So This Is Washington (1943)
A charming slice of Americana, So This Is Washington (1943) stars beloved radio duo Lum and Abner—played by Chester Lauck and Norris Goff—as two small-town shopkeepers who head to the nation’s capital with a patriotic mission and a suitcase full of homemade licorice. Directed by Ray McCarey, this 64-minute comedy blends homespun humor with wartime optimism, offering a lighthearted look at how ordinary citizens tried to contribute to the war effort.
Plot Snapshot
Lum and Abner leave their general store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, and travel to Washington, D.C., convinced that Abner’s licorice could be a viable substitute for rubber—a critical wartime material. Their earnestness and rural charm clash hilariously with the red tape and skepticism of government officials. Along the way, they encounter eccentric inventors, bureaucrats, and a few surprises that test their resolve and reinforce their faith in common sense.
Cast Highlights
- Chester Lauck as Lum Edwards
- Norris Goff as Abner Peabody
- Alan Mowbray as Chester W. Marshall
- Mildred Coles, Roger Clark, and Sarah Padden round out the cast
- Look out for uncredited appearances by Chester Conklin, Barbara Pepper, and Jimmie Dodd—a future Mouseketeer!
Trivia & Historical Context
- Though not packed with trivia, the film is a time capsule of wartime America, reflecting rationing, patriotism, and the growing role of federal government.
- Lum and Abner were already household names thanks to their popular radio show, and this film was part of a series of screen adaptations.
- The story subtly underscores the Roosevelt-era belief that Main Street wisdom could guide national policy—a theme that resonated with 1940s audiences.
- The film was nominated for an Academy Award, a rare feat for a comedy rooted in radio characters.
