Lum and Abner 1933-01-02 Hunting The Lion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lum and Abner 1933-01-02 Hunting The Lion

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Lum and Abner 1933-01-02 Hunting The Lion," listeners are transported to the quaint community of Pine Ridge. The beloved characters Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody embark on a humorous and adventurous quest to capture a troublesome lion that has recently escaped captivity, causing unrest among the townsfolk.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Lum returning to the garage where Abner is diligently preparing for another expedition into the mountains to hunt the elusive lion. Abner reveals his unconventional plan to Lum: instead of the typical hunting methods, he intends to utilize an elephant named Baby as part of their strategy.

Dialogue and Character Dynamics

From the outset, the camaraderie and comedic tension between Lum and Abner are evident. Lum questions Abner's sanity, exclaiming at [02:38], “Listen, Abner, what in the name of common sense are you up to now?” Abner, undeterred, confidently responds, “[02:44] Abner Peabody: Well, I'm getting things all ready to go on that lion hunt tonight, Lum.”

The duo debates the practicality of using an elephant for hunting, with Lum highlighting the absurdity: “[02:50] Lum Edwards: Who ever heard of hunting lions with an elephant?” Abner counters by referencing a book supposedly authored by Dick Huddleston, suggesting that this method is both novel and effective.

The Elephant Hunt Strategy

Abner elaborates on his plan, referencing a photograph from the book that shows hunters riding elephants during lion hunts. Lum remains skeptical, pointing out the impracticalities of such a method: “[03:27] Lum Edwards: Well, you can't make no hunting dog out of an elephant, I can tell you that right now.”

Their conversation delves into the logistics of the hunt, with Abner expressing confidence in their homemade modifications: “[04:11] Abner Peabody: Yeah. Well, now, you just wait. Now, me and Cedric's got a scheme worked out where there'll be room for all of us up there on his back.”

Introducing the Contest

Midway through the episode, Lum and Abner introduce a community contest to name the elephant. Lum explains the idea to Dick Huddleston, a local resident, seeking his involvement as a judge for the contest: “[09:16] Lum Edwards: Well, you know, when I telephoned sister Simpson the other day down there at your store to see if she could think up a good name.”

Dick expresses hesitation, concerned about the responsibility: “[10:04] Dick Huddleston: Oh, no, now, Lum, I'd rather not hear.”

Undeterred, Lum proceeds to announce the contest over the community’s party line network, offering a new Ford radio as the prize for the best name submitted: “[10:33] Lum Edwards: ...We're going to give a new Ford radio to the person who sends in the name the judges select as the best.”

Humorous Mishaps and Revelations

As preparations for the hunt continue, Abner unveils his makeshift hunting ensemble attached to the elephant, leading to a series of comedic moments. Lum critiques the absurdity of Abner's contraptions: “[11:25] Lum Edwards: I don't know. That's something Abner's doing. Come on out there a minute, Abner. What in the name. What's that business you got up on that elephant's back?”

Abner proudly explains his modifications, trying to rationalize the ridiculous setup: “[11:39] Abner Peabody: I know that. This is what they call a hoodah in that book. That's what we're going to ride in.”

Lum remains unimpressed, highlighting the impractical nature of their plans: “[12:02] Dick Huddleston: Is that a dish pan upside down there that you're wearing for a hat?”

Community Involvement and Final Preparations

Gene Hamilton, presumably a representative from the local Ford dealership, interjects at [12:26] to remind listeners about the ongoing contest and Ford vehicle promotions. However, Lum and Abner continue to focus on their hunt, demonstrating their unwavering commitment despite the mounting skepticism.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Lum and Abner’s ambitious yet comical preparations to embark on their lion hunt, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the outcome. Lum laments the impracticality of their approach, while Abner remains steadfast in his conviction that their unconventional methods will succeed.

Notable Quotes

• Lum Edwards [02:38]: “Listen, Abner, what in the name of common sense are you up to now?”
• Abner Peabody [02:44]: “Well, I'm getting things all ready to go on that lion hunt tonight, Lum.”
• Lum Edwards [02:50]: “Who ever heard of hunting lions with an elephant?”
• Abner Peabody [04:11]: “Yeah. Well, now, you just wait. Now, me and Cedric's got a scheme worked out where there'll be room for all of us up there on his back.”
• Lum Edwards [09:16]: “Well, you know, when I telephoned sister Simpson the other day down there at your store to see if she could think up a good name.”
• Lum Edwards [10:33]: “We're going to give a new Ford radio to the person who sends in the name the judges select as the best.”

Final Thoughts

"Lum and Abner 1933-01-02 Hunting The Lion" masterfully blends humor with light-hearted adventure, showcasing the endearing dynamics between Lum and Abner. Their inventive, albeit flawed, strategies and the community's involvement through the naming contest add layers of charm and wit, making this episode a delightful listen for fans of classic radio comedies.

Transcript

[Gene Hamilton]

Howdy, everybody. Here we are all ready to take you down to Pine Ridge for this evening's visit with Blum and Abner, whose everyday experiences are sent for you each evening except Saturday and Sunday by your local Ford dealer. You have asked, is the new Ford V8 Economical to drive? Tonight, your Ford dealer answers that question. Answers you with the strongest official proof possible to obtain a certificate of performance given the Ford V8 by the contest board of the American Automobile Association. This certificate says the undersigned certify in the name of the contest board, American Automobile Association. That is Washington, D.C. and over the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. A Ford V8 1933 two door sedan, motor number 18332364, of strictly stock class, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and driven by contest board personnel was timed at 182 hours and 50 minutes over the distance of 5022 and 110 miles. An average of 27.468 miles per hour. From a standing start on June 20th to the 28th, 1933, establishing an average of 22532 miles per gallon of gasoline. Total oil use 1.578 gallons. An average of 3182 and a half miles per gallon. Total gasoline used 222.89 gallons. An average of 22.532 miles per gallon. Water added none. Signed Chester S. Ricker, official representative. Ev Rickenbacher, chairman of the board, P.W. lewis, technical representative and V. Allen, the secretary. In fairness to yourself, see the new Ford before you buy. Well, when we left our old friends down at Pine Ridge last Thursday, the elephant had pulled the door off the jailhouse and released the old lion on the terrified community. Plum and Abner have been trying their best to capture the lion ever since, but so far have not succeeded. As we look in on Pine Ridge today, we find Abner back at the garage preparing for another trip into the mountains in search of the nuisance that is caus such a disturbance. Lum has just arrived on the scene.

[Lum Edwards]

Listen, Abner, what in the name of common sense are you up to now?

[Abner Peabody]

Well, I'm getting things all ready to go on that line hunt tonight, Lum.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, you're not aiming on taking this elephant, are you?

[Abner Peabody]

Why, sure.

[Lum Edwards]

Who ever hear to huntin lions with the elephant?

[Abner Peabody]

Well, now, that's what that book says.

[Lum Edwards]

What book?

[Abner Peabody]

Why, that right there. Dick Huddleston give it to me to read. Tells all about lion hunt.

[Lum Edwards]

I see it. What we better do is get some dogs to hunt that lion With?

[Abner Peabody]

No, no. According to that book, Caroline, they don't use dogs.

[Lum Edwards]

Big game hunting in Africa. Well, I don't care what they say in here. I know in reason they don't use elephants to hunt lions with. They can't even bark. How would you know when they struck the trail?

[Abner Peabody]

Well, how do you know if they don't bark on trails?

[Lum Edwards]

Well, did you ever see elephant a barking?

[Abner Peabody]

Why, no, I never. But I never seen one on trail neither.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, you can't make no hunting dog out of an elephant, I can tell you that right now. Now, wouldn't that elephant there look fine running a rabbit across the field or setting under a tree barking at a little squirrel?

[Abner Peabody]

Well, now, I don't think he hunt like dog does long. Now, look there now, where I got the page turned down. Shows a picture of them hunting lions in aperture right in that bush.

[Lum Edwards]

Where?

[Abner Peabody]

Why, right there. Right in there, Ted.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, they're just riding elephants there.

[Abner Peabody]

Huh?

[Lum Edwards]

The elephants ain't a hunting the lions. You see, they have beaters that go on ahead and run the lines by. And these fellers here just capture.

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah. Well, now, I figured on me and you riding Baby here like they're doing in that picture last long.

[Lum Edwards]

You can ride up there if you want to, but I ain't gonna try to ride no elephants back. You see, these hunters in this picture's got a seat up there. See there?

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah. Well, now, you just wait. Now, me and Cedric's got a scheme worked out where there'll be room for all of us up there on his back.

[Lum Edwards]

Whereabouts is Cedric at?

[Abner Peabody]

Oh, I sent him over the house for some stuff while ago. I'm trying to get Baby all rigged up so we can strike out right after supper tonight.

[Lum Edwards]

Abner, I wish you'd quit calling that elephant Bab.

[Abner Peabody]

Well, I got to call him something. That's the only name we got, Fern.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, just call him Elephant till after the contest is over. Then we'll have a regular name fer him.

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah, I thought some of them names that's already been sent in would be all right.

[Lum Edwards]

Yeah, there's some good names suggested, all right, but we don't want to do no deciding until we close the contest. Then we'll let the committee pick one out.

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah. Well, have you made the announcement about the contest or the party line yet?

[Lum Edwards]

No, I'll attend to that. Again, I go back to the office.

[Abner Peabody]

As you know, I just looking at Baby, I mean Elephant, while I golem. I believe he's deformed.

[Lum Edwards]

Deformed?

[Abner Peabody]

Yes, sir. Now, Just look at him there. He looks like he ain't big enough for himself, don't he?

[Lum Edwards]

Ain't big enough for you? What you talking about?

[Abner Peabody]

Well, his skin don't fit him very good. It's a way yonder too big for him.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, he just ain't growed to it yet. He ain't more than half growed, you know.

[Abner Peabody]

No, what they do, just give him a skin that's big enough for a grown elephant and let him grow to it.

[Lum Edwards]

I don't know, Abner. This is the first experience I've ever had. They just ain't built for style. They run more for comfort.

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah, well, there ain't much shape to them, I'll say that now. Just look at them legs. They just might die. Straight up and down. Looks like his legs just run down the ground. Stops all of a sudden like he balled up in the mud or something.

[Lum Edwards]

Don't. Hey, they funny Bill critters. Wait a minute, your honor. Comes Dick Huddleston driving up in front of him. Have to get back in the office. Dan Went out to deliver a new car a while ago.

[Abner Peabody]

Yeah, you just go ahead and talk to Dick, Mom. I'll finish up. Gettin ready for this line, huh?

[Lum Edwards]

Try your way one more time, Abner. But if we don't catch this lion tonight, we'll get some dogs and trail him down.

[Abner Peabody]

Dog as we'll catch him tonight. All right.

[Lum Edwards]

Just wait till you see what old.

[Abner Peabody]

Me and Cedric's got rigged up. This book here has learned me all about lion hunt.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, you needn't account on me riding that elephant. I'll tell you that right now. Well, howdy, Dick. How are you today?

[Dick Huddleston]

Well, howdy, Lum. The wife said you telephoned you on to see me about something.

[Lum Edwards]

Yeah. I'm glad you come over, Dick. Come on in the office. I'll explain it to you.

[Dick Huddleston]

What's Abner doing back there?

[Lum Edwards]

Oh, he's rigging up the elephant. Getting ready to go hunt that lion again tonight.

[Dick Huddleston]

Haven't located him yet, huh?

[Lum Edwards]

No. He can find plenty places where he's been, but we can't seem to find where he's at. Go ahead in.

[Dick Huddleston]

Well, thanks, Bob. I've been hearing a lot of complaints about that lion, too.

[Lum Edwards]

Yeah, and so have we, Granny. Trying our best to locate him.

[Dick Huddleston]

Well, he's got the whole community scared to death. They're just afraid to go out after dark. Afraid he'll jump out of the bushes after him or something.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, he wouldn't bother. Nobody couldn't hurt him, if he wanted. You ain't got a tooth in his head. Sit down. Sit down.

[Dick Huddleston]

Thanks, Grandma. Well, I know, Court, they ain't got no teeth.

[Lum Edwards]

But it's just the idea of a.

[Dick Huddleston]

Lion being turned loose in the community is what's scaring him. When he starts that roaring, why, you can hear him for miles. Believe me now, the folks around here ain't venturing out after night.

[Lum Edwards]

Oh, folks had been crawling up here making complaints about it. And I told him we was doing all we could to catch him. He ain't a thing for him to be scared of.

[Dick Huddleston]

As the sea trunk was telling me that him and his whole family slept in the storm cellar last night.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, I do feared of old toothless lion. I slept right in my house. Don't catch me staying all night in no storm. Seller just locked all the doors and winders and went right on off to sleep. It's a little warm, a little close to all the winders down, but that's a heat better than a storm cellar.

[Dick Huddleston]

Yeah, you're scared just like all the rest of us.

[Abner Peabody]

No, no, I ain't.

[Dick Huddleston]

You might as well admit it.

[Lum Edwards]

No, sir. I thought. Sure. We caught him Saturday night over there on Old Piney Mountain. Yeah, Abner had one of them coal mining lights that they fashion on their caps when they were down in the mines.

[Dick Huddleston]

Oh, yeah, I was on carb.

[Lum Edwards]

He had one of them fastened on his hat or trying to shine the lion's eyes. Like Uncle Henry Lunceford used to hunt deer of a night. Well, we walked up on this critter the other night and there's two big eyes are staring.

[Dick Huddleston]

Was it the lion?

[Lum Edwards]

No, but we thought it was.

[Dick Huddleston]

What was it?

[Lum Edwards]

Well, I. I don't like to say, Dick. We couldn't tell, of course. All we could see was eyes till we got right up there. Well, what was it, Lump? You weren't joyous about it? Will you.

[Dick Huddleston]

No, of course not. What was?

[Lum Edwards]

Well, sir, it was that wild steer, Luther Phillips. When Abner shined that light in his eyes, he taken in after us and put us up a tree. And our grannies. We had to stay there till daylight Sunday morning.

[Dick Huddleston]

Well, that ain't no way to hunt lions anyway. I shine em with the light that way. I gave Abner a book on how to hunt big game in Africa. Some pointers out of that. That'll help you catch it.

[Lum Edwards]

Yeah, I think you just done that to have some fun. Out of Africa.

[Dick Huddleston]

Why, no, it's a good book, Granny.

[Lum Edwards]

He's got it in his Head. Now he's a big game hunter getting that poor elephant all rigged up for a big lion hunt tonight.

[Dick Huddleston]

I do know. Say, what was it you want to see me about? Lama? I've got to get on back to work.

[Lum Edwards]

Oh, why? Me and Abner is putting on a sort of a contest to get a name for the elephant. And where'd you get the idea to.

[Dick Huddleston]

Put on a contest?

[Lum Edwards]

Well, you know, when I telephoned sister Simpson the other day down there at your store to see if she could think up a good name.

[Dick Huddleston]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I remember now.

[Lum Edwards]

Yeah, well, there must have been a lot of folks listening in on the party. Party line for. We've got a whole batch of letters here. Names, different ones he sent in. Yeah, yeah, that's what give us the idea to turn it into a regular contest and give a prize for the best name sent in.

[Dick Huddleston]

What kind of a prize? You ain't gonna give em?

[Lum Edwards]

Why me and Abner decide to give the person that sends in the best name for the elephant a new Ford radio for their car.

[Dick Huddleston]

Well, say, that's a nice prize. Yeah, but suppose that somebody wins it. Alum doesn't have a Ford.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, these Ford radios will fit any car here.

[Dick Huddleston]

Oh, they will?

[Lum Edwards]

Sure. Well, that's all right.

[Dick Huddleston]

Then Find out. Where do I come in on.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, we wanted you and grandpappy Spears and Doc Cook to be the judges to pick out the best name for the elephant.

[Dick Huddleston]

Oh, no, now, Lum, I'd rather not hear.

[Lum Edwards]

No, now, there ain't no way out of this, Jack. I ain't asking you, I'm just telling you. You're one of the committee. Ian Abner or Dan Davis can't do it on account of being connected with the garage here, you know.

[Dick Huddleston]

No, no. Well, if you've done decided it, Lum. Well, I guess I'll ask the serve.

[Lum Edwards]

Well, I've done decided it.

[Gene Hamilton]

All right.

[Lum Edwards]

Now I'll call up the folks on the party line and tell them about the contest.

[Dick Huddleston]

I'm just afraid you're getting me in for a lot of work from them. That's what you're doing. Now, don't tell the folks on the party line that I'm one of the judges.

[Lum Edwards]

No, I ain't. Wait a minute. Everybody's listening in now. Howdy, everybody. This is the Pine Ridge Motor Company broadcasting over the party line network. Plum editors president and left vice president doing a talking. I got an extra special announcement to make today. You folks all know the elephant at Abner traded for a few days ago. Well, we're trying to find a good name for him. So we're going to give a new Ford radio to the person who sends in the name the judges select as the best. Just mail them to Lum and Abner and we'll get them. This contest will run till Thursday of this week, so better get busy and send us in a name. I reckon that's all right.

[Abner Peabody]

What in the world.

[Dick Huddleston]

That out in front there looks like Abner coming up out there.

[Lum Edwards]

Wait just a minute. Wait a minute. Goodbye, everybody. Well, for the great I am.

[Dick Huddleston]

What's that on that elephant there?

[Lum Edwards]

I don't know. That's something Abner's doing. Come on out.

[Dick Huddleston]

Let's see.

[Lum Edwards]

Come out there a minute, Abner. What in the name. What's that business you got up on that elephant's back?

[Abner Peabody]

I know that. This is what they call a hoodah in that boat. That's what we're going to ride in.

[Lum Edwards]

It looks like a body off a old used car.

[Dick Huddleston]

That's what it is.

[Abner Peabody]

I told you. This will make a 5 passenger out of it.

[Dick Huddleston]

Where?

[Abner Peabody]

Most of them just got a box up there we've got a regular shoe down.

[Dick Huddleston]

If that elephant don't look fine. That body off that used car up on him there.

[Lum Edwards]

Where in the world did you get that outfit you got on there? Undoubtedly, you don't aim to wear a.

[Abner Peabody]

Getter game hunter's outfit, Ron.

[Lum Edwards]

Why, you've got enough junk there to start a secondhand store.

[Dick Huddleston]

Is that a dish pan upside down there that you're wearing for a hat?

[Lum Edwards]

Look at them short pants and them boots. Now, if you don't look aside.

[Abner Peabody]

Look at the guns we've got here, Ron. Me and you going right up here in the front seat. And Cedric's going to beat the line out of the brush. I know that. We'll show them how big game hunting ought to be.

[Lum Edwards]

There, Granny's Dick. I know it was a mistake to ever give that book on how to hunt big game. Dabner. And he ain't got a lick.

[Gene Hamilton]

Well, anyway, don't forget, if you have a name to suggest for the elephant, send it to Laman Abner in care of your station. You may be the winner of that Ford radio. Know the facts before you buy a car. And you'll buy a Ford V8, for instance. The all steel electrically welded body versus the body of wood and steel. Fact number one, steel doesn't need wood for strength or protection. Two, the steel and wood body is not much stronger structurally than its wooden frame. Three, under extreme stress or shock. The steel body remains intact, dented perhaps, but not crushed. For it is more expensive to make an all steel body than to make a wooden frame and then nail steel panels on it. Until experience proved it unwise, Ford mixed wood and steel in bodies and wheels. It was the best way then, but the state of the art has advanced. No one argues now that the electrically welded one piece wheel such as the Ford wheel needs to be strengthened by adding wood to it. Know the facts before you buy a car. All the facts in fairness for yourself. See the new Ford before you buy. In closing we want to remind you to listen for the special announcement to be given during the old Time Sociable Friday night. Plummet Avner will tell you about a very interesting contest in which they will give away a new Ford V8 every Friday night and everyone is invited to take part. Gene Hamilton speaking for your local Ford dealer who invites you to follow the experiences of Lomond Abner tomorrow evening at this same time.

[Lum Edwards]

This is an actual broadcasting company.

[Gene Hamilton]

It.