Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:04 — 16.5MB)
In order to recieve his inheritance, George has to go back to college. He feels uncomfortable on the campus with all those young kids. Gracie and Bill Goodwin try to butter him up, and boost his confidence. When a classmate pops in, he and Gracie seem to hit it off and swap some jive talk.
With George gone, Gracie talks to bandleader, Meredeth Willson about a better idea to keep George motivated. What he needs is someone more his own age to hang out with. Jack Benny is the perfect man to go to and ask.
Turning on her charms, Gracie sweet talks Jack. Will she convince Jack to go back to college? Improving his mind, enjoying sports, hanging out with pretty girls… I think she has him hooked, especially when she offers to pay Jack’s tuition, room and board.
Later, Gracie sees a marked improvement in George’s grades and attitude since his best friend is in school with him. Just how well are the older gents going in class? Um… let’s just say the school is making a lot of money on these two.
We learn that a popularity contest is in the making at school. It all hinges on winning the coed vote. Wanting to see George win it, Gracie tries her hand at campaigning to a Southern gal on campus. Will her convenient lies do the trick? Or will Jack be able to counteract the damage? A tallent contest might sway the contest. To duel it out George sings, and Jack plays his violin.
Get ready for some Gracie style sabotage as Sugarthroat Burns faces off with Jack’s violin. In the end they put together a comic duo to highlight their skills. Also a little battle of sponsor plugging.
PS: Listeners might recognize the young coed as Leila Ransom from the Gildersleeve show.
It also occurs to me that at this time in history, the war was over, and troops were beginning to return home. Many would soon be using the newly created GI Bill to return to school where they would also be older than the typical college student. Just not as old as George and Jack.
Bonus Tracks:
- Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. 1945. Accentuate the Positive.
- Connie Haines. 1945. I’m Gonna See My Baby.
