Being a family centered comedy, The Great Gildersleeve often revolved around the lives and antics of Gildy’s well behaved niece, Marjorie, and wiseacre nephew, Leroy. Portrayed originally by Lurene Tuttle, many of the episodes focused on Marjorie involved her suitors, and then her own family once one of the boyfriends, Bronco Thompson, married her. Gildy’s twelve-year-old nephew, Leroy, was actually portrayed by an adult, Walter Tetley. Tetley made a career of playing child roles as voice actor well into his thirties. Leroy was just obstinate and stubborn enough to be the perfect needle to pop the windbag Gildy, at just the funniest moments.
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.
The Widow would return in later episodes, actually dating Gildy off and on. The chemistry between the actors, made any time Widow Ransom was on the program one to be enjoyed, even though she brought continual conflict to Gildy’s life.
Laughter in the midst of small town life makes The Great Gildersleeve one of the best shows of classic radio. Experience it for yourself in twelve original broadcasts in this collection, The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 34, complete with Kraft Foods commercials and restored to sparkling digital quality.
#447 Katie Lee Visits Summerfield
Wednesday, June 4, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#448 Bronco Wants a Wall Between Yards
Wednesday, June 11, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#449 Guess the Number of Beans Contest
Wednesday, June 18, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#450 Miss McKinley of the Complaint Dept
Wednesday, June 25, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#451 Fourth of July Speech
Wednesday, July 2, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#452 Fishing With Miss McKinley
Wednesday, July 9, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#453 Back Yard Camping
Wednesday, July 16, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#455 Bronco Sells Gildy's House
Wednesday, July 30, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#456 Leroy Behaving Too Well
Wednesday, August 6, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#456 Leroy Behaving Too Well - Rehearsal
Wednesday, August 6, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#457 Gildy Goes on a Diet
Wednesday, August 13, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
#458 Leroy's Million Dollar Laundry
Wednesday, August 20, 1952 - 30:00 - NBC, sponsored by Kraft
Gildersleeve delights! 
