Coral Key is rocked by the arrival of a Congressional Delegation: Maggie Hayes (as Congresswoman Helen E. Browning) and her secretary Barbara Feldon (as Erna Morley). The congresswoman thinks Coral Key Park may be a "boondoggle" - or, as Sandy (Luke Halpin) explains to Bud (Tommy Norden), "When the government spends money on something it doesn't really need." Ricks (Brian Kelly) fears the congresswoman may decide to close the park. The Ricks' are surprised to learn Ms. Hayes has been invited by lovable old "Hap" Gorman (Andy Devine), who only wanted his taxes lowered (which the Park's closure would accomplish, by the way). The Ricks family must convince the congresswoman Coral Key is worth taxpayers' money, or the will have to move, and lose Flipper.
This is the first of several multi-part "Flipper" episodes; though this, and the follow-up, are also serviceable as "stand alone" stories - there is no "cliffhanger" ending, and the stories are only identifiable as linked when viewed in succession. Barbara Feldon (later, Agent 99 on "Get Smart") is most notable as secretary Erna; she doesn't have all that much to do, but is amazingly expressive! Devine's delightful "Hap" will figure more prominently in the next, concluding installment.
***** Lady and the Dolphin, pt 1 (12/5/64) Hollingsworth Morse ~ Margaret Hayes, Brian Kelly, Luke Halpin