Joseph Hoffman, who was also writing for FAMILY AFFAIR at the time, cranked out a good story for Uncle Charley, and for a change of pace.
Charley wins a contest and gets a free dancing lesson!
Not too shabby, but it all leads to a pretty con-lady called Helen Saunders (well played by Joanna Moore). Helen knows one when she see's one and takes full advantage of Charley, with lots of flattery and BS. The goal is to get him to sign a contract for a "lifetime?" of dancing lessons for a cool 1,000 dollars! In today's market, that would be about eight thousand dollars!
Robbie comes to the rescue and gets hooked by fast-talking Helen. Calling Steve! What a mess, but what a con game. Actually, this story may have been inspired by some episodes on DRAGNET, if you can believe it. Helen is rakin' in some big bucks!
Veteran William Demarest, who replaced retiring William Frawley as Bub the same year, turns in a great performance, showing the wise, old seaman at his most vulnerable. You really feel sorry for Charley here. Demarest was nominated for an Oscar in THE JOLSON STORY and the previous year appeared opposite Elvis in the legendary race car film, VIVA LAS VEGAS.
Note, there are a few references to Vegas in this one!
The dancing routines are pretty classy, though.
SEASON 6 EPISODE 9 remastered dvd box set.
Charley wins a contest and gets a free dancing lesson!
Not too shabby, but it all leads to a pretty con-lady called Helen Saunders (well played by Joanna Moore). Helen knows one when she see's one and takes full advantage of Charley, with lots of flattery and BS. The goal is to get him to sign a contract for a "lifetime?" of dancing lessons for a cool 1,000 dollars! In today's market, that would be about eight thousand dollars!
Robbie comes to the rescue and gets hooked by fast-talking Helen. Calling Steve! What a mess, but what a con game. Actually, this story may have been inspired by some episodes on DRAGNET, if you can believe it. Helen is rakin' in some big bucks!
Veteran William Demarest, who replaced retiring William Frawley as Bub the same year, turns in a great performance, showing the wise, old seaman at his most vulnerable. You really feel sorry for Charley here. Demarest was nominated for an Oscar in THE JOLSON STORY and the previous year appeared opposite Elvis in the legendary race car film, VIVA LAS VEGAS.
Note, there are a few references to Vegas in this one!
The dancing routines are pretty classy, though.
SEASON 6 EPISODE 9 remastered dvd box set.
