Old Cavalryman McGee

Fibber talks his way into “inspecting” the Wistful Vista Militia and, thanks to blustery Colonel Horatio K. Boomer, winds up in temporary command. What follows is pure McGee: gatehouse grandstanding, a kilted “military police” piper, Silly Watson’s mess-hall menu of beans, a malaprop-happy bugler, and a chaotic visit to the stables where McGee mounts the colonel’s mare “Dixie”…right as a bugle sets her off on a runaway tear. Between gags, Johnson’s Wax drops its punchy ad pitches (Auto Cleaner/Auto Wax and Glow-Coat), and Ted Weems & his orchestra keep the camp swinging—complete with the number “Take My Heart.” A brisk military romp of bluster, mix-ups, and classic sponsor patter. 

Air date: August 10, 1936
Series: Fibber McGee & Molly
Sponsor: Johnson’s Wax (Auto Cleaner & Auto Wax; Glow-Coat)
Notables: Colonel Horatio K. Boomer, Silly Watson, Private Engel (bugler), “Dixie” the mare; music by Ted Weems & his Orchestra; announcer Bob Brown. 

Keywords: Wistful Vista, militia camp, cavalry horse, runaway gag, Johnson’s Wax ads, Ted Weems, colonel Boomer, bugle mishap, mess hall beans, 1930s radio comedy. 

Cast: Fibber McGee, Molly McGee, Colonel Horatio K. Boomer, Silly Watson, Private Engel, Supply Sgt. Brown, Ted Weems & Orchestra, Announcer Bob Brown.