There is some good back-and-forth banter at the beginning of this second season episode between Hazel (Shirley Booth) and Deirdre (Cathy Lewis). It seems that Deirdre is eager to see Missy (Whitney Blake), so she can discuss an idea she has regarding the local children's hospital. Hazel keeps interjecting her thoughts during the conversation, since she considers herself a friend of Deirdre, and is excited about the topic. After all, Hazel volunteers days off to help at the hospital and she knows a thing or two about kids.
We learn that Deirdre's actions are not as altruistic as Hazel's, since she plans to use the kids as an excuse to put on a talent show. And her main goal is to sing at the show because her vocal teacher has said she's ready to perform in public. Unfortunately, the plan hits a snag because Hazel wants to be part of the show and she'd like to sing, too. As Hazel proudly declares, she's been singing all her life (hence the title) and she's pretty good at it. Deirdre is mortified.
Per Deirdre, they can't have Hazel sing. Clean or maybe serve food but sing? No. This will be a society affair, which she tells Missy, is for "their kind" of people. Not a maid. Missy is put in the middle, but thinks that if Hazel is any good at singing, it will be okay since it will help raise money for the pediatric wing of the hospital.
Deirdre won't be stymied, of course. She recruits Mr. Blackpool her teacher (Max Showalter) to conduct auditions that will determine who should be allowed to participate in the show. She lays it on thick with Blackpool that she has sent wealthy students to him and will continue to do so, but he must make sure that only their kind of people be part of the musical revue, not a domestic servant. She tells him that they do not need any pushy lower class types like Hazel Burke upsetting the event.
Any other actress would probably go over the top with this type of villainy. But Miss Lewis gives us a bourgeoisie version of Cruella without making her too unlikable. She's hysterical in how transparent she is in her loathing of Hazel. Obviously this episode was made years before the politically correct zeitgeist but a character like Deirdre is still valuable today because she defines warped values and the futility of elitism and prejudice.
Of course Hazel tells her BFF Rosie (Maudie Prickett) that she is looking forward to the tryouts. Rosie thinks she will audition, too. And naturally, the other maids in the community will want to try out. Poor Deirdre. Thanks to Hazel, this is snowballing faster than an avalanche.
There's a nice scene where Hazel stops by the hospital to tell a story to the sick kids there. Then we see her going out and selling tickets for the show. Meanwhile back at the Baxters, Deirdre admonishes George and Missy for not selling very many tickets. But she hasn't sold any herself. Basically the show will be a success because of Hazel, not them.
We arrive at the audition scene. Mr. Blackpool is quick to reject Rosie and select one of Deirdre's cronies, a banker's wife (Eleanor Audley). Next, it is Hazel's turn and Blackpool quickly dismisses Hazel due to her choice of song. Hazel appeals to Deirdre who insists Mr. Blackpool has the final authority. Crushed Hazel and Rosie get up to go. Before leaving, Hazel gives Deirdre the money she made from selling the tickets. Deirdre is humbled to learn Hazel sold nineteen of them.
A subsequent scene shows Deirdre and the Baxters heading off to the talent show. Deirdre finds out that Hazel went to the hospital to tell the kids more stories. It is sinking in now just how selfless and helpful Hazel really is. Deirdre isn't always going to like Hazel, but at least she has now started to respect her brother's maid.
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