Honest Harold

Harold Peary began his radio career at age 13 and was a popular actor through the 1930's. In the late 1930's he played assorted characters on FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY, including a stuffed-shirt type named Gildersleeve, which developed into the series THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE. In 1950, Harold Peary moved from NBC to CBS assuming the Gildersleeve sponsor Kraft Food Company would follow; when Kraft didn't move, HONEST HAROLD, THE HOMEMAKER (also known as THE HAROLD PEARY SHOW) was created. Honest Harold Hemp lived with his mother and nephew and did a radio homemaker's program. The series received undeservedly negative ratings and critical attitude despite well-crafted scripts, excellent acting and production values. Willard Waterman assumed the Gildersleeve role, and too many similarities between the two series plus lack of a sponsor led HONEST HAROLD to last only one season.