Ep 12. The Family Nobody Wanted
- December 20, 1956
The Family Nobody Wanted is the twelfth episode of the first season of Playhouse 90, a live anthology drama series that aired on CBS from 1956 to 1960. The episode tells the heartwarming true story of how a couple with ten children of their own adopted twelve more, all from different racial backgrounds.
Directed by Ralph Nelson and written by Jerome Ross, The Family Nobody Wanted stars Sterling Hayden and Gena Rowlands as the couple, George and Bertha Millie. The episode is based on the book of the same name by Helen Doss, which chronicled the Millies' experiences adopting their children.
The episode begins with George and Bertha living in a small town in New Hampshire with their ten children. They are happy but struggling financially, when one day Bertha sees a news article about a child needing a home. She persuades George to consider adopting, and soon they are approved to adopt a little girl named Maria, who is of Mexican and German descent.
As they navigate the challenges of integrating a new family member into their home, they begin to receive calls from adoption agencies about other children in need. They agree to take in more children, all of whom are of different races and ethnicities, including a Japanese boy named Tak and an African American boy named Norman.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice from their neighbors and even their own families, the Millies remain committed to providing a loving home for their adopted children. As they struggle to make ends meet, they turn to their community for help, and soon their story captures the attention of the media and the world.
The episode is a poignant tribute to the Millies' selfless dedication to their adopted children and their belief in the power of love and family to overcome prejudice and adversity. Hayden and Rowlands give heartfelt performances as the Millies, conveying both their struggles and their unwavering devotion to their children.
The Family Nobody Wanted is a moving and inspiring episode that shines a light on a remarkable family and their extraordinary journey. It is a testament to the human capacity for compassion and generosity, and a reminder that love knows no bounds.
