Ep 27. You Ought to Be in Pictures

Rob Petrie, the head writer of The Alan Brady Show, is convinced by his co-workers to appear in a promotional film for the show. The film has already been produced and features dancers and singers performing around Rob while he lip-syncs to a song called "Put On A Happy Face." The film has been poorly received by the executives at the network, and Rob's appearance has been singled out as the reason.

Rob's boss, Alan Brady, demands that Rob improve his appearance immediately. Brady assigns his top stylist, Miss Charlene, to work with Rob. Miss Charlene is a demanding perfectionist who puts Rob through a grueling beauty regimen, including a mud bath, facial, and haircut. Finally, she is satisfied with Rob's appearance and gives him a silk suit and a new hairstyle.

Feeling confident in his new look, Rob participates in the next day's rehearsal, but things quickly fall apart. Rob struggles to remember his lines and falls down the stairs. The network executives watching the rehearsal are unimpressed and call for Rob's removal from the promotional film.

Despite the setback, Rob is determined to prove himself and decides to film his own version of the song. He enlists the help of his friends, including his wife Laura, co-worker Buddy, and Buddy's wife Pickles. They all join in singing and dancing to "Put On A Happy Face" on the streets of New York City.

After the film is screened, the executives love it, and Rob is hailed as a star. His confidence restored, Rob returns to work with renewed vigor and ideas for the show.

Meanwhile, Laura is dealing with her own work-related problems. She has been assigned to illustrate a children's book about a train, but she is struggling to come up with a unique concept. She seeks the help of her eccentric neighbor, Millie, who suggests that Laura base the illustrations on the children's book she loved as a child.

Laura takes Millie's advice and creates a series of whimsical illustrations. She presents them to the publishers, who are impressed and offer her a job as a staff illustrator.

In the end, both Rob and Laura come out ahead in their respective careers. They celebrate their successes with a party at home and a cake that says "Put On A Happy Face."