Anatomy of a Gildy Episode: The Who’s Who of GG470129 Marjorie’s Hotrod Boyfriend: The Great Gildersleeve; John Whedon and Beyond

“I learned more about Whedon from reading this book than I ever knew before, and [Adler’s] line-by-line transcription of one of his shows will bring you enjoyment as you actually listen to the episode.”  —Walden Hughes, General Manager and Radio Host, Yesterday USA Radio Network

“Author Peggy Adler takes a deep dive into one of the most beloved radio shows of all time, The Great Gildersleeve. Not only does she highlight the characters, their relationships to each other and the plot, she also takes a breathtakingly penetrating look at the scriptwriter, John Ogden Whedon. Like her other books, this will be the “go-to, definitive work” on this radio script and its scriptwriter. If you love the Golden Age of Radio, you will love this book!” —Brad Zinn, Comedian/Brad Zinn Entertainment Enterprises, Inc.

“Despite growing up after first-run radio shows were broadcast, I’ve always been fascinated by their lasting influence on television. In Anatomy of a Gildy Episode: The Who’s Who of GG470129 Marjorie’s Hotrod Boyfriend: The Great Gildersleeve, John Whedon, and Beyond, author Peggy Adler explores this connection through a single episode of The Great Gildersleeve, the beloved Fibber McGee and Molly spin-off. Featuring a full transcript and rich historical context, Adler examines Emmy-nominated writer John Whedon’s career—from radio to television classics like The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Donna Reed Show, and Leave It to Beaver—revealing how his personal experiences shaped his storytelling across both mediums. A thoroughly entertaining and interesting read.” —Stefan Blitz, editor-in-chief, Forces of Geek 

“Using a single episode from The Great Gildersleeve, Peggy Adler deftly parses not just a classic radio show, but a historic cultural moment when radio reached its zenith and the television sitcom was born. Bridging this transition was John Whedon, a young writer who found his comedy chops at the Harvard Lampoon, honed them on The Great Gildersleeve and went on to pioneer the first Golden Age of television, writing for legendary shows such as The Donna Reed Show, Leave It to Beaver, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Not incidentally, John Whedon was also my grandfather, and Adler’s extensive and well-researched glossary perfectly describes our strange family tree—a tree laden with writers on every branch including three generations of television writers. Whedons continue to write and produce episodic television to this day. Adler presents a history that is not only of personal significance to me, but to anyone interested in the genealogy of the situation comedy.” —Erika Schickel, author of The Big Hurt and You’re Not the Boss of Me