The Great Gildersleeve

Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve debuted on Fibber McGee and Molly on October 3, 1939. The spinoff launched August 31, 1941, and was an immediate hit. The show ran in two distinct eras: Hal Peary's tenure from 1941 to 1950, and Willard Waterman's from 1950 to 1957. The transition occurred when Peary attempted to take the show to CBS; Kraft, who held the rights, refused and hired Waterman. Four theatrical films were produced in the 1940s starring Peary. Walter Tetley, who played nephew Leroy throughout the entire run (1941–1957), was born with a condition that kept his voice perpetually youthful.