Ep 20. Charley, the Tiger

The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room for Daddy, was a popular sitcom that aired from 1953 to 1965. In season 10, episode 20, titled "Charley, the Tiger," Danny finds himself in a bit of trouble when he agrees to take care of a tiger for a friend.

The episode opens with Danny and his best friend, Charlie (played by Sid Melton), sitting at a diner. Charlie tells Danny about his new job at a circus as a tiger caretaker. Danny is skeptical, but Charlie insists that he loves working with the big cats. The conversation then shifts to Danny's own life, with him lamenting the fact that he doesn't have a hobby. Charlie suggests that he try taking care of a tiger himself, which Danny dismisses as ridiculous.

Later on, however, Danny's own daughter, Terry (played by Rusty Hamer), overhears the conversation and becomes obsessed with the idea of having a tiger as a pet. Danny is initially opposed to the idea, but gives in when Terry convinces him that it would make a great story for her school paper.

Danny's troubles begin when he picks up the tiger, named Charley, from the circus. He quickly realizes that he has no idea how to take care of a tiger, and Charley proves to be a handful. The tiger tears up Danny's living room, chases the family cat, and causes a ruckus in the neighborhood.

To make matters worse, Danny's wife, Kathy (played by Marjorie Lord), returns home unexpectedly and is surprised to find a huge tiger in her house. She demands that Danny get rid of the animal immediately, but Danny is reluctant to do so since he made a promise to his friend.

As the episode progresses, Danny's problems with Charley only escalate. The tiger escapes from the house and causes chaos in the neighborhood, prompting calls to the police. Danny realizes that he has made a huge mistake and decides to return Charley to the circus, much to Terry's disappointment.

In the end, Danny learns an important lesson about responsibility and the dangers of making impulsive decisions. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of trying to take care of wild animals, and highlights the importance of thinking things through before making a commitment.

Overall, "Charley, the Tiger" is a lighthearted and entertaining episode that showcases the comedic talents of the show's cast. While it may not be one of the show's most memorable episodes, it's still worth watching for fans of classic TV comedies.