They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree: Society Fever and a Musical Rebellion

Originally Aired: July 26, 1935 In Lum & Abner #160, “They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree,” high society fever sweeps through Pine Ridge thanks to the meddling of Professor Willoughby. The town's women are locked in a battle of etiquette and soirées, while Lum fully embraces his role as the “Pine Ridge Playboy,” parading around in golfing gear and taking his dog for society-mandated walks. As Geraldine Seestrunk prepares for her “coming out” party, Lum and Abner are roped into performing a duet. Despite the professor's preference for grand opera, the pair opts for a heartfelt rendition of “They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree,” a move that subtly resists the pretentious wave overtaking their community. With Squire Skimp tying social status to silver mine shares and proposing a country club, this episode perfectly captures the tension between rustic charm and intrusive sophistication. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric Weehunt, Squire Skimp, and Professor Willoughby Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, societyspoof, ProfessorWilloughby, silverminegimmick, classicradio, vaudeville, ruralcomedy, countryclubgrift, debutanteparty, parodyopera, TheyCutDownTheOldPineTree, GoffAndLauck