Lum's Theater Burns Down: Suspicions, Accusations, and a Costly Oversight

Originally Aired: July 15, 1935 In Lum & Abner #151, “Lum's Theater Burns Down,” Pine Ridge is abuzz after the sudden fire that razed the Pine Ridge Planetarium. As the town speculates arson, Abner leaps into constable mode—accusing Grandpappy Spears based on a half-baked interpretation of a figure of speech. Suspicion hovers over Squire Skimp, the town's perennial schemer, but with no evidence, justice stalls. Meanwhile, Dick Huddleston reminds everyone that Lum had been planning to insure the theater—only to discover, in a cruel twist, that no fire policy was ever issued. With the Planetarium in ashes and no insurance payout, Lum faces a total loss… and Abner, for once, might be glad he’s not a partner. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, SquireSkimp, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, arsonmystery, Horlicks, smalltowndrama, classicradio, vaudeville, fireinvestigation, theaterburnsdown, noinsurance, Lumstroubles, GoffAndLauck