Presenting The Vaudeville Show

Originally aired March 29, 1937, this follow-up to last week’s auditions brings Fibber McGee & Molly to the stage of the Bijou Theater as hosts of Wistful Vista’s very own vaudeville festival. McGee’s blustery emcee work quickly tangles with hecklers, tomatoes, and his own long-winded introductions. The lineup includes a centipede act gone wrong, accordionist Frankie Papilla, a trapeze-swinging grandma, Perry Como crooning “When the Poppies Bloom Again,” and Elmo Tanner’s trademark whistling.

Adding to the comedy, Silly Watson spots the slippery magician Horatio K. Boomer—the same rascal who stole Fibber’s jewelry the week before. The climax comes when Fibber and Molly revive their “Hypno and Misto” mind-reading act, only to discover the magician in the audience—watch, ring, and all still in his possession. His excuse? The ticking of McGee’s noisy watch has kept him awake all week.

With variety turns, running gags, and sponsor tie-ins to Johnson’s Glow Coat, this spirited installment captures the anything-can-happen feel of a small-town talent night—where even the hosts can end up as the punchline.