Radio Retropolis

Jim thinks he got the bargain of a lifetime when he bid $5 at an auction and won 500 pounds of peanuts.  Commentary on the difference in this episode with Jim Anderson's choices along with the typical sitcom plot line both of which were not typical for this series.

Bud’s extreme shyness with girls is only overcome when he wears a funny mask.  So, he decides to throw a masquerade party so he can wear the mask and talk to girls.  But to Bud’s horror, the mask goes missing.  Commentary on the difference between the two Bud Anderson- Billy Gray and Ted Donaldson.  Plus a look at the man who created Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd-Edgar Bergen.

Jim believes his kids have no real value for money and decides to put them on a salary in which they pay all their expenses including rent and food.  The problem is that the kids feel it’s only fair if Jim does the same. Commentary on this episode being a throwback to season 1. Plus, new sponsor Sanka.

Betty has a date with Ralph-that is until Jim steps in and arranges another date with Betty with his client’s son. Commentary on Betty's reference to Marilyn Monroe and her emerging status in Hollywood in 1953.

Jim has a new client is coming to the house for dinner who happens to have a very big nose and the kids are put on notice to not pay any attention to it all.  Commentary on Robert Young's contributions to the Good Driver's Club and a special look at today's guest star William Conrad who plays Mr. Gribble.

Jim receives word that he has inherited a ranch worth millions in our second remake.  Commentary on the possible reasons for remakes as well as the background on the Savings Bond spots that ran as we offer this episode complete with commercial breaks as originally aired.

Tonight, we begin the final radio season of Father Knows Best.   This episode is a remake of an episode What Was His Name? from February 8, 1951.  In this episode, Jim drives himself and all around him crazy, including his neighbors in the middle of the night, when he tries to remember a name of someone he met.  Commentary on episodes being remade as well as on legendary actor Robert Wagner.

Jim believes Margaret and the Girls Mother’s club are not as efficient as he would be running the paper drive so Margaret nominates him to run it-much to Jim’s mortification.  Commentary on the "polite" audience in this episode, why Betty called Bud Lord Baltimore and guest actor Dick Beals.

Betty, wanting to impress her new high society friend, fears the worst when Bud dates her younger sister and decides to transform him into a gentleman. Listen for a very special guest star in tonight's podcast.

Jim thinks his kids have it too easy today and decides they should relive the good old days when you had to do everything on your own. Commentary on the 3D craze of 1953.

Springtime usually means the weather is warm and people can finally come out and enjoy all that the season offers, unless of course you’re the Andersons who just can’t seem to get into the joyful spirit. Commentary on the introduction of Betty's best friend Janey Liggett played by Mary Lee Robb whom we knew but never heard before. Plus, a comment on some interesting facts behind the Truth or Consequences game show.

Jim feels he is getting old. Commentary on the role of the male in the 50s which led to the aging process more quickly. Plus, we comment on guest star Ben Weldon.

Jim has a simple overnight business trip that gets complicated when the whole Anderson family decides to turn it into family getaway. Commentary on the "pinsetter"plus the decline of the railway in the early 50s as the number one source of transportation.

The Anderson kids each have a dilemma they’re afraid to face which frustrates Jim who just can’t seem to find a way to help them shake their fears. Commentary on recent USA Today article on why Jim Anderson's fatherly methods are still needed today.

Bud claims he will strike it rich by selling Panama Cats if only he can convince his father, who knows this is nothing more than a scam, to loan him $25 to buy the cats.  Commentary on Ted Donaldson, as Bud Anderson, who gives his greatest series performance in this episode.