Returning From Vacation

Originally Aired: October 1, 1940

In Fibber McGee & Molly #255, "Returning From Vacation," the McGees arrive home at 79 Wistful Vista after their trip, only to discover disaster has struck. Their neighbor Gildersleeve cheerfully greets them and begins helping unload their car, but casually mentions a broken umbrella stand, a rehung dining room door, and a collapsed floor. As Fibber grows increasingly agitated, Gildersleeve reveals that water from an upstairs bathroom flooded through the ceiling, causing extensive damage to their home. The two neighbors nearly come to blows over the catastrophe before Molly intervenes and schedules their argument for the next day at eleven o'clock.

Meanwhile, their friend Harlow Wilcox stops by to welcome them home, and the little girl from across the street delivers surprising news. She announces that she's leaving the show after receiving other offers, with her agent Willie Toops representing her. The McGees are shocked by her sudden departure and her newfound Hollywood attitude, though they wish her well as they try to make sense of both their damaged home and the unexpected changes awaiting them.