+ 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)
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Please enjoy these 37 old time radio episodes:
Air Date | Title | Synopsis | Rating |
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02.21.1951 | florabelle returns |
+ Sponsored by: Army/Air Force recruiting. Theodora is gone, Florabella is going. Harold hears abou... | |
03.28.1951 | first day of school |
+ "Honest Harold" brings little Marvin to his first day at school and Marvin has quite a day. Haro... | |
01.24.1951 | engaged twice |
+ Harold gets engaged...twice, as a matter of fact! Harold and Theodora have been going together s... | |
11.01.1950 | election plans |
+ It’s a big day in the little town of Melrose Springs. Yes this is the day when the voters go to ... | |
11.08.1950 | cousin raymond visits |
+ Cousin Raymond is in love with Gloria O'Day. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle in the honest ... | |
03.21.1951 | cousin marvin |
+ Cousin Natalie visits, along with little Marvin, a perfect monster. Harold takes little Marvin c... | |
04.18.1951 | cleaning the cellar |
+ Harold decides to clean out the cellar but winds up at Big Bear Lake for a picnic with his frien... | |
01.31.1951 | civic achievement award |
+ Harold is annoyed by a slow-moving tractor. Will he win the "Oswald Award" for civic improvement... | |
04.25.1951 | circus day |
+ The circus is in town. Harold sings, "If I Could Lay Beside A Babbling Brook." | |
12.20.1950 | childrens christmas party |
+ A heartwarming Christmas show as Honest Hal trusts an old bank robber with the job of playing Sa... | |
10.25.1950 | campaign speech |
+ There’s a lot of excitement in Melrose Springs for it’s almost election time. The talk of the ... | |
08.23.1950 | audition |
+ An audition recording. "Honest Harold, The Home Maker" tells his radio listeners that his new spon... |
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HONEST HAROLD
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