Lum & Abner Lose Money on Circus

Originally Aired: March 25, 1935

In Lum & Abner #71, “Lum & Abner Lose Money on Circus,” the comedic duo grapples with the sobering aftermath of their circus venture’s grand opening. Despite high hopes and Squire Skimp’s so-called expertise, the event proves a financial disaster, losing $40—an amount Lum painstakingly explains as a “paper loss.” As blame bounces between ticket miscounts, cash drawer withdrawals, and questionable circus math, Abner grows increasingly confused and Cedric remains focused on getting his picture taken with Clarabelle. With Squire pushing to move the circus to the county seat, the trio faces the stark reality of their “white elephant.” It’s an episode rich with small-town charm, befuddled accounting, and vaudevillian wit.

Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric Wehunt, and Squire Skimp

Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, circuscomedy, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, smalltownantics, vaudeville, lostmoney, whiteelephant, ticketmishap, circusfiasco, GoffAndLauck