The Great Gildersleeve is not only a fantastic comedy, but it’s also a fascinating study in how a character can evolve. Originally, Gildy was created simply as a comic foil on Fibber McGee and Molly. To give him a reason to move, however, writer Leonard Levinson gave Gildy a suddenly deceased brother who had two children in Summerfield. But this sudden transition to being caregiver and family man didn’t happen overnight. Over the years, Gildy becomes less pompous and garrulous, less self centered, and more focused on not only providing for Leroy and Marjorie, but being a part of something beyond his own front yard.

 

The Great Gildersleeve portrayed its lead character as not only a family man, but also as one of Summerfield’s most eligible bachelors. Perhaps one of the best-remembered suitors pursuing Gildy was the one who actually almost caught him. The Widow Ransom, played by Shirley Mitchell, spoke with a syrupy Southern drawl, referring to her man as ‘Throck-mahhhtin’. The Widow’s pursuit of Gildersleeve was a major part of the early shows, leading right up to the altar itself. In June 1943. The nuptials were interrupted, however, when the Widow’s supposedly dead husband interrupted the services! Making use of such dramatic turns is just one reason The Great Gildersleeve stood out as more than just another comedy.

 

After Leila leaves Gildy at the altar, he finds himself attracted to Eve Goodwin, the principal of Leroy’s school. He also dates nurse Katherine Milford later in the show, as well as Principal Irene Henshaw and Rumson Bullard’s sisters, Ellen Bullard Knickerbocker and Paula Bullard Winthrop. He even dates the Widow Ransom off and on again, ending up at one point engaged to both her and her cousin Adeline Fairchild at the same time.

 

Tune in to the twelve original broadcasts in The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 19 to find out just what sort of love and trouble Gildy gets into, complete with Kraft Foods commercials and restored to sparkling digital quality.