Fibber McGee & Molly had a long and successful run on radio (1935–1959). The program showcased terrific comic and musical talent, headlined by its creators and stars, married couple Jim and Marian Jordan. Living in the fictional Midwestern town of Wistful Vista, Fibber was an American teller of tall tales and a braggart, usually to the exasperation of his long-suffering wife Molly. Life in Wistful Vista followed a well-developed formula but was always fresh. Fibber’s weekly schemes would be interrupted, inspired by, and often played upon the people of Wistful Vista, a set of regular players and characters including Mayor LaTrivia, Doc Gamble, Mrs. Uppington, Wallace Wimple, Alice Darling, Beulah, Myrt, the Old Timer, and Fibber’s next-door neighbor, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. The program used a series of running gags that would become part of the common language, many treasures can be found in the Closet at 79 Wistful Vista. The show began as a comic reflection of Depression Era America, but as time went on and the shadows of war came over the nation, the show again caught the mood of the country. WWII was fought on the Home front at Wistful Vista as surely as anywhere else in America, but here they had the benefit of Fibber’s somewhat addled perspective.

Now, enjoy sixteen of their funniest radio broadcasts.

01/08/46 - Guessing the Number of Beans in the Bowl
01/15/46 - Buried Treasure Map
01/22/46 - Celebrating Pioneer Day
01/29/46 - Molly’s Card Party
02/19/46 - Fibber and Doc Eat Out
02/26/46 - Missing Fountain Pen
03/05/46 - McGee’s Car is Stolen
03/19/46 - Collecting for the Red Cross
04/02/46 - Car Ignition Lock
04/16/46 - Cousin Salvador Repairs the Antique Table
05/07/46 - Catching “Old Muley”
05/14/46 - Political Campaign
05/21/46 - “Fireball” McGee Pitching for the Elks
05/28/46 - Flowers for the Wedding Anniversary
06/04/46 - Aviation Show
06/11/46 - Preparing for Vacation