/02/45 - Preparing for Grass Lake
09/09/45 - New Teacher
09/16/45 - Leroy is Expelled
09/30/45 - Talent in the Family
10/07/45 - Uninvited Status
10/14/45 - Adept to Pay or Leroy’s Debit
10/21/45 - Leila’s Friend
10/28/45 - Peavey’s Wife is Ill
11/04/45 - Leroy Is Becoming a Problem
11/11/45 - Homemaking Class
11/18/45 - Falling Out with the Jolly Boys
11/25/45 - The Football