I am writing this review in the Spring of 2022. Oh my how times have changed in the past five decades! Poor little Tommy. In this episode, we find a young boy named Tommy Mannering who is the victim of parental child abuse, abuse so severe he even attempts suicide. In this episode, the doctors merely advise the parents to seek group counseling and that was pretty much as far as things went 50 years ago. We are not informed of any other action(s) taken on Tommy's behalf or the final outcome of his situation. Today, the LAW REQUIRES medical staff to REPORT child abuse to the legal authorities; even SUSPECTED child abuse. If this were to occur now, Vera Mannering, the mother in this episode (portrayed by Mariette Hartley) would most likely be arrested (possibly before even leaving the hospital).
2 Reviews
Have never laughed so hard!
yldonaldson9 August 2023
I was grateful for the humor in this episode to offset the seriousness of suspected parental child abuse. The bit with Joann Worley screaming at the start was a good beginning. Set the tone for lightheartedness. I was waiting for her to talk the boys into joining her. Love Joann from Laugh In. She's always a delight. John Gage's stumbling stage fright during the television interview was amusing too. Poor Johnny! The rest of the episode dealt with more serious issues with the occasional jab at Johnny. The very last rescue was exciting but wait until the very end. I laughed so hard my stomach hurts.
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