Benefits of Being Married

Originally Aired: April 11, 1938 Lum #19, "Benefits of Being Married," the Lonesome Hearts Matrimonial Bureau is off to a flying start, but an unexpected complication arises when Lum himself catches matrimony fever. After writing newspaper advertisements extolling the virtues of married life, the lifelong bachelor becomes so convinced by his own sales pitch that he starts sending his picture out to female customers. When Grandpappy Spears stops by the Jot 'Em Down Store offering to take professional photographs with his new camera, Abner reveals Lum's true intentions, much to Lum's embarrassment. As the men gather in the store nursing cases of spring fever, Dick Huddleston and Grandpap enthusiastically encourage Lum's marital aspirations, painting an idyllic picture of domestic life where a man remains head of the household and can still do as he pleases. Their rosy descriptions seem to be winning Lum over, despite his admitted nervousness about giving up his independent bachelor ways. The conversation takes an ironic turn when Dick is summoned back to his own store by his decidedly unhappy wife, providing a stark contrast to the glowing testimonials about married bliss.