McGee Takes Piano Lessons

Originally Aired: January 21, 1941 Fibber McGee & Molly #271, "McGee Takes Piano Lessons," After attending a piano concert the night before, Fibber finds himself seized by artistic ambition and decides he must learn to play the piano. Despite Molly's skepticism and reminders about past failures with the mandolin, Fibber drags her to the music store to arrange lessons. He purchases a beginner's book called "Cantatas for the Kiddies" and insists he isn't too proud to start at the bottom. Back home, he enthusiastically practices on the old piano, causing the neighbors to complain about the noise while he struggles to understand what the pedals do, confusing them for a car's brake and clutch. When Mrs. Uppington stops by, the very woman who gave them the concert tickets, she reveals her own impressive piano background and demonstrates her considerable skill at the keyboard. Her performance of a folk song from Brittany thoroughly outclasses Fibber's fumbling attempts, but our stubborn hero remains undeterred, convinced he'll soon master the mighty instrument and become the star of card parties.