About this episode
Originally Aired: June 6, 1938 Lum #43, "Lum English Estate," Lum receives astonishing news from a firm of attorneys claiming he may be heir to a vast English fortune. The letter states he could be a descendant of Samuel Edwards, who came to America in 1778, and heir to the estate of William Jensen worth 30 million pounds sterling and stocks. Naturally excited, Lum has been showing everyone the letter and has already quit the store business, convinced his fortune is imminent. He's sent back information about all his ancestors and relatives, though he'll have to share the inheritance with other family members claiming their part. At the Jot 'Em Down Store, Abner discusses the situation with Grandpappy Spears, who humorously mistakes the "30 million pounds sterling" for sterling silver teaspoons like the souvenir spoon his wife Elizabeth treasures. Meanwhile, their lazy employee Jake returns late from dinner as usual, prompting Abner to warn him that Lum is getting fed up with his lackadaisical work habits. The episode captures the excitement and confusion surrounding Lum's potential windfall as the Pine Ridge community buzzes with speculation about what this inheritance might mean.
From Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy by lumabner. Visit the show’s website.