Preparing To Leave On Vacation

Originally Aired: June 25, 1940

Fibber McGee & Molly #254, "Preparing To Leave On Vacation," Fibber is supposed to be helping pack for their summer vacation, but instead he's consumed with composing a musical number to impress Meredith Wilson, who will be hosting the summer replacement show. While Molly lugs heavy trunks to the car by herself, Fibber pounds away at the piano, convinced he's demonstrating true musical progress. When Gildersleeve happens by and sees Molly doing all the work, he's appalled by Fibber's treatment of his "frail little woman," though Molly insists she's perfectly capable.

As the couple attempts to finish their preparations, calling utilities and arranging for services to be shut off, they receive visits from their Wistful Vista neighbors. Mrs. Uppington drops by with a peculiar going-away gift of collapsible finger bowls for roughing it in the woods, complete with her trademark condescending wit. Through it all, Fibber remains stubbornly fixated on his symphony while chaos swirls around him and departure time draws near.