All:

Some time ago I read that the U.S. government asked the producers to film a special episode of "Father Knows Best" showing what life would be like if America had been conquered by the Soviet Union. I find this hard to believe, but I do know that Jack Webb filmed a 30-min. propaganda film in which an American woke up and found himself living in a Communist America. Can anyone verify this rumor?

Thanks,
George

Yes - this is true. I actually have this episode on videotape. It is really a film to get people to buy US SAVINGS BONDS. But in this special episode, Jim pretends to be a tyrant (like Russia's government). If the kids can make it under his dictatorship for I think 48 hours, they don't have to spend their money on U.S. Savings Bonds. This episode has to be seen to be believed. Robert Young and Jane Wyatt try to sell bonds at the end!

This was a common practice of radio, TV, movies, years ago. Special "documentary" type episodes of various TV series for "public service" use. The same applied with radio programs of yesteryear.

Sometimes, the characters in a "regular" episode of a radio or TV series (or at the beginning/end- the "traliers"- of a theatrical movie), would do "plugs" for "public servie", such as the Heart Association, Cancer Society, US Savings Bonds (and other government services), "Community Chest" (now known as United Way), etc.

Another thing that you really don't see since the 1960's, was the characters in a series actually doing pre-filmed or taped COMMERCIALS for their sponsor. This also was a common practice in radio as well.

Mark J. Cuccia
mcuccia@tulane.edu
New Orleans LA

Yes - this is true. I actually have this episode on videotape. It is really a film to get people to buy US SAVINGS BONDS. But in this special episode, Jim pretends to be a tyrant (like Russia's government). If the kids can make it under his dictatorship for I think 48 hours, they don't have to spend their money on U.S. Savings Bonds. This episode has to be seen to be believed. Robert Young and Jane Wyatt try to sell bonds at the end!

I suppose this one isn't seen very often, if at all.

I know I've seen that bonds thing. It was probably a bonus on one of the DVDs.

I've also seen the video of the Emmy award presentations(s) for the show, probably also on one of the DVDs.