Lum Won’t Arrest Squire: A Legal Loophole and a Moral Crossroad

Originally Aired: June 18, 1935 In Lum & Abner #132, “Lum Won’t Arrest Squire,” the tension thickens in Pine Ridge as Lum faces a moral dilemma. Despite uncovering an old ordinance that would allow him to shut down Squire Skimp’s theater for being on the second floor, Lum hesitates—questioning whether it’s right to weaponize the law purely for business gain. Meanwhile, Grandpappy Spears, recently fired from Squire’s show despite a promised contract, seeks justice and urges Lum to act. With Abner pressing for retaliation and the town watching closely, Lum’s conscience becomes the battleground. But when Grandpappy demands action as a citizen, Lum’s hands are tied—he must serve the warrant, even if it means going against his better judgment. This episode delivers sharp character insight and a clever look at frontier justice. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, classicradio, vaudeville, ruraldrama, moralconflict, contractdispute, smalltownpolitics, legaldilemma, upstairsordinance, justiceofthepeace, Horlicks, GrandpappySpears, consciencevscompetition, citizenaction