What happens
Jim Anderson's children nominate him for Springfield's father of the year contest, and they struggle to describe his virtues in 25 words or less. Margaret Anderson helps them see his quiet devotion, and when Jim arrives home, the children surprise him with the news. Meanwhile, Betty receives a diamond pin from a young man named Donald Martin, and Jim is asked to weigh in on the matter. This episode of Father Knows Best, broadcast on November 8, 1951, stars Robert Young as Jim Anderson and is transcribed in Hollywood.
The Anderson home on Maple Street in Springfield, with scenes in the den, the kitchen and the front walk.
Characters: Jim Anderson, Margaret Anderson, Betty Anderson, Bud Anderson, Kathy Anderson, Sam, Donald Martin, Joe Phillips
Listen for: The children's attempt to fit their praise of their father into 25 words, and Jim's reaction to the nomination.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.