The Donna Reed Show (1958–1966): Season 2, Episode 9 - Flowers for the Teacher - full transcript

Honestly.

Really?

Oh, that boy!

Jeff!

Jeff! You come down here.

Something on fire?

Yes, me.

I would like to resign.

Resign as what?

As Jeff's mother.

One trip to the living room
and that's what I collected.



I tell you all summer long,

I picked up after him
until I've got the bends.

I've talked to him
about it at least 20 times,

but he doesn't hear a word.

- Well, dear, boys will...
- Be boys.

You don't have to tell me.
But somebody's told Jeff.

Yesterday, I found a
trail of strawberry jam

from the refrigerator all
the way to the television set.

- No wonder we've got ants.
- Well, dear, you can't...

He's got nothing but argue
with Mary all summer long.

Honey, I tell you, I can hardly
wait until he gets back to school.

Mom!

Jeff, come in here.

Your mother has just been
talking to me about you.



Sit down.

Well, I didn't do it.

Besides, it was an accident.

Now, Jeff, I just want
to tell you that... eh!

Jeff, I just want
to tell you that...

What was an accident?

Well, I don't know. What
are you talking about?

What are you talking about?

Well, you know.

No, I don't know.

Then, what are
you blaming me for?

Who said we were blaming you?

Because you always do.

The least little thing,
I always get blamed.

What is it to
blame you for, Jeff?

Nothing.

Then, what are we talking about?

Well, I don't know.
You started it.

I wasn't doing anything.
You just called me in here.

- Get out.
- Sure, Dad.

And take all this junk with you.

I was just gonna.

Say, what's the idea of
leaving all this lying around?

Well, I was just looking
for it so I could put it away.

How did it get over here anyway?

Never mind. Don't
try to hang it on me.

Well, I was looking
all over for it.

You see what I mean?

That's what I'm up against.

I wonder what Dr. Gazelle
would have to say to that.

My dear woman, I
hate to tell you this,

but your son is
perfectly normal.

I wish you'd stop referring
to him as "my son."

You have some
responsibility on the matter.

Now, cheer up.

Tomorrow, he'll
be back in school

and he'll be somebody
else's problem.

There's my next patient.

Now, look, darling,

remember, Jeff is
a 12-year-old boy.

He's at the point where
the brook and the river meet.

You know, sometimes, I
think that brook of yours

is flowing backwards.

- Hi, darling.
- Hi, dear.

- Any calls?
- Not a one.

Hey, what are you doing here?

I thought I told you
to get out of the house.

I never got around to it.

But this is your chance.
The kids are back at school.

I have a perfectly
lovely time right here.

Oh, what did you do?

Not a blessed thing.

Honey, I just dawdled
the whole morning.

The phone never rang once.

It was so peaceful,
and then, at lunchtime,

I fixed a bowl of
soup and read a book.

All by myself. It was heavenly.

It was like eating
at the soda fountain.

I ate at a soda fountain.

It wasn't heavenly at all.

Hi, dear.

Hi.

Why the big hello?

How was school today, dear?

Yeah.

What do you mean "yeah?"

Just don't expect my grades
to be too good this year.

That's all.

Why not?

Because of this new
teacher we've got,

Ms. McGinnis.

What's wrong with her?

Oh, boy, you opened your
mouth even and she jumps on you

and the stuff we've got.

You should see the homework
just because she got sore.

Well, what makes you
think she was sore?

Because she made the
whole class stay after school,

the boys anyway.

What for?

Nothing, nothing at all.

Honey, it couldn't
have been nothing.

Well, a couple of the
guys were kidding around,

but is that anything to make

all the boys stay
after the school for?

Boy, is she mean.

Jeff, that's not a very good
way to start off the year.

What is it you have
against this teacher?

Nothing.

She just hates me, that's all.

What makes you think that?

Well, I can tell.

How?

Lots of ways.

Well, what ways?

Never mind. I can tell.

You'll see when I get my grades.

She hates me all right.

And I'm not the only one.

The other guys,
they hate her, too.

Wait a minute.

Does the teacher hate you
or do you hate the teacher?

Well, both.

I mean, if somebody hates you,
you hate them back, don't you?

Not necessarily.

With that way, everybody
ends up hating everybody else.

Suppose instead, you
did something nice for her.

Why should I?

Well, just to show that...

Well, just to be
friendly, that's all.

Well, you won't catch
me buttering her up.

What do you think the
other guys would say?

He's always got along
so well with his teachers.

Oh, he's probably just got
under her skin, that's all.

Well, that's no
way for a teacher...

Teachers are supposed to
know how to handle such things.

Sweetheart, let me remind you.

Just yesterday, you were saying

you couldn't stand
the little darling.

But I am his mother.

I mean, that's her job.

Oh, I'm glad I'm not a teacher.

Jeff!

Jeff, it's 7:30.
You better get up.

It's almost time for breakfast.

I'm sick.

Oh, you're not sick.

I am so. How do you know?

Well, look, I can tell.
Now, you better hurry.

You'll be late for school.

I'm not going.

Why not?

I told you. I don't
feel so good.

Tell Mom, huh? I
don't feel so good.

Oh, I'll tell her, all right.

Jeff says he's
sick. Good morning.

Darling, would you go?

How sick is he?

Well, I... I think you can
finish your grapefruit first.

Darling, would you
mind? You're the doctor.

Jeff!

Oh, Jeff, I hear that you...

I understand you're
not feeling well.

Well, yeah, but I didn't
mean for you to come

all the way upstairs, Dad.

So, I see.

Where don't you feel well?

Well, I'll probably be all
right in a couple of days.

Don't worry.

Where don't you feel well?

Well, you know, all over.

Headache?

Well, yeah, kind of, now
that you mentioned it.

Open your mouth.

Wider.

What did you see?

I think we'd better
take your temperature.

Oh, I may not have any, Dad.

We'll see.

Well, you know, some people,

they run a little
temperature all the time,

but it doesn't mean a thing.

So, I heard.

Well, you told me so yourself.

So, I guess, other people, they
don't run a temperature at all

even when they're
sick. Huh, dad?

Keep it under your tongue.

It's under, all right.

Keep your mouth closed.

How long have you
been feeling this way?

Well, I don't know
exactly, when I woke up...

Keep your mouth closed.

Well, how can I talk
with my mouth closed?

Don't talk.

How is he?

Just about to find out.

Put your clothes on.

What do you mean?

Not a thing to matter with
you. Get down to breakfast.

Okay. If you don't care
what happens to me,

don't blame me if
get home from school

with a temperature of 110.

Don't blame me if you
had to come and get me

because I'm infecting
the whole school.

You know if that happens,
they'll think your some doctor.

Are you sure?

I'm as sure as a
doctor can ever be

which is pretty darn sure.

- But supposed you're wrong?
- I'll turn in my license.

Let's go finish the grapefruit.

Hello, Dr. Stone's residence.

Oh, yes, he is. Just
a minute, please.

It's Mrs. Bassett,
something about Billy.

- Bye, Mommy.
- Bye, honey.

Yes, Mrs. Bassett.

Have you taken his temperature?

Uh-huh.

No symptoms of
any other kind either?

Just doesn't feel well.

How long has he
been feeling this way?

I see.

Well, you better keep
him at home, I guess.

I'll stop by this morning
and have a look at him.

Goodbye.

Very strange. It
sounds just like Jeff.

Dr. Stone.

Tell me, Mrs. Paterno exactly
what are Lewis's symptoms?

Lewis Paterno?

There seems to be
a lot of this around.

I'll better keep him home
until I can have a look at him.

Oh, heck, everybody
gets to stay home but me.

Yes, I'll be there shortly.

What is this?

Alex, we'd never
forgive ourselves

if it turned out that
Jeff was really sick.

Yeah, Dad. You'd
never forgive yourself.

All right, stay home.

You're not fooling me one bit.

I want you to know that you
are not fooling me one bit.

Well, gee, Dad. Who's
trying to fool anybody?

Gee.

Dr. Stone.

Oh no.

Would you like
something more, dear?

Well, I better
not on account of,

well, you know,
not feeling so good.

- Where are you going?
- Outside.

Oh no.

- If you're through eating,
back to bed.
- Bed?

Back to bed.

If you're too sick
to go to school...

You mean get undress
and everything?

Undress and get
into your pajamas...

But I just got dressed.

- Get undressed.
- Oh...

If that phone
doesn't stop ringing...

Dad, do I have to go to bed?

I told him if he's too
sick to go to school...

You're darn right you do.

Oh, gee Dad, not back to bed.

Jeff!

Okay, I'll go to bed.

Mom, hey, Mom!

In a minute.

In a minute, Jeff.

Mom!

I'm coming.

If I've been up these
steps once a day.

I've been up 20 times.

Oh...

When will that boy ever
learn to put his things away.

Honestly, I wish you
wouldn't leave your things

all over the place, honey.

I told you once I...

Well, you're looking
more like yourself now.

Mom, I'm kind of hungry.

Would you fix me
something to eat, please?

Honey, you just had your
breakfast two hours ago.

But I'm hungry.

But you're too sick to eat.

Well, I was, but
I feel fine now.

No kidding, Mom. I feel fine.

Maybe, I should get up.

I mean, there's nothing
to do around here

and I feel fine. So...

Honey, it looks like you
found plenty to do around here.

Look, I had this all
cleaned up yesterday.

Mom, please, can I?

Please?

Well, if you're sure
you feel all right.

I don't want to
disturb your father.

He's busy with patients.

Why disturb him?

You know, Mom,
it's kind of funny.

A little while ago, I
didn't feel so good.

But now, I feel great.

It's kind of funny how all
of a sudden you feel great,

isn't it, Mom?

Yes...

Yes, it is.

Wait a minute.
Who are you calling?

Lewis Paterno.

But Lewis is sick,
you know that.

Well, I'm pretty sure
he's okay by now.

And why are you calling him?

To see if he can play.

Oh no.

If you're well enough
to get out of bed,

you're well enough
to go to school.

- Oh, Mom.
- Put the phone down.

I'm writing an excuse
to your teacher.

But, Mom, the days half-

And I were being
completely truthful with her,

I'd tell her I don't think
there was ever anything

wrong with you.

Oh, golly.

Oh, honey, if
there are any calls,

I'm going first
to the Bassett's,

then to the Paterno's. Now...

Oh, brother.

Dr. Stone's residence.

Well, I don't think...

Yes, he is, just a moment.

It's Mrs. Harshbarger.

Yes, Mrs. Harshbarger.

Frank Harshbarger.
He's in my class, too.

Are they all in your class?

Who?

Bill Bassett, Lewis
Paterno, and now Frank?

Well, yeah, sure. Why?

Now, don't worry about
it. I'll be there shortly.

Hmm, I'm just leaving. Goodbye.

Alex, all these boys
are in Jeff's class.

Do you suppose that...?

Do you suppose there's
something contagious?

Yeah, maybe, it's like Mom says.

Maybe, it's contagious.

This can't be just
a coincidence.

Oh, it's contagious, all right.

- Well, if it's contagious, then...
- What can it be?

Well, won't bother with
the technical term for it.

The common name is hooky.

But, honey, there
are four of them.

I mean, even if it is
something like that,

there must be a reason.

Maybe, there's something
in what Jeff says.

Now, he says about what?

The teacher because
they all feel the same way.

No, I wouldn't jump
to any conclusions.

Honey, all I know is that
Jeff has never felt this way

about school before,
and now, look at him.

Yeah, now, look at him.

Will you get back
into bed, young man?

Honey, I'm going down there.

I'm going down there.

Well, I'm going to do something.

Excuse me, please.

Would you tell me which
is Ms. McGinnis' room?

That's it, right there.

Thank you.

That's it.

Yes, thank you.

- Ms. McGinnis?
- Yes.

I'm Jeff's mother.

My son is in your class.

Oh, please sit down.

You must forgive me, Mrs...

- Mrs. Stone.
- Mrs. Stone.

- I'm new here.
- I know.

There are 34 in the class
and it takes a little time.

Yes, I know, it must be hard.

I... I don't know quite
how to describe Jeff.

Well, I'm afraid,
sometimes, he is a bit fresh.

Oh, Jeff, yes.

You know him?

Yes, we usually
spot the leaders first.

Oh, well, I didn't know
he was a leader, but...

No, you can usually
tell pretty quickly

which ones the others imitate.

Oh, Jeff was absent today.

- Yes, that's why...
- So are a number of others.

That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.

That and...

Well, I was wondering if he'd
been giving you any trouble.

I got the impression
from remarks he'd made

that things are...

Well, that he feels
he's not doing too well.

Or that I'm not doing very well.

Oh, it isn't that.

I don't know what I've done, but

I, uh, seemed to have
gotten off on the wrong foot.

I was aware of it the first day,

the hostility in all of
them, particularly the boys.

And I just can't seem
to break through it.

Oh, this is your...
your first week.

I'm sure that in time...

Mrs. Stone, this
is my first class

and, you know, when you're
on your own for the first time,

well, it isn't like
training school.

I came in here the first
day, I was scared to death.

I shouldn't have been,
but I was just terrified.

Well, I'm sure it isn't easy.

If you could imagine
what it's like to face

34 strange children,

just sitting there, daring
you to make a wrong move.

Well, I know how it is to handle

my own house was only two.

So... And maybe,
I was too strict.

But I didn't want things
to get out of hand.

I just couldn't let them see
that I was afraid of them.

Well, I think if the
children understood...

Oh, I couldn't let them know.

My authority would be
completely gone then.

Yes, you're quite right.

Well, I'm sure
everything will work out.

Oh, I knew you'd complain.

Oh, well, I'm afraid that's
what I came here to do.

I'm so sorry.

You want to talk
about Jeff, but I just...

Oh, I... I don't think
that's necessary.

I... I think we understand.

Oh, I just wish all the
parents would be like you.

I'm afraid they
are unfortunately

but maybe will improve.

In the meantime, if there's
anything I can do to help...

You know, maybe, there is.

- Hi, Mom, what happened?
- Hi, darling, how did it go?

Well, hi...

Well, I'm afraid Jeff was right.

I had a talk with
Ms. McGinnis and,

well, I found her
very inexperienced.

In fact, she told me this is
her first real teaching job.

She's never taught
a class before.

- Oh...
- It's true.

I mean, she's... she's
fresh out of training school.

But the way she cracks down.

Oh, I know, she
told me about that.

She's at the first day,
she faced the class,

she was scared to death.

Scared? Her?

That's right.

Scared of what?

With you and the
rest of the class.

What would she
be scared of me for?

Well, she says that you're
one of the leaders of the class.

- Now, with you...
- Where did you get that?

She told me.

Oh, what does she know.

Well, maybe, she's wrong,
but that's what she said.

She said it was
obvious from the start.

Well, anyway.

What did she say again?
She said I was the leader?

She said you're the
one all the boys imitate.

Well, wait until
Lewis hears that.

He thinks he's the big cheese.

Actually, I felt
rather sorry for her.

It must be very difficult.

It's your first class,
the first week,

34 children, all
strangers, all against you.

But that's beside the point.

If she can't handle the
class, she has to go.

She has to be replaced.

Well, I'll go back tomorrow
and have a talk with the principal.

Oh, no, wait a
minute. That's not fair.

The woman's
entitled to a chance,

for heaven's sake.

But if she hasn't
had the experience...

Oh, where is she
going to get experience?

Teachers got to start somewhere.

You can't expect her to
be perfect the first day.

All I know is
what Jeff tells me.

He says they all
think she's impossible.

So, she'll have to go.

Well, Mom, I didn't
say that exactly.

- All I said...
- You said she was unfair, right?

Well, not unfair exactly,

but she didn't have to
keep the whole class

after school the first day.

Well, she said herself she
thought that was a mistake.

- She said...
- Hmm, being too strict.

You see that was
her inexperience.

She was so frightened
and unsure of herself that,

well, she felt she just had to
set an example the first day

or things might go wrong.

But that's no excuse.

I mean, a teacher
who is unsure...

Well, Mom, she's
not that terrible, really.

Well, some of the guys were
cutting up a little bit maybe.

Some of the guys?

You know how it is, Dad.

It's the first day,
a new teacher.

Well, you know, they want to
find out how she's going to be.

And when they found,
they didn't like it at all?

Is that it?

Maybe, it wasn't
her fault at all, Jeff.

What do you think?

Well, the trouble with Lewis
is he thinks he runs everything.

Always telling guys what to do.

How am I doing?

You ought to be in politics.

Lewis started all this.

Started what?

What did Lewis start?

Never mind. I'll talk to Lewis.

Do you think you
might be well enough

to go back to school tomorrow?

Sure, I feel fine.

Golly, Mom, what's the matter?

Yes, Ms. McGinnis.

Oh, I'm so glad.

Nobody absent?

Oh, well, I was sure everything
would work out all right.

What?

Yes, Jeff is a fine boy.

But I'm sure everything
will be fine from now on.

That you for calling.

Bye.

- Oh, Alex, she's so happy.
- Hmm.

And she thinks
Jeff is responsible

for the class behaving.

That's my son.

When he's good,
he's very, very good.

When he's bad...

- Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.
- Hi, Jeff.

Hi, Jeff. How was school today?

Eh.

What do you mean, "eh?"

Okay.

Okay.

Well, you can't do
much better than that.