The story goes that actor Edgar Buchanan was originally a dentist who got the acting bug. It was the best decision he ever made, gracing both the big and small screen for decades in memorable roles. This is one of them. Unfortunately, he only made a handful of appearances on the show, but all us kids will never forget Uncle Billy.
Billy is Ward's father's brother, who shows up to the Cleaver household to see how big Wally and Beave have gotten. Billy is a bachelor, apparently very successful in his own right, but a teller of TALL tales. The thing about this episode, it's a kid's dream because we all loved over the top characters.
That all said... producers and writers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher went the extra mile, and gave this story a more poignant slant. I agree with the last reviewer. Wally seems to know the score about Uncle Billy, right off the bat, while Beave is a true believer in anythng he says, in fact, the more outrageous the better.
It takes a surprise visit to his hotel, to see Billy rattling off similar tales to strangers around him --and their expressions-- to kind of, sort of figure out who his uncle really is. Beave comes down to earth fast, yet another learning experience. It also saves a long father and son talk with Ward, ya think?
An unforgettable character study episode, and again thanks to Edgar Buchanan. Edgar may have also been instrumental in getting Hugh Beaumont to later appear on PETTICOAT JUNCTION, playing Steve's father, who is about to marry one of Kate's daughters in some terrific episodes. It's also a treat to see Hugh Beaumont in color, and still looking like Mr. Cleaver!
Recommended. From SEASON 4 remastered.