Hiawatha

Originally Aired: November 7, 1939

Fibber McGee & Molly #221, "Hiawatha,"

Fibber is preparing to revive his original play, Hiawatha, which had a memorable one-night run at the Bijou Theater back in 1936. As director and playwright, Fibber confidently oversees rehearsals with his amateur cast, including Mr. Boomer, Mrs. Eppington, and the dependable Mr. Gildersleeve. While Molly expresses doubts about the production's quality, Fibber remains optimistic, regaling anyone who will listen with his lengthy tales of theatrical experience dating back to childhood. Mrs. Eppington stops by to gossip about the other cast members' ridiculous costume choices, barely letting Fibber get a word in edgewise despite claiming to want to hear about his theatrical background.

The situation takes an unexpected turn when Mr. Gildersleeve, the one cast member Fibber was absolutely counting on, arrives with a case of severe stage fright. Despite having only one line to deliver, Gildersleeve finds himself paralyzed with nerves, stuttering and pausing dramatically when he attempts to say, "Here comes the author now." Fibber tries to reassure him that nervousness actually improves performance, but the question remains whether Gildersleeve can overcome his terror before opening night.