Lum Borrows $20,000 from Union Bank to Save the Circus

Originally Aired: April 2, 1935

In Lum & Abner #77, “Lum Borrows $20,000 from Union Bank,” Lum and Abner find themselves in a financial tailspin after their circus move to Belleville hits another snag—a $200 city license fee. With the show tent already set up and no funds left, Lum makes a desperate call to the Union Bank to secure a loan and keep the circus afloat. Meanwhile, Abner, convinced it’s raining despite clear skies, refuses to leave his porch, hilariously misinterpreting Lum’s expressions and contributing little to solving the crisis. A classic mix of rural wit and escalating predicaments, this episode showcases Lum’s determination and Abner’s lovable confusion as the duo scrambles to save their latest venture.

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

Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, Horlicks, smalltownfinance, classicradio, vaudeville, ruralantics, UnionBankLoan, rainconfusion