Ep 16. The Whoopee Show

The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room for Daddy, was a popular sitcom that aired on ABC from 1953 to 1964. The show starred comedian Danny Thomas as Danny Williams, a successful nightclub singer and father of two, who juggles his career with his family responsibilities. In season 8, episode 16, titled The Whoopee Show, Danny and his family get caught up in a comedic farce that threatens to ruin their reputation.

The episode begins with Danny and his wife Kathy (played by Marjorie Lord) attending a party at the home of their friends Bill and Shirley, who are throwing a wild and raucous "whoopee party." Danny and Kathy are uncomfortable with the rowdy behavior and try to leave early, but they are convinced to stay by their hosts. However, things take a turn for the worse when Danny accidentally knocks over a vase and breaks it. Bill and Shirley insist that Danny pay for the broken vase, which he reluctantly agrees to do.

The next day, Danny receives a letter from Bill and Shirley's lawyer, demanding that he pay $1,000 for the broken vase. Danny is outraged and refuses to pay such a ridiculous sum. However, he soon learns that his refusal to pay has caused a scandal in their social circle, with rumors spreading that he is cheap and unreliable. Danny's agent, Charlie (played by Sid Melton), warns him that this could harm his career and reputation.

Desperate to clear his name, Danny hatches a plan to throw a whoopee party of his own, inviting all of his friends and acquaintances. He plans to make the party so wild and crazy that everyone will forget about the broken vase incident. However, his plan quickly goes awry when his son Rusty (played by Rusty Hamer) invites his entire class to the party, leading to chaos and confusion.

As the party spirals out of control, Danny and his family attempt to maintain their composure and salvage their reputation. However, they are constantly thrown into comedic situations that threaten to undo all their efforts. From Rusty's attempts to impress his crush with a magic trick, to Danny's misadventures in the kitchen, to Kathy's attempts to clean up the mess, the family is kept on their toes throughout the episode.

Despite the chaos, Danny manages to pull off his plan and impresses his guests with his wild antics. However, just when he thinks the crisis is over, he receives a final surprise that threatens to ruin everything. With the clock ticking down, Danny must use all his wits and charm to save the day and restore his reputation.

Overall, The Whoopee Show is a classic episode of The Danny Thomas Show that showcases the series' trademark blend of humor and heart. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Danny and his family get caught up in a zany farce, while newcomers will appreciate the timeless humor and relatable characters. Whether you're a fan of classic sitcoms or just looking for a good laugh, The Danny Thomas Show is sure to entertain.