At the breakfast table, Donna (Donna Reed) reminds her family that Fintan Meyler (as Kathleen), an Irish woman with no boyfriends, will be coming to clean the house today. After Alex (Carl Betz) leaves for work, Mary (Shelley Fabares) goes to see if milkman Paul Picerni (as Tony) has arrived; instead, she finds an abandoned baby in a basket, left on the Stone's doorstep.
An accompanying note says, "Dear Mrs. Stone, his name is Willie. He's a good boy and hardly ever cries. Please love him and take care of him for me. God bless you." Initially, Donna and Mary feel motherly; but, Jeff doesn't want a baby brother. Alex returns, and wants to call the police. Donna decides to play baby detective; and, he gets to the bottom of the baby mystery - with predictable results. This first episode written by John Whedon has a "social consciousness" angle; and, Mr. Picerni's portrayal of the well-meaning milkman is its highlight.
**** The Foundling (10/29/58) John Whedon ~ Donna Reed, Paul Picerni, Fintan Meyler
An accompanying note says, "Dear Mrs. Stone, his name is Willie. He's a good boy and hardly ever cries. Please love him and take care of him for me. God bless you." Initially, Donna and Mary feel motherly; but, Jeff doesn't want a baby brother. Alex returns, and wants to call the police. Donna decides to play baby detective; and, he gets to the bottom of the baby mystery - with predictable results. This first episode written by John Whedon has a "social consciousness" angle; and, Mr. Picerni's portrayal of the well-meaning milkman is its highlight.
**** The Foundling (10/29/58) John Whedon ~ Donna Reed, Paul Picerni, Fintan Meyler