Applause to series creaters Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher who every so often injected some realism into the series, and actually wrote this episode.
All of us kids remember this one, and it's really not meant to be taken lightly. It should have at least gotten an Emmy nomination for best writing at the time. You be the judge.
Popular character actor Wendell Holmes plays Andy, who is hired on by Ward to do some painting around the house. Mr. Cleaver believes in giving the guy a second chance, leading Beave to confess that Andy actually asked him if there was any liquor in the house. Now what?
Hugh Beaumont, who later became a minister, and routinely contributed ideas to the series, more than likely may have outlined this story for Connelly and Mosher. It makes good sense. As usual, David Butler skillfully directed, although he mastered a ton of comedies and musicals in his long career. Anytime his name comes up, you think of Shirley Temple and the classic films they did together.
There is a bright ending, without giving too much away. Holmes was actually named Oliver Wendell Holmes, but not the iconic supreme court justice. He was an enormously popular radio actor, later in movies and at the time appeared in two blockbuster films; INHERIT THE WIND, playing a banker, and ELMER GANTRY as Reverend Ulrich. Holmes also played Beaver's teacher, Mr. Willet in an earlier episode.
Classic material, not to be missed, even for extra cookies! SEASON 3 EPISODE 20 remastered dvd box set.