+ Harold (Hal) Peary (July 25, 1908 – March 30, 1985) was an American actor, comedian and singer in radio, film, television and animation remembered best as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, a supporting character on radio's Fibber McGee & Molly that moved to its own radio hit, The Great Gildersleeve, the first known spinoff hit in American broadcasting history. In 1950, at CBS, Peary began a new situation comedy, The Harold Peary Show, sometimes known as Honest Harold, a title that was actually the name of the fictitious radio show the new character hosted. Radio veteran Joseph Kearns (later familiar as Mr. Wilson on television's Dennis the Menace, played veterinarian Dr. Yancey, known better as Doc Yak-Yak and resembling former foil Judge Hooker. The new show also borrowed a few Gildersleeve plot devices, such as running for mayor and engagements to two women. In what was possibly a desperate attempt to recreate the Gildersleeve magic, it even brought in actress Shirley Mitchell, virtually recreating her Gildersleeve role of Leila Ransom, under the name of Florabelle Breckenridge. Additionally, Honest Harold's secretary at the radio station, Glory, bears a more than passing resemblance to Gildersleeve's Water Department secretary, Bessie: both are stereotypical giggly blondes. Despite these efforts to recreate the power and ratings of "The Great Gildersleeve", The Harold Peary Show lasted only one season of 38 episodes-WikiPedia Click here to read more about Honest Harold (The Harold Peary Show)
- Radio Shows
- Comments
- Photos
Please enjoy these 37 old time radio episodes:
| Air Date | Title | Synopsis | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02.28.1951 | willis cant pass the physical |
+ Sponsored by: Army/Air Force recruiting. Waiting for Willis...with a bodyguard. | |
| 01.03.1951 | warbleware party |
+ Cousin Raymond is still out of work. There's going to be a Warbleware party. "When your Warblewa... | |
| 05.09.1951 | vying for class |
+ Mr. Walker drives by with his tractor (don't miss the sounds effects). Harold finds himself down... | |
| 10.18.1950 | the runaway boy |
+ It’s midnight in the little town of Melrose Springs and all its good citizens are sound asleep i... | |
| 12.06.1950 | the hummer |
+ Who is The Hummer, why is he pursuing Honest Harold, when will he strike? Alone in his office in t... | |
| 10.11.1950 | the chanteuse |
+ Honest Harold is a little sad this morning for the light of his life the lovely Evalina is leaving... | |
| 11.22.1950 | thanksgiving play |
+ Honest Harold is directing and starring in, "The Story Of Miles Standish, A Story Of Thanksgivin... | |
| 10.04.1950 | shark repellent |
+ Honest Harold is learning that large earlobes may hide a dishonest heart for the great philanthrop... | |
| 03.07.1951 | red cross drive |
+ Harold has sworn off women...especially Florabelle. He is in charge of the Red Cross fund drive ... | |
| 12.13.1950 | raymond and gloria |
+ Here we are back in Melrose Springs home of that popular radio entertainer Honest Harold, the home... | |
| 06.06.1951 | peabodys sister takes over |
+ Stanley Peabody is leaving the radio station. His sister takes over, evHonest Harold learns from... | |
| 05.23.1951 | party invitation |
+ Harold and Florabelle going canoing on the lake. A little girl invites Marvin to a party. It’s... | |
| 12.27.1950 | new years dance |
+ Harold is planning to ask Theodora to go to the barn dance. Harold sings, "Auld Lang Syne." Let�... | |
| 02.07.1951 | mothers suitor |
+ Is Harold's mother in love? "The Sunny Side Of Seventy Club's" leading man certainly seems inter... | |
| 04.04.1951 | modernizing docs office |
+ Harold tries to modernize Doctor Yak-Yak's office. | |
| 02.14.1951 | mistaken valentines |
+ Harold sings, "Love's Old Story." There's been a mixup in Valentines, Florabelle is quite upset.... | |
| 05.02.1951 | marvins gang |
+ A pile of lumber has disappeared. The clues lead to little Marvin and his friends. | |
| 06.13.1951 | marvin decides to stay |
+ Little Marvin is staying with Harold. The winners of the "Honesty" contest are announced and pra... | |
| 05.30.1951 | marshall for a day |
+ Harold is appointed Marshal for a day. Honest Harold offers to stand in for his friend Pete and... | |
| 01.10.1951 | lost sponsor |
+ Sponsored by: Plymouth. "Honest Harold, The Homemaker" is going to be in charge of the radio stat... | |
| 03.14.1951 | income tax |
+ It's income tax time once again. Harold's waited until the last minute once again. | |
| 09.17.1950 | harold loses his job |
+ "Honest Harold" thinks about leaving the Melrose Springs radio station and try his luck in New ... | |
| 01.17.1951 | going to new york |
+ Sponsored by: Plymouth. "Honest Harold, The Homemaker" is going to be in charge of the radio stat... | |
| 11.15.1950 | getting a job |
+ Honest Harold the homemaker has a new problem on his hands these days, his lazy young cousin Raymo... | |
| 05.16.1951 | florabelles new lover |
+ Harold acts nonchalant with Florabelle, but she has a date with someone else. The "Honest Deed"... |
1 2
HONEST HAROLD
Leave a comment