Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:37 — 6.8MB)
In a perky little scene on Wistful Vista, Molly darns socks as Fibber is up to his usual pranks. Might Fibber be in line for getting new glasses? Fibber phones Mirt to get the word on a good eye doctor, and chats to her about a minor tragedy about one of her cousin, and a college prank. Old Timer pops in to tell it the way he hear’d it, and about a horse race. Billy Mills plays as Don Novas sings, My Reverie.
In the office of Dr Gildersleeve, Bea Benederet is his sassy receptionist., and sends Fibbrer to the waiting room. Jokes about eyesight, glasses, and vision continue, and The patients include Teeny. She doesn’t seem to have eye trouble, but gives Fibber a few moments of frustration.
For the sake of a joke, we learn the first name of Doc Gildersleeve is, Donald, although in his own series we know that it’s Throckmorton. Fibber sees the doctor for jokes on glasses, and vision. The Four Notes sing a peppy, upbeat version of, Basin Street Blues. On his way home, and with glasses firmly in place, Fibber encounters Abigail Uppington. She shares a word on her own glasses, and marriage plans to Boomer. What will Molly think about the new glasses? Nick the Greek neighbor stops in for a few comments on Fibbers new specks.
PS: I’m not exactly certain about the date of this episode. It does seem to fit into the 1938 to 39 season though. The Greek character faded away once the show moved to Hollywood in the 1940 season, plus change to the musical staff. The tenor wouldn’t be part of the show, and the Four Notes were replaced by the Kingsmen. Gildersleeve was a plastic, universal character who was used widely. It would take time for him to settle on working in his girdle factory, and even given a consistent name.
