List of The Donna Reed Show episodes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mary is excited to be included in a school show and she'll get to dance. Kenny Bruce (Lee Aaker) is a classmate who also was accepted, but he dropped out since he stutters. Mary convinces him to remain in the play and gives Kenny her lucky coin. Days later at rehearsal, Kenny's stuttering has stopped. Mr. Cooper (Herbert Lytton) pairs Kenny with Mary for a dance routine. Mary, however, is not happy about it because he is so much shorter than her. She asks Mr. Cooper to switch Kenny for someone taller. Mr. Cooper kind of guilt's Mary into staying with Kenny. Something Jeff says, gives Mary an idea. She suggests to Kenny that he get lifts for his shoes and his stuttering starts again. It's the night of the show and Mary is nervous. Kenny did get lifts for his shoes. Because of the lifts, Kenny trips toward the end of the dance and pulls down Mary with him. The next morning, Mary tells Donna she won't perform at that night's show. Kenny comes by, apologizes to Mary and gives her lucky coin back. Mary has a change of heart and dances with Kenny that night, without the lifts.

Donna & Alex fly to New York where Alex will give a speech at a medical convention. On the plane, Donna is so excited for Alex that she cannot sleep. Alex suggests she take a tranquilizer to help her get some rest. Donna turns it down. Alex puts a pill in some warm milk for Donna. Not knowing this and while Alex is asleep, she puts two more pills in the milk. When they finally get to the hotel, Donna is in a daze and keeps falling asleep. Dr. Brannan (Jean Paul King) comes by and tells Alex he is to give his speech in 20 minutes. At the convention, Donna is constantly dozing off and falling out of her chair. Because of this, Alex is unable to complete his speech. The next morning, Donna feels bad about what happened. Alex isn't concerned. Donna gets locked out of her room. Things get confusing when Donna accidentally winds up in Dr. Elias Spaulding's (Richard Gaines) room. He is running the convention. Donna explains things to Dr. Spaulding and Alex is able to give his speech. Helen Bennett as Mrs. Spaulding.

After Alex completes a newspaper quiz called "Test Your Wife", Donna learns she gets a perfect score for being thrifty. Donna takes a little offense at being called a penny pincher. The whole family is invited to a formal wedding that is coming up. Despite Alex saying she should get a new one, Donna plans to wear an old red dress. Meanwhile, George Collier (Raymond Bailey) wonders why his wife Louise (Irene Hervey) needs to buy a new dress for the wedding. George says that Donna wears the same dress all the time. Louise says she's sure Donna will have a new dress for this wedding. Donna tells Louise she's wearing her red dress. But, when Louise questions that decision, Donna says she'll buy a new one. However, when Donna sees the price of the dress she likes, she backs down. Donna has the family go to an expensive restaurant for dinner. She tells them to order whatever they want regardless of cost. But then Donna orders a cheap meal. This backfires when the owner picks up the check. Alex is stunned at the price of the new dress Donna buys. Turns out she tricked him and only dyed the red dress and made some other changes. Mary Carver as Miss Robbins.

Doug is a new friend of Jeff's. Fran Shaw (Ann Morriss), Doug's mother, praises Donna for having such a wonderful, perfect child. Fran wishes some of Jeff's good manners would rub off on Doug. Jeff got in trouble at school and had to stay after. Donna gets a call from Jeff's teacher Miss Ferguson (Doreen Lang). Apparently, Jeff has been doing other bad things at school which is unusual for him. Jeff tells Donna and Alex it is not him doing the bad things and he'd rather not say who is doing it. Alex is checking in on Fran's little girl. Doug and Jeff come by and Fran starts berating Doug. Alex and Donna figure out that Doug is getting Jeff in trouble because he resents that his mother is always praising Jeff. Donna comes up with a solution to the problem. She has Fran witness how Jeff really acts and how he fights with Mary. Doug comes by and is very polite to Donna.

The Brandon's, Louise (Alice Backes) and Joe (Dave Willock), have had their first baby. The nervous couple are constantly calling Alex at all hours of the day and night about the baby. Alex doesn't have to be to the hospital until that afternoon, so he wants to do something with Jeff and Mary. But he gets a call from Louise. Alex goes to their house and tries to reassure them that little Norman is fine. Before Alex can even get home, Louise calls and asks Donna if he's home yet. Apparently, Norman started crying. The next day, Jeff was hoping that Alex could come to his baseball game. But Alex gets a call from the hospital. Alex and Donna go to the movies. There Alex gets a note that Louise called and is worried that Norman swallowed something. Alex and Donna get to the house and it turns out to be false alarm. The next morning Donna calls the Brandon's because they didn't call during the night.

Mary wishes a boy named Steve would stop calling her. Meredith Penner (Sherry Alberoni), a girl that just moved near by, calls Jeff. He thinks she's a pest. Mary wants Jeff to be more friendly with Meredith so that Mary will have an excuse to meet Meredith's older brother, Don. Mary hounds Jeff to go to Meredith's party, but he refuses. Donna would like Alex to talk to Jeff. When Mary gives Jeff the money he needs for an electric motor, he agrees to go to the party. Now that Jeff is going to Meredith's party and they sat together at lunch, the whole school thinks they're going steady. He is not happy about it and doesn't want to go to the party. Alex and Donna insists he goes. It's the night of the party. Mary tells Donna she's going to a dance with Steve. Mary says she met Don and thinks he is a bore. Jeff is still stuck going to the party. Jeff comes home from school all excited. Meredith told him she's going steady with another boy.

Jeff has been putting off mowing the lawn. Alex really wants him to do it today. New neighbors, Joe (Robert Nichols) and Eleanor Moody, move in next to the Stones. Jeff learns that Joe was in the Air Force and finds him very fascinating. He winds up spending the whole day there and doesn't get the grass cut. Jeff tells Alex all the great things that Joe can do, and Alex starts to get very jealous. The next morning Alex finds that Jeff only mowed half the lawn. Alex sends Mary over to the Moody's to get Jeff. Hours later, Mary and Jeff finally come home. Jeff talks more about the things Joe has done and Alex is getting very angry. Jeff is sent to finish the lawn, but Alex later finds it's not done. Alex sees Jeff mowing the Moody's lawn. The Stone's finally get to meet the Moody's. Joe tells Alex that all Jeff can talk about when he is over is what a great dad he has. Alex finds himself feeling a lot better.

Lydia Langley, a neighbor, invites the Stones over with a group of friends. Alex and Donna are not thrilled about going. Lydia is quite pretentious and spends the evening bragging about the intellectual books she reads. Donna tries to bring some culture to her children, who have no interest in it. Donna wants Alex and her to read War And Peace to set an example. Alex isn't that excited either. Donna joins Lydia's book club and is told she has a couple days to give a report on War and Peace. Donna and Alex go to the meeting and Donna admits that she hasn't read the book. Alex asks Lydia to discuss the book as she has read it. It turns out she has only seen the movie. The next day Alex says that maybe this striving for culture is not a right fit for the Stone family. J. Edward McKinley as Professor Peabody. Frank Wilcox as Bartley Langley, Lydia's husband. Margie Liszt as Vera Platt.

Donna is furious that she is constantly picking up after Jeff. The new school year has started for Jeff. Jeff complains that Miss McGinnis (Marion Ross), the new teacher at school, hates him and the other boys. The next day, Jeff claims to be sick, but Alex believes he's faking it. Alex gets several calls from parents saying their sons don't feel well. They're all boys from Jeff's class. Donna visits Miss McGinnis and finds she is actually afraid of the students as it is her first teaching experience. Miss McGinnis thinks she may have been too strict with the children, especially the boys. Donna thinks she may have an idea. Donna finds a way to have Jeff be a leader and convince the other children that the teacher isn't that bad.

Jeff's friend Phillip changes at Jeff's home after football practices. Phil hasn't told his mother because she worries about him and she's always afraid he'll will get hurt. Donna finds out and realizes Margaret Dorsey (Ann Doran), Phillip's mother, does not know he is playing football. Margaret comes by the house to talk to Donna. Jeff and Phil come home and Margaret sees Phil in his football clothes. Jeff's all excited when he learns that the L.A. Rams will be playing a pre-season game at the local stadium. Donna suggests that Jeff get an extra ticket for Phil. Alex's old friend Bert Rose (William Schallert) comes by his office. Bert is now the Ram's publicist and gives Alex passes to the game. Phil comes by the house and tells Donna he quit the team. Alex takes the boys to see the Rams practice and they get to meet some of the players. Phil gets hurt during a scrimmage. Later, Alex and Jeff go to the game. Donna, Margaret and Phil watch the game on TV. On TV, the Rams award the game ball to Phil and wish him well. After talking with Donna, Margaret now understands that she has to let Phil be a boy. After dropping off the ball to Phil, a couple of the players come by the Stone house and give Jeff a ball as well.

Note: L.A. Rams players Sid Gillman, Jon Arnett, Bill Wade, Don Burroughs and Les Richter make an appearance.

Walter Pearson, a new kid in town, follows Jeff around all the time, no matter how many times Jeff tries to lose him. Walter tends to brag about the things he has. Jeff & Walter want to join an exclusive club, The Friends of Outer Space. They have to do several things and one is to remain silent until that evening. The next day, they have to stay up the entire night outside. During the night, Donna comes out to keep Jeff company and they both fall asleep. Donna speaks to Walter's mother and learns the club turned him down. Jeff tells Donna and Alex he was turned down as well. Jeff finds out that he was turned down because he is a friend of Walters. When Jeff tells the club Walter isn't his friend, they allow him to join. Walter tells Jeff he knows the club would not let Jeff in because of him. Walter says he won't bother him anymore. Jeff decides the club cannot tell him who he can be friends with. Donna helps the two boys start their own club. It's not long before the other boys want to join.

Donna is upset when Mary and Jeff arrive home late and she grounds them both for the coming weekend. Each one had something planned, but Donna doesn't care. Alex comes home and it is all smiles for dad from Mary and Jeff. Donna is upset because she is always the one to yell at the children. Alex tells Donna that he will stand by her punishment. The next day Donna writes down all the things the children did wrong and wants Alex to reprimand them. Somehow Donna still winds up being the bad guy. Now, neither Donna nor Alex want to punish Mary or Jeff because neither of them want to seem like the bad parent. This goes on for several days and Mary and Jeff start to wonder what is going on. One night Alex and Donna come home and the kids have prepared dinner. Donna wants to unground them but Alex thinks the punishment should stand. In the end, Alex and Donna rescind the punishment and the kids can go about their plans. Robert Ellis as Young Man.

Mary comes home and says she had to leave her friends house because her parents were having a loud argument. Mary says she's glad Donna and Alex get along. Donna is forced to accept a dinner party invitation from Phyllis Baker (Ann Rutherford). She and her husband Harry are a couple that neither Donna nor Alex enjoy. This causes an argument between them whether to go or not go. They try to hide their fights about it from Mary and Jeff, but the kids know something is going on. Alex finally agrees to go. At the party, Donna and Alex do their best to appear as though they are having a good time. Back at home, the kids hear their parents arguing again. During the night, Donna and Alex wake up and apologize to each other. The next morning, the kids ask about the fight. Everyone comes to an understanding. Hal Smith as Rod, a guest at the dinner party.

Donna won't let Jeff sleep outside in a tent with his friend Eddie. Mary's friend Herbie Bailey (Tommy Ivo) invites her to a dance at a nearby college with a blind date. She would have to stay overnight in the dormitory. Donna is against it because she thinks Mary is too young and she doesn't like the idea of a blind date. Alex has a talk with Mary about boys, but somehow the conversation drifts to playing golf. Donna agrees to let her go, but only because they are going to drive her there and back. Donna and Alex will also spend the weekend by the college. Jeff can go to his friends house. On the drive there, Alex gets lost. He tries to make up time by speeding, but gets stopped by the police. They finally get to the hotel. Mary is upset that she couldn't stay at the dormitory with the rest of the girls. Herbie comes by. Stan, Mary's blind date, turns out to be a bit obnoxious and Donna starts to worry. At the dance, Stan keeps taking Mary outside and tries to get her to kiss him. But Mary turns the tables on him. Mary also finds out that her parents are behind a bush nearby. When Mary gets back, Donna apologizes for spying on her.

It seems as if all of Donna's friends are complimenting her on having such a wonderful husband and he's so good looking. They say that she is such a lucky girl. Donna gets a call saying that all the women at the Nursery Board just raved about the speech Alex gave there yesterday. Betty Murdock (Kristine Miller) comes by and compliments Alex to Donna. At the beauty shop, a woman Donna doesn't even know says that whoever the wife of Alex Stone is, she's a very lucky woman. Donna begins to think that the women believe she is not good enough for Alex and that it was just pure luck she got such a guy. Donna and Alex go to see a play. They run into Betty and Jane Lawrence (Mona Knox). Betty and Jane ask Alex what he thinks of the play, because they want his insight. Alex tries to steer the conversation to Donna. A crowd of women form around Alex and Donna is pushed to the side. At home, Donna is very upset. Alex has to leave on a house call. Jeff starts to feel bad and Donna tries to track down Alex. Alex comes home and figures out that Jeff just ate too much. Donna realizes that Alex is a great man. Margie Liszt as Beauty Operator.

Jeff's been causing problems lately, so Alex has a talk with him about behaving. While on his paper route, Jeff throws Mr. Barnhill's (Raymond Hatton) newspaper on the front stairs. Mr. Barnhill stops Jeff and reminds him that he's not to throw the paper on the stairs. The next day, Jeff throws the paper on the stairs again. That evening the family learns from Alex that Mr. Barnhill had broken his leg falling on the stairs. Jeff tells his friend Timmy that he thinks it's his fault Mr. Barnhill broke his leg. Jeff is on his best behavior and everyone thinks it is because of the talk. Jeff wonders why Mr. Barnhill hasn't told on him yet. Donna is worried that instead of discipline they've instilled fear in Jeff. Jeff says he's going out to buy some flowers. Donna thinks he's buying them for her. When Jeff visits Mr. Barnhill in the hospital, he finds out that the man tripped down the cellar stairs. Mr. Barnhill calls Donna and tells her that Jeff was the only visitor he had. Jeff goes back to acting the way he did before.

Donna catches Jeff listening in on Mary's phone call. Mary's friend Carol (Roberta Shore) comes by and asks Mary to keep a secret. Carol is engaged to Matthew Morgan, but does not want her family to know. Carol asks Mary to hide the ring and have her boyfriend's letters sent to the Stone residence. Donna sees Mary hide a little box. Donna tells Alex that she can tell that Mary is hiding something from her. Donna's birthday is coming up and maybe that was a gift. Mary tells Donna she's getting her a sweater for her birthday. Jeff brings in the mail and there's a letter for Mary from Matthew. Mary makes up a story as to who Matthew is. Jeff shows Donna the ring Mary hid. Alex and Donna are worried that Mary might be getting married. Alex tells Mary there's a long distance call for her. Mary tells Donna that she'll be able to meet Matt this Saturday. It's Saturday evening and Matthew comes by. When Carol shows up, Alex and Donna learn the truth. Carol tells Matthew that her parents now know.

Jeff is supposed to be watching a dog for some friends while they're away. Donna finds out Jeff is being paid for it and she is doing all the work. David Barker (Charles Herbert) has run away from his boarding school and returns again to the Stone house. David tells Jeff to not tell the rest of the family. Jeff has David hide in the basement. Donna catches Jeff with a sleeping bag and a sandwich that he was taking to David. Colonel Woodward, from the school, calls looking for David. Donna figures out that David is in the basement. She doesn't tell Alex, but he suspects something. Donna talks to David. He tells her that Major Barker (John Bryant), his father, is getting remarried. David recalls his father bringing Helen to the school. David is told he will have to stay in the boarding school instead of being with his father and new mother until things are settled. David tells Donna he's never going back to the school. Alex overhears the conversation and calls the school. The next morning Major Barker comes to the Stone house. He explains to David that he is not getting married after all. It seems Helen was not interested in being a mother to David.

Note: This was the last of Charles Herbert's four appearances on The Donna Reed Show.

Jerry Parker (Jerry Hausner) is a gimmicky radio showman broadcasting from a grocery store. He interviews Dorothy Burns (Elaine Riley), who says she's a housewife. Jerry then talks to Donna and calls her "just a housewife". He thinks he's funny when he asks her a silly question about cooking. Donna tells Alex that she took offense at being thought of as just being a housewife. Mary agrees with Donna and Alex and Jeff just make light of the whole thing. When a salesman comes by and says "typical housewife", Donna slams the door in his face. Donna confronts Jerry Parker again and tells him that women can be more than just housewives. Jim (C. Lindsay Workman), a friend of Alex's, tells him his wife heard Donna on the radio. All the women in the neighborhood congratulate Donna and she becomes a local celebrity. Alex comes home and tells Donna that it won't be long before everyone forgets what she said. The salesman comes by again and because of something else he says, Donna slams the door in his face. Constance Moore as Doris.

Dan Harris (Myron McCormick), a friend of Alex's father, makes a surprise visit to the Stones. Over lunch, Dan tells the family of his exciting travels. Jeff is completely mesmerized by the stories and wants to be a free soul like Dan. One day, Dan asks Donna to go to the zoo with him, but she has things to do around the house. Alex learns that Jeff just left school after lunch and didn't return. Jeff tells Alex and Donna that he just didn't feel like staying there. Donna tells Alex that after talking with Dan, she left the dishes, went for a walk in the park and then fed the elephants at the zoo. Alex tells Dan what Jeff did. Just then, Mrs. Sutton (Aline Towne), a mother of one of Jeff's friends, comes by. She mentions some of Jeff's unusual behavior with her son Freddy. Dan overhears this. Jeff tells his parents that Dan is leaving for Africa and asked him to go with. Alex and Donna play along. Dan manages to get Jeff to come back to reality. Charles Wagenheim as Vendor.

Donna and Alex are talking about their friends Jim and Alice Burke (Olive Sturgess). They've only been married a few years and have a baby. Alice comes by and tells Donna she never wants to see Jim again. They had their first real quarrel. Donna gives Alice some advice on how to get back together. Alice says for the sake of the baby, she'll do it. Alex tells Donna that she should stay out of it. Jim asks Alex what he should do. Alex claims he's staying out of it, but he gives Jim contrary advice. Alice and Jim have another fight. When Donna finds out what Alex did, they have a quarrel as well. Donna and Alex wanted to get Alice and Jim together at a restaurant. Donna finds out that Jim and Alice apologized to each other and everything is fine. At the restaurant, Donna and Alex work out their differences.

Jeff manages to get nail polish on Donna, Mary and Alex's clothes. Donna's Womans Club is looking for a project. Jeff and two of his friends find an abandoned building and decide to make it a secret clubhouse. A policeman catches them and takes them to the station. Sgt. McDermott (Stafford Repp) calls Alex and tells him what happened. Alex then tells Donna about the boys in the abandoned building. The women decide to build a proper gathering place for the children in that building. Donna and Myra Keppler go to talk to Matthew Sarples (Lester Vail), the real estate man. Sarples owns the building and the women find a way to be able to use it for a year. Donna then manages to get some money from George Heiser (Howard Wendell), the bank president. They ask several other local businessmen for donations. The women fix the youth house up so nice, the boys have no interest in playing there. The boys went to the dump to play. Ann Morriss as Eleanor Moody.

Mary discovers poetry. She now thinks her girlfriends are shallow because all they talk about are boys. Mary asks Donna if her and Alex have lost their passion for life. She feels bad that they are stuck in a routine. Mary even asks Alex about it. To try and be spontaneous, Donna and Alex decide to go out to dinner on a Monday night and leave the kids home. It does not go as planned. The first place they go to is closed. They wind up at an Italian restaurant where the Waiter (Mario Siletti), and then the Chef, push the spaghetti because that's all they have. Despite being over dressed, they then go to a small diner. Things don't go well there and they leave without eating. They go home and eat leftovers. They both realize that neither one wanted to go out and have a good laugh. Later, they tell Mary and Jeff that they went everywhere and had a great time. Richard Reeves as Construction Worker.

Jeff is promoted to editor of his school newspaper. Alex tells the family that he will probably be made head of pediatrics at the hospital. The Board has to finalize it, but that should just be a formality. In his first editorial Jeff speaks out against too much homework. Mrs. Walters tells Jeff it is a well written piece, but the teachers do not think it should be published. Jeff is quite upset, but Donna and Alex try to tell him to trust the teachers judgement. Jeff prints the piece on his own and hands them out at school. Because of that, Mrs. Walters fires him from the paper. Alex tells Jeff that Mrs. Walters was right in what she did. Jeff then leads a homework boycott in his class. Mrs. Walters calls Donna and tells her what's going on. Alex tells the family another doctor was named head of pediatrics. Something Alex says about his disappointment gets Jeff to learn there may be a better way to get his point across. Jeff ends the boycott and gets his job as editor back.

It seems Mary and Jeff are not always doing their homework or chores and Alex is not happy about it. Alex decides to lay down the rules and make sure everyone sticks to them. Donna thinks the rules are a bit harsh. Mary goes out on a date with Roger and Alex tells her to be home by 9:30. While on the date, Mary gets mad at Roger because he talked to Darlene. Alex and Donna go to Ben and Kay (Aline Towne) Wiley's house to play cards. They talk about their children and rules. In the middle of a game, Alex goes home at 9:30 to check up on Mary and Donna goes with. It's now 10:00 and Alex believes she is intentionally staying out late. Donna calls Roger's house and finds out he's not home either. An angry Alex goes out looking for Mary. He finds Roger at the malt shop. Roger says that Mary walked out on him. Alex comes home and he's more upset than before. Mary comes walking down the stairs. Turns out she was home and in bed by 9:00.

Jack Richards (Jack Albertson) comes by and tells Alex that Moose Edwards is getting married. Jack tells Donna that Moose was Alex's college roommate. Moose always had some wild nights and lots of dates. Donna runs into Madeline Richards (Florence MacMichael). Madeline tells Donna how excited Jack is about going to Moose's bachelor party. Donna is surprised to learn that Alex was invited as well. Alex admits to Donna that he was invited. Donna is worried about what might happen, because she thinks Alex envies Moose's prior lifestyle. Alex leaves for the party and Donna and Madeline keep each other company. At the party, the men learn that Moose has given up his partying ways and is quite dull now. Moose's future father-in-law, Dr. Wiggins (Sam Flint), arrives and he's a reverend. The party becomes very awkward. Back at home, Donna dreams about the wild time the men are having with dancing girls. Alex comes home and tells Donna what a boring time he had.

Jeff is excited to try out for the track team and even plans to practice to get in shape for the tryouts. But then he gets tired walking 4 blocks to the market. Donna finds out Jeff has perfect pitch in music. Alex offers to coach Jeff in track. Donna thinks Jeff should take music lessons and learn the trumpet. Jeff has had some trumpet lessons and he's not enjoying it. Mr. Barrowy, Jeff's trumpet teacher, can't bring himself to tell Donna that Jeff's not that good. Alex and Mary think Jeff is getting worse. Donna tells Alex that Jeff should have a better trumpet. Alex would rather buy Jeff some track shoes. Alex and Donna ask band leader Larry Waggner to look at Jeff's trumpet. Larry plays the trumpet and it sounds great. Larry says that Jeff just doesn't have any musical talent. Donna finally agrees to stop making Jeff take lessons.

The Woman's Medical Auxiliary host a dance event. While the dance was a success, they wound up with a large deficit. Each member of the Auxiliary decides to make up her share and raise money to pay for the dance deficit. Alex thinks Donna should just pay the money. Donna decides to sell homemade pickles. Mr. Ross (William Newell), the grocer, agrees to let Donna sell her pickles at his store. Jeff and Mary help Donna jar the pickles. Because she has a dentist appointment, Donna lets Jeff and Mary sell the pickles at the store. The two are not having any luck selling them. Alex comes by and, without Donna knowing, buys up all the pickles. They then give the pickles away. Donna comes back and is thrilled that the pickles are all gone. Later, Donna finds out what Alex did, but she isn't angry. Tiger Fafara as Charlie, a boy who works at the grocery.

Jeff is leaving for a hike and Mary is to go on a ski trip. Alex and Donna are looking forward to an empty home. Mary decides to not go on the ski trip when her friend Roger says he is driving up with another girl. She is disappointed and feels she is unattractive. However, when Dr. Somers, an intern from the hospital, visits Alex at his home, her mood lightens up immediately. Mary is completely fascinated with him. Roger calls Mary wondering why she didn't go on the trip. She brushes him off. That night, Mary has a dream about spending her life with Dr. Somers. The next morning, Donna reminds Mary of the age difference and gives her some other advice. Flowers arrive for Mary. Because the note says from an unknown admirer, Mary thinks they're from Dr. Somers. Alex tells Donna he sent the flowers to cheer Mary up. Dr. Somers comes by and asks Mary to the movies. Mary gets offended when he says that she reminds him of his kid sister. But she feels better when she sees a picture of the sister. Roger comes by and Mary asks him to go to the movies with her and Dr. Somers.

Jeff boards a plane to go visit his Uncle and Aunt on their farm by himself. That night Donna is worried about Jeff, but then they get a telegram that he arrived safely. It's a week before they hear from him again. Because Donna is worried and misses Jeff so much, Alex suggests she go to the farm as well. Donna doesn't think she should leave Alex and Mary to fend for themselves. Donna's friend Wilma (Renee Godfrey) tells her she should go so Alex can see how much he needs her. Something Alex says makes Donna decide to make the trip. Alex and Mary have to take care of the house and meals while she is gone and it does not go well. Alex decides it's smarter to wash the dishes every 4 days. Meanwhile, Donna and Jeff are getting homesick. Alex and Mary get a telegram that Donna and Jeff are coming home early and will arrive in a couple hours. Alex puts all the dirty dishes back in the cupboards. When Donna comes home, Alex tells her that they managed just fine. Donna discovers that wasn't quite true when she finds the dishes. Alex goes to wash the dishes and learns that Donna has done them.

Donna gets a telegram from Molly Duncan (Esther Williams), an old friend. She is now a well-known fashion designer and has been all around the world. Molly arrives and tells Donna she's engaged to a doctor named David (Richard Garland). The problem is that David wants to practice in a small town. Molly doesn't know if she could take being married to a small town doctor. Molly meets the children and is envious of Donna. Later, Donna and Molly talk about the men in Molly's life that didn't work out. Molly asks Donna if she regrets not pursuing acting. Donna says she doesn't. Donna and Molly are at a restaurant. Dr. Jim Folger comes by and thanks Donna for her work on the hospital fund. Molly sees Donna has a full life. Donna has Molly attempt to make the dinner. When David shows up, he tells Molly he won't marry her. Donna and Alex find a way to get the two together. Morgan Jones as John the Waiter.

Jeff asks Alex for an advance on his allowance to buy items for his latest project. When that fails, he tries borrowing from everyone. Alex finds out Jeff owes a lot of people money, and puts Jeff on a strict budget until he pays everyone back. Jeff takes to selling and trading many of his possessions at bargain basement prices. Alex talks to Jeff and suggests he try and make better deals. Donna thinks Alex should just give him the advance. Alex decides to show Jeff how to make a better deal. He takes Jeff to see Mr. Sprague (Herb Vigran), the Swap Shop owner. Alex thinks he's showing Jeff a smart way to trade but winds up getting taken. Alex gives Jeff the advance. In the end, it is Jeff that winds up making the best deals.

Mary's friend Ellen is very smart at school, but plain looking. No one asks her out. Meanwhile, Jeff tries to explain to Alex why he didn't get a good grade for effort. Mary decides to give Ellen a makeover to show the boys in school that Ellen is just as pretty as she is smart. At the malt shop, every boy that Mary and Ellen start to talk to winds up going to popular girl Melanie's (Carole Wells) table. Mary promises Ellen she will not go to the upcoming dance unless she can get Ellen a date. Mary starts to regret her promise because she really wants to go to the dance. Bert Singleton calls and asks Mary to the dance. She really wants to go with him, but doesn't give him a definite answer. Ellen tells Mary she has been invited to another party and wants Mary to go to the dance. Donna finds out that Ellen made the party up, so Mary, to keep her promise, turns down an invite from Bert. A fortunate turn of events allows both girls to go to the dance. Anthony 'Scooter' Teague as Don. Barbara Luddy as Ellen's Mother.

Donna & Alex have very different memories of how they originally met. Alex introduces Donna to Dr. Hank Landers (Bob Hastings). Hank is single and Alex tells Donna he would like to stay that way. They invite Hank over for dinner. Donna and Mary try to think of a woman to set Hank up with. Alex overhears them and tells Donna to forget it. Hank comes over and Donna discusses setting a man up with someone. Hank asks how the two of them met. The men learn that Florence will be coming by. She does come by to drop off a list and she says she's married. Donna finds out that Nurse Pat Archer (Kaye Elhardt) is very interested in Hank. Hank asks Pat if she would like to get a cup of coffee. Pat panics and says no. It turns out Hank is interested in Pat. Donna finds a way to get Hank to ask Pat out. C. Lindsay Workman as Dr. Kane.

Emily (Elisabeth Fraser) comes by Donna's house and brings up Margaret. But then she can't say anything else because she promised not to. Donna's friend Kay (Maxine Cooper) calls and tells her that she is pregnant. Emily tells Donna about Margaret and Donna tells her about Kay. Alex tells Donna that Kay wanted her pregnancy to be a secret. Kay is afraid she might lose her job if her boss finds out. Donna goes to see Emily and Emily claims she didn't tell anyone about Kay. Mary tells Donna she heard about Kay. Donna now worries that it won't be long before it's all over town. Donna feels horrible that she was the start of the gossip. That night, Kay and her husband Ralph come by. Kay clearly doesn't know that the secret is out. The next morning Donna gets upset when Jeff starts gossiping about a friend. Alex tells Donna that Ralph wants Kay to give up her job. So if word of her pregnancy gets to her boss, it doesn't matter. But, it turns out, Donna is not the only one to start gossip. Even Kay comes by and apologizes to Donna that she gossiped about her. Sheila Bromley as Margaret Harrison. Almira Sessions as Elsie, Kay's housekeeper.

Alex says he just talked to George (Dan Tobin) and Ruth Handler (Jeanne Bates). Their son Petey has returned home for a visit while on break from military school. Since Petey was a favorite friend of Mary and Jeff, he visits the Stones. Petey is smitten by Mary's grown-up looks. Ruth tells Alex that Petey has been acting strangely and has no appetite, which is unusual for him. Alex says he'll check him out. Alex tells Ruth that Petey is clearly infatuated with Mary. Ruth tells George to talk to Petey and give him some encouragement. Petey tries to ask Mary out, but she does not give him a second thought romantically. Donna says she'll talk to Mary, but he asks her to not say anything. Donna calls Ruth and has a suggestion for Petey to get Mary's attention. That plan doesn't work at all. Mary's friend Melanie (Carole Wells) tells her how impressed she was by men in uniform when she was in Europe. Donna calls Ruth and tells her to send Petey over in his uniform. Melanie tells Mary how good looking Petey is in his uniform. Suddenly Mary wants Petey to take her to Melanie's party.

Donna and her friend Louise Barnett (Molly Dodd) are to meet a very influential woman named Mrs. Manning (Harriet MacGibbon) at the decorators. Donna is having a hard time deciding what to wear. Donna and Louise arrive at the shop and both are dressed quite fancy. Mrs. Manning shows up dressed very casual. While there, and to impress Mrs. Manning, Donna thinks about purchasing an expensive Dresden figurine. Mr. Jason (Tommy Farrell), of the decorator shop, agrees to let her take it home and think about it. Alex comes home very upset, because he had a rough day. To make matters worse, a woman driver backs into his car's fender. Alex complains about what it will cost to fix. Donna hides the figurine. Alex gets a telegram saying his Aunt Lettie will stop by for a couple hours that evening on her way to Chicago. Alex says they have to put out her wedding gift. Not remembering what gift she gave, Alex puts out the figurine along with many ugly things he finds in the attic. Mrs. Manning and Mr. Jason show up and see all the ugly things, much to Donna's embarrassment. Alex gets a phone call from Aunt Lettie saying she won't be able to come by after all. She also said she had a gift for them as she never gave them a wedding present. The next day, Alex says that Mr. Jason traded all the junk pieces they had for the Dresden figurine.

A stray cat follows Jeff home from school. The family votes whether to allow "Harry the cat" to stay. Alex and Donna vote to take the cat back to where Jeff first saw it. Jeff and Mary vote to keep it. Alex bribes Mary with an advance on her allowance and she changes her vote. The next day, Alex drops the cat off. The kids are upset when they learn that Harry is gone. But, Harry comes back and the kids are thrilled. Turns out the cat is female, and slowly brings her family of kittens into the house. Jeff finds the four kittens in his closet and shows the family. They all agree that Harry can stay, but the kittens have to go. It takes some doing, but Jeff & Mary give the kittens away. Alex reads the paper and finds out the kittens are pedigree and worth $100 each. The next morning Donna leaves the house early. Turns out she went to the pound and got 4 other kittens to trade for Harry's kittens. Jimmy Hawkins as Jerry Hager.

Donna has had a long day and wants to go to bed early. But she can't sleep because Mary has friends over and they're playing records. During the night, Alex and Donna get up. To break the routine, Alex suggests the two go away to somewhere different for an extended weekend. The kids can come for the last day. Alex and Donna find a charming place to go to. But, when they arrive, the actual accommodations are nothing like the fancy place they saw in the brochure. The meals are no better. Alex goes fishing and catches nothing. They decide that they will leave early. But, they talk to the owners, Charlie & Sunny Cooper (Parker Fennelly and Mary Treen), and feel sorry for them. The Coopers just can't make a go of the resort. Alex and Donna decide to stay. The kids show up. Charlie tells them there are no fish in the lake but a creek near by is full of them. After finding out how much hunting and fishing there could be, Alex tells the Coopers to make their place into a Hunting resort. Lorraine Miller as Woman.

Mary comes home from a date with Herbie (Tommy Ivo) and tells him what a wonderful time she had. She says she'll go to the dance with him. After he leaves, Mary tells Alex and Donna what a horrible time she had. She's hoping Roger will ask her to the dance. Alex insists she go to the dance with Herbie. While eating lunch with Mary at a restaurant, a woman named Wanda Harman (Andrea King) approaches Donna as a long lost friend. Donna has no idea who the woman is. Jeff tells Mary he saw Roger over at Susie's house. The woman calls and invites Donna & Alex to dinner on Saturday at her mother's house. Suddenly Donna remembers seeing the initials H.M. on her purse. Donna gets in touch with a women with those initials, but it isn't the right person. Donna goes back to the restaurant, but doesn't get any information there. Donna remembers another name and calls, but it isn't the woman. Something happens to make Mary happy to go with Herbie. Herbie says something and Donna realizes who the woman is and that she had the initials upside down. Patti Brill as Hostess. Madge Blake as Woman #1. Gloria Saunders as Woman #2.

Donna has her kitchen remodeled and new appliances installed. Also, Alex's birthday is coming up, and no one can think of a gift to get him. Donna decides to take Alex's favorite chair to John Coutts (George Ives) to be refinished, thinking that would make a perfect gift. But, now Donna thinks the new chair makes the other living room furniture look drab. Donna wants to redecorate the living room, but she doesn't think Alex will like the idea. Donna is surprised when Alex actually suggests redecorating. While Donna is preparing to paint the living room, Dennis Mitchell comes by and wants to help. Things do not go well. Donna calls George Wilson and asks him to take Dennis off her hands. George reluctantly agrees. The living room is finally finished. Now Donna doesn't think the chair fits in the room. George Cisar as Baxter the electrician. Paul Marco as a painter.

Note: Jay North and Joseph Kearns reprise their roles from the CBS series "Dennis the Menace" in this episode, which aired on ABC. This marks one of the earliest times in TV history that two scripted series on different networks cooperated on a multi-network crossover, not counting variety shows.

The Stones hire handyman Nick Melinas (Jay Novello) to do repairs around the house. Nick, who is Greek, tells Jeff he's going to night school to learn how to read and write in English. Nick asks Jeff to help him write a love letter to his girlfriend Kitty, who is away for a week. Mary finds Jeff's practice letter laying around and shows it to Donna. They now thinks Jeff is in love with a classmate. Donna and Mary run into Donna's friend Jean Brown (Irene Vernon) and find out Jean has a daughter called Katherine. She is in Jeff's class and her nickname is Kitty. Jeff writes another letter for Nick. Donna wants to invite the Brown family over for a barbecue, hoping to help Jeff out. Alex can't stand the father, Arnold (Maurice Manson), and Mary doesn't like the son, Danny (Peter Helm). It's the day of the barbecue and things do not go well. Donna feels bad for Jeff. Later, Nick comes by and says he will be married tomorrow. They find out about Kitty and Jeff writing the letters.

Mary returns home from a weekend visit with her friend Ginny Currier. She just raves about how wonderful her friend's home is. They have a swimming pool and a tennis court. They are clearly quite wealthy. Mr. Currier comes by to drop off Mary's coat. Donna invites Ginny over for the weekend and Mr. Currier says that would be fine. Mary is completely embarrassed by the way the house and her family looks. During the week, Mary tries to make the house more presentable. It's the weekend and Ginny arrives. She talks to Jeff for awhile and he asks her if she wants to play football. Ginny changes into plain clothes and plays with Jeff. Mary comes home and drags Ginny away from Jeff. Mary proceeds to put on airs in front of Ginny. Mary thinks the way Jeff is acting is ruining everything. Donna has to explain to Mary, that while Ginny has everything she wants, there are things that Mary has that Ginny does not. Ginny actually enjoys being around Jeff.

Mary meets a boy at school that reminds her of her father. She thinks Elroy Swanson looks like what her father might have looked like at that age. Once they meet, Alex cannot believe Mary sees a resemblance between him and gawky Elroy. Elroy comes over several times. Mary wonders why Alex and Elroy don't seem to have anything to talk about. Elroy really likes Alex and tries to mimic his every move. Alex finds a picture of himself when he was 16. Donna says there is a resemblance in the eyes. Mary is in tears because she thinks Alex was rude to Elroy. Alex shows her the picture and Mary says he looks exactly like Elroy. Alex talks to his friend Jack Richards (Jack Albertson) about Mary. When Alex mentions Elroy, Jack says he knows the family and Elroy does resemble Alex. Alex tries to set up Mary with Dr. Higgins' (C. Lindsay Workman) handsome son Jim (Joseph Gallison). While Jim is very nice, Mary says Elroy is more her type. Jack brings over Miss Graham (Cheerio Meredith), an old school teacher. Even she thinks Elroy looks like a young Alex. It is not until Elroy does something brave, that Alex starts to feel they're alike.

Mary is excited about her date with Scotty Simpson (Jimmy Hawkins). She tells Alex and Donna that Scotty has a car that he built by himself. When Donna learns that parts of the car are from cars that have been in wrecks, she gets worried. Alex tells her everything will be OK. Scotty arrives and seems to be a very nice boy. But, once Alex sees the car and one of its doors falls off, even he gets worried. Alex can't sleep and every car noise he hears outside worries him. Mary had given Scotty her house key to hold, but now he can't find it. While Mary is talking to Alex on the phone, Scotty finds the key. Through a misunderstanding, Alex believes Scotty and Mary have been in an accident. Alex calls Mr. Simpson, but Scotty's father thinks Alex is calling about insurance and hangs up. Alex calls several other places but learns nothing. Just then, Mary walks in. When she finds out what Alex thought, Mary becomes quite embarrassed. The next morning, Mary is worried about what Scotty and his family will think about Alex's panicking. Everything winds up being fine between Mary and Scotty.

Jeff is disappointed that he's on the second string football team at school. Donna is concerned that Jeff is spending too much time on football and not doing as well as he should in school. Mr. Conroy (Richard Deacon), the principal, asks Donna and Alex to come see him. The school issued an intelligence test to the students, and Jeff got a score that ranks him as a genius. Mr. Conroy believes Jeff should be sent to a special school in Chicago. Donna and Alex are against the idea. It's not long before Donna starts to think Jeff should go. Jeff comes home and says that he just made the first string football team. Alex reluctantly agrees with Donna. They tell Jeff about the school and he doesn't want to go. They won't force Jeff to go but they strongly recommend it. Jeff tells Donna that he'll go. Mr. Conroy tells Donna that Jeff failed the entrance exam for the school. Donna wonders if Jeff did it on purpose. Mr. Conroy says that the whole class was given the test so he couldn't have known what it was for. Donna and Mr. Conroy find out why Jeff did so poorly. Donna tells Jeff he's not going to the special school. And he's not playing football until his grades improve.

Jeff is excited about the money he made being a golf caddy. Donna's housekeeper Kathie Dobson comes by and she is exhausted. She was up all night with her baby. Because of an injury, her husband Les (Eddie Firestone) lost his job. Ellen Cruikshank (Maxine Stuart) also comes by and Donna tells her about Kathie. Ellen asks Donna to contribute $20.00 to a charity. Just then Alex gets a call from Les about the baby. Alex, Donna and Kathie rush over. When Les says it might be a while before he can pay his baby's doctor bill, Donna lets him do some work on the house in exchange. Jeff helps Les around the house and Les tells Jeff that money isn't everything. The $20.00 that Donna was to give to Ellen suddenly disappears. Ellen implies that Les is unreliable and could have taken it. Jeff does not want to see Les get into trouble so, using his own money, says he found the missing money. Alex tells Les that there's a job as a bank guard for him. Mary may have the answer to what really happened to the $20.00.

Mrs. Adams brings her son Jimmy to see Alex because of an earache. Alex says Jimmy may have to go to the hospital. He tells Jimmy all the nice things about being in a hospital. That night, Alex is getting a pain in his side and thinks it could be his appendix. At the hospital, Alex's friend, Dr. Jim Higgins, tells him the appendix has to come out. Alex gets irritated when it seems that Jim is more interested in his golf game than the surgery. While in the waiting room, Donna strikes up a conversation with another patient named Fred Miller (Carter DeHaven). Jim tells Donna the operation went very well. Donna and the kids visit Alex and try to be uplifting. Fred visits Alex 4 times in one day. Jim tells Alex that Fred's been in the hospital for over a month. Nurse Jane (Helen Kleeb) tells Donna that Alex has been nothing but a grouch. But Jane says that's to be expected when he's been away from his family. Jim tells Alex that every time Fred is to be released, he has a relapse. Donna talks to Fred and finds out he's all alone and bored because he's retired. Donna offers him a job in the hospital gift shop which he gladly excepts.

Mary decides she wants to be a high fashion model. Taffy Cinders is bringing her modeling school to town for a six week course. Alex is worried about the cost, but Donna says there are a limited number of scholarships. Donna is going through the garage looking for things to give to the hospital thrift shop. She finds Alex's old camera which he wants to keep. Mary wins a scholarship to the school, but Alex finds the added costs at every turn expensive. When Mary tells Alex how much it will cost to have pictures taken of her, Alex gets very upset. Alex talks to Taffy and complains about the added costs and that he wants Mary to quit. Taffy sees some of the pictures that Alex took with his camera and says how good they are. She inflates Alex's ego to where Mary can stay in the school and Alex will take the pictures of Mary. Mary tells Donna that she quit the school because she lost interest in modeling. That night, Mary is excited when she learns that she got a job modeling dresses and will get paid for it. Mary tells Donna that she never lost interest, she just didn't think Alex's pictures were good enough to submit. Alex tells Donna that to get Mary's confidence back, he arranged the modeling job. Henry Beckman as Hal, Alex's friend.

Mary has a bad case of indecisiveness and asks Donna for advice on clothes, errands, boys, and more. Two boys asked Mary for a date and she has a hard time choosing. She ends up having a date with Roger and his cousin from New York, Larry. Larry takes them to a Beatnik Club. A young man recites some poetry. He comes by Mary's table and tells her she inspired him. Roger says it's getting late, but Mary decides to stay out. To further show off to Mary, Larry then takes them to an expensive dinner club. Only problem is that Larry does not have any money and keeps borrowing from Roger. Roger and Larry finally admit to Mary that they can't pay the check. Mary calls home, but Donna and Alex went out for the evening. Mary decides to tell the truth and tells the Headwaiter (Harvey Korman) they don't have the money. He says he understands and she can send the money. Mary gives him her bracelet until they can get the money. The Headwaiter tells the Waiter (Dick Wilson) what a lovely girl Mary is. Mary tells Donna she has come to a decision to always be honest with people. What Mary doesn't know is that Donna and Alex went to the same dinner club. Donna got Mary's bracelet back.

Donna is looking forward to attending her college reunion. Husbands are allowed to go with, but Donna thinks Alex won't have a good time and just make fun of it. Alex decides to go with her. When they arrive, Donna runs into old friend Buffie (Barbara Perry). Alex hears Buffie mention Duke, but neither Buffie nor Donna will says who he is. Alex seems to be getting a little jealous. Donna and Buffie talk about how Hope Ferris (Fay Baker) took Duke away from Donna. Some of the women decide to reenact their cheer-leading cheer and Donna gets a black eye the day of the dance. Donna wants Alex to take her home and they get into an argument. Hope comes by to say hello and mentions how her and Donna were roommates. Hope says something to irritate Donna and Donna decides to go to the dance. At the dance Donna meets Fred (Nesdon Booth), Hope's husband. It turns out Hope didn't marry Duke. Alex meets Fred and Donna let's Alex believe that Duke was Fred's nickname. Alex tells Donna he's ashamed that he was actually jealous of Fred. Donna thanks Alex for being jealous. When Alex and Donna get home, Jeff shows them a dog he found. Jeff named the dog Duke.

Jeff mentions to the family that Gordie Pratt (Michael McGreevey) just got a new motor scooter. Jeff hints that he would like one, but Alex says no. Jeff and his friend Eddie are outside and Gordie drives back and forth on his scooter showing off. Jeff says that he wishes Gordie would hit a tree. Just then, Gordie does run into a tree. He pretends his leg is hurt much worse than it is so that he can stay at Jeff's house. Alex can't find anything really wrong with the boy. Jeff starts to feel guilty. Mrs. Pratt (Betsy Jones-Moreland) comes by and says his father is out of town. Gordie doesn't want to go home and Alex says he can stay. Donna finds out that Gordie doesn't get along with his stepmother. The next morning, Donna and Jeff catch Gordie walking around Jeff's room. Gordie confesses to Jeff that he fakes a lot of things in order to receive things he wants from his father. Donna has a talk with Mrs. Pratt and she better understands how she should treat Gordie. Gordie also comes to feel better about his stepmother.

Note: This episode was broadcast three days before Christmas but did not feature a Christmas story. Instead at the end the four of them all wished the audience a Merry Christmas, while holding signs for Campbell's Soup and Johnson & Johnson, the show's sponsors.

Mary and Alex find Donna exercising in the backyard. The dress she bought last season is tight and she is determined to lose weight. Mary mentions to Donna and Alex that she wants Jeff to pay her back from a loan. Alex says the two of them will have to work it out. Alex tells Donna that exercise will not do it alone, she will have to give up all sweets. Donna says that will not a problem. At dinner, Mary brings up Jeff's loan again. She wants to buy a new sweater and needs the money. All Donna can think about is the cake the others are eating for desert. A couple days go by and Donna is still tempted by sweets. She watches as the family eats all they want. Alex gives Donna a hard time about her dieting, that is, until he cannot fit into his dinner jacket. Donna teases Alex a bit when she finds out he's gained weight. Alex decides to play some handball and comes home very sore. Alex and Donna both lose the weight they wanted to. When Mary finally gets her new sweater, she finds she cannot fit into it.

Donna writes an editorial for the paper about how parents should make their children follow thru on things. She is surprised when it is actually printed. She wrote it unanimously and asks Alex to not tell anyone it was her. Despite what she asked Alex, Donna tells some of her friends she wrote the article. Donna gets upset with Mary and Jeff starting projects and never finishing them, losing track of items they used last, and more. She decides to make them mend their ways. Jeff's friend Butch (Pat Close) is upset because his father is making him find a tire pump after he read the editorial. Donna's friend Edna (Kristine Miller) tells her that the guest speaker for the PTA meeting had to cancel. After Edna sees Donna's article, she suggests Donna be the speaker. Donna wants Mary to find her jacket before she plays tennis, but Mary plays tennis anyway. When Mary has to go to the dance in an ugly old jacket, Donna wonders if she is going too far with the kids. Donna finds out that she left Mary's jacket at a friends house. Things went well for Mary at the dance and Donna remembers she didn't follow thru on something. Danny Sue Nolan as Mildred.

Jeff seems to be in a slump because lately everything he does goes wrong. Hoping to build him up, the rest of the family starts to praise him for anything he does. Jeff still manages to mess things up and feels bad about it. Donna tells Alex that they have to keep trying to make Jeff feel better. Jeff does some impressions for Alex and Donna, and even though they are not very good, his parents rave about them. Mary is surprised that her parents like the impressions. Jeff then decides to try out for the PTA Talent show with those impressions. Donna goes to see Mrs. Lubner (Connie Sawyer), the woman in charge of the show. Donna is relieved when Mrs. Lubner says she couldn't put Jeff in the show because they're all full up. After Jeff tells Mrs. Lubner how Donna raved about his impressions, she decides to squeeze him in. Alex tries to talk Jeff into going fishing for the weekend instead of appearing in the show. Thanks to Alex's horrible singing, Donna finds a way to get Jeff to forget about performing in the show.

Donna is tired of everyone using the piano as a drop area for their belongings. Alex suggests selling it. Piano movers Al (Harvey Lembeck) and Rudy (Johnny Indrisano) come by to pick up the piano. Mary puts up a fight to save it. Al talks Donna and Alex into keeping it and Mary says she'll practice everyday. Mary's friend Ginny comes by and they discuss the party Darlene is having soon that they weren't invited to. Mary wants to show up Darlene and have a party first and not invite her. Mary wants to get Fuzzy, a neighbor boy, to play the piano at her party. Jeff, who apparently has perfect pitch, tells Mary the piano needs to be tuned. The Piano Tuner (Ludwig Stössel) comes by and it's driving Alex crazy. Mary finally asks Donna if she can have the party. Donna realizes the reason Mary wanted to keep the piano was so Fuzzy could play it. Fuzzy can't make the party as he's going back to school and the party plans fall apart. Donna suggests they have the party that night. Fuzzy says Darlene changed her party to this evening and he's going to that. Donna finds a way for Mary and Ginny to be invited to Darlene's party.

Alex tells the family that he is going to Hollywood for a medical conference and has to leave that night. He'll only be going for two days. When the family hears that the conference offered to pay for the whole family, they want to go. After they arrive, they hope to squeeze in a lot of sight seeing. Unfortunately it starts to rain and Donna, Mary and Jeff spend most of the day in the hotel. Alex meets Director George Sidney at the conference. The next day, it rains again. Donna and Mary want Alex to ask George if they could all go to his movie set. Alex says he doesn't know him that well, but calls George anyway. Before Alex can ask, George invites them to the set. George tells them about all the stars that were at his house the night before. Alex had turned down an invite to bring the family there. George asks them if they would like to have a bit part in the movie. Donna has a dream about being a famous movie star, who doesn't have time for her family. The next day the family has second thoughts about being in the film. Knowing the family was disappointed they didn't see any stars, Helen the secretary (Midge Ware) brings by Lassie. Phil Arnold as Assistant Director.

Mary and her classmates are rehearsing for a school play. Mary and Tracy are competing for the lead role. Mary tells Donna that they have a real Hollywood and Broadway actor to direct, Gilbert Hardy. Gilbert is in town visiting his sister. Mary winds up getting the lead. Mary learns that Gilbert got called back to Hollywood at the last minute to be in a movie. The class gets together to try and think of who could fill in as director, but they come up with no one. It takes a little doing, but Mary convinces them that Donna would perfect. At first Donna isn't so sure she's up for the challenge, but then she accepts. Donna begins to really enjoy her new position. But, then Alex tells Mary he heard that Mr. Hardy will be coming back. Mary is not sure how she'll tell Donna. Alex finally tells Donna that Gilbert is coming back and the kids want him. Donna is sad about it, but she puts up a good front and says that it is fine with her. Gilbert says that Donna did such fine job, he would like to have her co-direct with him.

Jeff complains to Donna that he has nothing to do. Ricky comes by and Jeff is not happy about. He always brags about his father and it really annoys Jeff. Ricky then brags about going on a camping trip with his father. Jeff would like for Alex to take him camping this weekend. Alex is out of town and calls saying he won't be back until Monday. Donna overhears Jeff lie to Ricky saying he is going camping with Alex. Donna offers to take Jeff camping and Mary would go as well. When Donna mentions the trip, Mary says she had plans with Babs. Donna talks Mary into asking Babs to go along on the trip. Jeff is not happy about camping with three women. Jeff asks his friend Pete to go along. Pete is not interested when he hears who else is going. Seems no one really wants to go. Before the trip, Jeff finds out Ricky did not want to go camping, either. Jeff and Ricky go to the movies.

Donna is having lunch with Kay (Aline Towne) and Beth (Sally Mansfield). The two complain about how they hardly see their doctor husbands. They also talk about Arthur Stemple (Douglas Dick), the new doctor at the hospital. No one has met his wife yet. Donna goes to meet Chio Stemple (Miyoshi Umeki) and finds that she is Japanese. Knowing the Stemples have traveled around the world, Donna is surprised when Chio tells her this is the biggest town she's ever been in. Donna invites the Stemples, Beth and Ed, and Kay and Ben over for dinner. At dinner, the others are surprised at how Chio caters to her husband. The Stemples invite the others over for dinner the next night. Alex and Donna are at the Stemple's home. Arthur is a little upset, but not surprised, when the two other couples cancel at the last minute. Despite it being late when they get home, Donna calls Beth because she thinks the women do not like Chio. It turns out they do not like the way Arthur has her waiting on him. Donna has lunch with Chio and explains the way Kay and Beth feel. Chio says that Arthur doesn't expect her to do those things, it's just the way she was raised. Chio tells Donna she would like to learn some American customs and way of life. Arthur loves the new Chio.

Donna tells Alex that things are getting stale and they need to get some new interests. Donna's friend Harriet Higgins (Alix Talton) comes by. Harriet tells Donna that her and Jim are taking guitar lessons together. Helen and Fred are taking dance lessons. Harriet says that the husbands aren't thrilled about the lessons, but at least they're together. Donna thinks painting lessons could be fun. Donna finds a subtle way for Alex to agree to it. Alex and his doctor friends Fred and Jim complain about the lessons they're taking. Alex has a plan for him and the other men to get out of these lessons. It involves going to the extreme in pretending to enjoy the lessons. Alex is painting a portrait of Donna but won't let anyone see it before it's finished. Jim and Harriet come by and Alex let's Jim look at the painting. Jim says it's very good and Alex should let the ladies look at it. The women are surprised at how bad the painting is. Harriet tells Donna that her and Helen had enough and got their husbands to stop the lessons. Donna is surprised that the men agreed to stop when they supposedly loved the lessons so much. Donna figures out Alex's scheme and decides to turn the tables on him.

Donna comes home with things she bought for the family ski trip. Donna shows Alex a parking ticket she got and does not think she is in the wrong. Meanwhile, singer Tony Martin is driving with his son, Tony Martin, Jr. (Roger Mobley) through Hilldale. He is stopped by a Cop (Owen Bush) and given a ticket for speeding. Donna decides to fight the ticket in court and tells her side of the story to the Judge Thompson (Herb Vigran). Donna demands a jury trial. Tony is in the court as well. He decides to fight his ticket because Donna is fighting hers and also wants a trial. Donna tells the family she met Tony Martin and that she'll have a jury trial. The family is upset with Donna as the court date will interfere with the ski trip. Donna invited Tony and his son over for dinner. Donna decides to tell Tony she's not going to fight the ticket. When Tony arrives, he finds out about the ski trip and thinks Donna should just pay the fine. Judge Thompson comes by with his daughter, who isn't feeling well, hoping Alex could take a look at her. Thompson sees Donna and Tony. Alex recommends the daughter spend the night. Tony sings Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams to help her sleep. Donna and Tony do go to court. Tony wins, but Donna winds up losing.

Donna wants to go to the Founders Ball but Alex does not. Alex is struggling with Oliver Greevy (Will Wright) about the price of some land for a new clinic. Donna gets a call from Aunt Belle, who is at the train station just passing through. Alex insists that she stay for a couple days. Mary thinks she came back to town because of an old romance. Belle tells Donna she was seeing a man named Oliver back then. They broke up back then over an argument about going to the Founders Ball. Greevy comes by Alex's office and they have a heated exchange. Greevy runs into Belle. Turns out he's her Oliver. They find out that neither one is married. Donna and Alex find out that Belle is going out with Oliver Greevy. They see each other a couple more times and Alex is not thrilled about it. Because of something Alex says, they once again stop seeing each other. Belle would like Donna to return a pair of earrings to Oliver. Alex learns that Oliver will sell the land for the price Alex wanted. With the help of Belle's earrings, Donna gets Oliver to propose to Belle and he'll take her to the ball. Alex agrees to go to the ball as well.

Alex asks Donna to write out a check for the plumber. After she does, he's points out that she has already paid him twice. Madeline (Florence MacMichael) and Jack Richards (Jack Albertson) come by to play Bridge. They bring with a poodle that was a present from Jack. Madeline mentions how she'd like to open a poodle parlor in town. The men laugh at the idea and the women go upstairs. Later that night, Alex tells Donna that he thinks women do not know anything about running a business. At lunch, Donna and Madeline decide they want to go into the poodle business together. But then they can't decide what to eat. Donna thinks they should get some advice and suggests George Heiser (Frank Wilcox), the bank manager. Heiser is very blunt about how hard it is to start a business and how many failures there are. The women are determined, but then find out there are only seven poodles in town. Donna and Madeline come up with a way for their husbands to talk them out of their idea, so they don't have to tell them it would fail.

Mary tells Donna that her friend Darlene arranged for her to babysit at the Damons' (Wilton Graff and Sara Seegar) that night. Herbie comes by and tells Mary that he has two tickets to the ballet. But because Mary is babysitting, he asked Darlene. Mary realizes that Darlene set the whole thing up. While babysitting, Mary is watching a scary movie on TV. She gets frightened when someone comes in the front door. It turns out to be older brother Rick. He tells Mary he left college. Rick says that he does not want his father deciding his future. Plus, he was turned down by the fraternity that his father wanted him to join and he is afraid to face his father. Herbie comes by and tells Mary he had a fight with Darlene. Herbie wants to know what she is doing with Rick. The Damon's come home and Rick hides. Mary doesn't tell them Rick is home. On the way home, Mary and Herbie have a fight. Rick comes by and Donna offers to let him stay the night. Herbie comes back to apologize to Mary and gets upset when he sees Rick. Mr. Damon comes by and Donna helps him to see how Rick feels.

Alex has had a long day of house calls. He didn't even have time for dinner. The next day Donna's friend Myra Keppler (Frances Robinson) comes by. Donna complains about Alex's crazy schedule. Myra mentions that Dr. Steinhaus (Vladimir Sokoloff), the Board of Health Director, is to retire. She suggests that Donna should campaign to have Alex nominated. It would mean he could have regular office hours. Dr. Steinhaus tells Alex he would really like it if Alex took over his position. Alex says that he really likes his practice. Dr. Steinhaus does make a compelling argument for taking the job. Alex says he'll think about it. Donna tries to talk Alex into taking the job. Just when Donna says Alex could have more quiet time at home, Jeff and Mary get into a loud fight. Donna asks Alex to show up to a reception for a benefit that was thrown. While there, Alex is talking to Dr. Steinhaus. Dr. Flanigan (Robert Shayne), who is also in the running for Steinhaus' job, is there. Something Steinhaus tells Alex convinces Alex to stay at his job. Steinhaus is actually happy with Alex's decision. Stuart Nisbet as Reporter.

Alex reprimands Jeff for waiting until the last minute to do his homework. Alex realizes it is the day before income taxes are due, and he rushes to prepare the papers. Donna says Alex should go to Harvey Parker (Francis DeSales) the accountant, but Alex refuses. Donna doesn't understand why Alex said no as they've used Harvey before. Donna is watching a Judge on a TV show (Franklin Parker). She then envisions herself on the witness stand and Alex is the Judge. Nora (Ruth Storey), Harvey's wife, comes by. Donna tells Nora that she knew Alex was too busy, so she gave Harvey their tax papers days ago. Nora goes with Donna to get the papers back so Alex can do them. Nora drags Donna to a hat store before they go to see Harvey. Donna calls Alex and he claims he finished the returns without the files he wanted. Dr. Brady (C. Lindsay Workman) tells Alex that he had someone else do his taxes. Donna tells Alex about some expensive things that went wrong in the house. Harvey and Nora come by. Because of several mistakes Alex made, it's a good thing that Harvey did the returns. Alex will now get a large refund. Hanna Landy as Sales Girl.

Donna buys a musical tobacco jar for Alex. The jar plays "Melancholy Baby" which Donna thinks is their song. Alex really hates that song. Dr. Jim Higgins (C. Lindsay Workman) comes by and Donna wants Alex to show him the jar. Alex tells Jim how he came about to hate the song. Later, Donna reminisces about their honeymoon and how they heard that song. Donna gets a little upset with Alex when he stops the song from playing. The next day the two make up. While putting on a puppet show for some local children, Jeff accidentally damages the jar. Jeff let's Alex know what happened. Jeff thinks he'll be able to fix it and they decide to not tell Donna just yet. Jeff tells Mary and Mary says she won't tell Donna, but she does. Donna buys another one to replace it. Not knowing that Donna knows about the broken jar, Alex also goes out and buys one. Then, to top it off, Jeff manages to fix the original one. Peter Oliphant as Pete. Trudy Marshall as Mother.

Mary is upset when she learns that Roger and Elroy tossed a coin to see who would take her out. Mary does not want to be considered a pawn and decides to give up on boys. Meanwhile, Alex shows Donna a medical magazine that he's mentioned in. Roger calls to try and explain but Mary won't talk to him. Elroy drops off some groceries and would like to see Mary. Alex is trying to read the article and keeps getting disturbed. Mary tells Donna about all the famous women in history. A boy named Stanley comes over and offers to cut the grass. Alex finds out that Stanley knows Mary. Alex goes to his office to read, but still gets disturbed there. Mary tells Alex that she wants to devote her life to science. Jeff interrupts Alex's reading by making noise with his punching bag. Stanley is very methodical and scientific. Donna thinks there's something wrong with him and tells Alex. Mary finds out Stanley is interested in science as well. Mary wants to spend more time with Stanley. She also manages to turn the tables on Roger.

Alex and his friends Jim, Joe and Ed are planning a fishing trip. Jim and Ed say they have to ask permission from their wives to go. Alex and Joe say they don't not have to ask for permission. Meanwhile, Mary is having a hard time picking a subject for a paper she has to write. Alex tells Donna about the fishing trip and how two of the guys had to ask their wives. Donna asks him why he didn't ask her. Donna is clearly not happy about it. Mary starts writing about which parent is the most dominant. Joe is talking to his wife Myra (Frances Robinson) about the trip and she is not happy about it either. Joe and Alex have a hard time telling each other about their wives reaction to the trip. Alex finally tells Joe he's not going. Joe admits that Myra didn't want him to go, but he says he has a way to make her give in. Donna runs into Myra at the grocery store. Myra is wearing a new coat that Joe bought her so he could go fishing. Alex tells Joe that he doesn't believe in bribery. Donna tells Myra that Alex is man enough to not stoop to bribery. Donna is upset and disappointed when Alex brings something home for her. But she's happy when it turns out to be rubber gloves that she asked for weeks ago.

Jeff is elected class treasurer and brings home all the money in the class fund. Alex and Donna warn him to be careful. The roll of money winds up in a pot of boiling water. Jeff then uses a hair dryer and an iron to dry the money. Jeff brings the money to school. Some of the guys think he'll lose the money before the class picnic. While putting things away in his locker, the money accidentally falls into one of Jeff's gym shoes. Back at home, Jeff realizes that the money isn't in his pocket. Jeff tries to subtly look around the house for the money. Amy, the assistant treasurer, comes by the house with more money. Jeff admits to her that he doesn't know where the money is. Donna and Alex figure out that Jeff lost the money. Jeff goes to school early to look around there. Mr. Perkins (Doodles Weaver), the school janitor, asks him what he's looking for. Jeff says it's personal. Miss Haskell asks Jeff for the money because she wants to book the bus for the picnic. When Miss Haskell comes by the house to pick up the funds, Alex fronts the money. Jeff thanks Alex and is sorry he didn't come to him sooner. Right before leaving for the picnic Jeff finds the money and is able to pay Alex back.

Donna & Alex are encouraging Jeff to join the church choir. He said he would, but then he chages his mind. Meanwhile in school, Jeff sticks up for Lenny (Stephen Talbot) when he is teased for being in the choir. Jeff is then teased by Jocko and some of the other boys. Back at home, the family can tell that something is bothering Jeff. Jeff takes up weight lifting to muscle up in case of a fight. Choir director Mr. Trestle (Leonard Stone) talks to Jeff because he thinks Jeff is being teased. Lenny keeps telling Jocko and the guys that Jeff isn't afraid of them. Jeff tells Lenny to stop doing that because he's not ready yet. Jocko calls Jeff a chicken. Jeff grabs him and Jocko backs off. A fight is set up between Jeff and Jocko for that evening. After dinner, Lenny comes by to pick up Jeff. Lenny claims they're going to choir practice. Lenny tells Jeff he let it slip to Mr. Trestle about the fight. Jeff finds Jocko and neither wants to start the fight. Mr. Trestle comes by and says it takes more courage to be in the choir. All the boys join, even Jocko. Bobby Clark as Gordie.

Herbie is over and his clumsiness is driving Alex crazy. Later, Mary is upset because Herbie has a friend coming to visit. Herbie invited this friend to go along with Mary and him to the school dance. Herbie tells Donna about his friend Ken Carslake (Chris Robinson), who is a cadet in the military. He knows Mary is upset that he asked Ken to the dance. Donna says that maybe Mary can find a date for Ken. Mary says she won't get a date for Ken and she's not going to the dance. When Ken comes by and Mary sees how handsome he is, she changes her mind. Herbie gets disappointed when he sees all the attention Mary is paying to Ken. Following Donna's suggestion, Herbie tries to set Ken up with Claudette (Adrienne Ellis). After Ken sees Claudette, he wants nothing to do with her. Herbie then feels he has to ask Claudette to the dance. While trying to water Donna's flower bed, Herbie manages to soak himself, Mary and Ken. Ken says something about Herbie that upsets Mary. Herbie confides in Donna that Claudette turned him down. Mary tells Donna she's not going to the dance. Donna tells her about Claudette. In the end, Mary and Herbie wind up going to the dance together. Herbie joins the cadets for their summer session.

Donna's friend Joyce (Sally Mansfield) comes by because the two were going shopping. That will have to be cut short because Mary asks Donna to pick her up after school. Donna asks Mary if she'd like to learn how to drive. It turns out Mary was able to get a ride from Scotty. Mary asks Scotty to teach her how to drive. Donna and Alex think Mary should just go to a driving school, because when Alex tried to teach Donna, they would just get into fights. They get into a disagreement when they recall those times. Mary still wants Scotty to teach her. He starts out by telling her all about how cars work. Jeff comes by and interrupts things. Mary just wants to learn how to drive. Scotty tries to demonstrate how an engine works by riding a bicycle. He rides into a tree and hurts himself. Later when Mary stops suddenly at a sign, Scotty hits his head on the mirror. Scotty asks Alex if they could use his car. After Mary bumps into another car, her and Scotty get into a fight. They each walk away leaving Alex's car in the street. Mary winds up going to driving school and her and Scotty make up.

Alex has been gone for a week on a hunting trip. Mary tells Donna about Frank, a boy at school, who is a deep thinker. Jeff comes home all disheveled and Donna reprimands him. Just then Alex returns from the trip with a mustache and beard. Alex says that they didn't get one duck. Donna tells Alex about the dinner party at the Henderson's, that he hoped he missed, had been changed to this Monday. Alex hates those parties at the Henderson's. Paul the Barber (Doodles Weaver) talks Alex into keeping the mustache. Mary asks Donna if she could wear glasses to give her a more serious look. The mustache receives mixed reviews from the family. Donna, especially, is not fond of it. She wants him to shave it off, but he won't. Mary continues to want to be more deep like Frank. Mary gets upset when Frank takes another girl to the movies. Alex and Donna get into a fight when they start being honest about things with each other. They do come to an understanding. Before they go to the dinner party, Alex shaves off the mustache.

Donna is going out of town, but it takes her a while to leave the house. Mary's friend Mark manages to talk Alex into having a teen party that night after the dance. Mark needs some money to paint his car. Mary and Mark come up with the idea to run a baby-sitting service. After the dance, Alex is very busy cooking food for all the kids that showed up. Jeff has his hands full pouring drinks. Mark mentions the baby sitting to Alex, who thinks it would be a good idea. The next morning, Alex is looking forward to sleeping late. Mark comes by and surprises Mary by saying they'll run the baby-sitting service at her house. He says he told all the mothers there would be a pediatrician on site. The children start showing up and they wake up Alex. The backyard is full of children and things for them to play with. Alex winds up having to treat some of the children. After the day is over, there is one child left that hasn't been picked up. He says his name is Johnnie (Peter Oliphant), but he doesn't know his last name. Alex has to figure out who he belongs to. It turns out he belongs to a new family on the block and he just wandered off. Alex tells Mark to run his service in the public park. Alex and Jeff try to clean the house before Donna shows up. Karyn Kupcinet as Jeannie, a friend. Bobby Buntrock as crying child.

Kip Dennis (James Darren), a young pop singer, is driving down the road with his friend Johnny. Kip mentions he'll be joining the Army soon. Johnny has to catch a flight. Kip in now driving through town by himself. Mary backs out of her driveway and Kip runs into her. Kip tells her she backed out without looking and it was her fault. Mary does not know who he is, as he introduced himself as Jim Bryce. Mary has Jim meet the family. Jeff thinks he's seen Jim before, but Jim says this is his first time in Hilldale. Jim lies and says the accident was his fault and he'll pay for the damage. Jim stays for dinner. Mary and Jim have a date for the next evening. Jeff still thinks he knows Jim. Mary admits to Alex the accident was her fault. After Jim and Mary leave for their date, Jeff discovers who Jim really is. After dinner, Jim and Mary park and he sings to her. Later, Mary finds out about Kip from the family. She is upset because of the way she threw herself at him. Kip is leaving for the Army the next day. Donna tells Mary to just enjoy the happy memory. The next day, Jim comes by to say goodbye and Mary wishes him well.

Note: James Darren had previously appeared on the show playing another pop star. This episode started a small trend on the show, where a new song was introduced by the record label owned by the studio. In this case "Goodbye Cruel World" was introduced and it helped the song reach #3 in the charts, which would be the biggest hit of Darren's career.

Donna tells Alex about what happened at the PTA meeting and how embarrassed she was. Miss Nelson, Jeff's English teacher, read Jeff's paper that was filled with terrible grammar. They confront Jeff about it. He is told to rewrite the paper. Jeff reminds them that today is the father / son baseball game. Alex says he'll have plenty of time to practice after he's finished. Spike comes by to see if Jeff is ready to practice. Jeff is having a hard time with the paper. Donna tells him they very much want him to play in the game, but he has to write the paper. Joe Smith (John Zaremba), another father who's playing in the game, has Alex look at his wrist. Joe mentions to Donna and Alex how important it is for the fathers to bond with their sons at the game. Jeff finishes the paper, but Alex and Donna quickly realize that Mary helped. Thinking he might be sent to a boarding school, Jeff rewrites the paper and does a much better job. Jeff and Alex head off to the game. Alex gets pretty banged up while playing.

Jeff has discovered he is growing whiskers and is excited to show the family. He starts acting more mature. He wears a suit to school. Jeff calls his parents Mother and Father instead of Mom and Dad. He goes out and buys some shaving supplies. The family watches as Jeff makes his first attempt at shaving. Donna tells Alex she feels old now. Alex tells Donna that Jeff is just going through a phase. Jeff tells Donna and Alex that he got a job at Mr. Pearson's (Hal Smith) drugstore. He even got his own social security card. Jeff wants to pay his share of the household expenses. Mr. Pearson gives Jeff a long list of things to do around the store. That night, Jeff dreams about all the work he did that day. Jeff comes home with his first pay envelope. Instead of the $18 he was expecting, he only got $9.45. He learns about taxes and deductions. Jeff has a heart to heart talk with Alex. Jeff realizes that he's not quite ready for manhood just yet.

Donna's friend Iris (Cloris Leachman) is upset because her husband never notices anything new. Iris changes the color of her hair. Donna realizes Alex can also sometimes be unobservant. While Alex is away at a medical convention, Donna changes her hair color. When Alex comes home, Donna is afraid to show him her hair. She sneaks out and has it changed back. While talking to Donna, Alex mentions how good Iris looks and would Donna consider coloring her hair. John Astin appears as Eric the hair stylist.

Alex is taking a flight out of town. The discovery of mysterious animal prints in the backyard leads to a harrowing night for Donna and her children. In the middle of the night, they discover it is a large dog and they take it in. Later, someone tries to get in the front door and when Donna tries to call the police, the phone is dead. Turns out to be Alex, his flight was canceled do to a storm. Alex sees someone in the front yard. A Mr. Carlson (Bert Remsen) is looking for his dog. He sees how much Jeff likes the dog, and hopes the Stones will keep him.

Mary offers to pay Jeff's way to a movie if he takes Angie (Candy Moore), a new girl in the neighborhood, to the movie with him. Mary's real interest is in Bill (Johnny Washbrook), Angie's brother. Despite Angie's initial attitude that boys don't like her, Jeff actually does. Daniel (Walter Brooke), Angie's father, comes over for a talk. He would like Jeff to see less of her, as she is tomboy enough. Donna gets Angie to dress like a girl. Jeff and Angie go to a party and she winds up doing things with all the other boys. Jeff leaves heartbroken. Angie comes to see Jeff and apologize.

Alex has a frustrating day where everything goes wrong and he is really frustrated with people. Donna convinces him that they should go on a picnic to relax, but even the relaxing trip has some twists. First they run out of gas. They walk to the house of an old man (Arthur Hunnicutt) and his wife and after having a friendly chat, borrow some gas. They then go to a lake that Alex went to as a child and talk to a little boy fishing there. It brings back fond memories for Alex. After returning home, where their children happily greet them, Alex realizes things are not all that bad.

Donna & Alex have dinner with their friends Millie (Patricia Barry) & Ed (William Windom) Corwin, but the evening turns into an argument between their friends. Millie & Ed decide to split up. Donna knows of a baby up for adoption and she schemes to get the Corwins to adopt the child. She invites them both over to dinner and shows them the baby. Mrs. Stedman (Nancy McCarthy), the young mother, comes over to see the baby. She explains why she can't keep the baby and Ed tells her he will find a job for her husband. That kind gesture makes Millie want to get back with Ed.

Jeff is expelled from school when he and his friends pull a prank that causes the school bell to constantly go off. Mr. Heflin (Richard Deacon), the principal, calls Donna to let her know. Alex and Donna suspect something is wrong but want to wait until Jeff is ready to come to them. Several days go by with Jeff pretending to go school. Tired of waiting, Alex has a family meeting that finally starts to get some answers. Anne Sargent appears as Miss Tucker, a teacher.

Jeff has a paper route and realizes it is not as easy as it seems. Donna asks him why he does not get someone to help him. Jeff decides to hire three other kids to do the work and he would just sit back and collect the money. At first things go well, but then the complaints and problems start to happen. Jeff comes to understand that one cannot get something for nothing.

Mary is excited about an upcoming dance party and hopes Joel, the new boy in school, will invite her. Donna says she cannot go until her grades in French class improve. Donna hires a tutor for Mary and it turns out to be Joel. Joel also asks if there are any other jobs he can do. Jeff sees this and decides to compete with Joel for the extra money. Mary is frustrated because Joel does not pay attention to her. Turns out Joel was doing all this work so he can afford to take Mary to the dance.

Donna's friend Alma (Dorothy Lovett) wants her to find someone to give a lecture for their women's group class. Donna asks Alex, but he refuses. Somehow, Alma talks Alex into being the speaker and talking about child psychology. Alex gives the speech and then decides he is going to put his theories into practice with Mary and Jeff. After awhile, all his theories start to backfire on him and he tells his class about it.

Alex's patient Butch O'Hara (Ricky Kelman) lives with his grandfather. Mr. O'Hara (Cecil Kellaway) thinks Alex is undercharging and says he should charge more for his services. But, instead of Mr. O'Hara paying the higher fee, he tries to give Alex a tip on the horse races. Surprisingly, the horses he picks, usually win and Alex becomes very interested. Donna hears from Butch that he moves from town to town and they never really have much money. Donna confronts Mr. O'Hara and says she is worried about how Butch is being raised. Mr. O'Hara decides to settle in town and get a real job.

Mary charms Alex into letting her go on a skiing trip. Scotty then breaks the skiing date with Mary. Donna sees Mary's disappointment and asks Alex to take her on a trip to Chicago to make up for it. Alex makes special arrangements for the trip. Scotty comes by and tells Mary the real reason he could not go was because he did not have any money. Mary now has to use her charms to get out of the trip with Alex. Donna tells Alex she'll go in Mary's place.

Victor (Johnny Crawford), the son of Donna's college roommate Marcia (Rosemary LaPlanche), arrives to spend a few days with the Stones. Due to his mother's poor handwriting, they expect him to have a below average IQ when in fact he is a genius. Victor tries to fit in, but it just is not working. He runs away and after Alex and Donna find him, Donna has a long talk with him. Victor takes Donna's advice and things start to look brighter. John Warburton appears as Professor Warren.

Alex and Donna want Jeff to help Barlow, a new kid in school, get acquainted with school and friends. Barlow tells the other boys that he was expelled from his last school, but he really wasn't. Trying to prove that he is cool, Barlow pretends to steal some food from a bakery. But, without the other boys seeing, he actually paid for the food. Jeff finds out and tells Barlow that he does not need to pretend to be tough. Jeff says the other boys will except him as he is. Kirk Alyn appears as Mr. Crawford, Barlow's father.

Alex is excited over his new car – an antique 1910 Flanders car. He spends a lot of time restoring the car. People around town are making jokes about the car and Alex. Mr. Webley (Gale Gordon), the Administrator of the Hospital, tells Alex that fooling around with the dirty car is not becoming of a doctor. Alex decides to drive the car to a lecture by a Dr. Thorgesen. On the way one of the front wheels falls off. The story makes the newspaper. Dr. Thorgesen comes by Alex's house and tells him that he is also interested in antique cars.

Jeff has a crush on Angie (Candy Moore). He jokes about her never finding her keys when he walks her home, so he makes Angie a key ring for her birthday party. Jeff feels he is competing for Angie with a rich boy named Roger. Jeff finds out that Roger is going to give Angie a Cashmere sweater, so he has to come up with something better than the key ring. Jeff has a dream where he is rich. After a talk with Donna, Jeff realizes it is not how much a gift costs that is important. Mary Lawrence appears as Roger's mother Trudy Marshall appears as Mrs. Foster, owner of a clothing store.

Note: Paul Peterson sings "She Can't Find Her Keys". This song became a billboard hit for Paul.

Penny (Susan Gordon), the daughter of family friend Janet Palmer (Betsy Jones-Moreland), is paralyzed in a surfing accident. Alex is asked to fly to Hawaii to assist in her treatment. Dr. Kendall (Crahan Denton) and Alex believe Penny's problem could be hysterical paralysis. She had lost her father several months earlier. With the help of Kimi Makihara (Miyoshi Umeki), the Head Nurse, and Dr. Paul Phillips (James Douglas), they find a way for Penny to walk again. Harvey Lembeck appears as Rudy Meyer, a hospital attendant.

Donna is excited to take Mary to look over the college that Donna went to. Mary tells Donna she wants to skip college to pursue a singing career. Donna's friend Caroline says they need some entertainment at the college orientation. Mary agrees to go and sing. Donna is skeptical until she hears her sing "Johnny Angel". Mary decides she likes the college and will join the Glee Club there. James Stacy appears as Danny, a boy at the college.

Note: This is where Shelley Fabares introduced the song "Johnny Angel", which went on to become a big pop hit for her.

After listening to Professor Earnshaw (Ken Niles) give a talk on space travel, Jeff and his Explorer Club friends decide to raise money to buy a telescope. Meanwhile, Jeff is so busy trying to earn money that he forgets about Donna's birthday. Jeff visits his friend Mr. Coxey (Earle Hodgins) at the Home for Senior Citizens. He tells Jeff how much he would like to see Washington, D.C. Jeff asks his club if they could use the money to send Mr. Coxey to D.C. instead of buying the telescope. They all agree. The boys later find a new telescope in their clubhouse bought by their fathers. Allan Hunt appears as Howard, leader of the club.

Alex considers moving his practice out of the house and into an office downtown, where patients won't be disturbed by his family's activities. Everyone is excited about the idea at first. But, after Alex signs the lease, everyone starts to have second thoughts. Alex thinks about it and decides it is time to move on, time for something new.

Mary is confident she can handle Jeff and the house when her parents go out of town. But then the water heater goes on the fritz and all of her friends drop in for an impromptu party. Donna calls and says that they will not need to stay over night and will be home later. Mary has to take control. She gets Mr. Pruitt (Alan Carney), the plumber, to replace the heater. Then, she manages to get all her friends out of the house, and all before Alex and Donna come home. Jimmy Hawkins, Charla Doherty, Allan Hunt and Swoosie Kurtz appear as some of Mary's friends.

Donna and Alex are to go to a party, but Alex's return flight from out of town is stuck in Cleveland. Donna sends a telegram complaining about an airline's service directly to its president (Vinton Hayworth). The airline gives her and Alex two free tickets. Unfortunately, the tickets come with several strings attached. They will be part of a publicity campaign. Plus, Donna thought they would be going to Tahiti, but they are actually going to Alaska. When the flight is delayed by several hours, Alex and Donna decide they have had enough and go home. Dorothy Lovett appears as Edie. Robert Shayne appears as Joe. William Lanteau appears as the Publicity Director of the airline.

Donna and Alex pay a visit to their friends David (William Windom) and Millie (Patricia Breslin) Adams. The Adams' moved from Hilldale to a farm in the country to escape the rigors of living in the city. However, Millie is starting to have second thoughts and believes David is working too hard. Their old horse shows the Adams that working on the farm is worth it.

Note: This episode was a back door pilot. The new series was to be a fish-out-of-water situation comedy to replace The Donna Reed Show after Reed had announced her intentions to retire from television. The episodes were not picked up as a series after Reed decided to not to retire. The concept of city folk moving to the country was used again by rival studio Filmways for Green Acres.

As Jeff and Angie (Candy Moore) rehearse their lines for a school play, they reminisce about the way they first met. Jeff had invited Angie to a party and then left without her. They both get angry with each other and wonder if they can continue their participation in the play. Donna talks both of them into working together. Later, Donna recalls something from the past and starts a fight with Alex. After Jeff and Angie start rehearsing again, they make up. Seeing this, Donna and Alex make up as well.

When Alex's watch seems to be shot, Donna buys an antique one to replace it. After they discover an inscription on it, Donna and Alex decide to track down Curtis Babock (Crahan Denton), the original owner. Alex finds Curtis and invites him to dinner. Curtis tells them how his father wanted him to be a lawyer, but he wanted to study birds. After college, Curtis just left to travel the world. He wrote a manuscript about his travels. Inspired by the Stones, he submits it to a publisher, who buys it. Alex sells Curtis his watch back.

Jeff is interested in entering go-cart races. He does not have the money to do it, nor does he have his mother's approval. Alex, however, is getting interested. Jeff and Alex get together and build their own go-cart. Jeff enters a race and is in the lead. But, a scarf that Angie gave him blows into his face and he crashes.

Jeff and his friend Moose (Allan Hunt) enjoy playing school baseball. Mr. Edwards (Ken Lynch), Moose's father, keeps pushing Moose to do more and be better on the field. During a key game, Mr. Edwards berates Moose to the point that he throws a wild pitch and injures the batter. Alex decides to talk to the overbearing father about teens and sports. Mr. Edwards apologizes to Moose and says he just wanted Moose to be the champ he never was. Art Reichle appears as the Umpire.

A friend sets Mary up on a blind date with Gregory, and she is looking forward to it. When she learns the boy is not attractive, she wants to cancel the date. A dream where her nose is enlarged helps her re-evaluate and she has a wonderful time. Allan Hunt appears as Stan, a boy in her dream.

Donna is coaxed by friend Edie (Dorothy Lovett) into being a fortune teller at the town's bazaar. Not knowing what to do, she ends up creating fortunes to tell people. Later, it turns out some of her predictions start to come true. Donna starts to believe she can tell the future. Evans Evans appears as Ethel. Doodles Weaver appears as a customer.

Jeff and his friend Smitty seem to have Hoby, Smitty's little brother, tagging along with them. They convince Donna to watch him while they go to visit their girlfriends. They say they will only be gone a half an hour. Donna has to go out. Alex ends up watching the boy all day, missing a big golf date. C. Lindsay Workman appears as Dr. Jim Higgins.

A friend tells Alex that Roberta Summers (Roberta Sherwood, playing a fictional version of herself) is selling her house cheap, but in another year the house value will rise and Alex should consider buying it. Donna finds out that Roberta is a widower and a mother with children to care for. Meanwhile, Jeff makes a shrewd business deal by buying a transistor radio cheap from a friend knowing he can get much more for it. Donna persuades both that complete honesty is more important than making money.

Note: Todon Productions, Donna Reed's production company, used the end of that episode to introduce the pilot of Sherwood's own show, which co-starred Gale Gordon but never aired. The three Lanning brothers, who play Roberta's sons, were Roberta Sherwood's sons in real life.

The family can't agree on a family trip, so they appoint Donna with decision-making power. She chooses a trip across the country in an RV. It turns out to be more work and problems for her, while everyone else seems to enjoy it. While in Las Vegas, the family decides to spend a night in a hotel so Donna can be waited on. That night, Donna can't seem to fall asleep. She goes back to the RV and finds the rest of the family there.

A new neighbor delivers a letter intended for Dr. Stone and meets Jeff when delivering the letter. Jeff is so starstruck, he forgets to ask her name. Smitty meets the same girl, Laurie (Mimsy Farmer) at the malt shop, and forces Jeff into a role as his wingman. Because of this, Jeff asks out Jan (Patricia Lyon), whom Donna was setting him up with. At the Junior Prom, they switch dates, and the evening becomes magical!

Note: While Shelley Fabares is absent from this episode, she can be heard singing "Johnny Angel" when the boys are in the malt shop. Also, Paul Petersen sings "Keep Your Love Locked" during a gimmick at the Prom.

Jeff gets a job at Mr. Varney's (Paul Tripp) bicycle shop to earn spending money. He goes to Mr. Merriam (Carter DeHaven) at the jewelry store because he wants a special gift for his girlfriend. Jeff has been skipping his chores at home and Donna is furious. Donna wants him to clean his room before going out so he might lose his job. Jeff sneaks out of the house. At the bike shop, Jeff has to ride a bike on a treadmill for the equivalent of 30 miles for a contest. He does this through cold and rain. After all this, Jeff gives the locket to his mother.

Next week is a Sadie Hawkins dance, and Jeff hasn't been asked yet. Jeff manages to get an interview with Don Drysdale, an all-star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for the school newspaper. He is also drafted into being the umpire for an important all-girl softball series. In the first part of the game, the girls walk all over him. In the second, after some advice from Drysdale, he takes a firmer hand. But, because of his firmer stance, Smitty says every girl in town is going to hate him. Will Jeff get asked to the dance? Candy Moore appears as Angie.

Alex has a young girl patient who just had surgery and he is very concerned about her chances. Jeff wants Alex to help him practice for getting his driver's license later that day. Mary wants him to help repair a pair of shoes she needs for her high school graduation ceremony that evening. All Alex can think about is the little girl, but he is not telling Donna. Donna calls the hospital and finds out what Alex is so concerned about. She tells the children that their problems are nothing compared to Alex's. Alex gets a call that the girl will be O.K. Walter Reed appears as Mr. Boardman, father of the girl.

After attending a friend's wedding, Mary seems anxious to get married herself. She claims she has fallen in love with Roger, a boy she met at the wedding. Alex jokes he would rather Mary elope and save him the cost of a wedding. Alex and Donna dismiss it as a passing fancy until they think she has actually run off and eloped.

Alex believes Mr. Pruitt the Plumber (Alan Carney) wants something for nothing when he asks Alex to look at his sore arm. Jeff suddenly starts being uncharacteristically nice to Mary. Mary wonders if he has some ulterior motive in mind and impatiently waits to see what he is up to. Donna finds a letter Jeff was writing to a friend. In it he talks about how he has come to realize how much he will miss Mary when she goes off to college. Alex also has to change his mind when Mr. Pruitt fixes a faucet for nothing.

Donna fills in as Alex's nurse while his nurse-receptionist, Alma (Marge Redmond), is getting married. However, Alex proves to be such a demanding boss that Donna is ready to quit. Things suddenly turn around when Mr. Drucker (Dick Wilson), the butcher from across the street, brings in a small boy who is unconscious. Alex and Donna have to forget their differences in order to work together to save his life. Sally Mansfield appears as Alice. Renee Godfrey appears as Gloria.

Jeff and Smitty plan to not go on dates so they can save their money to build a sail boat. Mary brings home Joanne Wells (Brooke Bundy), a friend from college. She is only 16, but in college do to her IQ. Mary would like Jeff to get to know Joanne. Jeff meets her and likes her, but he still tells Smitty he can live without girls. Caroline Myers (Cindy Carol) comes by the house to see Smitty. Both boys decide they are not going to give up girls.

Jeff's old girlfriend Angie is back in town but she says she prefers older boys now and is no longer interested in anyone her age. Jeff figures if he wears glasses he'll look older. He pretends to have trouble seeing so his parents will send him to Dr. Allison (Harvey Korman) to have his eyes checked. Jeff convinces the doctor to prescribe him glasses. Alex is suspicious of Jeff's motives. Angie thanks a dressed up, glasses wearing Jeff for making her see how pretending to be older was silly. Jeff must now explain things to his parents.

Alex is tired of Mary constantly tying up the phone talking to her friends. Mary feels she wants privacy from the family and needs to be independent. She decides to move into a dorm on the college campus. Mary meets her new roommate Pat Walker (Cheryl Holdridge). After several weeks, Mary realizes she is not ready just yet to live away from home.

Alex & Jeff have entered a Father & Son golf tournament. Just as they are about to start playing, Alex is called away by a medical emergency. Jeff is disappointed as this seems to happen all the time. An attempt to go bowling that evening also falls through. At the end of Father & Son week, the boys were to put on a show. On the way there, Alex and Donna are stopped by a policeman who tells Alex they need his help. A little girl was injured in an accident. This means Alex will miss the show. Jeff performs the song "My Dad" for Alex later on. Jeff loves his father even if he is not always there. Ray Montgomery appears as Smitty's father.

Jeff rescues a bird and after making a couple of phone calls thinks it may be a rare and valuable bird. Jeff thinks he is going to be rich. Donna still wants him to put an ad in the paper about the bird. His friend Coach Nicholson, who is into birds, tells him it is not an expensive cockatoo but a cheap cockatiel. Jeff now loses interest in the bird. A little boy answers the ad and says the bird is his. But, somehow the bird got out of its cage. Jeff tells the boy to come back in a couple hours. Just when to boy comes back, the bird shows up and Jeff can give it to the boy.

Carter Melville (Harvey Korman) stops by the house and wants Donna to be in a research project about the typical average housewife. Once Donna hears more about the project, she resents being classified as just a typical housewife. Cal Winslow (Harold Gould), the newspaper editor, offers her a chance to get a scoop for the paper. A Jason Farnum (Bill Zuckert) is offering $50,000 for some worthless land on the edge of town and Winslow wants to know why. She goes undercover as a hotel maid to get the story. Because Jason knew Donna's father, he tells her the reason he wants the land and it has to do with his mother. Dick Wilson appears as Mr. Carothers, Hotel Manager.

Mary's new boyfriend, Clay Shannon, has a great singing voice, but he is also very shy. Mary makes it her personal project that she will get him to sing for Geri Harris (Betsy Jones-Moreland), a talent agent. Professor Raskin (Arthur Malet) from the college knows Geri, so Mary covertly gets him to hear Clay sing. Raskin sets up an appointment with Harris. Clay is reluctant at first, but then sings for Harris. Mary realizes now that he will be a big star and she will probably never see him again.

Note: Mary sings the song "Big Star".

Alex is thrilled when Jeff talks him into going camping. Alex thinks it is the perfect situation for bonding time with his son. Jeff then pulls a fast one and has Smitty come with. It turns out the campsite is near the campsite where Jeff & Smitty's girlfriends are camping. When Alex finds out, he plays along as if nothing is wrong. When the girls come over, the party falls flat. Alex helps to liven things up. Jeff apologizes to Alex for deceiving him.

Donna wants to help obstetrician Harriet Robey (Fay Bainter) receive recognition for all her years of service to the town. Donna talks banker Joe McVey (Hayden Rorke) into setting up a retirement fund for Harriet. Alex mentions to Harriet that the city might want to do something for her, but she says she doesn't want charity. Jeff suggests that they take the money and buy her a new car as the old one she has now is falling apart. While at an athletic awards program where Harriet is handing out trophy's, she is presented with the new car. Richard Deacon appears as Principal Moorehead.

Mary goes on a date with Steve Callahan (James Stacy), who is rude and unmannerly. She decides she is just the person to change him. Every day, Mary works on another part of his personality until he is the way she wants. However, he is no longer himself and everyone that knows him is not happy about it. Donna talks to Mary and Alex talks to Steve in hopes of getting the old Steve back.

Jeff enters a raffle where the winning prize is an expensive sports car. While his tickets did not win, he finds the winning ticket on the ground. It was dropped by a woman with a little girl, who disappears into the crowd. Not being able to see where the woman went, he claims the car. The car causes some problems with Jeff's friends and when he tries to get a job. While out for a drive, Jeff sees the woman with the little girl. He follows them and finds out where they live, but doesn't say anything. After a week, he tells Donna and she tells him to bring the car to the woman. Jeff does it and feels better. Anjanette Comer appears as Barbie, a friend of Jeff's.

Jeff is learning how hard it is to ask friends to pay back money he loaned them. Alex says that Jeff shouldn't be so soft about getting people to pay him back. Donna reminds Alex that he has to learn how to collect payments from his patients. Alex has a hard time actually mailing out the payment reminders.

Alex scolds Jeff for being lazy and taking forever to get something done. Jeff talks to Sandy (James Stacy), a telephone lineman, who tells Jeff he has it soft and has no idea what it's like to have live on his own. Jeff would like to prove Sandy wrong. Jeff decides to spend the weekend alone in the big city of Farrington to see for himself. Once there, Jeff goes to see Mr. Jepsen (William Lanteau) at an employment agency about a job. But Jepsen can't get him a job just for the weekend. Jeff struggles, but manages to make it through the weekend. When he gets home, Donna tells Alex that there is something different about Jeff now.

The Stones are planning a simple wedding for Mary's friend Marcia Haversham (Brenda Scott) and her boyfriend Bob Parker (Robert Hogan). When Marcia's mother Binnie (Binnie Barnes) shows up, everything becomes a big production. Binnie wants to completely rearrange the house and invite a large number of people. Bob confronts Binnie and reminds her that they wanted things simple. While it's hard for her, Binnie comes to understand.

Donna is asked to run for city council and she decides to do it. Mary and Jeff say they are old enough to take care of things. But, the household suffers during her absence. Alex has a dream what it might be like if Donna becomes President of the U.S. and he is treated as First Lady. Donna decides she doesn't want to run after all. She only did it because she thought her family wanted her to.

Donna attends an auction of unclaimed freight and an unknown woman gives Donna money and asks her to bid on a large Chinese horse. Donna wins the auction but the woman disappears. Donna brings the horse home. Jeff comes up with a wild theory about how it might have been smuggled into the country by criminals. The criminals needed someone else to buy it to keep the heat off of them. The family becomes a little unnerved. But now strange things begin to happen at the house. Later that evening a Bert Rafferty comes to the door claiming that the horse is his. The family laughs at how they let their imaginations get the best of them. But, that doesn't explain the woman at the auction. Questions are somewhat answered when Alex and Donna go out to a fancy restaurant. Jerry Douglas appears as Officer Larson. Paul Winchell appears as the Auctioneer.

Mary returns from a date with Howard Benson (Yale Summers) feeling a bit miffed when he calls her wholesome. She decides she's going to change her looks to be more exciting. Alex suggests she ask other people first if they feel she is wholesome as well. Mary is even more upset when she finds all her friends also find her dependable and wholesome. Mary fantasizes about all the boys flocking around her and her new flamboyant look. Donna convinces Mary that she is perfect just the way she is. Allan Hunt appears as Bill.

A young girl follows the Stones home after a family outing at the park. They feed her lunch and then Jeff takes her back to the park and tells her to go home. But, Trisha (Patty Petersen) returns to the house. Donna starts to grow fond of her. This time they drop her off at the police station. But, she still makes it back to the house. That evening Fred Hawley, Trisha's uncle, comes by the house to pick her up. He informs the Stones that her parents are dead and he's been taking care of her. As the family have all grown fond of her, they all decide that she could stay with the family for a couple weeks.

Note: With this episode, Paul Peterson's real life sister joins the cast.

Trisha is now part of the family and fits in easily. Jeff enjoys playing with her, and Donna likes having another child to care for. But, Donna wonders what will happen after the agreed upon couple of weeks. Mary, however, is having a little trouble adjusting to Trisha around. Trisha senses this and wonders why Mary doesn't like her. After an evening together, things start to work out between the two girls.

Jeff is upset that his girlfriend Joanne (Brooke Bundy) plans a pajama party on the same night as his sixteenth birthday party. Jeff did not tell Joanne that it was his birthday. Joanne talks to Donna about how her and Jeff have broken up. Donna hints around to Joanne that Jeff's birthday is coming up. But, both Jeff and Joanne are being stubborn about getting back together. The night of the party, Jeff thinks that Mary's friend Jeanette is going to be his date. But, she is coming with her boyfriend. Donna has to explain it to Jeff and now he doesn't feel like having the party. But, the party goes on and Jeff winds up picking up Joanne and bringing her to the party.

Alex and Jeff wake up early to go duck hunting with their friend Red (Jim Davis). As Donna sees them out the door, Red comments that women of today cannot go camping because they are too soft. He says women have too many modern conveniences. To prove Red wrong, Donna tells him that her and Mary will meet them at the lodge. When the guys get to the cabin, Alex and Jeff see that it is quite modern. Red says he just likes teasing Donna. After running out of gas, Donna and Mary hike to a run down cabin that they believe the guys will be staying in. They spend the day trying to fix the place up. When night time comes, the girls realize they are in the wrong cabin. Worried about the girls, the guys search for them. When they find Donna and Mary in the old cabin and see how fixed up it is, Red apologizes to Donna.

Donna and the Woman's Club are raising money for the children's clinic. Out of ideas for donations, Donna says she will visit Mrs. Allison (Kathryn Givney), the richest woman in town. The only problem is that she lives in what is reported to be a haunted house and she hasn't been seen in 25 years. Donna goes to the house and meets Mrs. Allison, who wonders why no one has come before asking for a donation. Mrs. Allison says she'll think about it and Donna should come back tomorrow. But, Donna can't leave as her car won't start. Time goes on and it's beginning to look as though Donna is intentionally being kept there. Alex comes by the house, but is told Donna isn't there anymore. Donna sees Alex's car leave, but Eric the butler (Joe Downing) says it wasn't him. Mrs. Allison insists that Donna spend the night. Eric finally admits to Donna that they have been keeping her at the house, but only because it seemed to bring life back to Mrs. Allison. The next day, a more out going Mrs. Allison pays a visit to Donna. Angela Greene appears as Grace. Dorothy Lovett appears as Edie.

Mary wants to vacation at Shelter Bay resort with her friends on spring break. Alex is against the idea because he's heard what goes on there. Donna & Alex reluctantly agree, but decide to secretly spy on her to make sure she is OK. Alex, Donna and Jeff will be staying on a friends large cabin cruiser while there. While out fishing, Donna catches a large fish. As they're trying to reel it in, Mary and her friends come by on another boat. Alex, Donna and Jeff try and hide, but Mary sees them. By ships radio, Mary lets them know she saw them. Mary at first is very angry, but back at the dock Alex explains that he was just worried about her. She forgives them, but they have to take her, her friends and their dates out on the boat that night.

Note: Darla Banks, Miss Teenage America in 1962, appears as one of Mary's friends.

Alex tells Donna that they should get away for the weekend, but Donna is hesitant to leave the children. Alex's friend Dr. Dave Blevins (Bob Crane) has access to a cottage near a golf course. At the Children's Hospital, Donna thinks one of the boys is running a fever. After checking with a thermometer, Alex jokes about Donna's doctor skills. Donna gets angry, as Alex made the joke in front of Dave. When Donna finally forgives him, Alex suggests going with Dave and his wife up to the cottage. Donna says she can't go away for the weekend because she thinks Trisha is coming down with something. After watching Trisha for a few days, Donna decides it's OK to go to the cabin. The day they were to leave, Jeff comes and says he doesn't feel well.

Mary is being pursued by Emory Peck, a boy she danced with once, but has no interest in. Mistakenly thinking the Stone house is for sale, Mr. and Mrs. Bohmer come inside and start looking around. Once the misunderstanding is corrected, the Bohmers introduce their son Clovis to the family. He is a rather large country boy and will be going to Mary's college. Mary attempts to help her very shy new girlfriend Vinnie (Valora Noland) adjust to Emerson College. But every time they turn around, Emory or Clovis or both are around. Mary manages to get Clovis interested in Vinnie. Buddy Joe Hooker appears as Robbie.

Things are starting to fall apart around the house. Alex tells Donna to hire some competent people to fix everything. Donna hires Charlie Brubaker (Doodles Weaver), a handyman who likes to entertain children while he's working. Donna's friend Gloria comes by and tells her that Charlie is a handyman who is not so handy. But now, Donna can't seem to fire Charlie even though he is destroying the house. Mr. Fletcher, the ice cream truck man, comes by and tells Donna that he could fix everything, but he's just too busy. Donna sweet talks him into helping her out. In the end, Mr. Fletcher and Charlie trade jobs.

Alex's pediatrician friend Dave Kelsey (Bob Crane) asks him for advice in dealing with his wife and in-laws. Alex suggests he start being more assertive with his wife Midge. This compels Dave to buy the house next door. However, Midge doesn't want to leave Mommy and Daddy. Donna talks Midge into moving out of her parents house. Midge doesn't know how to live without her mother's help and looks to Donna to pick up the slack. The Kelseys host their first dinner for Alex and Donna without Donna's help. Midge actually did a good job by herself.

Both Mary and Jeff are looking forward to the upcoming College dance. Mary plans to go with Jerry Scott, and Jeff plans to go with Joanne Wells (Mimsy Farmer). Mary does not want Jeff to go. She thinks he will just embarrass her, because he and Joanne are still in High School. But when they get to the dance, it seems Jerry and Joanne only have eyes for each other. Jeff buys Joanne a gift which she says she can't accept as she is going to another dance with Jerry. Mary takes Jeff to the dance so they can keep an eye on Jerry and Joanne. Joanne comes to realize that she is not quite ready to be with a college boy. Cheryl Miller appears as Becky.

Donna and Jeff accompany Alex to Chicago where he has a medical conference. Jeff went along because Don Drysdale is playing a baseball game there at the same time. Jeff promised a lot of his friends that he would get autographed baseballs for them. He is unable to get in touch with Don and is disappointed. Donna says that he shouldn't run away from disappointment, but Jeff decides to take a bus home. Mr. Morton (Paul Winchell) of the hotel asks Alex if he can look in on a sick child. The child turns out to be Don Drysdale's little girl. Jeff comes back saying he was going to take Donna's advice and is surprised by Don.

Note: Don's real life wife Ginger and daughter Kelly appear.

Joyce (Lori Martin) and Sabrina (Janet Landgard) from school compete with each other to see whom Jeff will ask to a school dance. Jeff likes both of them and has a hard time deciding which girl to take. Jeff asks Alex, Donna and Mary what he should do. They each tell him to toss a coin. Jeff talks to Gwen about which girl to ask. Without him knowing it, Gwen manipulates Jeff into asking her to the dance.

Jeff needs a vehicle of his own so he buys a very old city bus with the idea he can charge his friends when they need to go somewhere. After he parks it out front of the house he finds that he can't get it moving again. Mary is planning a formal party for that night and she doesn't want the presence of the ugly old bus ruining it. Mary's friend Howard (Yale Summers) tries to get the bus started. When that doesn't work, they try and have it towed. The tow truck can't move the bus and gets stuck. A second tow truck tries to move the two vehicles, but can't. Donna suggests having the party in the front yard and in the bus. The next day Jeff trades the bus for an old police car... with a constantly ringing siren.

Jeff asks Rosemary to the school prom and she accepts. Smitty tells Jeff he's been nominated for class president and his date will be crowned queen of the ball. Dolores, one of the prettiest girls at school, calls Jeff up and invites him over to her house. Now, Jeff can only think of Dolores. Jeff asks Dolores to the prom, forgetting that he already asked Rosemary. Unsure what to do, Jeff asks Donna for advice and she tells him to break off from Dolores because he already asked Rosemary. However, Jeff tells Rosemary he can't take her to the prom and she runs off crying. Jeff loses the class president election by one vote, but Dolores tells Jeff she won't go to the prom with him because she really was only interested in him just to be crowned prom queen. Jeff apologizes to Rosemary, and while she is mad at him at first, she does forgive him, but now rebukes his offer to be his date for the prom.

Trisha's friend Nancy is being spoiled by her grandfather (Stuart Erwin) with too many presents so her parents forbid her getting anymore. But the grandfather decides to involve the Stones by sending the gifts for Nancy to their house.

Trisha decorates the living room wall and then Donna finds out that Alex invited company over for dinner.

Note: Beginning with this episode, Bob Crane (as Dr. David Kelsey) and Ann McCrea (as Midge Kelsey, David's wife) became regular cast members.

A wealthy woman (Jean Engstrom) offers Jeff whatever he wishes to show her gratitude after he saves her little girl's life. Whit Bissell appears as Mr. Herbert.

Note: Dean Martin's daughter, Claudia, makes her acting debut in this episode.

A weekend in a mountain cabin with the Kelseys sounds ideal. Donna and Alex have second thoughts when they start thinking of all the practical details.

After much coaxing, Jeff finally gets Donna's permission to play high school football – as long as he doesn't actually carry the ball.

The stranger in the Stones' backyard is from the Bureau of Highways. He's measuring the area for a new thruway. Jacques Aubuchon appears as Big Juley. Peter Leeds appears as Gaston.

Jeff, who needs money to pay for the various damages he's inflicted on the house, decides to go into business for himself by selling unsellable trees.

The Stones are excited when Mary returns home for the weekend after being away at college. But every time the family plans to do something together, Mary goes off with her friends. After one social engagement too many Jeff explains to her how disappointed their parents are. Mary, in tears, apologizes to her parents.

All Alex wants from Jeff is a simple explanation: Why did he receive a bill for over $500 for marching-band uniforms? Jeff depends on a horse to get the class out of debt and himself out of trouble. George Chandler appears as Uncle Charlie.

Alex receives a special delivery letter at breakfast. He hurriedly stuffs it in his pocket and spends the rest of the day dodging Donna's hints about it.

Jeff has Smitty doing all sorts of things for him. Smitty is getting tired of being used by Jeff. Meanwhile, a Dr. Carter is coming to town for a conference and Alex would like Jeff to entertain the doctor's daughter, Amy. Jeff asked Caroline out for that night and she now sees him at school and says yes. Jeff somehow manages to talk Smitty into taking Amy out. Smitty also has to pretend to be Jeff on the date. Jeff and Smitty come to the Stone house and are surprised to see Amy and her father there. The boys try to pull off the charade. Donna sees through it, but plays along. The next day Smitty tells Donna not to be mad at Jeff, because he really is a great friend.

"A Touch of Glamour" is too much for Alex. When he sees Donna modeling an expensive gown at a fashion show, he buys it for her. Myrna Dell appears as a Saleswoman. Steven Geray appears as Herbert. Sheila Kuehl appears as a Model. Alice Pearce appears as Adele Collins.

Jeff and his friends start a club using their walkie talkies to communicate. One day, another voice intrudes on their conversations, a girl who won't give her name. This drives Jeff to find out who she might be, anxiously looking around at school, but no luck. Eventually, Jeff and Smitty use a radio wave locator to find her. Peter Duryea appears as a Delivery Man.

Mary returns for a visit just in time to help Jeff retreat from an embarrassing position in his "fund raising" campaign. John Banner appears as Cruikshank.

Jeff has invited a girl to the chic Candlelight Ball, but his allowance won't stand the strain. Fay Baker appears as Mrs. Winters.

Sam Jaffe appears in a cameo role as Donna reminisces about Mary's birth.

The combo Jeff has organized may not be good, but they are loud. Nobody wants to be around when the boys start playing.

Jeff and Smitty feud over a money-raising project.

Dave and Midge have a minor disagreement and decide to reminisce about how they met. They have differing versions of how they met on a blind date. Donna's part in setting them up and the months before their wedding are relived.

Trisha is used to being a tomboy and hanging out with the neighborhood guys. Suddenly her pals decide to exclude her from their fishing club and Donna must console her while explaining things to the young girl.

Donna and Midge grow nervous at the prospect of taking their driving tests. William Lanteau appears as Simmons.

Dave Kelsey finds a fawn on the roadside and gives it to Trish as a gift. She quickly becomes attached to it which makes it hard for Donna and Alex to tell her she must give it up.

Dave causes himself a huge problem on the home front when he tells Midge he likes Donna's cooking better. Donna becomes part of a rivalry she wants no part of.

Dr. Dave isn't getting around to the little chores around the house, frustrating Midge. Trisha and her friends decide take on the jobs but Trisha notices Dave just wants to golf with his free time. She has an idea to make Midge happy. Billy Booth appears as Petey. Peter Robbins appears as Peewee.

Donna makes a loan to Midge of $13.26 but Midge doesn't seem to be in a hurry to pay it back. Donna drops hints and reminders but fears ruining the friendship if she asks for it back directly.

Alex and Donna have a differing opinion about a financial matter. Donna wants to replace the old washing machine and Alex desires a set of golf clubs. Neither is willing to budge to break the impasse.

At Jeff's high school graduation, Donna begins to reminisce about some of his escapades as a youngster.

Pinnifink! Alex keeps muttering the word in his sleep; Donna wants an explanation.

Nancy (Kathleen Crowley), an old girlfriend of Dave's, decides to write a book based on his love letters. Midge isn't happy and Dave tries to change his former flame's mind.

The Stones and Kelseys decide separately they are spending too much time together. But in trying to develop separate interests the couples are miserable avoiding each other.

Jeff wins laurels for his baseball playing and is immediately pounced on by a number of college scouts. The family advises him on how to respond to the pressure. Willie Mays appears as himself. Don Drysdale appears as himself. William Bramley appears as Harvey Jay.

Donna and Midge resent being "Golf Widows" every Saturday afternoon. They decide to take up golf so they can spend more time with their husbands. Alex and Dave are less than thrilled with the idea, so they try to discourage them.

Jeff wants to make his parents' anniversary special with a surprise fancy dinner out. Unfortunately things don't go well despite his careful planning. Donna tells him that Alex made plans to go away for that weekend. Dr. Dave Kelsey (Bob Crane) and Midge suggest that Jeff make his parents something instead. Later, the Kelseys let it slip to Alex and Donna that Jeff had made plans for their anniversary. Alex and Donna tell Jeff that they are canceling their trip. Jeff has a problem now as he doesn't have the money for the dinner. Dave finds a way for Jeff to get the money. Eugene Borden appears as the Headwaiter.

Alex's colorful father Samuel is coming for a visit. At the last minute Alex is called away to help with a medical problem upstate. Samuel is driving his prized 1928 Deusenberg, which runs into a fender-bender with Midge's parked car. He wants to get a lawyer and sue whoever owns the car. His eccentric ways are also taking some getting used to. Donna and Jeff decide to prove the accident was actually his fault, due to his erratic driving by secretly filming him on a drive through town. They play the film for him and he sees how badly he really drives. He decides to sell the car to an auto museum.

Donna and Midge are trying to figure out what kind of benefit they can run to help raise money for the hospital. Jeff suggests that the Doctors baseball team play his freshman college team. Alex doesn't think that is a good idea as he is still sore from the last game he played. At the hospital Willie Mays and Don Drysdale stop by with some autographed baseballs for the benefit. Alex and Dave tell Jeff they have reconsidered playing Jeff's team. But, Jeff finds out that they have recruited Willie and Don. Leo Durocher shows up to take Don to training camp and Donna and Midge talk him into umpiring the game. The game is pretty one sided with the pros playing on the doctor team. Donna asks Don and Willie if there is something they can do to give the freshman team a chance. Don and Willie argue with Umpire Leo in hopes of getting kicked out of the game. Leo almost kicks them out, until he realizes that's how he acts with umpires. Leo decides to stop umpiring and play on the doctor's team.

Donna's routine takes her out of the city and driving down an isolated rural road. Her car breaks down where an escaped prisoner is thought to be, leaving Donna to think fast in unusual circumstances. Richard Conte guest stars.

Mary arrives home from college where she just received an honor in a psychology class she's taking. She starts noticing every quirk and habit of her family and decides to share her textbook analysis to their dismay. Louis Quinn appears as Jerry.

Alex does so well on his first stock investment that Dave decides to try his luck at "playing the market".

Midge and Dave, who are childless, agree to watch the Stone kids while their parents are out of town. Things start off smoothly but then things go awry.

The town rolls out the red carpet for two hobos who are posing as Russian royalty. Vito Scotti appears as Prince Georgivani. Maxie Rosenbloom appears as Max.

Alex claims that Donna is keeping pictures of her former boy friend around the house.

When Jeff tries to teach his girl friend Karen to drive, Mary recalls what happened when her boy friend Scotty attempted the same feat.

Alex and Dave try to throw a surprise party for Midge. But the girls manage to keep two steps ahead on all their plans.

A taxi driver delivers an expectant mother to Alex's office and he delivers the babies. Pandemonium reigns in the Stone household after quadruplets are born. Bing Russell appears as Bill Gayley.

After bragging to husband Alex how well she handles money Donna learns she's overdrawn. Donna tries to cover up the problem before Alex finds out.

Midge claims to be able to tell the future by reading cards. Alex scoffs at the idea but can't explain when her predictions start coming true.

Mary comes home from college and expects to pick up with Scotty after so much time. Mary is indignant and a little hurt when she finds out Scotty, who she always had to fall back on, has a new girlfriend.

Jeff and Smitty decide to show how independent they are and get an apartment near college, complete with hangers-on. They both quickly learn about adult responsibility and how much growing up they still have to do.

Donna is floating on air while Midge suffers a blow to her self-confidence after a stranger flirts with Donna at a restaurant.

After being forced to retire, Alex's irascible father moves in with the Stones and enrolls in the local college where he enthusiastically jumps into all activities enjoyed by the average college freshman. Jeff in decidedly unhappy about being in the same class as his grandfather. Leonard Stone appears as Harlan Carmody Jr.

Note: Carl Betz plays a dual role as Alex and Dad.

Donna hires a painter who gets so involved with the family, that he barely has time to paint the living and dining rooms. John Fiedler appears as Fred Johnson. Nora Marlowe appears as Mrs. Gooch.

Jeff's girlfriend Karen (Janet Landgard) takes over the Kelseys' household for a week as an assignment in home economics, much to Dave's chagrin.

Jeff buys a supposedly empty suitcase at a public auction and is surprised to find $500 inside. He is in a quandary whether to quietly keep it or track down the owner.

After Midge borrows the family car for a shopping trip, its rear fender disappears. Donna and Midge try to get the car fixed before Alex gets home. Buster Keaton appears as Mr. Turner, a car repairman.

Jeff finds things less than routine when he takes a part-time job in an old-fashioned gift shop. But then he begins to appreciate a different generation's way of doing things. Ellen Corby appears as Christine Moss. June Ellis appears as Emaline Rose. Peter Hobbs appears as Frank Robbins. Nydia Westman appears as Mrs. Robbins.

Alex has been teasing Donna about her trading-stamp collection. Alex then finds the perfect putter in the trading stamps store. Donna has five books of stamps that she was saving for a new pressure cooker, but the putter costs ten books. Can the family get the rest of the stamps in time for Alex to get the new putter to use in an upcoming golf tournament?

Donna and the Kelseys become worried that Alex is overworked when he claims he saw a deer in the yard. He later states that a bear was in Dr. Kelsey's waiting room leading to even more questions about his mental state.

Jeff is smitten with Louise (Marlo Thomas), the Kelseys' attractive yet abrasive god-daughter who is visiting from New York. He practically establishes residence at the Kelseys.

Jeff has everyone believing that his friend Walter Gordon is responsible for saving a little girl's dog, making Walter into a celebrity. The boys then have to worry about the truth coming out. Valora Noland appears as Wendy.

Jeff is excited about going out with the attractive Lisa Bridges (Cheryl Miller). He sends her an invitation to the ski lodge dance, but the invitation arrives at Katy Dalton's (Kim Darby) home instead. Jeff then has to think of a way to gracefully break the date. Barry Atwater appears as Mr. Dalton.

The Stones and the Kelseys think that being good friends means they can survive going boating together. However, they encounter several unexpected difficulties. Aron Kincaid appears as Charlie.

Trisha has come down with the measles and must miss the family fishing trip. While Alex and Jeff are away on the trip, Donna entertains and cheers up Trisha by recounting some of the trips the family has gone on in the past via flashbacks from various episodes.

Note: Bob Crane's last appearance as Dr. Dave Kelsey.

Alex and Donna are going out for the evening and Jeff is playing in a basketball game. They must now find someone on short notice to baby sit Trisha. Alex remembers that a Brad Marshall (Warren Stevens) on the next block has a teenage daughter Theresa (Tisha Sterling). When Brad drops Theresa off, he seems to have a problem with Jeff. Jeff comes to learn that Theresa is a free spirit who doesn't get out much because of her overly protective father. Jeff takes Theresa to a pizza parlor where she and eventually all the kids cause a commotion. Everyone is brought to the police station. When Donna and Brad arrive, she suddenly remembers who Brad is. They went to the same college and Brad was quite the trouble maker. Donna makes Brad realize that every boy is not like he was back then. Milton Frome appears as the Desk Sergeant. Karl Lukas appears as a Police Officer.

Donna loses her wedding ring which is a family heirloom that's over 150 years old. Donna recalls how she got the ring from Mother Stone (Jean Vander Pyl). When Alex finds out the ring is lost, he's not upset. He then recalls when they went out to dinner to celebrate the engagement. The waiter (Jamie Farr) kept bringing them expensive items they didn't order. Turns out Alex's parents paid for it all. Meanwhile, Jeff takes a picture of the ring to Mr. Martindale (Jonathan Hole), the jeweler, to see if he can get another one like it. Alex sees Jeff coming out of the store and believes he was there to get an engagement ring for a girl named Cynthia. Jeff tells Donna what he was up to and Donna tells a panicked Alex. Alex buys Donna a new ring. Donna finds the old ring and hides it, but doesn't tell Alex. When Alex finds the old ring, he has Donna wear it instead of the new one. Janet Landgard appears as Karen.

Dean Whittaker (Robert Ellenstein) wants Jeff to co-chair the "freshmen-sophomore get acquainted dance" at school. Jeff is hesitant at first, until he meets his other co-chair Bernice (Candy Moore). However, Bernice starts to call all the shots, much to Jeff's irritation. Problems soon arise when a lot of the students complain about who they're set up with. Scotty suggests that they let Herman the computer do the matching up. At the dance, Herman's picks don't seem to be any better than before. Jeff and Bernice get paired up.

Donna and Midge get two tickets for a raffle to win a mink coat. One of the tickets is the winner, but because they didn't divvy up the tickets, they must share the coat. The two ladies go to a charity dinner together. They agree that Donna will wear the coat there and Midge will wear it back. At the dinner, Donna checks the coat. When Midge tries to get the mink from the coat check at the end of the evening, the coat check woman thinks Midge is trying to steal the coat. Mr. Hodges (Dick Wilson), the manager, questions Midge and then calls security. Alex and Donna come back just in time. The girls decide to trade the coat in for two mink jackets. Alex goes to the furrier and buys the coat thinking he's getting a second one, so the girls don't have to share. Molly Dodd appears as Mrs. Randall.

Jeff gets his parents to agree on his buying his own car. Thinking he knows everything about autos he ignores the advice of Mr. Henshaw (Laurence Haddon) the dealer and Scotty, and buys a car that hasn't been checked out. After Jeff shows the car to Karen, it immediately breaks down. Meanwhile, Karen has lost a necklace. Mr. Henshaw is Karen's uncle and she tells Jeff that he is willing to take the car back. Jeff won't do it as it will prove that he was wrong to buy it in the first place. Alex takes a look under the hood and sees what the trouble is. Alex doesn't tell Jeff what it is, but has him look to see if Jeff can find it himself. Jeff finds Karen's necklace and it was shorting out some electrical wiring. The car now runs fine.

Trisha is taking care of Samantha, a friends pet monkey. Donna applies for a credit card at Leslie's department store and is denied. Donna goes and speaks to Mr. Nelson (Arch Johnson), the credit manager of the store. It turns out that the store's computer shows that the Stones have never charged anything and thus have no credit history. Donna decides to prove a point by creating a fictional person named Samantha Simian and establishes credit all around town for the monkey. Donna even gets a credit card for the monkey from Leslie's. In the end, Mr. Nelson is shown that computers aren't always right.

Professor James Caldwell (Lloyd Corrigan) makes a speech about how he is being forced to retire and wishes he could turn back the clock and stay. But, in actuality, he is happy about it. Jeff and Alex want to start a petition to reinstate Caldwell. Mrs. Larson (Mary Treen), Caldwell's housekeeper, finds out about the petition and tells him. Caldwell speaks to Donna and asks her to have Jeff and Alex stop collecting signatures. Alex and Donna are not in time to stop Jeff from presenting his case for reinstatement to the Board of Directors. But, Alex tells the Board that he did speak to Caldwell and the Professor wants to retire. Caldwell also shows up to say the same thing.

Jeff gives his parents and Midge career aptitude tests with Donna's results showing she has literary talent. The family teases Donna about being an author. At first she has no interest, but Midge talks her into starting to write something. The family find Donna's manuscript and discover that she is writing about them and some of their faults. They now try to be better and change their bad habits. Turns out Donna was hoping they would sneak a peek at her writing and decided to have a little fun with them.

Donna decides to fight city hall when the city tries to cut down a tree in front of her house. City Commissioner Trimmitt (Paul Reed) would like everyone on Elm Street to have an elm tree. Donna organizes the women on Elm Street to help her cause. The mayor tells Trimmitt to get the ladies to stop their campaign. The Commissioner comes up with a ploy to have the ladies give up. Donna comes up with a ploy of her own to stop Trimmitt. Karl Lukas appears as Mr. Swanson, the tree trimmer. Paulene Myers appears as Ethel Featherspoon, Trimmitt's secretary. Maxine Stuart appears as Helena Whitcomb. Aline Towne appears as Helen.

Bill Dayton (Mark Slade) is the son of a friend of Donna's. After only getting excellent grades in high school he finds college a rough adjustment. His grades are nowhere near as good as he would like. Bill starts taking "pep pills" to keep himself awake so he can study more. He even forges Alex's signature on a prescription for more pills. Bill turns himself into the police. Alex brings Dr. Farrel, the staff psychiatrist from college, to the jail to talk to Bill. Bill agrees to let the doctor help him. Charles Lane appears as Mr. Samson the pharmacist. William Lanteau appears as Mr. Devlin, freshman advisor.

Both the Stones and the Kelseys must deal with visitors at the same time. Alex's father and Midge's mother prove to be disruptive until the plan is hatched to have them spend time with each other.

Jeff and Alex laugh about the prospect of women entering the Hilldale car rally. Rally drivers are given specific route directions in code to follow. Jeff and Scotty tease Bebe (Candy Moore) and Susanna (Sandy Descher) when they get lost coming back from an outing. The girls decide to enter the rally. Alex makes a bet with Donna that the boys will win. Even though they have no idea what they're doing, and with a little help from Donna, the girls make it to the finish tied with Jeff and Scotty. The girls answer the tie breaking question correctly and win. Alex doesn't think he should honor the bet when he finds out Donna helped the girls. Dabney Coleman appears as the Rally Master.

Jeff's rock band plays at a local party, and a cute girl asks them if they've ever thought about making a record. They decide they should, and set out to get enough money to buy recording equipment. After they tape a song, they need to raise even more money to have records pressed. They decide to sell shares of stock in their "record company" to all the kids at school. While driving home with their records, the boys get a flat tire. In order to change the tire, they have to place the 3000 records on the sidewalk. All the records warp in the sunlight. The boys figure out a way to make money with the damaged discs.

Jeff needs to be a camp counselor to get a college credit. But he is required to recruit two campers to get the position and finds it difficult to find anybody willing to sign up. Jeff meets two brothers in the park that could be good prospects. Their father, Mr. Williams (DeForest Kelley), agrees to let the boys go to the camp. The next day the boys tag along with Jeff and Karen on a picnic. Before going home, they meet two other boys and agree to take them home as well. Turns out Mr. Williams is being sent to Europe and has to take his family with. He will have to cancel out on the camp. In the end, Mr. Williams and Alex agree to split the cost of sending the two other boys to the camp.

Dorothy Evans (Betsy Jones-Moreland) asks if the Stones could take care of her parents lake house while she is away in Europe. Jeff suggests that his fraternity take care of the place. When the boys show up to the cabin, they find it in total disrepair. And they find to fix it up is a lot more work than they anticipated. Jeff invites Donna and Alex to their first social at the cabin. Donna and Alex are pleasantly surprised to see some of their favorite things about the cabin are still there.

Smitty is smitten with a girl named Deborah (Linda Gaye Scott), who believes men are the weaker sex. Jeff decides males are the superior sex. Jeff and Scotty tell Smitty that he needs to dominate Deborah and she will love him for it. The boys start acting like the boss and tell the girls what to do. Donna disapproves and helps the young women make the boys see the errors of their ways, Jeff most of all. Catherine Ferrar appears as Susan.

City Commissioner Trimmitt wants to close down the park. Jeff and his friend Gerelda (Sheila James) talk to Zeke (John Qualen), an old man who sits on a park bench, about what they can do. Gerelda wants Jeff to run for city council and gets enough signatures to put him on the ballot. Jeff debates Trimmitt on TV and polls afterwards show Jeff has a chance to win. Jeff agrees to leave the race if Trimmitt will keep the park open and let Zeke have his bench. Paulene Myers as Mrs. Featherspoon, Trimmitt's secretary.

Donna and Midge shop for a stereo for Jeff's birthday. Midge talks Donna into buying a "do it yourself" stereo kit. Alex reluctantly agrees to attempt to assemble the stereo in Midge's garage. Trisha wonders where her parents sneak off to every night. She and Jeff find out that they are trying to build the stereo for his birthday. Jeff gets Smitty to help build it when his parents aren't around. Separately, Donna and Alex find out Smitty is helping, but no one says anything. On his birthday, Jeff says it's better to get a gift that someone worked to make themselves. Bonnie Beecher appears as Julie. Sandy Kenyon appears as the Stereo Clerk.

Jeff tells Donna and Alex that he and Bebe want to get married. Believing they are too young to marry they frantically try to stop the wedding from happening. Bebe hasn't told her parents yet and asks if Donna and Alex would tell them. Donna hopes to get Bebe's parents to end the wedding thoughts. But, when she gets to their house, they know about the wedding and are more than happy about it. Bebe's parents come to the Stone house and say they are against the wedding. Turns out they were only putting on a show for Bebe's sake. The parents are relieved when Jeff and Bebe say they decided they're not ready to get married. John Stephenson appears as Bebe's Father.

Alex has to take a trip to San Francisco for a conference and Donna and Jeff talk him into taking them along. While there, old friend Willie Mays tells Donna and Jeff that he can get them a pair of tickets to one of his games. A problem arises when Alex, Jeff, and Donna each believe that the others have plans and they each invite a guest to join them at the game. Jeff and his date get to the game first and take the tickets. After bragging to Dr. Grayson (Edmon Ryan) that he knew Willie, Alex now has to buy tickets from a scalper. When Donna and Mrs. Grayson (Amzie Strickland) find out there are no tickets, they just go back to the hotel. After the game Willie comes by the hotel and Alex is able to prove to Grayson that they are friends. Smoki Whitfield appears as the Ticket Clerk.

Donna and Midge take French lessons from the owner of a French restaurant. Stanley Adams and Naomi Stevens appear as Mr. & Mrs. Voltaire.

Mark Claridge (Warren Stevens), a former boyfriend of Donna's, arrives back in Hilldale, wealthy and accomplished. He's even donating an entire wing to the hospital. Donna invites him over to dinner. Alex is a bit jealous and he starts to wonder how well he has provided for his family. Mark decides he wants to stay in Hilldale. Midge tells Donna that he's staying because of her. After Donna and Alex talk to him, Mark realizes that the simple life really isn't for him.

Alex decides the family will go to California for vacation. Things get complicated by too many well-wishers with too many ideas as to where they should go instead. James Hong appears as Jim the gardener. Arte Johnson appears as Crandall the milkman. William Lanteau appears as Phillips. Peter Leeds appears as the Postman. Nora Marlowe appears as Mrs. Barton the nurse. Judson Pratt appears as Dr. Metcalfe.

Donna and Alex have attended a lot of parties lately. They decide to spend some time at home, enjoying their children and each other. Alex asks Donna to make an excuse for an invitation on Friday. Donna calls to state they can not attend as they might be going on a trip. Later that day Midge asks to go with the Stones to the Slocum anniversary party, however, the Stones were not invited. Donna tries to find out why they were not invited. At the party, Nellie Slocum (Aline Towne) asks Midge why the Stones aren't there. Nellie finds out that her husband Steve (Kirk Alyn) forgot to mail the invite. She calls Donna and insists they come over. At the party they wind up getting invites to many more parties. Alice Backes appears as Mrs. McCracken.

Midge and Dave have an argument about getting old. Alex finds a quiz in the newspaper about being young at heart and thinks Donna filled it out. Her quiz answers put Donna in the category of "old fuddy duddy". Alex tries to get Donna to do some spontaneous fun things. Donna then finds the quiz and believes Alex filled it out. Now Donna wants to have Alex do those fun things. Despite both being tired, they go out for a very late night of doing various things. They later find out that it was Dave that filled out the quiz and that was what started the fight between Midge and Dave.

Amanda Featherstone Bullock (Sarah Marshall) drops by and tells Donna she used to live in the Stones' house when she was young. She asks if it's OK to bring her husband Bull Bullock (Frank Maxwell) by later to see if he likes the house. If he does, they want to buy it. When the Bullocks come over, Alex sets an unreasonably high price for the house thinking they won't want to buy. The husband accepts the price. Alex and Donna go to see Felix (Dan Tobin), a real estate agent, about buying another house. They find a house, but will miss the old one. When the Bullocks come by with the check, Alex says he can't sell. Amanda says she only lived in the house a short time and she really doesn't have to live here again. The two families mutually call off the deal.

Jeff and Smitty have written a song that could be a big break for them if only someone big in the music business would sing it. They hope to get Lesley Gore to record it. Donna's friend Maddy (Binnie Barnes), a newspaper reporter, is to do an interview with Lesley. Jeff talks her into letting him do the interview. Maddy likes what Jeff comes up with and gives him a byline on the front page. But it turns out that Jeff completely distorted what Lesley said. Lesley demands a retraction in the paper. Jeff writes one and Lesley likes what she reads. She calls Donna and has her bring Jeff's song to her. Lesley also gets Donna to bring Jeff to her next concert where she performs his song.