The Foundling (29 Oct. 1958)

Someone leaves a baby on the front doorstep. Alex, who thinks the baby should be turned over to the authorities, fears the family is becoming too attached to it.

Director:

Oscar Rudolph

Writers:

William Roberts (creator), John Whedon

Stars:

Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Donna Reed	...	Donna Stone
Carl Betz	...	Dr. Alex Stone
Shelley Fabares	...	Mary Stone
Paul Petersen	...	Jeff Stone
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Don Hildreth	...	Officer O'Connor
Fintan Meyler	...	Kathleen
Paul Picerni	...	Tony Ferucci, The Milkman

Storyline

Someone leaves a baby on the front doorstep. Alex, who thinks the baby should be turned over to the authorities, fears the family is becoming too attached to it.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 October 1958 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Todon, Briskin Productions, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Donna Stone: Sergeant, I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job; I'm just telling you what I think you should do.

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Connections

Featured in Married with Children: The Hood, the Bud & the Kelly: Part 1 (1996)

User Reviews

Donna Plays Baby Detective

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