Excellent first episode, and it's always strange (if not a culture shock) to go right back to the beginning, particularly after you watched the entire series run. You have to admit, aside from Wally and Beave being much younger, there's many other changes, particularly clothing and hair styles. A dramatic change from the late 50s to the 60s. Note all the different hair styles Barbara Billinglsey went through over six seasons. And a house that seemed a lot smaller, including a tiny yard and driveway. Times change, even in TV Land. Only debit, the later episodes were not in color.
The story goes that Jerry Mathers, who had quite an acting resume at the time, asked producers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher how long his audition would take -- BECAUSE he had to attend an important Boy Scout meeting. They unanimously agreed, that's exactly what Beaver would say, and he got the job.
No question, Jerry was the perfect choice for the starring role, as this episode would show.
Connelly and Mosher wrote many of the early stories, no doubt from personal family experiences, and they were spot on. This episode is the perfect example, all about Beave's teacher, Miss Canfield (Diane Brewster), who sends him home
with a "note." That folded piece of paper naturally sends chills up his spine, and the dialogue between Beave and Wally is priceless. What the series would be known for.
The episodes were generally from a kid's point of view, and with it the kind of goofy dialogue you would except, even more outrageous as the series continued. One exception to the rule, though. As you got older, and I'm sure most other viewers would agree, you began to listen to the banter between Ward and June, and it's just as hilarious. An amazing observation and transformation for all us teens and young adults.
Definitely a winner, coupled with some desperate actions administered by faithful older brother Wally to get Beave out of his FIRST big mess.
Actress Diane Brewster became Beaver's first teacher, albeit brief. She was working at Warner Brothers/ABC TV in both cop shows and westerns, as was Sue Randall, who later replaced her as Miss Landers. Interestingly, when Randall retired from acting, and the show was revived in the 80s, Brewster returned to the series.
Two veteran actors also make their debut; Burt Mustin as Gus, the wise, old fireman, and Doris Packer as Beaver's principal, Mrs. Rayburn, a memorable character throughout the series run. Stanley Fafara (called Harold here instead of Whitey) and Jeri Weil as Judy also make their debut.
Dedicated to all us forever fans. SEASON 1 EPISODE 1 remastered Universal dvd box set. 3 dvds. 2005 release. Re-released 6 dvd set 2014.
