Mary (Shelley Fabares) startles dinner preparations by announcing policeman John Reach is at the door. He's there with Charles Herbert (as David Barker), a 7-year-old runaway who won't say where he belongs. Young Herbert told the policeman he had the blood sucked out of him by "Dr. Stone" at the hospital. Jeff (Paul Peterson) tries to bribe information from young Herbert, but he won't talk. Donna (Donna Reed) intuitively senses the boy needs some motherly attention, and persuades Alex they should keep him for Thanksgiving break. Jeff is recruited as "big brother", but Herbert is incorrigible
The guest performance, by scowling young Charles Herbert, is terrific. A busy young man before the camera (at the time), Mr. Herbert later learned (like Mr. Peterson) that fame can sometimes be a cruel lover.
The fact that the boy's mother not only divorced his father, but also deserted her son, makes this Thanksgiving-themed episode more thoughtful. And, it ends with an acceptance of single parenthood; Donna helps repair the father/son relationship, without introducing daddy John Bryant (as R.H. Barker) to a potential new wife. So, writer John Whedon scores points for ducking the obvious. By the way, father Barker, who was a "Marlboro Man", is allowed to smoke in the Stone home. And, the fish are real.
****** Guest in the House (11/26/58) John Whedon ~ Charles Herbert, Donna Reed, Paul Peterson