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Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy artwork

Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy

Lum Thinks All Circus Jobs Dangerous

Posted August 14, 2025 · 14 min

About this episode

Originally Aired: March 21, 1935

In Lum & Abner #69, “Lum Thinks All Circus Jobs Dangerous,” Squire Skimp tries to save money by pushing Lum into performing risky circus stunts—either riding elephants in the parade or swinging from the high trapeze. The elephant act, complete with the beast lying on top of Lum, strikes him as downright life-threatening. While Lum dreams of a safe job cranking the circus calliope, Abner shocks everyone by volunteering to train the lions and tigers. The big reveal? Cedric has installed a nearly invisible plate-glass barrier between Abner and the cats, turning a deadly stunt into a clever illusion. It’s a comical look at small-town showmanship, cost-cutting schemes, and the fine art of avoiding danger while looking brave.

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

Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, elephants, liontamer, trapeze, calliope, glasspartition, sideshow, Horlicks, classicradio, vaudeville, GoffAndLauck

From Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy by lumabner. Visit the show’s website.

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