Visiting Fireman

Originally aired February 17, 1936, this delightful episode sees Fibber McGee deciding to show Molly around the Wistful Vista fire department, claiming past expertise as “Helmet McGee,” a former member of the mythical Hooper’s Holler Volunteer Fire Department. Predictably, his boasts quickly spiral into tall tales, including an absurd rescue involving an 88-story building and using a fire hose to launch himself skyward.

 

Comedy ensues as Fibber mistakenly slides down a hot steam pipe, greets old friends like Nick DePopolis—who amusingly plans a future fire at his own restaurant—and finds himself accidentally joining the firemen in answering a real fire alarm at the Wistful Vista Fireworks Company. Fibber heroically (but unwisely) removes fireworks from a building he thinks is in danger, only to discover he’s placed them exactly where sparks are flying—leading to a spectacularly comedic climax.

 

Featuring Rico Marcelli’s orchestra, humorous Johnson’s Wax advertisements by the always-smooth Harlow Wilcox, and a charming musical number from amateur songwriter Carlton Bates, this episode perfectly captures the playful spirit and slapstick humor of Fibber McGee & Molly at their best, beautifully remastered for modern audiences.