The Great Gildersleeve not only had a long term impact on radio, then television situation comedies, but the character’s and show’s presence became quite well known while the show was on the air. Gildy’s laugh was mimicked and mocked by actors on various programs and his very likeness and voice showed up in several cartoons, even once up against Bugs Bunny. Other characters also inspired others to lift their likenesses and catch phrases to other mediums, including Judge Hooker, the Widow Ransom, and Leroy.
According to an article written in 1945, The Jolly Boys, Gildy’s group of singing friends’, originally just an idea for a single episode, not only caught on enough for the show to give the group a recurring role, but also translated into real groups in cities across the country. Although it’s hard to pinpoint where such groups did form, it seems largely a Southern phenomenon. In the article, it is mentioned that Hal Peary discovered a Jolly Boys group in Memphis. There’s also a Jolly Boys group apparently still active in Granada, Mississippi that began in 1945.
One likely unexpected aspect of The Great Gildersleeve’s popularity turned out to be the reaction of the real Gildersleeve family. Through the years, Peary, then Waterman received mail addressed to various Gildersleeves, such as bills, or from someone with the surname Gildersleeve, either complaining or praising the show. An article in 1943 about the show stated that the actual Gildersleeve family was made up of academics, attorneys, and clergymen, and had strong roots in American history. One family member even threatened to sue the show for defamation. Others, such as Clifford Gildersleeve, Cleveland, Ohio’s Chamber of Commerce President, enjoyed the show and bit of fame it brought to the family.
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, The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 39, complete with Kraft Foods commercials and restored to sparkling digital quality.
#517 Home Haircut
Wednesday, October 7, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#518 Gildy Involved With Teacher & Principal
Wednesday, October 14, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#519 Fire Bells Are Ringing
Wednesday, October 21, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#520 Unwilling Witness
Wednesday, October 28, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#521 Impulsive Gildy Almost Gets Married
Wednesday, November 4, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#522 The Authority Figure
Wednesday, November 11, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#523 Gildy the Athlete vs. Doc Olsen
Wednesday, November 18, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#524 Dinner Mixup With Peavey & Girls
Wednesday, November 25, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#525 Gildy Earns Christmas Money Selling Insurance
Wednesday, December 2, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#526 Taking Bessie to the Dance
Wednesday, December 9, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#527 Gildy & Hooker Feud at Christmas
Wednesday, December 16, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#528 Selling Trees for Needy Children's Party
Wednesday, December 23, 1953- 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
