The first of only five multi-part story lines from the third season, "The Sport of Penguins" not only boasts Burgess Meredith in his signature role but also adds Ethel Merman as Lola Lasagne, formerly Lulu Schultz, who doesn't like to be reminded of her past identity, her love of parasols matching his love for umbrellas (I fondly recall one blooper from years before: "and now the robust voice of Ethel Murmur!"). Returning henchmen are Lewis Charles as Armband, from the very first Penguin appearance in season one, and Joe Brooks as Visor, from the False Face two parter just a few weeks later. The plot dates back as far as 1936's "Charlie Chan at the Race Track," villains scheming to switch horses before the big race, betting on the long shot for huge winnings. This first chapter involves the search for a horse that can double for Lola's Parasol, winding up in Glu Gluten's Glue Factory for an old nag that might just fill the Penguin's bill (appearing uncredited as Gluten is Horace MacMahon, one of many familiar faces that surprised and delighted audiences of the time).
Review of The Sport of Penguins
