The Great Gildersleeve NBC · April 25, 1943

The Great Gildersleeve 43 04 25 (079) Rabbits

· GHOST OF RADIO ·
0:00 --:--

# The Great Gildersleeve: Rabbits

Step into the parlor of Summerfield's most lovable bachelor on this delightful spring morning, as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve discovers that his household—and his carefully maintained dignity—are about to be overrun by the most unlikely of creatures. When a hutch of rabbits arrives at his doorstep, the vain and meticulous Gildersleeve must contend with chaos, escaped lagomorphs, and the amused interference of his niece Marjorie, nephew Leroy, and the ever-scheming neighbor Judge Hooker. Listen as Harold Peary's booming voice shifts from exasperated indignation to flustered comedy, as our fastidious hero navigates the bedlam of twitching whiskers and flopping ears invading his orderly world. The pristine Gildersleeve household becomes a wonderland of comedic mishaps, where the elegant bachelor's attempts to restore order only generate fresh chaos—and plenty of hearty laughter from the studio audience.

The Great Gildersleeve stands as one of radio's most enduring comedies, a spin-off from Fibber McGee and Molly that achieved unprecedented success in its own right. Harold Peary's portrayal of the bombastic, ever-dignified Gildersleeve—complete with his signature booming laugh and affected Southern accent—made him a household name during the golden age of radio. Throughout the 1940s, listeners tuned in weekly to follow the misadventures of this bachelor navigating small-town American life with equal parts pomposity and genuine warmth. Each episode balanced slapstick humor with genuine character moments, making Gildersleeve a relatable everyman despite his grandiose pretensions.

Pull up a chair by the radio and prepare yourself for an evening of wholesome American comedy. Whether you're a devoted fan revisiting a cherished favorite or discovering Gildersleeve for the first time, this charming episode promises the perfect blend of verbal wit, physical comedy, and the sound effects that brought 1940s radio to vivid life.