Ep 20. The Moon and No Pence

The Moon and No Pence is the twentieth episode of the fourth season of the beloved television show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Set in the small fictional town of Central City, the series follows the daily life and romantic escapades of its main character, Dobie Gillis, a charming yet somewhat aimless young man searching for love and success.

In this particular episode, Dobie finds himself facing a financial dilemma. As a self-proclaimed dreamer and eternal optimist, he often finds himself in situations where money is tight, and this episode is no exception. Dobie's constant pursuit of wealth and fortune, much to the chagrin of his parents, often leads him down a winding path of absurd schemes and misadventures.

The episode opens with Dobie receiving a letter in the mail informing him that he owes a significant amount of money in taxes. Panicking, Dobie frantically searches for a way to pay off his debt. His best friend, Maynard G. Krebs, offers his assistance, but as a fellow dreamer and artistic soul, Maynard's ideas tend to be more zany than practical.

Desperate for a solution, Dobie decides to take on odd jobs to earn the necessary funds. He turns to Mr. Pomfritt, the owner of the local movie theater, who offers him a position as an usher. Dobie takes to the job with enthusiasm, believing that he will quickly amass the funds he needs. However, his encounters with eccentric moviegoers and mishaps in the theater make it clear that this job may not be as straightforward as he initially thought.

Meanwhile, Dobie's romantic pursuits continue to occupy his mind. He has always been infatuated with Thalia Menninger, a beautiful and ambitious young woman. Thalia, in contrast, only sees Dobie as a friend and often turns her attention towards more successful and sophisticated men. Determined to win her heart, Dobie uses his role as an usher to try and woo her during one of her visits to the theater.

As Dobie sets up an elaborate plan to impress Thalia during the movie screening, chaos ensues. Moviegoers disrupt the screening, causing the film to malfunction, and the situation quickly spirals out of control. Through a series of hilarious and unforeseen events, Dobie's attempt to win Thalia's affections turns into a comedic disaster.

Amidst the chaos, Dobie meets Zelda, an enchanting and free-spirited young woman who shares his passion for the arts. As they bond over their love for cinema and literature, Dobie begins to question his infatuation with Thalia. Could Zelda be the one he's been searching for all along? This unexpected twist adds another layer of intrigue to the episode.

As the episode progresses, Dobie's financial situation remains dire. He seeks advice from his understanding but strict father, who lectures him about the importance of responsibility and financial stability. Feeling overwhelmed, Dobie realizes that he must find a way to raise the money quickly or face serious consequences.

With time running out, Dobie and Maynard brainstorm their final attempt to solve Dobie's financial crisis. Their wild and outrageous plan involves organizing a moonlit dance with a twist: no physical currency will be exchanged, only tokens representing money. Dobie hopes that this unconventional approach will attract attendees and help him raise the funds he so desperately needs.

The episode comes to an end with the dance in full swing. The townspeople of Central City gather under the moonlight, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. As the dance progresses, Dobie's romantic entanglements, financial troubles, and personal growth all collide, resulting in unexpected turns of events that will leave audiences eagerly anticipating the next episode.

The Moon and No Pence is a delightful and entertaining episode of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. With its lighthearted humor, endearing characters, and relatable themes of love and money, this episode captures the essence of the series. As Dobie navigates the challenges of young adulthood, audiences will find themselves laughing, sympathizing, and rooting for his success in both love and life.