Spring Cleaning

Originally aired March 23, 1936, this episode finds Fibber McGee in high spirits and full of ambition as he attempts to surprise Molly with a fully cleaned house while she visits her Aunt Sarah. Intent on doing the spring cleaning himself—with a little (chaotic) help from Silly Watson and a new domestic named Wilhelmina Schlagenkörper—Fibber’s efforts spiral into comedic disaster.

 

From hauling furniture onto the lawn to overly enthusiastic rug-beating lessons and a fast-talking soap salesman, Fibber’s exaggerated tales and overconfidence deliver one laugh after another. As storm clouds roll in and the furniture sits vulnerable outside, chaos reaches a hilarious climax—just as Molly announces she’s coming home early.

 

Complete with Johnson’s Glow Coat promotions and a delightful musical interlude by Rico Martelli’s orchestra, this episode of Fibber McGee & Molly is a gleaming example of golden-age radio comedy, polished and preserved for today’s listeners.