Bank Robbers in Pine Ridge

Originally Aired: March 4, 1940 Lum #265, "Bank Robbers in Pine Ridge," In the aftermath of a stunning political upset, Pine Ridge reels from the election of an all-woman government, led by Mayor Melody and Police Chief Elizabeth. Lum and Abner gather at their store to commiserate with the defeated Squire, who is outraged that newspapers across the region are mocking their town as "Girlstown" and "Petticoat Government." The Squire declares Pine Ridge a laughingstock and threatens to leave town entirely, bemoaning the disgrace of having women in positions of authority. The situation becomes personal when Abner expresses his embarrassment over his wife Elizabeth, who parades around town wearing a police badge and two revolvers strapped to her sides. When the newly elected Mayor Melody calls the store asking Abner for advice on how to run her office, he refuses to help, arguing that since the women were so determined to take over, they should figure it out themselves. As tensions mount and the men's resentment grows, the Squire warns that Pine Ridge faces a potential crime wave with only women to enforce law and order.