Lum Wants to be a Hero

Originally Aired: September 4, 1935

In Lum & Abner #188, "Lum Wants to be a Hero," Lum finds himself desperate to restore his reputation after the Western Sterling Silver Company collapses, leaving him ostracized by the townspeople who blame him for their losses. In a scheme born of desperation, he devises an elaborate plan to stage a fake kidnapping of his partner Abner, believing that rescuing him will transform Lum into a hero and restore the stockholders' confidence. Lum even arranges for Grandpappy Spears to run their store temporarily, planning to tell everyone he's bought them out since customers refuse to patronize a business associated with Lum.

Abner initially resists the harebrained scheme, worried about fooling people and especially concerned that his wife Elizabeth will see through the deception. However, Lum expertly manipulates his partner's loyalty by playing on their friendship and reminding Abner of past favors. Despite his misgivings, Abner reluctantly agrees to be "kidnapped" and hide in Lum's house. As they work out the details, including Lum's insistence on using a ladder for authenticity even though Abner's window sits just three feet off the ground, the absurdity of their plan becomes increasingly apparent.