What happens
Summerfield is preparing for its centennial, and Gildersleeve and his nephew Leroy hear that local children and townsfolk are auditioning for a pageant. Gildersleeve, convinced he will win the title role of Captain Otto K. Summer, boasts to his friends at the barbershop and to Judge Hooker. Meanwhile, the pageant's producer, Mr. Hoyland, comes from Kansas City to hear the auditioners, and Birdie's singing catches his attention. Gildersleeve tries to see him in person, and the story follows his hopes and his household's changing plans. The Great Gildersleeve is a radio comedy series, and this episode aired on NBC on November 15, 1950, starring Harold Peary and Lurene Tuttle.
Summerfield, a small town, in the period leading up to its centennial celebration, with scenes at the Gildersleeve house, the barbershop and the local shops.
Characters: Gildersleeve, Leroy, Birdie, Floyd, Judge Hooker, Marjorie, Mr. Hoyland, Peavey
Listen for: Gildersleeve's repeated boasting about being chosen for the title role, and Birdie's surprise opportunity to study voice in Kansas City.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.