Written by Steven Zacharias & Michael Leeson
Produced by Mel Swope
Directed by E. W. Swackhamer
Original Air Date: October 13, 1973
Shirley decides the family has been too hard on Reuben lately and they have to
start appreciating him a little more. They decide to give him a surprise
birthday party and invite his mother. Reuben can't understand why everybody is
being to so nice to him, even Danny! When he tries to bribe Danny to see
what's going on, Danny just says they are appreciating him.
Reuben tells the family he believes he's dying, and that's why they are all
being so nice to him. There must something in his annual physical that the
doctor didn't tell him about and they know the truth. Shirley just about
convinces him that he's being foolish when Reuben's mother walks in. Now he's
really convinced he's going to kick the bucket!
No amount of talking can change Reuben's mind and he begins to prepare for the
hereafter. The family, meanwhile, goes ahead with the plans for the party,
hoping that will jar him into realizing the truth. Shirley tricks Reuben into
going to the restaurant where the party will be held, and everyone is there,
including his stewardess girlfriend, Bonnie Kleinschmidt. As Reuben starts to
make his farewell speech over his birthday cake, his mother, fed up with his
attitude, decides she's going to fly home. Now Reuben is convinced he's not
going to die, because his mother is too cheap to leave now and have to make
the trip back again for his funeral. The family decides they can't be nice to
Reuben after this -- because he can't take it!
Songs:
"I Got Your Love All Over Me," music and lyrics by Johnny Cymbal
and Peggy Clinger (on Crossword Puzzle)
"Just Loving You," (Ricky) music and lyrics by Rick Segall (on Ricky
Segall and the Segalls)
Guest Cast:
Clara Kincaid ------------------------------------------------ Margaret
Hamilton
Bonnie Kleinschmidt --------------------------------------- Elaine Giftos
FUN FACT: Steve Zacharias went on to write a couple those "Revenge of the
Nerds" movies. None of the nerds turn up here, however.
