Theater Attracting Big Crowds: Free Shows, Squire’s Farewell, and a Shocking Ending

Originally Aired: June 24, 1935

In Lum & Abner #136, “Theater Attracting Big Crowds,” Pine Ridge flocks to the reopened Planetarium after Squire Skimp’s theater is shut down by Lum’s justice court ruling. With the competition gone, Lum and Abner find themselves doing brisk business and dream of offering free shows for children. Amid the bustle of ticket sales and hometown chatter, Squire unexpectedly arrives at the theater. Instead of causing trouble, he surprises everyone with an olive branch—and even pays for his own ticket. But just as he appears reformed, disaster strikes inside the theater, leaving Squire gravely injured. The episode ends with a dramatic turn that casts doubt on Squire's transformation and leaves listeners stunned.

Cast:
Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with supporting voices including Cedric Wehunt, Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston, and Squire Skimp

Tags:
LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, PlanetariumTheater, Horlicks, smalltownlife, ruraldrama, classicradio, vaudeville, theaterrush, SquireReturns, freeforthekids, unexpectedtwist