The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show Season 5 Episode 30 Gracie Consults Dr. Kirby's Problem Clinic

Gracie Consults Dr. Kirby's Problem Clinic is an entertaining and comedic episode from the fifth season of The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Set in the charming home of George and Gracie, the episode revolves around Gracie's eccentric and often hilarious antics as she attempts to solve the problems of her friends and neighbors by seeking advice from the fictional Dr. Kirby's Problem Clinic.

The episode begins with Gracie interrupting George as he reads the newspaper, eager to share her latest idea. She reveals that she has been listening to Dr. Kirby's Problem Clinic on the radio, a show where listeners send in their concerns and the host, Dr. Kirby, provides expert advice. Inspired by this, Gracie proposes that she becomes a consultant for the clinic by solving the issues of those around her. George, bemused by Gracie's enthusiasm, agrees to play along.

Gracie's first patient is her close friend and neighbor, Blanche Morton. As Blanche enters their home, Gracie greets her in a white coat and stethoscope, pretending to be the renowned Dr. Kirby. Blanche is initially surprised but becomes intrigued by Gracie's problem-solving expertise. She explains that her husband Harry has become obsessed with a new hobby, collecting stamps. However, Harry's stamp collection has taken over their home, causing tension in their relationship.

Gracie takes on the case with enthusiasm, methodically assessing Blanche's concerns and proposing her unique solutions. As she consults her imaginary patients, she delves into her imagination, creating elaborate and absurd scenarios to address their issues. With Blanche and George playing along, the episode transitions into hilarious skits, each tailored to help solve the problems presented.

In the next scene, Gracie receives a phone call from her friend Tootsie Sagwell, seeking her advice. Tootsie explains that she is a hardworking housewife who has started to feel unappreciated by her husband. Gracie empathizes with Tootsie's situation, remembering her own struggles as a wife and mother. In true Gracie fashion, she concocts a humorous plan involving Tootsie becoming a secret agent to regain her husband's attention. The absurdity of Gracie's ideas never fails to entertain and leave the audience in stitches.

As the episode progresses, Gracie encounters more of her friends and acquaintances, each with their unique dilemmas. From marriage troubles to career aspirations, Gracie tackles each problem with her signature mix of wit and imagination. Along the way, George plays along, providing comic relief through his deadpan reactions to Gracie's extravagant solutions.

The highlight of the episode arrives when the real Dr. Kirby, the host of the Problem Clinic radio show, unexpectedly pays a visit to the Burns' home. A mix-up has occurred, as George had mistakenly invited Dr. Kirby to meet Gracie. Unaware of the confusion, Gracie continues to resolve the problems of her friends using her unconventional methods. Meanwhile, tensions rise as George attempts to keep the ruse intact, leading to hilarious misunderstandings. The climax of the episode sees Gracie's world colliding with reality, resulting in uproarious chaos.

Gracie Consults Dr. Kirby's Problem Clinic is a delightful episode that displays the brilliance of George Burns and Gracie Allen's comedic talents. Gracie's imaginative and far-fetched methods of problem-solving leave the audience in stitches, while George's deadpan reactions and attempts to keep up the charade add to the comedic charm. With its clever writing and stellar performances, this episode is a testament to the enduring popularity of The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, and a delightful installment in its fifth season.