Lum Doesn’t Know of Photos

Originally Aired: April 15, 1938 Lum #21, "Lum Doesn't Know of Photos," With the matrimonial bureau receiving far more female clients than male applicants, Abner grows desperate to keep the women customers interested. Without enough legitimate photographs of men to send out, he concocts a scheme behind Lum's back: having Grandpappy Spears secretly photograph local Pine Ridge bachelors like Dick Carterson and Mose Moots, then mailing their pictures to prospective brides without their knowledge. Abner insists this scheme is harmless and necessary to keep the business afloat while they wait for more male clients to register. As Abner and Grandpappy review the photographs at the Jot 'em Down store, they mock the few legitimate male applicants who have submitted their own pictures, including one particularly unfortunate-looking fellow whose buggy eyes and protruding ears make them howl with laughter. Abner keeps his sneaky picture-sending operation hidden from Lum, wanting to take full credit for saving the business once his partner discovers how successful the idea has become. When Lum arrives with the mail, Abner and Grandpappy must keep their conspiracy under wraps.