List of The Donna Reed Show episodes

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The Donna Reed Show is an American sitcom starring Donna Reed as the middle-class housewife Donna Stone. Carl Betz co-stars as her pediatrician husband Dr. Alex Stone, and Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen as their teenage children, Mary and Jeff. 275 half-hour episodes were made, all in black-and-white. The show originally aired on ABC from September 24, 1958, to March 19, 1966. [1]

Contents

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 37September 24, 1958 (1958-09-24)June 3, 1959 (1959-06-03)
2 38September 24, 1959 (1959-09-24)June 16, 1960 (1960-06-16)
3 38September 15, 1960 (1960-09-15)June 8, 1961 (1961-06-08)
4 39September 14, 1961 (1961-09-14)June 14, 1962 (1962-06-14)
5 34September 20, 1962 (1962-09-20)May 9, 1963 (1963-05-09)
6 32September 19, 1963 (1963-09-19)April 23, 1964 (1964-04-23)
7 30September 17, 1964 (1964-09-17)April 8, 1965 (1965-04-08)
8 27September 16, 1965 (1965-09-16)March 19, 1966 (1966-03-19)

Episodes

Season 1 (1958–59)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11"Weekend Trip"Andrew McCulloughPhil LeslieSeptember 24, 1958 (1958-09-24)
At breakfast, Donna agrees that the kids are not seeing enough of father Alex. At that moment, Dr. Alex is in his office with little Eddie Barclay, who claims he doesn't feel well. Alex can't find anything wrong with the boy. Donna would like to arrange a skiing weekend for the family. Donna can't understand why their obstetrician friend Dr. Boland (Jackie Kelk) can get off, but not Alex. Donna asks Boland if he could cover for Alex for the weekend and he says he can. Alex says he can't go because he is to be a witness in a court case for banker George Heiser (Howard Wendell). Donna finds a way to get George to drop his case. Alex forgot to tell Donna she was to host a luncheon this weekend. Donna's friend Marge says she can host it instead. It's Friday morning and the family gets ready to leave that afternoon. Mrs. Barclay (Alice Reinheart) calls about Eddie. Something Donna tells Eddie makes him suddenly feel great. Jeff's sudden case of chicken pox puts the trip on hold.
22"Pardon My Gloves" Oscar Rudolph Alan Lipscott & Bob FisherOctober 1, 1958 (1958-10-01)
Donna has a role in an amateur stage production. She is not getting along so well with Lydia Langley, the director. Lydia really wanted to play Donna's part. Jeff comes home with a black eye, but won't say who he was fighting with. Later, Jeff shows Alex a second black eye and is about to tell him who it was. Donna comes by complaining about Lydia and says she quit the play. Jeff won't tell Donna who he's fighting with. Mary tells Alex and Donna that she saw Jeff fighting with Chunky, Lydia's son. Donna goes to speak with Lydia and Chunky. Chunky says that Jeff started the fight because Chunky said that Donna couldn't act. Chunky was just repeating what his Mother had said. Donna tells Lydia that she's returning to the part. Donna tells Jeff that she knows why the fights started. Jeff says that he'll still have to fight Chunky if he says Donna can't act again. Donna, then Alex, try to teach Jeff how to fight. It's the night of the play and Jeff tells Donna that he beat up Chunky. Alex comes home with a black eye. He tried to give first aid to Chunky and Chunky hit him.
33"The Hike"Oscar RudolphJay Sommers & Don NelsonOctober 8, 1958 (1958-10-08)
Jeff is looking forward to going on an overnight camping trip with some friends and Alex. A medical emergency forces Alex to pull out of the trip. Donna volunteers to take over and Alex reluctantly agrees. Jeff, however, is not thrilled. Alex gives Donna some tips on what to do on the trip. Once out in the wild, Donna is not having an easy go of it. Forest Ranger Ferguson offers Donna his help if she needs anything. When the boys come back from fishing, the camp is all set up, there is wood chopped and there is a stew cooking. The boys are impressed. That night, Donna reads the boys a scary story. The next day, Jeff tells Alex what a great time they had. Alex tells Donna that he knows about Ranger Ferguson because he called the ranger station and had them check on her. Donna says that Ferguson didn't help her. Donna overhears Alex call Ferguson, who confirms he didn't help Donna. Alex apologizes for doubting her. But then something happens and Alex finds out how Donna pulled it all off.
44"Male Ego"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterOctober 15, 1958 (1958-10-15)
Mary gives a speech on motherhood during a "Freshman Class Essay Contest" that has everyone praising Donna. Alex is annoyed and starts to feel under-appreciated. Donna and Alex go to buy him a new suit. Despite Alex's opinion, the salesman asks Donna her preference. Alex's friend Dr. Winfield Graham (Lawrence Dobkin) mentions to Alex and Donna that the whole maternity ward is talking about Mary's speech. Reporter Hank Cole (Alvy Moore), of the Daily Sentinel, comes by the Stone house and wants to do a story about Donna. Hank takes pictures of Donna and the children and leaves Alex out. Donna turns Alex's birthday party into an homage to father Stone. Everyone gives a little speech honoring Alex, including Dr. Graham. Donna gives a very touching speech. Alex gets a phone call and has to rush out to make a house call. Alex feels really good when the family is there to greet him when he returns. Sid Tomack as Mac.
55"The Football Uniform"Oscar RudolphWilliam Cowley & Peggy ChantlerOctober 22, 1958 (1958-10-22)
Donna and Mary organize items the Stone family plan to donate to a charity auction. When Jeff donates a toy rocket that Donna has recently bought him, Donna and Alex agree to stop spoiling the boy. Jeff and some local boys are very into playing football. Jeff now has his heart set on getting a football uniform. Alex and Donna tell him he must save his money to pay for it. Jeff's friend Eddie Barclay comes by wearing a new uniform. He says that the boys' football team will be photographed for the local newspaper in three days. Jeff is disappointed because he won't have enough money by then. Donna tells Alex about the boys being photographed, but he still won't buy Jeff a uniform. Donna arranges for someone to donate a uniform. It's the night of the auction and Jeff is bidding on the uniform with the money he has. Donna and Alex each bid on it not knowing the other is bidding. After Donna finally wins the uniform, they realize they were bidding against each other. Suzanne Storrs as Mrs. Cooper.
66"The Foundling"Oscar Rudolph John Whedon October 29, 1958 (1958-10-29)
At the breakfast table, Donna reminds her family that Kathleen (Fintan Meyler), an Irish woman with no boyfriends, will be coming to clean the house today. Mary goes to see if Tony the milkman (Paul Picerni) has arrived. She finds an abandoned baby boy in a basket, left on the Stones' doorstep. Kathleen finds a note asking Donna to take care of the baby, whose name is Willie. Alex, who thinks the baby should be turned over to the authorities, fears the family is becoming too attached to it. Tony arrives, sees the baby, and says he'll leave some special milk for it. A policeman comes by to pick up the baby. Alex has a change of heart and wants to keep the baby until the mother is found. Donna decides to play baby detective. She finds out the baby belongs to Tony. His wife has passed away and he hoped Donna could take care of Willie, because he knows Donna has a good home. Donna agrees to keep the baby until something can be worked out. Donna tries a little matchmaking between Tony and Kathleen.
77"Three Part Mother"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterNovember 5, 1958 (1958-11-05)

At the breakfast table, Alex is going over a speech he is to give at the annual meeting of the medical society that evening. Donna intends to be there, but Jeff asks if she'll be at his basketball game. Jeff learns that he'll be in the starting line-up for the first time. Donna calls Alex to see if he'd mind if she went to Jeff's game, which Alex agrees to. Family friend Woody Graham (Ross Elliott) comes by. He tells Donna that because they're new to the small town of Hilldale, it's important that she be at Alex's meeting. Mary tells Donna that she's been invited to join a special girl's club and the other mothers want to meet Donna at the initiation that evening. Donna is frustrated because she doesn't know what she's going to do. Alex, Mary and Jeff each feel bad and say they understand if she can't make it to their events. With a lot of running around, Donna manages to spend some time with each family member.

Note: Although aired later, this episode seems to introduce the series.
88"Change Partners and Dance"James V. KernWilliam RobertsNovember 12, 1958 (1958-11-12)
Mary wants to go to the "Varsity Prom" with handsome George Haskell (Jimmy Hawkins), the basketball star who works in the school library. George doesn't seem to notice Mary and she feels unattractive. Mary finds a way to get George to carry some library books home for her. Donna proceeds to flatter George. When George says he doesn't know how to dance, Donna has Mary show him. After George steps on Mary's foot, Donna dances with him. George does ask Mary to the dance. George comes over the next few days for more dance lessons and seems to be more interested in Donna. Mary gets upset when George brings Donna a box of candy and she tells George she's not going to the dance. Donna gets George to come by the house. Donna makes herself very unattractive and finds a way to get George more interested in Mary. George and Mary go to the dance.
99"Dough Re-Mi"Oscar RudolphAlan Lipscott & Bob FisherNovember 19, 1958 (1958-11-19)
Donna needs to raise money for the hospital committee. Jeff mentions to Donna and Alex that he needs $33 so his "Bobcats" football team can buy a new tackling dummy. Donna would like to get concert pianist Anton Duval (Roger Til) for a charity benefit. Antoinette is a new girl at school and she has a crush on Jeff. She comes by Jeff's house and asks him to come to her house for a dinner party. Donna is having a hard finding a way to be introduced to Duval. It turns out that Antoinette is Duval's daughter and he comes by to pick her up. He starts playing some Rock 'n' Roll on the piano. Donna, who is on the phone, thinks it's Mary playing and yells from the kitchen to stop. Later, Jeff tells Donna it was Duval playing. Lydia Langley tells Donna she ran into Duval and he turned down the idea of playing the benefit. Lydia would rather put on her play to raise the money. To help Donna with Duval, Jeff agrees to have dinner with Antoinette. Jeff brings Duval and Antoinette home with him. Duval says that, despite he is in town for a rest, he will play the benefit as long as the Bobcats get their tackling dummy.
1010"Guest in the House"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonNovember 26, 1958 (1958-11-26)
Mary tells Donna there's a policeman at the door. He is there with a 7-year-old runaway who will not say where he belongs and was standing outside the house. Alex calls the house and Donna learns the boys name is David Barker (Charles Herbert). Turns out, he ran away from the hospital where Alex was tending to him. Alex comes home and says he's sending incorrigible David back to military school. Donna would like to keep David for Thanksgiving break and Alex gets the OK from the school. Donna and Alex find a letter from David's father, Major R. H. Barker (John Bryant), and it's not very nice. It's Thanksgiving day and Donna is talking with David. She finds out that David's mother left him and his father. He also doesn't think his father loves him. The family is about to have turkey dinner when Major Barker comes to the door. Something Donna does and says brings David and his father back together.
1111"The Baby Contest"Oscar RudolphWilliam Cowley & Peggy ChantlerDecember 3, 1958 (1958-12-03)
Helen Cooper (Anne Whitfield) has brought her baby to see Alex and she brags about the wonderful things the baby can do. Donna's Women's Club votes to have a baby beauty contest at the community picnic. Donna learns that Margaret Lang (Virginia Christine) is ashamed of her "homely" baby. Everyone but Donna wants pediatrician Alex to be the judge. Before Donna has a chance to tell Alex, Jeffs tells him a friend told him Alex is to be the judge. Alex believes that he will be run out of town because all the losing mothers will be mad at him. Many of the mothers are now doing special things for Alex. Margaret brings her baby Jimmy for a check up. Margaret doesn't want to enter Jimmy in the contest, but Donna talks her into it. It's the day of the contest and Alex is looking over all the babies. Alex awards the trophy to Margaret's little Jimmy. The other mothers are actually happy for Margaret. Later, Donna tells Alex the mothers want to make the baby contest a yearly event. Ruth Terry as Ruth Sterling. Dorothy Morris as Shirley Watson.
1212"The Beaded Bag"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterDecember 10, 1958 (1958-12-10)
It will soon be Donna's birthday and she's been admiring a beaded hand bag at the department store. But she feels it's too expensive. Jeff wants to borrow some money from Mary to buy Donna a gift. She refuses at first, but then makes a deal with him. Alex doesn't know what to get Donna as she always says there's nothing she wants as a present. Donna's friend Patsy Cole (Angela Greene) informs Alex that Donna has been eyeing the hand bag. So, he thinks Donna is using a feminine trick to get him to buy her the bag. Alex goes to see Miss Winters (Mary Treen), the department store clerk, who tells him the hand bag would be a perfect gift. It's the morning of Donna's birthday and the children give her their presents. Alex gives Donna the bag and implies that her feminine trick worked. Donna, upset by this, returns the bag. Donna finds out that Patsy told Alex about the bag. Something Mary says makes Donna want the bag back. Rickie Sorensen as Bobby Cole.
1313"The Busy Body"Oscar RudolphTeleplay by
Henry Sharp, Kay Lenard
and Jess Carneol
Story by
Kay Lenard & Jess Carneol
December 17, 1958 (1958-12-17)
Donna's Uncle, Fred Sutton (Rhys Williams), swoops in for an unexpected visit. Alex is not thrilled. The kids are impressed by his stories of his recent trip to Africa. The next day, Alex gets annoyed with Fred tying up the phone so much and his know everything attitude. Fred causes a rift between Mary and her boyfriend Mike. Jeff is upset that the playground is closed. Fred tells Mayor Webster (Irving Bacon) off on the phone. He insults Mrs. Adams (Ann Doran), the mother of Timmy, one of Alex's patients. Though he means well, Donna tries to tell Fred that he can't treat people that way. Donna tries to smooth things over with the people Fred talked to. But in a twist, these people actually wind up appreciating what Uncle Fred said and did. Fred says his business call came through and he'd be leaving. Donna talks him into staying for a final dinner. Fred says he'll cook an exotic African meal.
1414"A Very Merry Christmas"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterDecember 24, 1958 (1958-12-24)
Donna is frantically making last-minute preparations for Christmas. She is also disappointed when no one seems to care for the fruitcakes she is giving for Christmas presents. Donna believes people have lost the Christmas spirit. When she goes to get a present for the Head Nurse, the department store is a madhouse. Donna visits some of the children who cannot leave their ward and return home for the holiday. She notices that there isn't a Christmas tree. Donna also can't seem to find out who plans the Christmas party for the children. Donna finally learns that Charlie (Buster Keaton), the hospital handyman, is usually in charge of the party. But, this year there is no one to help him. Donna helps Charlie throw the children a special party. She even gets Charlie to play Santa. Alex, Jeff and Mary show up with more presents. Donna gives Charlie a present. Murray Alper as Joe. Mary Adams as Nurse.
1515"Mary's Double Date"Oscar RudolphAlan Lipscott & Bob FisherDecember 31, 1958 (1958-12-31)
Mary has two potential dates to the Junior Prom. She can't decide if she should go with left tackle Ernie (Bobby Burgess), or right tackle Phil. Mary prefers Ernie, but must string Phil along while waiting to see if Ernie will break up with his girlfriend Angela. Another classmate, Charlie, fawns over Mary. But, Mary is not romantically interested in him. Donna tries to give Charlie advice on how to act towards Mary. Ernie does ask Mary, but when Phil calls, a confused Donna says Mary will go with him. The boys find out and both of them cancel on Mary. Mary decides to go with Charlie, but she can't get a hold of him. Donna tells Mary that she needs to stop taking advantage of Charlie. A firmer and more confident Charlie comes to the house and takes Mary to the Prom.
1616"Jeff's Double Life"Oscar RudolphBill ManhoffJanuary 7, 1959 (1959-01-07)
Donna and Alex return home late from a dinner party. Neighbor Celia Wilgus (Kathleen Freeman) comes by. She says she almost called the police, due to a noisy party at the Stone's house. Mary confesses that she had some friends over including a trumpet player and a bongo drummer. Alex and Donna tell Mary and Jeff that "People expect a doctor and his family to set an example". The next day, Donna is worried when Jeff doesn't show up for lunch. Later, Jeff tells Mary that he accepted a ride from one of her friends, Tommy Hendricks. He doesn't have a license and took his father's car without permission. Tommy went through a traffic signal and the police started chasing him. Tommy ran into a tree and the two ran away. Jeff injured his arm in the process and is afraid to see Alex for treatment. Posing as "John Smith", Jeff goes to Dr. Barry (Peter Adams), another pediatrician who is new in town. Dr. Barry figures out who Jeff really is and calls Alex. Donna sees Jeff coming out of Dr. Barry's house and Jeff confesses what happened to him. Donna tells Alex what happened to Jeff. Alex talks to Jeff and they straighten things out. Alex and Donna also have a few words for Celia.
1717"Nothing But the Truth"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonJanuary 14, 1959 (1959-01-14)
David Barker, who had previously spent Thanksgiving with the Stones, decides he would like to visit them again. He calls Donna and says that it is his birthday even though it is actually not for three weeks. David manages to get Donna to agree to have a party for him. Donna tells Alex that neighbor Mrs. Wilgus saw Jeff shooting his air rifle at her window. They confront Jeff about it and he says he was shooting at other things. After Jeff gets in trouble for lying, young David hears Mary say, "People who tell lies don't go to Heaven." That night David confesses his lie to Jeff, and he really feels bad about it. Jeff tells David to not say anything and maybe no one will find out. The next morning, the family gives David some birthday presents. Donna wonders why David is acting so strangely. David tells Donna it is not his birthday. She says it is OK and they will have a party anyway. Alex, Jeff and David go to get David's friend Mousie Myers. They wind up coming back with a car load of boys from the school and everyone has a great time. Mrs. Wilgus would like Alex and Donna to come over that night to play cards. Jeff and David catch them lying to Mrs. Wilgus about why they can't make it.
1818"It's the Principle of the Thing"Oscar RudolphJerry Davis & Tom AugustJanuary 21, 1959 (1959-01-21)
Mr. Popkin (Hans Conried) doesn't have the money to pay for his son Joey's (Robert L. Crawford Jr.) expensive treatment and he won't allow Alex to do it for free. Donna figures she can hire him for household chores, but he is a very difficult man to work with. Popkin's repairs wind up with disastrous results and Alex wants him to stop. When Donna goes to apologize to Popkin, she learns he has a talent for making toy rabbits. Donna wants Alex's help to try and get them displayed in Mr. Johnson's (Richard Deacon) toy store. Meanwhile, Jeff and shill Mary try to sell Popkin's toy rabbits on the street. A policeman comes by and tells them what they are doing is against the law. The cop takes them to the police station. Popkin saw what happened and calls Alex. Donna gets Mr. Johnson to agree to put the rabbits in his store window. Popkin doesn't like the way they are displayed and causes some problems. In the end, Popkin's toy rabbits prove to be quite popular and Mr. Johnson makes a deal with Popkin. When Popkin shows Donna another of his inventions, things don't go well.
1919"Jeff vs. Mary"Oscar RudolphStory by: Alan Lipscott & Bob Fisher
Teleplay by: Henry Sharp & Alan Lipscott & Bob Fisher
January 28, 1959 (1959-01-28)
The Stone's have an intercom system installed in the house. Dr. Boland comes by after returning from a trip to France. Donna suggests a homecoming party this Friday night. Jeff and Mary have a fight and Alex takes Mary's side. Jeff thinks his parents don't love him as much as they do Mary. Jeff's friend Zack tells him it is "The Law of Vanishing Returns" or, how a second child is not as loved as the first born. When Dr. Boland comes by for the party, Mary is allowed to stay up late, and entertain with her piano playing. Neither Donna nor Alex seem interested in watching Jeff performing his new magic act. Jeff sneaks out of the house to meet up with Zack. When he returns, he is caught by his parents. The next morning, Jeff won't say what's wrong. He tells Dr. Boland how he feels. Borland tells Alex and Donna. To prove they love their son as much as their daughter, Donna plans to have Jeff overhear a conversation she and Alex have on the intercom system. Except it is Zack that hears it and he sets Jeff straight.
2020"Have Fun"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonFebruary 4, 1959 (1959-02-04)
Mary is anxious about a first date with Herbie Shields (George Hamilton), a boy two classes ahead of her. It's supposed to be a double date with a girlfriend of hers, Babs. Babs calls and cancels because she's sick. Mary now has to go out with Herbie alone. Herbie arrives and seems to be just as nervous. Mary comes home in tears because she thinks the date was a disaster. Donna tells Mary about her own first date with Alex on a New Year's Eve. Donna says it was a disaster as well and she did everything wrong. Among other things, she borrowed a dress that was too big and Alex kept leaving the table to make phone calls. Later, Alex tells Mary his version of the date in which he believes he did everything wrong and he didn't have enough money for the date. Herbie comes by to return Mary's handkerchief. They realize things were awkward for both of them and it was no one's fault. Sherwood Price as Dr. Hooper.
2121"Donna Plays Cupid"Oscar RudolphStory by: Alan Lipscott & Bob Fisher
Teleplay by: Henry Sharp & Alan Lipscott & Bob Fisher
February 11, 1959 (1959-02-11)
Dr. Burt "Bo" Boland hurt his back carrying a redhead, who fainted, off the golf course. His friend Connie (Joanna Lee) thinks there's more to it. Donna and Alex bring Bo something to eat. Donna decides that bachelor Bo needs a woman. Mary hears her parents talking about Bo and thinks Donna's friend Ceil Pennington would be perfect for Bo. Ceil just broke up with her boyfriend Herbie Armbruster (Hal Baylor). Donna invites Bo and Ceil over for dinner. While at dinner, Bo and Ceil are uncomfortable, but get along. Then Herbie shows up. Herbie came by to ask Donna's help in reconciling with Ceil. But, when he sees Ceil and Bo together, he demands that Ceil marry him. Of course, that is exactly what Ceil wanted. Bo calls up Connie and tells her he's coming to pick her up. Later that evening, Donna thinks of someone else to set Bo up with.
2222"Love Thy Neighbor"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterFebruary 18, 1959 (1959-02-18)
Alex & Donna are going to the Wilgus home to help them celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Celia and Wilbur Wilgus (Howard McNear) have been arguing over Wilbur's secretary, Miss Loretta Sanders (Maudie Prickett). Celia thinks he pays too much attention to her. Wilbur inadvertently mentions Loretta several times during the evening. Celia is stunned when Wilbur gives her a meat slicer as an anniversary gift. Celia leaves Wilbur after the party and arrives at Donna's door crying. She would like Donna to talk with Loretta. Donna lunches with Wilbur to try and find out if he is interested in Miss Sanders. But, Donna winds up giving Wilbur the impression that she is interested in him. Wilbur goes to talk to Alex and Alex has a big laugh over the misunderstanding. Celia and Wilbur make up and Alex has a little fun with Donna.
2323"The Report Card"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterFebruary 25, 1959 (1959-02-25)
Donna is upset when Jeff brings home a less than stellar report card. Jeff isn't worried about it. Mrs. Margaret Adams (Ann Doran) and her son Phil come by to see Alex. Margaret mentions to Donna that Phil is a "straight A" student. The family goes to the school's "Open House". Jeff's teacher, Miss Standish (Irene Vernon), tells Donna and Alex he is a smart boy, but is not very interested in learning. Donna tells Jeff that until his grades improve, he can't do after school things with his friends. When Jeff befriends Phil Adams, Donna thinks he is only interested in copying the smarter boy's homework. But Donna soon learns that the other boys don't want Phil around because he's so smart. Jeff makes the boys take Phil in their group and give him a chance. Later, Jeff agrees to study more and get a few better grades.
2424"Boys Will Be Boys"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonMarch 4, 1959 (1959-03-04)
Major Ryan (Carleton Young), from the military school, would like to bring young David Barker to Dr. Stone because of a dog bite. What Ryan doesn't know, and David is hiding from him, is that David was actually bitten by one of the other boys. If David takes a shot, Alex will agree to let him stay over night and take the boys to a ball game the next day. Mary has a date and Donna and Alex are going to a friends house, so Jeff and David are left alone that night. The boys stay up late eating cake they weren't supposed to and watching a gangster show. Alex and Donna come home and know the boys stayed up. Later, in his sleep, suffering from a guilty conscience, Dave has a dream that re-enacts the gangster program with Donna, Alex and himself as the characters. The next morning Jeff confesses to his parents. To protect Jeff, David lies and says it was all his fault and he made Jeff stay up late. Alex decides to still take the boys to the ball game. John Harmon and Ric Roman as characters in the gangster show.
2525"The Ideal Wife"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterMarch 11, 1959 (1959-03-11)
Donna and Alex are having a dinner party for two of his doctor friends and their wives. Dr. Harry Marcy (Don C. Harvey) and Ellen Marcy (Frances Robinson). Dr. Lester Brock and his wife Kate. Alex has to leave to make a house call. Everyone comments on how sweet and understanding Donna is. Donna comes to the conclusion that she's too nice for her own good. Donna regrets letting the children talk her out of making them do their chores. Alex then talks Donna out of going to a play she really wanted to see. Dry Cleaning man Mac (Sid Tomack) forgets to bring one of Donna's dresses. Fed up, Donna decides to change her sunny disposition, and orders him to go get it. Donna starts barking orders at her children. She makes Alex agree to go to the play. It doesn't take long for her to find out she is not happy with the "new" Donna.
2626"Mary's Campaign"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterMarch 18, 1959 (1959-03-18)
Mary is running to be the vice-president of her class and she wants to make sure her family doesn't do anything to ruin her chances. Mary says that her friend Cathy Robinson (Gigi Perreau) is her campaign manager. Mary will be running against Betsy Cartwright, who is an honor student, but not very popular. Donna is not happy that Cathy's campaign strategy is to emphasize Mary's good looks. Donna runs into Betsy. Betsy doesn't think she has a chance to win because all the boys will probably vote for Mary. Donna tells Alex that she hopes Mary loses because she's changed her looks and personality. Donna tells Mary it is better to be yourself, but Mary will have to choose. Mary is to give a speech and Cathy suggests making a lot of promises to the kids. Donna asks Vice Principal Miss Aldridge (Natalie Masters) if it would be OK to listen to the speeches. When Mary gives her speech, she's dressed plain and her hair is down. And while Mary is sad she lost, she is glad she did not win if it meant being someone she is not.
2727"The Flowered Print Dress"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterMarch 25, 1959 (1959-03-25)
Donna and Alex go to newlywed couple Jim and Carol Berke's (Olive Sturgess) house for dinner. When they get home, Donna asks Alex if they are in a rut. She wonders if they are taking each other for granted. Donna gets upset when Alex can't tell her what dress she wore this evening. Alex mentions that he really liked her "flowered print" dress, but Donna can't recall what dress that was. The next morning, Donna asks Alex about the flowered dress again. Donna shows Alex a daring new dress she wants to wear hoping he'll remember it. Donna wants Alex to admit they're in a rut. Donna fantasizes about wearing several different daring dresses and Alex not liking any of them. Alex and Donna go to dinner with older couple Dr. Martin Butler (Addison Richards) and his wife Hilda (Lillian Bronson). Things begin to fall into place for Donna. When they get home, Donna remembers the flower print dress and finds it in the attic. It was the dress she wore when Alex proposed. They start fighting and Donna couldn't be happier.
2828"April Fool"Oscar RudolphJerry Davis & Tom AugustApril 1, 1959 (1959-04-01)

Buzz Berry (James Darren), Mary's favorite rock singer, is coming to town for a show. Mary asks Alex if he could ask his friend Phil Martin (Ted Knight), manager of the Civic Auditorium, if he could get them some tickets. On the night of the show, Buzz comes down with the measles, and is taken to the Stones' house to be treated by Alex. Manager Lou Vance (Jesse White) begs Alex to let Buzz hide from fans at the Stone's home. Alex says no. Jeff tells Vance that he should talk to Donna. Mary faints when she learns Buzz is staying at the house. When Mary lets the word leak out that he is staying there, the house is besieged by his adoring fans. Mary tells them it was an April Fool's joke. All the girl's are now mad at Mary. Donna begins to regret she allowed Buzz to stay at the house. Buzz apologizes to Donna for Vance being so pushy. Buzz and Donna have a nice conversation. Buzz would like to make things right with Mary's friends, but he has to leave to catch a plane. Mary goes to a dance that night. Buzz shows up and dances with Mary. Doreen Tracey as Flo. Melinda Plowman as Sue.

Note: "There's No Such Thing" (the record Mary plays) was Darren's first Colpix single.
2929"The Parting of the Ways"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonApril 8, 1959 (1959-04-08)
Mary's friend Babs Keppler (Melinda Plowman) is upset because she thinks her parents, Myra (Mary Lawrence) and Jack, are breaking up. Jeff overhears and tells Donna. Myra tells Babs that despite their fight, her and Jack are not splitting up. Donna is afraid the family might "drift apart" if they don't spend more time together. Alex and Donna make an effort to talk to the kids and Jeff and Mary wonder why. When a card game turns into a family fight, the kids think Donna and Alex may be the next couple to split up. The next morning, Mary tells Babs about the fight. Myra comes over to console Donna and Donna thinks she wants to talk about Jack. Jack returns from a business trip and also comes to the Stone house. Donna and Alex are surprised to see the two so happy to see each other. The two couples find out that no one is splitting up.
3030"The Hero"Oscar RudolphTeleplay by John Whedon
Story by Nate Monaster
April 15, 1959 (1959-04-15)
Biff Jameson (Ben Gage), Alex's old college roommate and former Rose Bowl star, comes to visit. Alex thinks Biff has lost all the fun in him. During dinner, Alex has to leave to make a house call. Biff tells Donna it must be nice to be needed like that. Biff says that everyone's opinion of him is based upon his past glory and he is tired of living in the past. His job has him just speaking about his football days. The next day Biff is about to play football with a bunch of Jeff's friends. Mary comes by with George Haskell (Jimmy Hawkins), who is the captain of the school football team. George knocks Biff down and injures him. Alex brings Biff to a luncheon where he is to talk to potential clients. His boss, Harry, is upset because he's late. Biff tells Harry off and quits. Donna and Alex suggest he stay in town and get a job helping young boys. He likes the idea, but he doesn't think his wife Martha would want to move. Biff calls her and she is willing to go along with his idea. Gordon Gebert as Stanley.
3131"Do You Trust Your Child?"Oscar RudolphJerry Davis & Tom AugustApril 22, 1959 (1959-04-22)
Helen Brooks (Florida Friebus) would like Alex to speak at a PTA meeting about parent-child relationships. If he can't make it, Helen wants Donna to do it. At first Donna doesn't want to do it, but Alex has other plans. After the successful PTA speech, all of Hilldale considers Donna an authority on teen parenting. Donna adopts the belief that children are capable of making good decisions on their own. Helen asks Donna's advice regarding Leonard Glenn (Richard Tyler), the annoying young man who is dating her daughter Nancy (Roberta Shore). Donna advises Helen to "have faith", predicting that Nancy will make the right decision. Leonard and Nancy come by the house for a double date with Mary and Herbert. Leonard comes off as a bit of a know-it-all. The next morning Helen tells Donna that Nancy has lost all interest in Leonard. Donna's beliefs are tested when Mary wants to date Leonard. Alex tells Donna she has to practice what she preached. After an evening with him, Mary tells Donna that she also lost interest in Leonard. Donna is asked to speak at another meeting and she turns it down.
3232"Grateful Patient"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterApril 29, 1959 (1959-04-29)
Alex rushes to offer medical assistance to neighbor Celia Wilgus, who has been accidentally hit with a golf iron by her husband Wilbur. Alex refuses to take any money from Wilbur. The next day Mr. Alexander, an interior decorator, comes by because Donna wants to recover her couch. Later, Celia and Wilbur come by. Because he won't accept a fee for his services, Celia wants Alex to go in on a real estate deal with Wilbur. Wilbur says they have a chance to triple their money in one month. Alex says he'll think about it. The rest of the family is very excited. Celia tells Donna she should do some other remodeling in the house and Mr. Alexander makes some suggestions. The kids think of things they can buy. Alex urges caution to no avail. The family learns that the deal fell through. Celia needs Alex's help because she accidentally hit Wilbur with the golf iron. A grateful Wilbur says he has another real estate deal for Alex.
3333"The Testimonial"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterMay 6, 1959 (1959-05-06)
Jeff brings home Willie Pearson, who hurt himself playing football. Willie says that his mother would prefer Dr. Mathew Jason (James Bell). Mrs. Pearson and Dr. Jason arrive at the Stone house. Willie will be OK and he and his mother leave. Dr. Jason tells Donna and Alex that after 41 years, he plans to retire. Donna goes to the City Council and speaks with the Mayor (Harry Cheshire). They decide to have a retirement dinner with testimonials from Dr. Jason's patients and peers. Donna talks with Mrs. Jason (Olive Blakeney), who is happy Mathew is finally retiring. After speaking with Mathew, Donna gets the feeling he doesn't really want to retire. It's almost time for the retirement dinner. Alex gets a call from Mrs. Douglas asking him to come by to see Jimmy. Donna finds a way for Dr. Jason to make the house call. At the dinner, Mathew announces that he's not retiring.
3434"Miss Lovelace Comes to Tea"Oscar RudolphHenry SharpMay 13, 1959 (1959-05-13)
Donna's work running a charity campaign leaves her with no time for housework. When they decide to hire a maid, the family learns maids are hard to find. Meanwhile, Jeff keeps losing his pet mouse, Herman. Despite not having any references, Mrs. Lovelace (Estelle Winwood), who is English, is hired. Mrs. Westcott Trilling (Margaret Dumont), a sponsor of the charity campaign, tells Donna she doesn't like the way things are being run. It's not long before the rest of the family discovers that Mrs. Lovelace is not really able to cook or clean. Soon, Jeff is vacuuming, Mary is cooking, and Alex is making beds, so Donna does not find out. Donna is to meet with Mrs. Trilling at the house, but she is running late. Donna calls and asks Mrs. Lovelace to keep Mrs. Trilling from leaving. Donna finally gets home and Mrs. Trilling is gone. She discovers that the kids have been doing all the housework. Mrs. Lovelace explains to Donna why, before her husband passed away, she never had to do any housework because they had servants. Mrs. Lovelace did wind up helping Donna in a more important way. She got Mrs. Trilling to make a very large donation to the campaign. Donna thinks that Mrs. Lovelace should run the campaign. Esther Dale as Mrs. Abrogast, a potential maid.
3535"Tomorrow Comes Too Soon"Oscar RudolphNate MonasterMay 20, 1959 (1959-05-20)
Alex and Donna are both tired of the day to day routine with the kids. Alex suggests he and Donna try to get away for a weekend without the children. The next day things are just as hectic. Alex tells Donna that he's booked for the next three weekends. Mary begs her parents to let her go on a weekend trip with her girlfriend Jeannie. Jeff is then able to spend the weekend with a friend. Alex and Donna now have their relaxing time to be alone. One night the two go out to dinner. Donna wonders if she should call Jeff to say goodnight. Phil and Patty (Joan Tompkins) stop by their table. They mention how their children, who are only a little older than Jeff and Mary, are never around. Back at home, Donna reminisces about the children when they were younger. Donna then dreams about Mary bringing home Jim, the boy she'll marry. Donna is thrilled when the children come home and things return to the normal hectic pace.
3636"Advice to Young Lovers"Oscar RudolphJohn WhedonMay 27, 1959 (1959-05-27)
After a fight with boyfriend George, Mary announces, "I'm through with boys!" Mary thinks he has something for her friend Babs. Donna tells Mary about the time a girl named Gloria had her sights set on Alex. Donna explains what she did about it and it included duck hunting in the rain. In order to renew George's interest, Donna advises Mary to show an interest in another boy named Tooey. Donna gets upset when Mary lets Babs borrow a jacket. Donna gives Mary advice on how to act with Tooey at the dance that evening. Hopefully, George will get jealous. George comes by and tells Mary that he didn't ask Babs to the dance, she asked him. They talk things over and wind up getting back together. Donna takes credit for what happened and Alex tells her she had nothing to do with it. Both Donna and Alex envision being with another partner.
3737"Operation Deadbeat"Oscar RudolphSi Rose & Seaman JacobsJune 3, 1959 (1959-06-03)
Jeff is living beyond his means and has been borrowing money from Mary. Alex gives Mary the money that Jeff owed her. Alex wants Jeff to learn the value of money and pay him back. When Donna tries to get Alex to forgive the debt, they discuss the patients who still owe Alex for his services. There are quite a few and Donna decides to collect on those bills. Donna tries to subtly remind TV repairman Jesse Finsterwald (Alan Reed) that he owes Alex money. But she winds up having to pay for a new picture tube. Jeff gets a job as a newspaper delivery boy in the early morning. Mr. McDonnell (William Keene), who just had a baby, comes by to pay Alex some of his bill. Donna's kind-heartedness comes through and tells him there's no rush. Mr. McDonnell says he ran into Jeff who told him he's working to pay off a debt. That made Mr. McDonnell want to pay some to Alex. Mr. McDonnell says that Jeff is working in the supermarket in the afternoons, which Donna didn't know. Donna learns that Mr. McDonnell owes money at the supermarket. She gives Mr. Folger the money that McDonnell gave her. Despite being proud of Jeff, Alex doesn't want him working two jobs. Donna feels bad when she finds something out from Finsterwald.

Season 2 (1959–60)

  1. Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle F. (2007). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN   978-0-345-49773-4 . Retrieved May 28, 2021.
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