Discussing Rules of Proper Etiquette: Wrestling with Refinement

Originally Aired: July 24, 1935 In Lum & Abner #158, “Discussing Rules of Proper Etiquette,” Pine Ridge’s flirtation with high society grows even more absurd as Abner finds himself reluctantly inducted into the FFPR (First Families of Pine Ridge). With Professor Willoughby teaching the town “etiquette,” the locals are struggling to adapt—especially Caleb Wehunt, who still wants to wrestle people at tea parties. Lum is fully taken in, parroting the professor’s rules and defending the legitimacy of the Great Western Sterling Silver Company, while Abner grows more skeptical. Despite himself, Abner is dragged deeper into this social charade—now being pushed into taking singing lessons! Hilarity ensues as small-town values clash with pseudo-sophisticated airs in this satire of status and self-importance. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp, Professor Willoughby, and Caleb Wehunt Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, FFPR, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, etiquettecomedy, ProfessorWilloughby, socialsatire, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, Horlicks, highsocietyclash, singinglessons, Abnerresistschange, silverminepromo