Did you notice when Ward is giving Wally some pointers at the table on getting elected Wally is sitting very close to Ward to get them both in the shot. It looks like Wally had to sit on the edge of his chair and Ward could touch him. He usually sits across from Beaver.

Yeah you see this kind of stuff depending on the shot the director and/or cinematographer want. It also happened in Beaver Won't Eat.

Another time you see it is car interior scenes, where 2 back seat occupants have to sit close together to get into the shot.