Jeff (Paul Peterson) is living beyond his means. He has debts around the neighborhood and owes $6.70 to sister Mary (Shelley Fabares), which she needs to buy a plaid skirt. Jeff suggests a raise in his allowance, but Alex (Carl Betz) wants to teach his son the value of money. Soon, 11-year-old Jeff has jobs as both a newspaper delivery boy (before school) and a supermarket worker (after school). Donna (Donna Reed) reluctantly supports the family plan; and, she reminds some of Alex's patients, like Alan Reed (as Jesse Finsterwald), to pay their bills. But, when she learns about delinquent William Keene (as Ray McDonnell), Donna's kind-heartedness rules. This episode's script, by Seaman Jacobs and Si Rose, is a first season-ending standout.
****** Operation Deadbeat (6/3/59) Oscar Rudolph ~ Donna Reed, Paul Peterson, Carl Betz
****** Operation Deadbeat (6/3/59) Oscar Rudolph ~ Donna Reed, Paul Peterson, Carl Betz