The Great Gildersleeve stood out as one of the comedy shows that took advantage of a device usually reserved for soap operas or movie matinees - serial storylines. Beginning with the Widow Ransom’s pursuit of Gildy, having stories spread over several episodes became somewhat a standard for the show. These events that took up several episodes often revolved around Gildy’s love life and the chaos that ensued, but other things were used as well, such as Gildy running for Mayor and getting fired from his job. In 1948, a baby was left in Gildy’s car, leading to one of the most popular serials within the show.
Known for often spreading a storyline over several episodes, the serial within The Great Gildersleeve that is likely the most remembered began on September 8, 1948. Gildy discovers a baby in his car. Unsure what to do, he takes it home and almost instantly the infant becomes a part of the family, so much so that this story played out through the fall of 1948. Kraft Foods, the show’s sponsor, even held a contest for listeners to name the baby. This story came to a bittersweet end, however, on December 22, 1948, when the child’s father appeared and the baby was returned to him.
This style of storytelling carried The Great Gildersleeve in a different direction than most comedies. The humor in the program not only came from the catchphrases that developed or Gildy’s laughter or tumultuous love life. What makes The Great Gildersleeve still humorous to listeners even today was the fact that the comedic moments felt so much like real life. People in the audience knew others like the Jolly Boys or had their own Widow Ransom to deal with, or were raising kids like Leroy and Marjorie. The Great Gildersleeve proved to be a fantastic example of character comedy done right.
Discover why The Great Gildersleeve is not only considered a great comedy, but also one of the best shows of classic radio in this collection of twelve original broadcasts of The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 28, complete with Kraft Foods commercials and restored to sparkling digital quality.
#352 Wedding Day Set for Marjorie & Bronco
Wednesday, February 15, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#353 Jolly Boy Election
Wednesday, February 22, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#354 Marjorie's Shower
Wednesday, March 1, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#355 Gildy's Blade
Wednesday, March 8, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#356 Gildy Considers Marriage
Wednesday, March 15, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#357 Picnic With the Thompsons
Wednesday, March 22, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#358 House Guest Judge Hooker
Wednesday, March 29, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#359 Apartment for Bronco & Marjorie
Wednesday, April 5, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#360 Leroy's Billy Goat
Wednesday, April 12, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#361 Marjorie's Wedding Gown
Wednesday, April 19, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#362 Jolly Boys Gift A Rental Trailer
Wednesday, April 26, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#363 Bronco Disappears
Wednesday, May 3, 1950 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
