Lizabeth’s Fame Grows

Originally Aired: March 8, 1940 Lum #267, "Lizabeth's Fame Grows," finds the peaceful town of Pine Ridge buzzing with excitement after Elizabeth Peabody, the new chief of police, single-handedly captured three bank robbers. The nationwide publicity has transformed her into an overnight celebrity, complete with colorful newspaper headlines like "Poker Face Peabody" and "Lucky Liz Lassos Lawbreakers." Her husband Abner finds himself relegated to the background, fielding constant phone calls and being referred to as "Mr. Elizabeth Peabody," a situation he definitely doesn't relish. Over at the Jot'em Down store, Abner complains to Lum about his wife's newfound fame and increasingly exaggerated stories of her heroic deed. When Lum suggests that Abner could manage Elizabeth's business affairs and mentions a stage offer of $100 a week, Abner bristles at the idea. Despite the five-hundred-dollar reward and Elizabeth's plans to buy a full cowgirl outfit with pearl-handled pistols, Abner remains skeptical of her abilities and adamant that he won't have an actor for a wife, even as Lum playfully suggests Abner could join her act.