Lum’s Story Gets Bigger

Originally Aired: September 11, 1935 In Lum & Abner #193, "Lum's Story Gets Bigger," Lum finds himself trapped in an escalating web of lies about his heroic rescue of Abner from kidnappers. What started as a scheme that Lum himself orchestrated has now spiraled out of control, as grateful townspeople continuously call to praise his bravery. Each time Lum recounts the story, the details grow more dramatic: the number of kidnappers increases from four to six to eight, weapons multiply from bare fists to shotguns and machine guns, and the danger intensifies to include Abner nearly being sawed in two at a mill. With young Cedric Weehunt visiting and phone calls pouring in from citizens like Ms. Phillips and Sister Simpson, Lum can't seem to stop embellishing his tale of courage. He instructs Cedric to spread word of his heroism while maintaining false modesty, even quoting misremembered sayings and patriotic phrases. Meanwhile, Abner awkwardly plays along when pressed to confirm Lum's bravery on the telephone, though his discomfort with the growing deception becomes increasingly apparent as the story continues to snowball beyond anyone's control.