Skip to main content
OTR.FM
All shows
Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy artwork

On demand

Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy

Presented by lumabner

Step back into the heartwarming world of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, where Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody run their general store—and get into all kinds of hilarious misadventures along the way! Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy brings you the best restored episodes of this beloved Old Time Radio show, featuring the quick wit, charming banter, and homespun humor that entertained generations.

Join Lum and Abner as they navigate small-town life, dream up ambitious schemes, and share the kind of laughter that never goes out of style. With crystal-clear remastered audio, accurate episode details, and cast information, this is the ultimate collection for Old Time Radio enthusiasts and new fans alike.

Subscribe now and experience a piece of radio history—one episode at a time!

246 episodes

  1. Lum Will Start His Own Chain Letter: From Dimes to Hogs in Pine Ridge

    Sep 15, 2025 · 15 min

    In Lum & Abner #103, “Lum Will Start His Own Chain Letter,” a seemingly innocent chain letter from Denver sets Lum on a new get-rich-quick scheme. Promising over $1,500 in return for a single dime, the letter tempts Lum to enlist his friends—despite Dick Huddleston's warning that such ideas rarely pan out. Abner, ever the opportunist, suggests sending all five letters to himself, while Lum dreams bigger: replacing dimes with hogs. The duo quickly dives into planning a chain-letter system that trades swine instead of coins, convinced it will bring farm relief and national prosperity. In true Lum & Abner fashion, the absurdity escalates with charm, wit, and rural flair. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with supporting voices including Dick Huddleston and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, chainletter, getrichquick, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, hogscheme, dimesforhogs, mailordercomedy, GoffAndLauck

  2. Lum Receives Chain Letter from Denver

    Sep 12, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 7, 1935 In Lum & Abner #102, “Lum Receives Chain Letter from Denver,” the Jot-Em-Down Store is buzzing with plans for remodeling—new counters, show windows, even a fancy basket system to rival the big-city department stores. But dreams cost money, and business is slow. Abner suggests letting Grandpappy Spears go, though neither he nor Lum has the heart to fire him. Just then, Dick Huddleston delivers the mail—including a curious letter from Denver. Lum, thinking it might be from his long-lost Uncle Lige, opens it to find not a fortune in silver, but a chain letter promising riches if he’ll only send out copies (and dimes). Meanwhile, word spreads that Squire Skimp is furious over the “diamond” he bought back for $300—only to learn it’s worthless glass. To Lum and Abner’s delight, Grandpappy’s quick thinking duped the Squire, earning him a permanent spot in the store. With chain letters, fake jewels, and backwoods schemes, this episode is a perfect slice of Pine Ridge mischief. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody); supporting voices including Squire Skimp, Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, chainletter, SquireSkimp, GrandpappySpears, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, fakedi amond, storemakeover, smalltownschemes, basketdeliverysystem, AbnerfiringGrandpappy

  3. Squire Buys Evalena’s Engagement Ring for Lum

    Sep 12, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 6, 1935 In Lum & Abner #101, “Squire Buys Evalena’s Engagement Ring for Lum,” the gents are still smarting over the fake-diamond caper that cost them $200—money Squire Skimp conveniently pocketed. While Abner blusters about giving Squire a whipping, Lum tries to keep the peace and focus on remodeling plans for the Jot-Em-Down Store (with Ezra C. Strunk lined up for carpentry). Then Squire strolls in with a too-good-to-be-true offer: he’ll pay $300 to “make things right” and take the stone that Grandpappy Spears has already had set into a ring—one Lum intends for Evalena. Is Squire being generous…or running a new angle? Between tempers, schemes, and an unexpected engagement plan, the episode delivers classic Pine Ridge mischief—plus a hearty serving of Horlicks chatter.  Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody); supporting voices including Squire Skimp, Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston, Evalena Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, engagementring, fakediamond, GrandpappySpears, EzraCStrunk, Horlicks, smalltownschemes, proposalplot

  4. Lum Needs Engagement Ring for Evalena: A Rivalry Rekindled

    Sep 12, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 29, 1935 In Lum & Abner #96, “Lum Needs Engagement Ring for Evalena,” the sparks of old romance fly again as Lum seizes the chance to woo Evalena after her engagement to Frank Foster is abruptly canceled. Determined to win her over for good, Lum sets his sights on acquiring a diamond engagement ring—perhaps even the one Frank once gave her. Meanwhile, a well-dressed stranger visits Pine Ridge in search of land for a summer home, accidentally dropping a valuable diamond. When he offers $200 to anyone who finds it, the town springs into action, and even the ever-opportunistic Squire Skimp enters the fray. With schemes, rivalry, and a shiny prize on the line, this episode glimmers with charm, comedy, and small-town hustle. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with voices of Dick Huddleston and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, Evalena, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, engagementring, Horlicks, smalltownromance, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, diamondhunt, lostandfound, GoffAndLauck

  5. Evalena & Frank Foster to Be Married: A Hero Scheme Backfires

    Sep 7, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 26, 1935 In Lum & Abner #95, “Evalena & Frank Foster to Be Married,” Lum hatches a harebrained scheme to win Evalena back by staging a fake kidnapping at her engagement party—hoping to heroically "rescue" her and win her heart. He recruits Abner to play the masked kidnapper, but the plan goes wildly awry when Evalena’s fiancé Frank Foster punches Abner unconscious before Lum can intervene. With bruises, bandages, and wounded pride, Abner bears the fallout of the botched prank. But in an unexpected twist, Evalena calls off the wedding after the ordeal, blaming Frank for his violent overreaction. Lum’s plan might have failed on paper, but it worked in the end—thanks to Abner’s accidental sacrifice. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with appearances by Evalena, Frank Foster, Dick Huddleston, and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, fakekidnapping, engagementdrama, Horlicks, comicprank, classicradio, vaudeville, Abnergetsbeat, weddingcanceled, Evalena, GoffAndLauck

  6. Lum & Abner Reconcile: Bandaged Lies and a Business Revival

    Sep 7, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 23, 1935 In Lum & Abner #92, “Lum & Abner Reconcile,” the comedic duo patch up their fractured friendship in classic Pine Ridge fashion—with bandages, misunderstandings, and heartfelt apologies. After days of dodging Lum, Abner appears wrapped in fake injuries, hoping to avoid a beating that was never coming. The ruse backfires hilariously, but leads to a touching moment of forgiveness and reconciliation. As the two tally their circus profits, Abner dreams up increasingly absurd new careers—from barbering to building a railroad—before Lum offers the most logical solution of all: return as partners in the Jot ‘Em Down Store. With grand plans for modern improvements, the episode ends with their business—and friendship—stronger than ever. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with Grandpappy Spears and mentions of Elizabeth, Charity, and Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, businessrevival, Horlicks, reconciliationscene, classicradio, vaudeville, storecomedy, fakeinjuries, Abnerdreamsbig, ruralcomedy, GoffAndLauck

  7. Lum & Abner Sell Their Circus

    Sep 4, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally aired April 22, 1935, this episode finds the old fellows of Pine Ridge tangled up in the aftermath of their ill-fated circus venture. Having sold the show to Squire Skim for $1,000, Lum and Abner are stunned to discover that Squire quickly turned it for a $4,000 profit, leaving them swindled out of $3,000. Back at Jot ’Em Down Store, Lum recounts the loss to Dick Huddleston and Grandpappy Spears, vowing that no one could out-trade him—though Squire apparently did just that. Meanwhile, Abner, still convinced Lum means to whip him for meddling with the circus money, goes to comic lengths to avoid him, sneaking out back doors and dodging around Pine Ridge. When Lum finally tries to corner him with the help of the others, Abner’s fright drives him straight through a plate glass window in a burst of slapstick panic. With Horlick’s Malted Milk ads sprinkled throughout—including a testimonial about a once-ailing baby turned blue-ribbon healthy—this lighthearted installment captures the small-town missteps, misunderstandings, and homespun comedy that made Lum and Abner enduring radio favorites

  8. Money Disappears Again: The Circus Safe Mystery Deepens

    Sep 3, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: April 11, 1935 In Lum & Abner #84, “Money Disappears Again,” the circus receipts vanish for a third time—this time from a locked trunk Lum used as a decoy after two straight nights of theft. With more than $800 gone and performers to pay, Lum vows to set a trap, while Abner proposes an outlandish pitfall scheme borrowed from lion-catching lore. Suspicion centers on Squire Skimp—who’s been blaming everyone else—especially after Dick Huddleston points out Squire may have been skimming when he ran the show alone. The kicker: the latest theft happened while Lum, Abner, and Squire all drove to Greenwood together, leaving the office wagon “secure.” A cliffhanger setup of small-town smarts, circus chaos in Mount Ida, and sponsor tags from Horlicks keep the tension—and the laughs—high. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston, Squire Skimp, and Cedric Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, circusarc, MountIda, Greenwood, SquireSkimp, DickHuddleston, CedricWehunt, safeheist, trapplan, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, vintagebroadcast, classicradio

  9. Lum Will Hide the Money: Suspicions, Secrets, and Strange Shadows

    Sep 1, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: April 10, 1935 In Lum & Abner #83, “Lum Will Hide the Money,” the circus safe robberies push Lum and Abner to desperate measures. With receipts vanishing night after night, Squire Skimp delivers a dramatic speech proclaiming his innocence—while slyly suggesting that perhaps Lum himself is behind the thefts, influenced by Zenora. Abner won’t believe it, but doubts creep in when Lum admits Cedric somehow knows the safe’s combination by heart. To outwit the thief, Lum decides to stop using the safe and instead hide the circus money in a trunk overnight. But just as the plan is hatched, suspicious figures—including Zenora’s brother—are caught lurking around the wagon. With shadows moving in the night, trust unraveling, and tensions running high, the mystery only deepens. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Squire Skimp, Cedric Weehunt, and Zenora’s brother (mentioned) Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, Horlicks, LumSuspicious, CedricKnowsCombination, ZenorasBrother, robberyplot, classicradio, vaudeville, circusmystery, LumHidesMoney

  10. Squire is the Main Suspect: Love, Loyalty, and a Vanishing Safe

    Sep 1, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 9, 1935 In Lum & Abner #82, “Squire is the Main Suspect,” the circus mystery deepens. After the safe is robbed of over $400, suspicion swirls inside the wagon office. Squire Skimp pleads innocence but can’t escape Lum’s growing doubts—especially after Squire repeatedly tries to pin the crime on others. Cedric is questioned, but his simple honesty rules him out. Meanwhile, Lum fiercely defends Zenora’s honor when Squire dares suggest she may have seen the combination. Just as things begin to calm, disaster strikes again: the safe is robbed a second time! With money vanishing under lock and key, trust frays, and all eyes turn once more toward Squire. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Squire Skimp, Cedric Weehunt, and Zenora (mentioned) Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, Horlicks, safecracking, Zenora, LumDefendsZenora, CedricQuestioned, robberyplot, classicradio, vaudeville, circusmystery

  11. Circus Appearing in Mt. Ida: Love, Horses, and a Robbery

    Sep 1, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 8, 1935 In Lum & Abner #81, “Circus Appearing in Mt. Ida,” the circus is thriving—but trouble is brewing under the big top. Lum, hopelessly infatuated with the young bareback rider Zenora, is spending more time grooming horses and planning extravagant silver harnesses than actually running the show. Abner fumes over Lum’s neglect, while Squire Skimp worries about the circus finances. The tension peaks when Lum and the others discover the circus safe has been cleaned out—an inside job! Between romantic distractions, costly new posters, and missing money, Pine Ridge’s newest circus venture faces its biggest test yet. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Cedric Weehunt, Squire Skimp, Evelina (mentioned), and Zenora (mentioned) Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, barebackrider, Horlicks, LumInLove, Zenora, Evelina, robberyplot, classicradio, vaudeville, MtIda, circusfinances, travelingcircus

  12. Lum & Abner to Travel with the Circus: Goodbye Pine Ridge, Hello Zenora

    Sep 1, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 5, 1935 In Lum & Abner #80, “Lum & Abner to Travel with the Circus,” it’s official—our beloved duo is hitting the road! After Lum's chance meeting with the dazzling bareback rider Zenora, he’s suddenly eager to leave Pine Ridge behind. Abner’s packed (eventually), Cedric is already promoting the show in Charleston, and Grandpappy Spears is left in charge of the Jot ‘Em Down Store. But saying goodbye isn’t easy. As Lum avoids breaking the news to Evelina, he’s crushed to find she may not care as much as he hoped. Meanwhile, Abner’s botched haircut adds levity to the emotional goodbyes. It’s an episode full of transition, jealousy, and—of course—horse talk. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric, Evelina (mentioned), and Zenora (mentioned) Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, barebackrider, Horlicks, LumLeaves, Zenora, Evelina, smalltownromance, classicradio, vaudeville, goodbyePineRidge

  13. Lum Falls in Love with Zenora: Horses, Heartstrings, and Circus Business

    Sep 1, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: April 4, 1935 In Lum & Abner #79, “Lum Falls in Love with Zenora,” the circus may be in town, but it’s love—not lions—that’s taming Lum. While Abner and Squire debate the logistics of moving the show and managing circus tensions, Lum becomes completely captivated by a new bareback rider named Zenora. Her dazzling equestrian act isn’t the only thing that’s caught his eye. So smitten is Lum, he suddenly decides he will join the traveling circus after all—much to everyone's surprise. Could Zenora’s charm finally be the thing to pull Lum away from Pine Ridge? This episode gallops through classic themes of small-town loyalty, romantic whimsy, and comedic misdirection—all under the big top. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Squire Skimp, Cedric, Dick Huddleston, and Zenora (mentioned) Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, barebackrider, Horlicks, LumInLove, Zenora, smalltownromance, classicradio, vaudeville, travelingcircus, equestrianromance

  14. Dick Smashes Lum & Abner's Glasses: A Spectacle Scam Exposed

    Aug 30, 2025 · 13 min

    Originally Aired: April 3, 1935 In Lum & Abner #78, “Dick Smashes Lum & Abner's Glasses,” Pine Ridge is abuzz with trouble—this time from a pair of poorly chosen spectacles. After being swindled by a smooth-talking traveling salesman, Lum and Abner struggle with worsening vision, absurd headaches, and a new dependency on thick, distorting eyeglasses. Enter Dick Huddleston, back from a trip, who quickly sees through the scam. In a no-nonsense intervention, he smashes the defective glasses and urges the duo to take action before more townsfolk fall victim. With circus troubles brewing and Squire Skimp still pulling strings, this episode highlights small-town gullibility, quick-talking charlatans, and Dick's timely heroism. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with supporting voices including Dick Huddleston and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, spectaclefraud, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, smalltownscam, classicradio, vaudeville, eyeglasscon, DickHuddlestonReturns, GrandpappySpears, SquireSkimp, circusdrama, comedyintervention

  15. Lum Borrows $20,000 from Union Bank to Save the Circus

    Aug 28, 2025 · 13 min

    Originally Aired: April 2, 1935 In Lum & Abner #77, “Lum Borrows $20,000 from Union Bank,” Lum and Abner find themselves in a financial tailspin after their circus move to Belleville hits another snag—a $200 city license fee. With the show tent already set up and no funds left, Lum makes a desperate call to the Union Bank to secure a loan and keep the circus afloat. Meanwhile, Abner, convinced it’s raining despite clear skies, refuses to leave his porch, hilariously misinterpreting Lum’s expressions and contributing little to solving the crisis. A classic mix of rural wit and escalating predicaments, this episode showcases Lum’s determination and Abner’s lovable confusion as the duo scrambles to save their latest venture. 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, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, Horlicks, smalltownfinance, classicradio, vaudeville, ruralantics, UnionBankLoan, rainconfusion

  16. Circus Moves to Belleville: Overhead, Elephants, and Empty Pockets

    Aug 27, 2025 · 14 min

    In Lum & Abner #76, “Circus Moves to Belleville,” the partners regroup after the storm that blew down their big top in the county seat. With animals recaptured and the show on the road again, Lum and Abner try to make sense of their circus finances—but Abner takes “overhead” a bit too literally, blaming trapeze artists and the tent itself instead of expenses. The fat woman’s food bill rivals the elephants’, receipts don’t cover costs, and Squire Skimp’s accounting leaves the duo scratching their heads. Just as they’re tallying their losses, a phone call from Belleville brings new bad news: a $200 city license fee must be paid in cash before the circus can open. Lum’s optimism clashes with Abner’s doubts in this classic tale of mismanaged showbiz and small-town wit

  17. Storm Blows the Big Top Down: Panic, Spectacles, and a County-Seat Scramble

    Aug 27, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 29, 1935 In Lum & Abner #75, “Storm Blows Circus Tent Down,” Pine Ridge is abuzz with wind and woe. While Grandpappy minds the Jot ’Em Down Store, Lum and Abner bumble through life with their ill-fitted spectacles—misjudging distances, bumping into storefronts, and debating who’s safe to drive. Squire Skimp phones from the county seat with a shocker: a fierce storm has toppled the circus tent, scattering animals and chaos across town. What began as a cash-and-no-grief venture suddenly turns into a high-stakes roundup under stormy skies, with Cedric itching to go and everyone arguing over the wheel. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Squire Skimp, Cedric, and Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circusdisaster, bigtop, stormyweather, animalsloose, spectaclesgags, Cedric, GrandpappySpears, countyseat, Horlicks, classicradio, ruralcomedy

  18. Circus is Big Business in Mena

    Aug 24, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 28, 1935 In Lum & Abner #74, “Circus is Big Business in Mena,” the circus has officially moved to the county seat—and business is booming. But back in Pine Ridge, the old fellows aren’t exactly celebrating. Lum, Abner, and Cedric are all battling severe headaches and worsening vision, convinced it’s not their health, but the town’s drinking water. The infamous spectacle salesman has now outfitted nearly the entire community, including a two-month-old baby. As everyone walks around with blurry vision, magnified flies, and exaggerated perspectives, the real problem becomes hilariously clear. Meanwhile, a call from Squire Skimp confirms a packed tent and roaring success in Mena. While the circus thrives, Pine Ridge suffers a headache epidemic—and a serious case of buyer’s remorse. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Cedric Wehunt, Squire Skimp, and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, circusinmena, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, spectaclefiasco, vaudeville, farsightedfun, smalltownantics, GoffAndLauck, headacheepidemic, countyseatcircus

  19. Walt Bates Will Move Circus to Mena

    Aug 22, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 27, 1935 In Lum & Abner #73, “Walt Bates Will Move Circus to Mena,” the duo finally finds a cost-effective way to move their struggling circus. With Squire Skimp’s financial carelessness raising concern, Lum takes matters into his own hands, negotiating with Walt Bates to haul the circus to the county seat for just $40. Meanwhile, the saga of Abner’s questionable spectacles continues, as Lum returns them—only to bring them right back and now insists they might be perfectly fine. Even Grandpappy Spears considers getting his own eyes checked by the mysterious circus “octopus,” and Cedric stumbles in wearing a pair so foggy he can’t even see where he’s walking. With everyone now seemingly blinded by both bad optics and circus schemes, the episode is packed with hilarious mix-ups and small-town absurdity. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric Wehunt, and Walt Bates Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, circusmove, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, badbargain, spectaclecomedy, vaudeville, smalltownantics, WalterBates, MenaArkansas, GoffAndLauck

  20. Abner Buys a Cheap Pair of Glasses

    Aug 21, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 26, 1935 In Lum & Abner #72, “Abner Buys a Cheap Pair of Glasses,” Abner becomes the latest victim of a fast-talking circus peddler, proudly sporting a dubious pair of $5 spectacles he bought for $3. Lum, exasperated by Abner’s foggy vision and gullibility, learns that the purchase was driven by Abner’s inability to follow a pea under a shell—a game he lost, blaming his eyesight. As Lum investigates, it becomes clear the spectacles are ill-fitting and unnecessary, leading him to demand a refund and threaten to expel the swindling circus men. Meanwhile, plans to move the failing circus continue, with debate over trucking elephants versus letting them walk the 18 miles to the next town. It’s an episode full of misjudgments, elephant-sized misunderstandings, and classic Pine Ridge humor. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp and the unnamed circus crew Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, circusantics, baddeal, AbnersGlasses, elephantlogic, smalltowncomedy, vaudeville, GoffAndLauck, spectaclefiasco

  21. Lum & Abner Lose Money on Circus

    Aug 20, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 25, 1935 In Lum & Abner #71, “Lum & Abner Lose Money on Circus,” the comedic duo grapples with the sobering aftermath of their circus venture’s grand opening. Despite high hopes and Squire Skimp’s so-called expertise, the event proves a financial disaster, losing $40—an amount Lum painstakingly explains as a “paper loss.” As blame bounces between ticket miscounts, cash drawer withdrawals, and questionable circus math, Abner grows increasingly confused and Cedric remains focused on getting his picture taken with Clarabelle. With Squire pushing to move the circus to the county seat, the trio faces the stark reality of their “white elephant.” It’s an episode rich with small-town charm, befuddled accounting, and vaudevillian wit. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric Wehunt, and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, circuscomedy, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, smalltownantics, vaudeville, lostmoney, whiteelephant, ticketmishap, circusfiasco, GoffAndLauck

  22. Grand Opening of Circus Tomorrow

    Aug 15, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 22, 1935 In Lum & Abner #70, “Grand Opening of Circus Tomorrow,” the Pine Ridge circus venture teeters between chaos and comedy. After Abner’s ill-fated glass-partition lion stunt leaves him bandaged and shaken, the boys reconsider their suitability as animal trainers. Squire Skimp continues to prioritize spectacle over safety—planning to act as a “barker” (not the canine kind)—while dodging the actual risks. Lum and Abner reflect on their roles, only for Squire to break the news: they’ve been replaced. Surprisingly, both friends are relieved, putting the circus first. As the grand opening looms, this episode delivers a delightful blend of physical comedy, backwoods logic, and Squire’s ever-suspect scheming. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voice of Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, liontrainer, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, glasspartition, Abnerinjured, circusopening, go-getters-and-waiters

  23. Lum Thinks All Circus Jobs Dangerous

    Aug 14, 2025 · 14 min

    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

  24. Lum Gives Up the Trapeze

    Aug 12, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 20, 1935 In Lum & Abner #68, “Lum Gives Up the Trapeze,” the Pine Ridge circus preparations take a hilarious turn when Squire Skimp tries to save money by casting Lum and Abner in the show. Lum is assigned to the high trapeze but quickly decides the dizzying heights aren’t for him. After some comic negotiating, he swaps the trapeze for what he thinks is a safe and dignified role—riding the parade elephant as “King Eddard.” But Abner warns him the job comes with some risky “tricks,” including lying under the elephant! Meanwhile, Squire works to convince a reluctant Abner to take on the role of lion trainer. Between fear of heights, ferocious cats, and giant pachyderms, the circus is shaping up to be a real small-town spectacle. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, trapezeact, elephantparade, liontrainer, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, vaudeville, classicradio, slapstickhumor, KingEddard, pachydermpranks

  25. Circus Will Open Saturday: Cedric’s Wild Makeover and Trapeze Troubles

    Aug 6, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: March 19, 1935 In Lum & Abner #67, “Circus Will Open Saturday,” Pine Ridge prepares for a grand spectacle as Squire Skimp hastily arranges a sideshow circus using the town’s modest collection of animals—and imagination. Squire falsely advertises house cats as exotic Persian felines and paints Cedric to pass him off as a “wild man from Borneo,” causing quite the stir when his own family fails to recognize him. As Cedric’s father Caleb seeks revenge, Squire dodges danger and swiftly ropes Lum into becoming a reluctant trapeze artist and Abner into a lion—or rather, “cat”—trainer. With misunderstandings about “cats” turning into tigers, and the return of the flashlight promotion drama, this episode blends slapstick, confusion, and clever rural wit in classic Lum & Abner fashion. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp and Cedric Wehunt Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, circuscomedy, Horlicks, CedricWildman, flashlightpromo, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, beardedlady, trapezehumor