Ep 3. The President Who Came to Dinner

The President Who Came to Dinner is the third episode of the first season of Petticoat Junction, a classic American sitcom that aired from 1963 to 1970. The show is set at the Shady Rest Hotel, owned and operated by widowed mother Kate Bradley and her three beautiful daughters, Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and Betty Jo, in the small town of Hooterville.

In this episode, the Bradleys get a surprise visitor when the President of the United States decides to stop by for dinner. The episode starts with Kate and her daughters preparing for a quiet evening at home when railroad executive Homer Bedloe pays them a visit. Bedloe is looking for a way to prove that the Shady Rest Hotel is not a profitable business, so he can get the land for his railroad, which has been blocked by the hotel's water tower.

However, as fate would have it, President Calvin Coolidge's train is passing through Hooterville and the President himself decides to get off and stretch his legs. He is warmly greeted by Kate and her daughters, who are unaware of the government protocols that have to be followed in case of such an unexpected visit.

When the Secret Service agents arrive on the scene, they realize that the Bradleys' home is the only place suitable for the President to dine while waiting for his train to be serviced. This presents a dilemma for Kate, who has to entertain the President and his entourage without any prior preparation. She enlists the help of the local handyman, Floyd Smoot, to make the necessary arrangements.

Meanwhile, Bedloe sees an opportunity to foil the Bradleys and sabotage his railroad's competitors by convincing the President to take a ride on his train instead. As he tries to persuade the President, he creates some comical situations that only add to the chaos already caused by the unexpected visit.

The President, however, is not swayed by Bedloe's offer and decides to stay for dinner at the Shady Rest Hotel. The Bradleys, Floyd, and the townspeople pull together to make the dinner a success, despite the lack of resources and experience in dealing with such an important visitor.

The episode is a classic example of how ordinary people can rise to the occasion when faced with unexpected challenges. It showcases the witty dialogues and the natural performances of the cast, particularly Bea Benaderet in the role of Kate Bradley, who holds the family together with her strength and grace. The episode also captures the essence of small-town life, where the community unites to help each other out in times of crisis.

Overall, The President Who Came to Dinner is an entertaining and heartwarming episode that epitomizes the charm of Petticoat Junction. It not only provides a glimpse into the social and political climate of the time but also serves as a reminder of the power of human relationships and resilience.