Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Fibber McGee And Molly 37-10-04 (0130) Supervisor of State Fair
Date: August 29, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with an original broadcast of "Fibber McGee and Molly." The story revolves around the annual state fair in Wistful Vista, where Fibber is begrudgingly recruited to serve as a Supervisor. The duo's misadventures and witty banter capture the charm and humor of classic American radio storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fibber’s Reluctance to Attend the Fair

• Molly is excited about the opening of the state fair and eager to participate, emphasizing the importance of supporting local farmers.

• Fibber expresses classic resistance, dismissing the fair as "for farmers" and making comical excuses about discomforts and trivialities at such events.

  “State fairs is for farming?” – Fibber (03:37)
  “I ain’t no chiropractor.” – Fibber (03:49)

2. The Offer of Supervisor

• The local mayor (“Applepuss”) appoints Fibber as a Supervisor of the fair, hoping to involve responsible citizens.

• Fibber is swayed—not by honor or duty, but by the promise of special perks, such as free entry and a badge with a blue ribbon.

  “I don’t think I can take it. I ain’t got any use for state fairs myself. Any salary to it?” – Fibber (05:20)
  “It’s got a blue ribbon on it?” – Fibber (06:05)
  “I’ll take it.” – Fibber (06:07)

3. Humor on the Midway

• Classic comic exchanges highlight side characters like Mrs. Wearybottom at the ticket booth, who jokes about getting paid to "peek at the neighbors".

• Quirky exhibits are mentioned, including a snake charmer, the “fat lady,” and a Hula dancer.

  “She could show Einstein several dimensions he never thought.” – Mrs. Wearybottom (09:00)

• Molly encounters a woman concerned about the pickle contest, humorously illustrating the competitive spirit at the fair.

4. Sideshow Characters and Gags

• Various fairground attractions provide setups for rapid-fire jokes and puns:

  • Dentist tent: “No pain or no pay,” with tooth jokes and wordplay about “buck teeth.”
  • Silly Watson, the “Head Duck Man,” explains he works at the “African Dodger” (a baseball throwing booth), dodging MLB players (“a bunch of baseball players here from the Giants”).

  “If I can keep dodging them okay, there ain’t much danger. Only thing is there's a shooting gallery right behind me. I can duck most any baseball with my head, but I can't dodge no bullets…” – Silly Watson (13:56)

5. Parade of Inventions and Absurdities

• The Inventors’ Exhibit showcases a bathtub carved entirely from soap.

• Fibber pitches his own ridiculous invention: the “collar button locator”—a dresser designed to catch falling collar buttons by “fooling” them into falling back up.

• Exchanges highlight the show’s trademark puns, quick wit, and good-natured teasing.

  “Why don’t you give a dozen sandpaper bathing suits with each tub?” – Fibber (16:56)

6. Sideshow Barking & Ballyhoo

• Encounter with a sideshow barker with laryngitis, which gives Fibber the opportunity to reminisce about his past as “Ballyhoo McGee, the baseball.”
• The segment ends with more pun-filled banter between Molly and Fibber about his supposed glory days.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the value of farmers:

  “The farmer's the backbone of the nation.” – Molly (03:45)

• Supervisor perks:

  “You have the privilege of entering all concessions free of charge.” – Mayor Applepuss (05:42)

• Satire of public fairs:

  “Clapping hands in ecstasy at a couple of fat hogs, getting popcorn in your hair, and barking your shins over fresh painted tractors.” – Fibber (04:15)

• Practical joke on inventions:

  “Did you ever hear about my invention, the collar button locator?” – Fibber (17:05)

• Reflection on dangerous sideshow work:

  “I can duck most any baseball with my head, but I can't dodge no bullets with my… well, it shows.” – Silly Watson (13:56)

Important Segment Timestamps

• State Fair Debate & Supervisor Offer: [03:35–06:09]
• Arriving at the Fair & Ticket Exchange: [08:24–09:21]
• Pickle Contest & Sideshow Humor: [09:50–11:45]
• Dentist Exhibit & Tooth Gags: [11:10–12:08]
• Silly Watson and Side Hustles: [12:46–13:56]
• Inventions Exhibit: [16:10–17:22]
• Sideshows and “Ballyhoo McGee”: [17:30–18:22]

Episode Highlights

• The episode perfectly encapsulates the lighthearted wit and playful social satire characteristic of Fibber McGee & Molly.
• Dialogue is heavy with puns and double entendres, reflecting both nostalgia for and gentle ribbing of Americana and rural fairs.
• Interactions with quirky side characters drive much of the humor, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere.

For listeners new to "Fibber McGee and Molly," this episode is a wonderful slice of 1930s radio humor, giving you a seat at the soda counter, a stroll down the fair’s bustling midway, and a behind-the-scenes look at small-town shenanigans—all with a wink, a nudge, and a badge with a blue ribbon.