Of all the things that most fans remember about The Great Gildersleeve, particularly Harold Peary’s portrayal, the character’s ‘dirty laugh’, Peary’s trademark extended chuckle, typically stands out. That particular trait, however, is just one of several catchphrases of sorts that the program provided to listeners and even today’s popular culture, over its sixteen year run.

 

Leroy, Gildersleeve’s irascible nephew, was played to smart aleck profession by Walter Tetley. A perfect sparring partner for the sometimes immature, easily irritated Gildersleeve, Leroy had kids all over the country saying “Are you kiddin’?”, his typical response to much of what his Uncle said to him. This would lead to a response from Gildersleeve that has seeped into various mediums over the decades “Leee-eee-roy!”

 

Another character that left his own unique catchphrase ringing in listeners’ ears was Peavey, the long-suffering druggist. Almost weekly, Gildersleeve would impart his latest trouble or tell his latest exaggerated tale to Peavey and, almost without fail, Peavey would respond, “”Well, now, I wouldn’t say that…” This phrase, including the relaxed, yet sarcastic way Peavey would deliver it is still heard from time to time today, particularly in cartoons and, naturally, comedies.

 

The Jolly Boys, 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. In a 1945 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.

 

Tune in to this collection to find out just what sort of love and trouble Gildy gets into in the twelve original broadcasts of The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 26, complete with Kraft Foods commercials and restored to sparkling digital quality.