Synopsis
Includes:
Family Affair: The Thursday Man (1966)
Family Affair: The Gift Horse (1966)
Family Affair: Mrs. Beasley, Where Are You? (1966)
Family Affair: Who's Afraid of Nural Shpeni (1966)
Family Affair: A Matter for Experts (1966)
Family Affair: The Matter of School (1966)
Family Affair: Marmalade (1966)
Family Affair: Buffy (1966)
Family Affair: Jody & Cissy (1966)
Family Affair: Take Two Aspirins (1966)
Family Affair: Think Deep (1966)
Family Affair: Love Me, Love Me Not (1966)
Family Affair: Room With a Viewpoint (1966)
Family Affair: Beware, The Other Woman (1966)
Family Affair: Go Home, Mr. French (1967)
Family Affair: First Love (1967)
Family Affair: Birds, Bees and Buffy (1967)
Family Affair: You Like Buffy Better (1967)
Family Affair: Freddie (1967)
Family Affair: Our Friend Stanley (1967)
Family Affair: Best of the Breed (1967)
Family Affair: The Award (1967)
Family Affair: The Prize (1967)
Family Affair: The Way it Was (1967)
Family Affair: All Nephews Are Created Equal (1967)
Family Affair: Hard Hat Jody (1967)
Family Affair: All Around the Town (1967)
Family Affair: The Butler Method (1967)
Family Affair: The Candy Striper (1967)
Family Affair: The Other Cheek (1967)
Family Affair: Take Me Out of the Ballgame (1967)
Family Affair: The Toy Box (1967)
Family Affair: Somebody Upstairs (1967)
Family Affair: Everybody Needs Somebody (1967)
Family Affair: The Mother Tongue (1967)
Family Affair: Ballerina Buffy (1967)
Family Affair: A Helping Hand (1967)
Family Affair: What Did You Do in the West, Uncle? (1967)
Family Affair: Fat, Fat, The Water Rat (1967)
Family Affair: Once in Love With Buffy (1967)
Family Affair: Arthur, the Invisible Bear (1967)
Family Affair: One for the Little Boy (1967)
Family Affair: That Was the Dinner That Wasn't (1967)
Family Affair: Fancy Free (1967)
Family Affair: Star Dust (1967)
Family Affair: The New Cissy (1968)
Family Affair: The Fish Watchers (1968)
Family Affair: Mr. French's Holiday (1968)
Family Affair: The Day Nothing Happened (1968)
Family Affair: A Waltz from Vienna (1968)
Family Affair: His and Hers (1968)
Family Affair: The Substitute Teacher (1968)
Family Affair: A Man's Place (1968)
Family Affair: A Matter of Choice (1968)
Family Affair: Albertine (1968)
Family Affair: The Unsound of Music (1968)
Family Affair: Christmas Came a Little Early (1968)
Family Affair: Oliver (1968)
Family Affair: By a Whisker (1968)
Family Affair: Family Portrait (1968)
Family Affair: The Beasley Story (1968)
Family Affair: The Baby Sitters (1968)
Family Affair: The Mrs. Beasely Story (1968)
Family Affair: Family Reunion (1968)
Family Affair: Family Plan (1968)
Family Affair: A Nanny for All Seasons (1968)
Family Affair: Ciao, Uncle Bill (1968)
Family Affair: A House in the Country (1968)
Family Affair: A Matter of Tonsils (1968)
Family Affair: Member of the Family (1968)
Family Affair: The Latch Key Kid (1968)
Family Affair: The Great Kow-Tow (1968)
Family Affair: Your Friend, Jody (1968)
Family Affair: The Family Outing (1968)
Family Affair: A Tale of Two Travels (1969)
Family Affair: Number One Boy (1969)
Family Affair: Goodbye, Harold (1969)
Family Affair: A Family Group (1969)
Family Affair: To Love with Buffy (1969)
Family Affair: A Young Man from Bolivia (1969)
Family Affair: A Diller, a Dollar (1969)
Family Affair: Oh, To Be in England (1969)
Family Affair: A Lesson for Grown-Ups (1969)
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 3 (1969)
Family Affair: Uncle Prince Charming (1969)
Family Affair: My Man, the Star (1969)
Family Affair: Flower Power (1969)
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 2 (1969)
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 1 (1969)
Family Affair: A Matter of Privacy (1969)
Family Affair: The Birthday Boy (1969)
Family Affair: What's Funny About a Broken Leg? (1969)
Family Affair: With This Ring (1969)
Family Affair: The Jody Affair (1969)
Family Affair: Cissy's Apartment (1969)
Family Affair: The Wings of an Angel (1969)
Family Affair: No Uncle Is an Island (1969)
Family Affair: The Stowaway (1969)
Family Affair: The Matter of Dignity (1969)
Family Affair: The Flip Side (1969)
Family Affair: Speak for Yourself, Mr. French (1969)
Family Affair: Maudie (1969)
Family Affair: Say Uncle (1970)
Family Affair: The Good Neighbors (1970)
Family Affair: The Girl Graduate (1970)
Family Affair: Eastward Ho (1970)
Family Affair: Eastward Ho (1970)
Family Affair: Family in Paradise, Part 2 (1970)
Family Affair: Heroes are Born (1970)
Family Affair: Heroes are Born (1970)
Family Affair: Feat of Clay (1970)
Family Affair: Feat of Clay (1970)
Family Affair: Wish You Were Here (1970)
Family Affair: Wish You Were Here (1970)
Family Affair: Travels with Cissy (1970)
Family Affair: Travels with Cissy (1970)
Family Affair: It Can't Be Five Years (1970)
Family Affair: It Can't Be Five Years (1970)
Family Affair: The Return of Maudie (1970)
Family Affair: The Return of Maudie (1970)
Family Affair: Family in Paradise, Part 1 (1970)
Family Affair: Wouldn't It Be Loverly (1970)
Family Affair: The Boys Against the Girls (1970)
Family Affair: The Old Cowhand (1970)
Family Affair: Angel in the Family (1970)
Family Affair: The Language of Love (1970)
Family Affair: The Inheritance (1970)
Family Affair: There Goes New York (1970)
Family Affair: Desert Isle-Manhattan Style (1970)
Family Affair: Desert Isle-Manhattan Style (1970)
Family Affair: Grandpa, Sir (1970)
Family Affair: Marooned (1970)
Family Affair: Mr. Osaki's Tree (1970)
Family Affair: Stamp of Approval (1970)
Family Affair: Stamp of Approval (1970)
Family Affair: And Baby Makes Eight (1970)
Family Affair: And Baby Makes Eight (1970)
Family Affair: The Good Neighbors (1970)
Family Affair: Say Uncle (1970)
Family Affair: Class Clown (1970)
Family Affair: Class Clown (1970)
Family Affair: Unsinkable Mr. French (1970)
Family Affair: Unsinkable Mr. French (1970)
Family Affair: Meet Emily (1970)
Family Affair: Meet Emily (1970)
Family Affair: Put Your Dreams Away (1971)
Family Affair: The Joiners (1971)
Family Affair: The Littlest Exile (1971)
Family Affair: Too Late, Too Soon (1971)
Family Affair: Put Your Dreams Away (1971)
Family Affair: You Can Fight City Hall (1971)
Family Affair: You Can Fight City Hall (1971)
Family Affair: Buffy's Fair Lady (1971)
Family Affair: Buffy's Fair Lady (1971)
Family Affair: Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley (1971)
Family Affair: Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley (1971)
Family Affair: Too Late, Too Soon (1971)
Family Affair: Nobody Here But Us Uncles (1971)
Family Affair: Nobody Here But Us Uncles (1971)
Family Affair: Cinder-Emily (1971)
Family Affair: Cinder-Emily (1971)
Family Affair: The Joiners (1971)
Family Affair: The Littlest Exile (1971)
Family Affair: The Thursday Man
For a school assignment, Cissy (Kathy Garver) decides to write a paper about Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot). Dogging the man's trail one Thursday afternoon, Cissy discovers a shocking secret about Mr. French: each week at the same time, he has a mysterious rendezvous with an English matron named Mrs. Allenby (Kathryn Givney). Upon learning the wistfully poignant reasons for French's covert behavior, Cissy lets slip that she knows all about his Thursday meetings--with near-disastrous results. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Gift Horse
As a homecoming surprise for Bill (Brian Keith), who's on assignment in East Africa, Buffy and Jody pool their savings to buy their uncle a gift. Unfortunately, they can't get much with their combined bankroll of $1.07--that is, until genial Hansom Cab driver E.P. McGovern (Paul Hartman) offers them his horse, "Rose of Killarney." Rose, alas turns out to be a worn-out old nag, leaving Uncle Bill with the problem of unloading the gift without hurting the twins' feelings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Mrs. Beasley, Where Are You?
Melancholy grips the Davis household when Buffy's beloved doll Mrs. Beasley is accidentally knocked off the terrace. As Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) conduct a frantic search, Buffy (Anissa Jones) happens upon another little girl, clutching a Mrs. Beasley lookalike named "Effie Boots"--and jumps to the obvious conclusion. Joan Vohs, here cast as Bill's girlfriend Diane, would show up in later episodes as the twins' teacher Mrs. Scofield. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Who's Afraid of Nural Shpeni
With Bill returning home from an assignment in Beirut, Mr. French decides to impress his boss by cooking him an authentic Lebanese meal--and to that end he takes lessons from female restaurant owner Nural Shpeni (Magda Harout). Unfortunately, Nural's brothers insist that, according to Lebanese tradition, Mr. French is now obligated to marry their sister! It takes the wry diplomacy of another Lebanese gentleman, Dr. Sakis (Abraham Sofaer), to rescue Mr. French from a trip down the aisle. This episode is noteworthy for the fact that virtually every supporting character is Middle Eastern, including the cop on the beat (played by future Alice costar Vic Tayback; it also marks the final TV appearance of veteran character actor Nestor Paiva (Creature from the Black Lagoon et. al.) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Matter for Experts
Miss Bryant (Sarah Selby) and Dr. Morse (Jena Engstrom), respectively the vice-principal and child psychologist of the twins' grade school, are convinced that Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) are spending far too much time together. Acting upon this, Bill (Brian Keith) reluctantly agrees to let the "experts" separate the twins so they can form outside friendships. Though Jody adapts to this new arrangement, Buffy does not--and before long both kids are have developed mysterious (and mysteriously convenient) illnesses that keep them away from school. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Matter of School
Though he has enrolled the twins in public school, Bill (Brian Keith) decides that Cissy (Kathy Garver) would be better served in a high-class boarding school, namely Bryerfield in Connecticut. Misunderstanding Bill's intentions, Cissy concludes that she is not welcome in the Davis household--a conclusion seemingly confirmed when Bill unwittingly breaks his promise to take Cissy to a fancy dinner at "21" over the weekend. Hoping to mend Cissy's broken heart, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) hitchhike all the way to Connecticut to keep her company. With this episode, John Hubbard assumes the role of Bill's business partner Ted Gaynor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Marmalade
At the suggestion of Bill's current lady friend Ellen Latimer (Mary Murphy), who works for a major ad agency, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) is chosen as commercial spokesman for a new breakfast treat, Dunholt Marmalade. The usually unflappable Mr. French basks in the fame and adulation, and eagerly looks forward to embarking on a national promotion tour--until he finally tastes the marmalade! Richard Peel makes his first series appearance as French's friend and fellow butler Withers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Buffy
The first episode of the first season of Family Affair finds the carefree lifestyle of globetrotting consulting engineer (and swinging bachelor) Bill Davis (Brian Keith) scattered to the four winds when his newly orphaned nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and niece Buffy (Anissa Jones) arrive on the doorstep of his Manhattan apartment. The six-year-old twins had been living with their Aunt Fran (Louise Latham), but her husband can't stand kids and so Bill is appointed the new surrogate father. He isn't keen on the prospect, nor is Bill's veddy British butler Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) thrilled at the prospect of being a "nanny". By episode's end, of course, the kids have won Bill over, but not before a crisis wherein Buffy, feeling completely unwanted, hides in the basement of the apartment building. And there's another big surprise in store for Mr. French at fadeout time ("Good Heavens! I AM a nanny!"). In this episode, Philip Ober appears as Bill's business partner Ted Gaynor, a role later played by John Hubbard. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Jody & Cissy
Not quite over the shock of becoming "surrogate father" to his orphaned nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and niece Buffy (Anissa Jones), Bill (Brian Keith) comes home from a job in Peru to find that his household has increased by one more relative: Buffy and Jody's 15-year-old sister Cissy (Kathy Garver). At first, Cissy despairs over the likelihood that Uncle Bill will send her back to Terre Haute, but ultimately he relents and welcomes her to the fold. Unfortunately, thanks to Cissy's take-charge attitude with her twin siblings, Bill's butler Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) now feels like the proverbial fifth wheel--and promptly backs his bags in preparation of leaving for good! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Take Two Aspirins
Feeling trapped by his new parental responsibilities, Bill (Brian Keith) takes the advice of his old pal Dave (Norman Alden) and leaves New York to accept a project in faraway Mexico. In Bill's absence, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) is suddenly taken ill, and the kids insist upon waiting on the poor fellow hand and foot. This crisis, coupled with Bill's inability to establish telephone contact between Mexico and his Manhattan apartment, leads him to regret his temporary "escape". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Think Deep
Future Brady Bunch paterfamilias Robert Reed guest stars as high school psychology teacher Julian Hill. Idolizing the "deep-thinking" Mr. Hill, Cissy (Kathy Garver) endeavors to extend his lofty, erudite philosophy to the Davis household. But when Bill (Brian Keith) invites Mr. Hill to dinner, Cissy is shocked by the realization that her idol is merely another human being--and a petty, ill-tempered one at that! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Love Me, Love Me Not
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is shocked when he witnesses his friend Pepino (Ricky Cordell) being spanked by his father Umberto (Romo Vincent). Sensing Jody's discomfort, Umberto explains that he is using corporal punishment only because he loves his son. The result: Jody goes to great and ridiculous lengths to be naughty enough so that Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) will "prove" his love by spanking him! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Room With a Viewpoint
Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) arrive home to find that their bedroom has been completely redecorated by Nedra Walcott (Kathleen Crowley), the current amour of their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). Cissy is thrilled, but Buffy hates all the changes--and she especially miffed that Cissy has her own telephone (a pink Princess model) and she doesn't. Trouble is, Buffy refuses to tell anyone why she is angry, leaving Bill in yet another quandary. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Beware, The Other Woman
Bill's former girlfriend Louise Marshall (Rita Gam) comes back into his life, apparently with marriage in mind. Thanks to the dire warnings of Cissy's friend Sharon (Sharon Alberoni), a child of divorce, the kids become convinced that Bill (Brian Keith) will send them back to Terre Haute should he wed Louise--and they aren't about to let that happen. This episode was written by Elroy Schwartz), the brother of Gilligan's Island producer-creator Sherwood Schwartz. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Go Home, Mr. French
Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) is approached with a job offer by his former employer, the Duke of Glenmore. Upon discovering that his former sweetheart Lorna Frasier (Anna Lee) is working as a nanny in the Duke's household, Mr. French is most interested in the offer, but is also reluctant to leave the service of Bill Davis (Brian Keith). Thinking only of Mr. French's future happiness, Bill and the kids employ the time-honored sitcom subterfuge of making it appear that French is no longer needed. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: First Love
This episode finds both Bill (Brian Keith) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) suffering from the pangs of unrequited love. Bill is in ardent pursuit of attractive geologist Lisa Lowell (Lee Meriwether), a widow from his home town, but she remains oddly impervious to his charms. And at the same time, second-grader Buffy pines over classmate Andy (Joel Davison), who is in the sixth grade and thus an "older man" beyond her reach! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Birds, Bees and Buffy
Season Two of Family Affair begins as seven-year-old twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) ask their Uncle Bill the Inevitable Question: "Where do babies come from?" Worried that the real facts of life may be inappropriate for the twins, both Bill and Mr. French come up with fanciful answers--and subsequent contradictory responses to the question from the kids' classmates and teachers, to say nothing of Miss Faversham (Heather Angel) and her "cabbage leaf" yarn, needlessly make a confusing situation even more so. The only person keeping calm throughout the crisis is Cissy (Kathy Garver), who comes up with the "perfect" answer. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: You Like Buffy Better
The plot of this episode is feuled by the sibling rivalry between twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). When Cissy (Kathy Garver) accuses Bill (Brian Keith) of favoring Jody, Bill vows to be more equitable, spending extra-special time with Buffy (including preparing her for a ballet audition). As a result, both Cissy and Jody seethe with jealousy! Featured in the cast is Gregg Fedderson, son of series producer Don Fedderson and later a semi-regular in the role of Cissy's boyfriend Greg Bartlett. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Freddie
Diane Brewster, best remembered as schoolteacher "Miss Canfield" on Leave It to Beaver, makes her final acting appearance in this episode as Bill's former hometown sweetheart Freddie. Arriving from Terre Haute to pay Bill (Brian Keith) a visit, Freddie becomes enchanted by youngsters Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver)--which unfortunately serves only to remind her that she and her husband have never had any children of their own. The subsequent crisis arising from this situaiton is solved in a manner that is both touching and credible (qualities often missing from TV sitcoms of the mid-1960s). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Our Friend Stanley
An old plotline from the "Little Rascals" films of the 1930s is given a fresh coat of paint in this episode. Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) become friends with Stanley Winters, a physically challenged youngster. It now falls to Bill (Brian Keith) to convince Stanley's overprotective mother Estelle (Sally Forrest) to allow the boy to at least try leading a normal life despite his handicap. Featured in the cast is Gary Dubin, who later showed up as the troublesome Punky Lazaar on The Partridge Family. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Best of the Breed
Richard Bull, who later played the long-suffering Nels Oleson on Little House on the Prairie, is here cast as Mr. Lewis, the pompous landlord of the apartment building where the Davis family resides. When Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) bring home a stray mutt, Lewis insists that they remove the dog forthwith, pointing to a clause in the lease that allows only "pedigreed" pets. And in a related development, Cissy (Kathy Garver) is invited to join an exclusive club--but first she must cut of all contact with a less affluent friend (Terry Burnham). By episode's end, everyone's pretentions are punctured--spectacularly so thanks to the twins' doggie pal. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Award
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) secretly conspire to build a clay figure, to be presented to Bill (Brian Keith) as a "Best Uncle" award. Unfortunately, the twins are allergic to clay, and both fall ill as a result. Because the kids won't tell him what they've been up to, Bill becomes convinced that their illness is due to his own bad parenting--and this is far from the last false conclusion to which Bill jumps in this episode! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Prize
The twins (Anissa Jones, Johnnie Whitaker) enter a cereal contest, in hopes of winning an outboard motor. Instead, they receive a consolation prize: a very noisy baby lamb. When the neighbors complain about the lamb's incessant nocturnal bleating, Bill (Brian Keith) is faced with the problem of getting the kids to give up their new pet without breaking their hearts. With this episode, Sebastian Cabot returns to the role of Bill's butler Mr. Giles French--and as a bonus, Cabot's real-life daughter Annette Cabot also appears in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Way it Was
In dire need of some peace and quiet, Bill (Brian Keith) bundles Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) off to camp, sending Cissy (Kathy Garver) along as counselor. Now Bill is a carefree bachelor again--and now he not only misses the kids, but he can't stop talking about them, driving his various lady friends crazy. The trick now is for Bill to finagle a visit with the children without admitting how lonely he is and how concerned over their welfare. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: All Nephews Are Created Equal
Mr. Nigel French (John Williams) receives a visit from his nephew David (Martin Horsey), and is appalled to discover that the boy has adopted the speech patterns and attitudes of a "typical" American teenager. Even worse, David intends to buck family tradition, forsaking a career as a gentleman's gentleman to become a dentist. But the worst is reserved for last, when David scandalizes Mr. French by dating a girl "above his station"--namely, Cissy (Kathy Garver). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Hard Hat Jody
Aspiring to be a building engineer like his Uncle Bill (Brian Keith), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) hangs around a construction site and befriends an affable middle-ager named Owny (Brian Donlevy), who wears the regulation hardhat and bib overalls. Impressed by Jody's enthusiasm, Owny sees to it that the boy is given a few minor jobs around the site. Meanwhile, Bill is anxiously trying to arrange a business deal with elusive millionaire architect Owen Pennington--and if you haven't yet figured out what's going to happen next, please note the similarity between the names "Owny" and "Owen"! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: All Around the Town
Mistakenly believing that they've been invited to a going-away party for the Gaynors, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) end up all alone on the docks of New York. While seeking out their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith), the twins find a twenty-dollar bill--then embark upon an odyssey throughout Manhattan Island in search of the bill's owner! Ultimately, a kind stranger restores the kids to their frantic uncle, and receives an unexpected reward for his troubles. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Butler Method
Cissy (Kathy Garver) waits until the last minute to ask a boy to the school's "Sadie Hawkins" dance. The boy in question, Virgil (Patrick Moore), claims that he can't attend because he has a broken leg, but thanks to some malicious gossip Cissy becomes convinced that Virgil is lying to her. Bill (Brian Keith) tries to rectify the situation by persuading his actor friend Orson (Christopher Dark) to escort Cissy to the dance...as if that will resolve the situation so easily! This is the final episode of Family Affair's first season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Candy Striper
Cissy (Kathy Garver) goes to work as a hospital volunteer, while Buffy (Anissa Jones) joins the Brownies. Before long, both girls have run afoul of "The Rules": Cissy gives water to a patient without consulting a doctor, while Buffy is short the Brownies' age of admission by several months. Ultimately, and surprisingly, 7-year-old Buffy proves a bit more mature in handling her problem than 16-year-old Cissy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Other Cheek
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is being harrassed at school by a bigger, older bully. Making the situation doubly delicate is the fact that Jody's tormentor is a girl named Jeannie (Claire Wilcox), and of course he can't hit her back. Bill (Brian Keith) suggests that Jody try to reason with Jeannie--but this not only fails to work, but also leads to a crisis involving the girl's parents (Sean McClory, Kathleen O'Malley). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Take Me Out of the Ballgame
Bill (Brian Keith) inadvertently lives his life vicariously through his nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) when the boy decides to join the neighborhood stickball team. Determined that Jody become a second baseman--a position to which he himself had unsuccessfully aspired when he was a boy--Bill tirelessly trains the youngster for his team tryout. Ultimately, however, it is Jody's sister Buffy (Anissa Jones) who proves to be the better ballplayer...a fact that seems to bother Bill more than it does Jody! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Toy Box
Tired of tripping over the toys that the twins (Anissa Jones, Johnnie Whitaker) have left lying around the apartment, Bill (Brian Keith) issues an ultimatum: If he finds one more toy on the floor, he will never allow the kids to play with it again. This leads to a major crisis when Buffy's beloved doll Mrs. Beasley is in danger of being forever exiled to the toy box. And somehow or other, the toy situation is linked with Bill's dismay over the fact that Cissy (Kathy Garver) has begun dressing hippie-style. This episode was written by Arthur Marx, the son of comedian Groucho Marx. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Somebody Upstairs
Joan Blondell guests as Laura London, a Mermanesque Broadway musical star who moves into the apartment one floor above Bill's. Both Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) are fascinated by Laura's flamboyant celebrity lifestyle, and before long the girls are dreaming of their own showbiz careers (You haven't lived until you've heard the combined singing efforts of the Misses Jones and Garver!). Unfortunately, these dreams begin to interfere with their schoolwork, prompting Bill (Brian Keith) to brings the girls back to earth. Featured in the cast as Laura London's maid is Ernestine Wade, the former "Sapphire" of Amos 'N' Andy fame. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Everybody Needs Somebody
Misunderstanding a situation as usual, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) try to play matchmaker for Mr. Nigel French (John Williams) and Miss Faversham (Heather Angel). Likewise misunderstanding the same situation is Mr. French, who thinks that the twins are trying to get him to resign because he has punished them harshly. Thus, French goes in the entirely opposite direction and begins treating the kids like royalty--and of course, things go rapidly downhill from there! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Mother Tongue
An erstwhile student of the Cantonese language, Mr. Nigel French (John Williams) hopes to test out his linguistics skills on Marilyn (Lisa Fong), the daughter of a Chinese diplomat (Richard Loo). Unfortunately, Mr. French is not as conversant in Cantonese as he imagines himself to be, and accidentally insults the poor girl by telling her she has "the ears of a pig and the face of a demon"! His subsequent efforts to make amends succeed only in getting him deeper into trouble--and it's up to Marilyn's grandmother (May Lee) to re-establish "détente" between China and the U.S. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Ballerina Buffy
Buffy (Anissa Jones) is chosen over her classmate Melissa (Cindy Eilbacher) as the lead dancer in a ballet version of "Little Red Riding Hood". Miffed over this casting coup, Melissa's mom Clara (Ann McCrea) insists that Buffy got the starring part only because dance teacher Margot Dunbar is a former girlfriend of Buffy's uncle Bill (Brian Keith). Though this is not the case, Buffy apparently "proves" her lack of qualification by botching her performance--but for reasons that no one would ever have anticipated. Cast as Margot is Judith Landon, the wife of series star Brian Keith. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Helping Hand
Hollywood icon Myrna Loy guest stars as Adele, a once wealthy matron forced by circumstance to work as a maid. Out of the goodness of his heart, Mr. Nigel French (John Williams) helpfully covers up Adele's ineptitude, an act of largesse that backfires when Adele makes a shambles of a society party--and holds French responsible. At the same time, Bill (Brian Keith) gets into trouble for extending his own helping hand and taking over the twins' school science project. All this intrigue leads to the conclusion by the adults in the Davis household that they will never, ever "get involved" again--but it's up to 15-year-old Cissy (Kathy Garver) to resolve the situation. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: What Did You Do in the West, Uncle?
While treating the kids to a rodeo, Bill is reunited with his old pal Gabe Nelson (played by horror-movie stalwart John Agar), a professional bronco buster. Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) are enthralled by Gabe's colorful stories about the Wild West--so much so that Bill begins to worry that the kids are more fond of Gabe than of him. When this fear appears to be confirmed beyond doubt, it is up to Gabe to resolve the situation. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Fat, Fat, The Water Rat
Buffy (Anissa Jones) wants to join a club made up of neighborhood youngsters that have an aversion to "fancy" kids. To help Buffy along, Bill (Brian Keith) allows her to dress in ratty old clothes, and--much to the dismay of Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot)--also dons "hobo" duds himself. This gets Bill in dutch with blue-collar worker Tim Callahan, the father of two of the club members, who is offended because he thinks the Davises are making fun of poor folks. Cast as Mr. and Mrs. Callahan are two former child stars,Jackie Coogan (fresh from his "Uncle Fester" duties on The Addams Family) and Marcia Mae Jones. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Once in Love With Buffy
The troublesome Aunt Fran (Louise Latham) breezes into New York in hopes of taking Cissy (Kathy Garver) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) back to live with her in Terre Haute. Unfortunately, Fran's husband Harold (Bill Zuckert) is of the opinion that two is company and three's a crowd; thus, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) must live with another Indiana relative. Bill (Brian Keith) isn't keen on this prospect, but he decides to allow the children to make the final decision...with stunning results. John Williams again appears as Nigel French, temporary replacement for Bill's regular butler Giles French. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Arthur, the Invisible Bear
Like many another seven-year-old, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) has invented an invisible friend--in his case, a giant bear named Arthur. When Jody starts getting in trouble at school and blaming "Arthur" for his mischief, Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) consults child psychologist Dr. Dorothy Cramer (Adrienne Marden) for advice. Theorizing that Jody is using Arthur to release his pent-up anger, Dr. Cramer suggest that Bill pretend to "accept" the nonexistent bear into the Davis household--which turns out to be a major error in judgement! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: One for the Little Boy
Hoping to bond with his nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker), Bill (Brian Keith) takes the boy along on a business trip. Alas, Bill's efforts to entertain Jody, first with a baseball game and then with a fishing trip, come a-cropper. Although everything ends up going wrong, somehow Jody finds a way to make it all right for his flustered uncle. This episode marks the first appearance of John Williams as Nigel French, the brother and occasional replacement of Bill's butler Giles French (costar Sebastian Cabot had to temporarily leave the show due to illness, inspiring the writers to send Mr. French on a "special assignment" with the Royal Family!) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: That Was the Dinner That Wasn't
Cissy (Kathy Garver) despairs over the fact that her high school is holding a mother-daughter event--and of course, she has no mother. Bill (Brian Keith) would like to know the source of Cissy's unhappiness, but she refuses to tell him. When he ultimately finds out, Bill must figure a way to make Cissy happy without having her think that he's merely acting out of pity. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Fancy Free
Now that they're in an accelerated-learning class, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) must face the treacherous perils of "New Math". Unfortunately, their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) hasn't the time to help with the twins' homework, since he is being kept occupied by his latest lady friend Meg (Kipp Hamilton), a woman constitutionally incapable of making a commitment. Thus, the kids turn to window washer Mr. Frack (Sterling Holloway), who as luck would have it is a mathematics whiz! John Williams again appears as Nigel French, temporary replacement for Bill's butler Giles French. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Star Dust
Martha Hyer is appropriately cast as glamorous Hollywood movie star Carol Haven, who sweeps into the lives of Bill Davis (Brian Keith) and his family. Falling in love with Bill, Carol insists that she is willing to give up her career in order to assume the new roles of wife and mother. Bill of course is delighted--but it soon becomes obvious that Carol's heart is still firmly entrenched in the Hollywood Hills. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The New Cissy
Cissy (Kathy Garver) is upset because all the boys at school ignore her, except for nerdy Wendell Owen (Charles Herbert). Taking the advice of several professional models who happen to be friends of her Uncle Bill (Brian Keith), Cissy undergoes a complete fashion makeover, whereupon the boys fall over themselves trying to make her acquaintance--but as it turns out, this isn't what Cissy really wants at all. And in a related development, little Buffy (Anissa Jones) is dogged by a goonish 7-year-old admirer of her own! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Fish Watchers
While posing as a hard-hat to ferret out a thief at one of his construction sites, Bill (Brian Keith) befriends fellow worker Scott Norvell (Ray Baxter), whose hobby is raising tropical fish. In a well-meaning effort to promote family togetherness, Scott relays his fascination with exotic fish to Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver), but the scheme backfires when the kids' little finny friends begin multiplying at an alarming rate. This episode reunites three actors from the 1966 film hit The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming: Brian Keith, Johnnie Whitaker and Ray Baxter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Mr. French's Holiday
Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) had planned to take his meticulously organized vacation in an Old West tourist town all by himself. Unfortunately, circumstances dictate that he must bring Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) along for the ride. As a result, French's plans are ruined -- but this turns out not to be such a bad thing after all. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Day Nothing Happened
The weekend has arrived, and Bill (Brian Keith) looks forward to a long-planned a hunting trip, while Cissy (Kathy Garver) is set to go out on a date and Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) are anxious to build a snowman. But when a raging blizzard strands Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) in Long Island, Bill is stuck with taking care of the kids--who in turn are stuck in the apartment. The result: No hunting, no date, a messy "indoor" snowman and a busted TV! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Waltz from Vienna
Impressionable Cissy (Kathy Garver) is smitten by Karl Krug (Mark DeVries), a young bon vivant who happens to be the scion of an old and very wealthy Viennese family. When Karl proposes, Cissy accepts--but Bill refuses to give his consent. Will Cissy defy her Uncle and elope, or will she figure out (as the audience already has!) that there is a big, big difference between real love and youthful infatuation? Annette Cabot,the daughter of series regular Sebastian Cabot, appears in a small role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: His and Hers
In a situation predating The Brady Bunch by a full year, Bill (Brian Keith) meets Margaret Williams (Coleen Gray), an attractive widow with three children of her own. Remarkably, Margaret's kids are virtual clones of Bill's nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and nieces Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) (there's even a set of twins!) At first, the kids are delighted that they're all so much alike--but delight turns into despair and downright hatred when the Williamses and the Davises spend a weekend together. The scene in which Buffy's counterpart greedily tries to claim Mrs. Beasley as her own may be the most harrowing in the series' history! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Substitute Teacher
June Lockhart guest stars as Miss Evans, Jody's new subsitute teacher. Developing a crush on Miss Evans, Jody is heartsick when she is transferred to another job. Hoping to find out why Jody is so attached to the "sub", Bill arranges to meet Miss Evans--and discovers that she bears a striking resemblance to Jody's late mother. Joan Vohs, here seen as Jody's regular teacher Miss Cummings, previously showed up during Season Two as Miss Scofield, the teacher of Jody's older sister Cissy (Kathy Garver). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Man's Place
Ann Sothern guests as Florence Cahill, a former flame of Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot). Now widowed, Florence dreams of opening a gourmet restaurant--and she persuades French that being a restauranteur is something that he has always wanted as well. The question: Will French opt to leave the service of longtime employer Bill Davis (Brian Keith)? And if so, will the kids ever warm up to French's replacement, the strict, severe Mr. Smyser (Laurie Main). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Matter of Choice
Expressing dismay over the twins' obsession with violent TV shows, not to mention the bad influence exerted by Cissy's new friend Gwen (Susan Abbott), Bill (Brian Keith) decides it is time to take drastic action. Thus, Bill goes to extreme lengths to show Cissy (Kathy Garver), Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) the value of making one's own choices in life. This project culminates in a memorable buying-and-selling experience for the youngest members of the Davis clan. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Albertine
Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) befriend an oddball classmate named Albertine (Alycia Gardner). The girl's demeanor is remarkable to say the least: she is aloof, arrogant and aristocratic beyond her years, a self-proclaimed master of several languages, and a whiz at the chess board (she even beats Mr. French [Sebastian Cabot]!) In addition, Alycia can't stop spinning fascinating tales about her father, a globetrotting adventurer. Only when Bill (Brian Keith) meets Alycia's mother does he learn some sobering truths about the girl, leading to one of the series' most poignant endings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Unsound of Music
Kaye Stevens guest-stars as nightclub singer Julie Madden, another of Bill's many lady friends. As a favor to Bill, Julie agrees to give singing lessons to Buffy, who hopes to join her school glee club. Alas, poor, tone-deaf Buffy has what could be described as "Van Gogh's ear for music". Kaye Stevens sings "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You", while series regular Johnnie Whitaker (Jody) performs "Every Boy Should Be President", a fascinating preview of Whitaker's song renditions on his later series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Christmas Came a Little Early
Family Affair takes a serious turn in this episode featuring future Brady Bunch costar Eve Plumb as Eve Bowers, a seriously ill classmate of six-year-old Buffy (Anissa Jones). In her typically naïve, well-meaning fashion, Buffy falsely raises Eve's hopes by claiming that her Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) will be able to find a doctor who can cure the girl. Ultimately resigned to the sad truth, Bill arranges for Eve to have the best "Early Christmas" party ever...knowing full well that she will probably not make it until Christmas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Oliver
After much intense negotiation, Bill (Brian Keith) agrees to let the twins' new friend Oliver spend three days in the Davis apartment. What the kids have failed to tell Bill is that Oliver is a huge, slobbering, unhousebroken dog. Not only is having such a pet against apartment-house regulations, but Oliver also develops an intense dislike for Bill, which is manifested in wholesale destruction! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: By a Whisker
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) wants to join the 64th Street Daredevils, a gang of older boys led by a kid named Frankie (played by former "Eddie Munster"Butch Patrick). First, however, Jody must prove his mettle by undergoing an initiation. This requires our youthful "daredevil" to sneak up to Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot)--and snip off a portion of French's beloved beard! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Family Portrait
Bill's current girlfriend Eileen Moran (Pippa Scott) is worried that Bill (Brian Keith) is not spending enough time with the kids. Acting on Eileen's advice, Bill gives up his professional globetrotting to remain at home permanently. Trouble is, the youngsters are so accustomed to Bill's occasional absences that their own well-ordered lifestyles are thrown into disarray! This is the final episode of Family Affair's second season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Beasley Story
During a scuffle between Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker), Buffy's beloved doll Mrs. Beasley suffers a broken arm. Bill (Brian Keith) rushes the damaged plaything to a doll hospital, while Buffy frets over the fact that Mrs. Beasley is due to go "under the knife." And even if the surgery is successful, will Buffy's hurt feelings ever be mended? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Baby Sitters
Cissy (Kathy Garver) has been assigned to babysit the twins while Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is in Hong Kong on business and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) is likewise occupied elsewhere. But when Cissy has a chance to go to a concert, she prevails upon her friend Sharon (Sherry Alberoni) to look after the kids. This sets off a chain reaction of hilarious havoc: Sharon comes down with the measles, Sharon's mother (Doris Singleton) assumes the babysitting duties before she too must leave, and the twins end up in the care of Sharon's father (Walter Sande). and his poker-playing buddies. Somehow this messes straightens itself out in a roundabout fashion that also solves Bill's problems with a nagging toothache! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Mrs. Beasely Story
No synopsis available.
Family Affair: Family Reunion
Bill (Brian Keith) takes the kids back to Terre Haute for a family reunion. The youngsters have a wonderful time visiting old haunts and renewing old friendships--especially Cissy (Kathy Garver), who reconnects with her erstwhile former beau Harvey (Jim Henaghan). And as usual, Aunt Fran (Louise Latham) angles to have the children remain in Indiana with her permanently, and this time it looks like they may be open to the suggestion. As it turns out, however, not every memory in Terre Haute is a happy one, particularly those which remind the children that they will never see their parents again. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Family Plan
Thanks to a mishap on the ski slopes, Bill (Brian Keith) comes home with a broken leg. This galvanizes the children into doing everything they can to "help out" our convalescing hero. Unfortunately, Cissy (Kathy Garver) proves to be somewhat inept as a secretary, while Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) aren't much more successful in their attempts at helpfulness. And worse is still to come when Bill's girlfriend Michelle (Nancy Kovack) shows up to lend a hand--and demonstrates even more incompetence than the kids! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Nanny for All Seasons
Still bristling at the thought of being a "nanny", Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) is further aggravated by the joshing he is receiving from his fellow valets. Clearly, the time has come for Mr. French to assert his dignity--and manhood. And somehow, French's determination translates to thoughts of matrimony, a prospect that thrills and delights the many female nannies in his circle of friends! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Ciao, Uncle Bill
While on business in Rome, Bill (Brian Keith) enters into a passionate romance with a local girl named Luciana (Brioni Farrell). When rumors of marriage reach the Davis household in New York, the kids glumly conclude that they will once again be farmed out to other relatives. Sensing the youngsters' dismay, Mr. French prepares to make the supreme sacrifice: If Bill and Luciana are wed, he will quit his job in order to take care of the children himself! Happily, things work out for the best...at least for most of the above-mentioned characters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A House in the Country
Theorizing that an apartment in downtown Manhattan is no place to raise three children, Bill (Brian Keith) decides to purchase a big house in the suburbs. Upon visiting their prospective new home, Cissy (Kathy Garver), Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) express an abundance of pleasure and satisfaction. This, however, is merely an expert job of acting: The kids would rather stay in New York, but they play along with Bill because they think a suburban life is what HE really wants! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Matter of Tonsils
Surprisingly, Buffy (Anissa Jones) accepts the news that she needs to have her tonsils removed calmly and in stride. Not so surprisingly, Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) look forward to Buffy's hospital stay with fear and loathing. Nor does it get any better for the Family Affair parental units when the doctor announces that Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) likewise needs a tonsilectomy! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Member of the Family
Entering a school art exhibit, Cissy (Kathy Garver) sets about painting a picture she calls "Members of the Family." Among those caricatured in the early stages of the painting are Cissy, Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Uncle Bill (Brian Keith)--but not Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), who feels terribly hurt over his apparent exclusion. Incidentally, the artwork seen in this episode was actually done by series regular Kathy Garver). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Latch Key Kid
In the premiere episode of Family Affair's third season, Buffy (Anissa Jones) believes it is high time that she have her own house key, just like her "sophisticated" seven-year-old friend Lana. But as things develop, Lana is dissatisfied with being a latch-key kid, left to fend for herself by her social-butterfly mother (Eve Brent). Expressing a desire for a more stable homelife, Lana spends the weekend with Buffy and her family--with unexpected complications that only Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) can uncomplicate. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Great Kow-Tow
Keye Luke guest stars as Grandfather Chang, a venerable Chinese gentleman whose interest in life is renewed by his friendship with twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). Unofficially "adopted" by Mr. Chang, the kids reciprocate by adopting Chinese behavior and customs--or at least they make a noble effort. This episode boasts a stellar cast of Asian character actors, notably Keye Luke and Benson Fong, who'd previously appeared in the "Charlie Chan" films as Lee and Tommy Chan respectively, and who would later essay recurring roles on the existential TV western Kung Fu. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Your Friend, Jody
Former light heavyweight boxing champ Archie Moore appears as Ruby, an old friend of Bill Davis (Brian Keith). On Ruby's advice, Bill bundles Jody off to a summer camp. In his letters home, Jody sounds as if he finds camp life just swell--but the truth is that he's only pretending to enjoy it to spare Bill's feelings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Family Outing
Ever the advocate of family togetherness, Bill (Brian Keith) takes the kids and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) along on a camping trip. Predictably, Bill and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) love the "great outdoors", but Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) do not--and don't even ask how poor Mr. French feels about living the pioneer life. Later on, Bill and Jody are involved in a mini-crisis when Jody thinks he's caught a fish that Bill has actually hooked. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Tale of Two Travels
The family decides to take separate vacations, with Bill and Mr. French accompanying Buffy and Jody on a tour of Boston, while Cissy stays with friends on Long Island. Unfortunately, no one has much of a good time under these "split up" circumstances--but alas, the vacation may be over by the time everyone gets together again. This episode affords the veddy British Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) several choice moments as he expresses discomfort over tales of Colonial bravery during the American Revolution. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Number One Boy
Benson Fong makes a return appearance to Family Affair, this time in the role of Ng Ho, Bill's houseboy during a business trip to Hong Kong. Impressed by Ng Ho's courtesy and efficiency, Bill (Brian Keith) invites the man to visit him in New York. Ng Ho voluntarily takes on so many household duties in the Davis household, and performs them so well, that he rouses the ire of Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), prompting the blustering butler to serve notice! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Goodbye, Harold
Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) have fun with their pet hamsters, but can't understand why the little animals are constantly trying to escape the comfort and secruity of the Davis apartment. When Buffy's hamster runs away into the park, she feels it is somehow her fault, and there is something lacking in her. Ultimately, the twins--and the rest of the family--realize that the hamsters' love of independence constitutes a Life Lesson well worth having. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Family Group
Cissy (Kathy Garver) befriends a sophisticated, jet-setting teenager named Dana Mason (Lori Martin). The daughter of a celebrated theatrical couple (Liam Sullivan, Kathleen Crowley), Dana never tires of bragging about her parents' idyllic marriage, dropping famous names and disdaining Cissy's modest, stay-at-home lifestyle. Ultimately it is revealed that, for all her pretensions, Dana is desperately insecure and lonely--and worse, her parents are on the verge of divorce. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: To Love with Buffy
Bringing Buffy (Anissa Jones) along on a business trip to Puerto Rico, Bill promises to spend all his free time with his niece. Of course, this puts a crimp on his social life in general and his romance with former flame Gail (Sue Casey) in particular, but Bill is doggedly determined to keep his word. It is up to Buffy to figure out that Bill is having a miserable time, and to do something about it. Gregg Fedderson, soon to join the cast in the recurring role of Cissy's boyfriend Gregg Bartlett, appears in this episode as "Marvin". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Young Man from Bolivia
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is thrilled when his Bolivian pen pal Paco Mendez (Miguel Monsalve) pays a visit to New York. Hoping to make Paco feel at home, the members of the Davis household fall over themselves giving the boy excessive attention and lavishing him with kind words. As a result, Jody begins feeling neglected--and becomes intensely jealous! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Diller, a Dollar
Straight-A student Buffy (Anissa Jones) suddenly and mysteriously begins failing in every class. Bill (Brian Keith) thinks that Buffy is deliberately performing poorly so she won't skip a grade and can stay in the same class with her twin brother Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). But the truth is that Buffy is "playing dumb" to attract a boy (Gary Dubin) who doesn't like smart girls. Unlike many another sitcom episode of the 1960s, this one does NOT applaud Buffy for dumbing herself down in order to build up a boy's ego--and is all the better because of it! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Oh, To Be in England
The family prepares to move to England when Bill (Brian Keith) is offered an opportunity to work on an English-channel tunnel project (need we point out that this episode took place decades before the opening of the real "chunnel"). Particularly eager to make the move across the "Big Pond" is Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), who has yearned to return to the Mother Country for years. Unfortunately, although French and the kids are soon securely settled in the British Isles, it turns out that Bill won't be able to join them. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Lesson for Grown-Ups
Bill (Brian Keith) grimly assumes all responsibility when a bridge on which he was working collapses, costing millions of dollars. Overhearing Bill's financial woes, the kids conclude that the family is about to go broke. This explains why Cissy goes out and gets a part-time job, while Buffy and Jody hold an auction of their most precious possessions--and also launch a brisk dog-walking business. Featured in the pivotal role of Mr. McAllister is veteran movie heavy Horace McMahon. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 3
In the conclusion of a three-part story, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) have managed to get lost while on a sightseeing tour of Spain. As Bill (Brian Keith) Cissy (Kathy Garver), Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) and several members of the local Civil Guard conduct a frantic search, the twins are given shelter by a kindly peasant couple named Carlos (Nacho Galindo) and Maria (Rosa Turich), who are worried that they'll be arrested should they reveal the kids' whereabouts. With all this going on, there's hardly time for the romance between Bill and Ana (Anna Navarro, to say nothing of the one between Cissy and Ricardo (John Aladdin). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Uncle Prince Charming
Bill (Brian Keith) has another problem on his hands when Carla (Darleen Carr), the teenage friend of his niece Cissy (Kathy Garver), develops a crush on him. Actually, it's more than a crush: Carla is convinced that she's "practically engaged" to the much-older Bill. In his efforts to let the girl down gently, Bill finds that Carla isn't so easily gotten rid of. (Trivia note: appearing as Carla's mother is Catherine McLeod, who gained pop-culture fame in the 1960s via her appearance in an aspirin ad in which she bellowed "Mother, PLEASE! I'd rather do it myself!!") ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: My Man, the Star
Fired up with patriotic fervor, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) agrees to play Henry VIII in a movie made by shoestring producer Fred Wallace (Joe Flynn). Though Mr. French is certain that this will be a good experience, the film turns out to be an unscripted, underfunded disaster, and as a result French loses something far more precious than his time and effort: namely, his dignity. This is the final episode of Family Affair's third season, and the last episode to be telecast on CBS' Monday-night schedule. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Flower Power
Every sitcom of the late 1960s had at least one "hippie" episode, and Family Affair was no exception. Encountering several flower children in Greenwich Village, Cissy wants to be a part of their alternative lifestyle--at least on weekends. Naturally, Uncle Bill is nervous, but he needn't worry: Cissy ultimately realizes that she'd rather tune out and drop in rather than turn on. And, oh wow, look at that supporting cast--including M*A*S*H's "Klinger" as a far-out freak! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 2
In the second episode of a three part story, the family is still in Spain, where Bill (Brian Keith) has fallen for attractive senorita Ana (Anna Navarro) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) has been swept off her feet by a lad named Ricardo (John Aladdin). Meanwhile, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) conducts a frantic search for Buffy (Annisa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker), who have somehow gotten on the wrong bus during a sightseeing tour. After an encounter with a nun and some Spanish schoolchildren, and a spooky experience in an empty church, the worn-out twins seek refuge in an old barn, hoping against hope that somewhere, somehow, they'll come across someone who speaks English! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Lost in Spain, Part 1
In the first episode of a three-part story, Bill takes Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) and the kids along on a business trip to Spain. Enchanted by the country and its people, both Bill and Cissy find romance, in the respective forms of a girl named Ana (Anna Navarro) and a boy named Ricardo (John Aladdin). Conversely, while taking a bus tour, poor Mr. French loses something--namely, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: A Matter of Privacy
Goaded by their classmate Norman (Bobby Riha), Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) begin secretly tape-recording other peoples' conversation. The kids' electronic eavesdropping proves embarrassing for both Cissy (Kathy Garver) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), leading to even more embarrassing complications. And in a parallel development, Bill (Brian Keith) discovers that someone has planted a "bug" in his office. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Birthday Boy
The kids are planning a surprise birthday party for Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), but whether or not it will be a happy birthday party is open to debate. For one thing, Mr. French has gone on record disdaining any sort of celebration of his birth. And worse still, the kids have not consulted each other as to their choice of presents, resulting in a plethora of duplicate gifts! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: What's Funny About a Broken Leg?
Scoring a winning run in a stickball game, Buffy also breaks her leg in the process. With her leg in a cast, Buffy despairs becauase she won't be able to go the circus as planned. Hoping to cheer the girl up, the family brings the circus to her--elephants and all! Curiously, Buffy is no happier now than before...and all because of a reason that no one even suspects until the final scene. This episode was hastily written to accommodate series star Anissa Jones, who had broken her leg in real life. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: With This Ring
After seeing one school friend after another getting married, 18-year-old Cissy (Kathy Garver) begins fretting that she'll end up an old maid. So far as she is concerned, there's only one way to avoid this ignominous fate: Cissy and her boyfriend Gregg (Gregg Fedderson) must announce their engagement immediately, whether Gregg wants to or not! Featured in the cast is Page Forsythe, daughter of future Dynasty star John Forsythe. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Jody Affair
Accused of breaking a school cafeteria window, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is suspended because Bill (Brian Keith), believing his nephew to be innocent, refuses to pay for the damages. Reassessing the quality of Jody's public-school education, Bill is persuaded to enroll the boy in a fancy private school called Bradfield. But after doing a bit of investigating on his own, Jody realizes that he'd be the proverbial square peg in a round hole at Bradfield, and tries to figure a way to make amends at his old school--even though he's completely innocent. (Trivia note: both series star Johnnie Whitaker and guest actor Teddy Quinn later played Scotty Baldwin on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Cissy's Apartment
Declaring her independence, Cissy (Kathy Garver) moves into her own apartment with her friend Rita (Rita Stone). Worrying about Cissy's wellbeing, the family persistently drops in on her, offering both advice and company, until she can't stand it anymore. Finally, they get the hint and leave Cissy alone--and of course, our now-homesick heroine can't stand that, either! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Wings of an Angel
In this unusually serious episode, Dana Andrews guest-stars as Harv Mullen, ex-convict. Recently released from prison, Harv drops in on his old friend Bill (Brian Keith), hoping to get a job. Unfortunately, Harv's visit is marred by the self-conscious behavior of twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker), who regard him as a threat; by Cissy (Kathy Garver), who idealistically aspires to "rehabilitate" the man; and by Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), who will have nothing to do with a former lawbreaker. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: No Uncle Is an Island
Family Affairmoved from Monday to Thursday on the CBS prime time schedule for this first episode of its fourth season. When Bill (Brian Keith) comes back to New York after a long and difficult assignment, Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker), Cissy (Kathy Garver) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) decide to give him the best of all homecoming presents: a quiet weekend alone. Alas, despite everyone's best intentions, things don't work out as planned for poor Bill, thanks to a never-ending parade of intrusive friends, neighbors, and kids. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Stowaway
Those eternal do-gooders Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) have taken it upon themselves to "adopt" Kenny, a parentless boy who has run away from an orphanage. Installing Kenny in the Davis apartment, the twins go to elaborate lengths to keep the boy hidden from Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabots), with the hiding places running the gamut from the closet to the bathtub. When the adults finally catch on (just moments before the you-saw-it-coming happy ending), they are less angry at the twins than at themselves for being so easily fooled! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Matter of Dignity
In an incredible turn of events, the very proper and above-board Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) has become involved in a rather nasty scandal. Someone has been sending poison-pen letters to the nonplussed butler, linking his name with that of a young English lady. Playing detective, Bill (Brian Keith) tries to determine the source of the nasty letters--and both he and Mr. French are in for quite a surprise. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Flip Side
Broadway star Eddie Hodges (The Music Man) guests in this episode as British pop idol Chris Higgins. Sweeping Cissy (Kathy Garver) off her feet, Chris goes so far as to write a song about her. Naturally, Cissy is convinced that Chris has fallen in love with her--little realizing that she is on the verge of succumbing to the worldly singer's standard makeout technique. Eddie Hodges sings his own composition "She's on My Mind", and also "Cissy My Love", cowritten by Hodges and series regular Kathy Garver. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Speak for Yourself, Mr. French
Everyone in the Davis household (and the general vicinity) is astonished when an attractive young secretary named Emily (Leslie Parrish) sets her cap for the dignified--and much older--Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot). At first mildly annoyed by Emily's attentions, Mr. French soon becomes interested, and quite flattered. Eventually he has convinced himself that he has fallen in love with Emily...and thus the stage is set for another bittersweet episode denoument. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Maudie
Ida Lupino guest stars as Lady Marchwood, a very wealthy English widow. Her Ladyship makes quite an impression on Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), who can remember when she was a humble London barmaid named Maude--and, incidentally, French's sweetheart. Now Lady Marchwood has summoned French back to England, hoping to pick up their romance she where they left off! This episode proved popular enough to warrant a sequel, "The Return of Maudie", likewise costarring Ida Lupino. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Say Uncle
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is harrassed by school bully Tom Richards (Clint Howard), who insists that his dad (John Lawrence) can beat up Jody's Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). When Jody arranges for Bill and Mr. Richards to meet in the park for a showdown, Bill refuses to get involved, laughing off the challenge as silly and childish. Unfortunately, Mr. Richards does appear at the appointed time, and declares that the absent Bill is a coward! How is THIS crisis going to work itself out? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Good Neighbors
In the opening episode of Family Affair's fifth and final season, Bill (Brian Keith), his nieces Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver), and his nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) have been living together in New York for nearly five years. Now the time has come for Buffy and Jody to wax nostalgic over the friendliness of the neighbors in their home town of Terre Haute--especially when compared to the coldness and hostility of their current neighbors in the Big Apple. The kids try to hold a "togetherness" party for the residents of their apartment building, but the event proves to be a failure. It takes something as simple as stuck elevator for the kids' neighbors to suddenly discover that there is nothing wrong with being gracious and generous--at least temporarily. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Girl Graduate
In celebration of her graduation from high school, Cissy (Kathy Garver) wants to attend an all-night party with her friends. Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) are understandably worried, but they don't want to treat Cissy like a child, nor do they want to suggest that they don't trust her. Comes the night of the party, and everyone learns one of the important Life Lessons so prevalent on this classic series. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Eastward Ho
In his third Family Affair guest appearance, Benson Fong plays restaurant owner Eng Ho, an old friend of Bill Davis (Brian Keith). About to enter into an arranged marriage with a girl from Hong Kong named Ming Lee (Irene Tsu), Eng Ho asks Bill to let the girl stay with the Davis family until the wedding. This nearly sets off an international incident as Ming Lee not only becomes "westernized" in record time, but also falls in love with her escort, Mike Wong (Brian Fong). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Eastward Ho
In his third Family Affair guest appearance, Benson Fong plays restaurant owner Eng Ho, an old friend of Bill Davis (Brian Keith). About to enter into an arranged marriage with a girl from Hong Kong named Ming Lee (Irene Tsu), Eng Ho asks Bill to let the girl stay with the Davis family until the wedding. This nearly sets off an international incident as Ming Lee not only becomes "westernized" in record time, but also falls in love with her escort, Mike Wong (Brian Fong). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Family in Paradise, Part 2
In the conclusion of Family Affair's two-part Season Four finale, Bill (Brian Keith) and the kids are so enchanted by their visit to Tahiti that they intend to remain there permanently--much to the dismay of Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot), who feels that the island's casual lifestyle may cause the family to disintegrate. But things begin to erode long before French thinks they will when Cissy (Kathy Garver) discovers that her new "dream boy", a tour guide named Mike (Michael Blodgett), is already married. But even though Cissy has been disillusioned, is this setback enough for Bill to abandon his own plans of settling in Tahiti--which include marriage with the alluring Janine (Danielle Aubrey? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Heroes are Born
Befriending the nephew of pro football star Ken Granger (Larry Pennell), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) soon develops an acute case of hero worship. Before long, Jody is imitating everything Granger says and does, and is even dressing in the same fashion. When the athlete is brought up on charges of betting on his own, Jody fiercely defends his idol--only to be emotionally devastated when the charges turn out to be true! Appearing as Granger's nephew Bobby is Leif Garrett, who grew up to be a pop-culture idol in his own right. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Heroes are Born
Befriending the nephew of pro football star Ken Granger (Larry Pennell), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) soon develops an acute case of hero worship. Before long, Jody is imitating everything Granger says and does, and is even dressing in the same fashion. When the athlete is brought up on charges of betting on his own, Jody fiercely defends his idol--only to be emotionally devastated when the charges turn out to be true! Appearing as Granger's nephew Bobby is Leif Garrett, who grew up to be a pop-culture idol in his own right. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Feat of Clay
Bill's current girlfriend Nancy Mason (Julie Parrish), an expert on pre-Columbian art, gives Bill (Brian Keith) a priceless, centuries-old artifact. Not knowing the item's value, the twins take it to school for show-and-tell--and of course immediately break it. In desperation, the youngsters fashion a duplicate of the artifact out of clay...and it is this "forgery" which ends up being displayed at the Wyndham Gallery and hailed by one and all as an authentic masterpiece! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Feat of Clay
Bill's current girlfriend Nancy Mason (Julie Parrish), an expert on pre-Columbian art, gives Bill (Brian Keith) a priceless, centuries-old artifact. Not knowing the item's value, the twins take it to school for show-and-tell--and of course immediately break it. In desperation, the youngsters fashion a duplicate of the artifact out of clay...and it is this "forgery" which ends up being displayed at the Wyndham Gallery and hailed by one and all as an authentic masterpiece! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Wish You Were Here
When school rules prohibit Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) from attending a father-and-son event, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is upset, regarding Bill as the only dad he has ever had. This sets Bill to worrying that the kids are losing all memory of their real father. To solve this problem, Bill packs the family up for a nostalgic return visit to their home town of Terre Haute, where a number of touching surprises await them. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Wish You Were Here
When school rules prohibit Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) from attending a father-and-son event, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is upset, regarding Bill as the only dad he has ever had. This sets Bill to worrying that the kids are losing all memory of their real father. To solve this problem, Bill packs the family up for a nostalgic return visit to their home town of Terre Haute, where a number of touching surprises await them. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Travels with Cissy
When Cissy (Kathy Garver) declares that she and Gregg (Gregg Fedderson) are going to be married, Bill (Brian Keith) decides to take the family with him on a business trip to Hollywood. The idea is to put as much distance between Cissy and Gregg as possible, so that she will forget all about marriage. But the plan backfires when Cissy falls for handsome TV star Steve Hunter (Aron Kincaid)--who turns out to be even a worse matrimonial prospect than Gregg! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Travels with Cissy
When Cissy (Kathy Garver) declares that she and Gregg (Gregg Fedderson) are going to be married, Bill (Brian Keith) decides to take the family with him on a business trip to Hollywood. The idea is to put as much distance between Cissy and Gregg as possible, so that she will forget all about marriage. But the plan backfires when Cissy falls for handsome TV star Steve Hunter (Aron Kincaid)--who turns out to be even a worse matrimonial prospect than Gregg! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: It Can't Be Five Years
Contrary to the episode's title, it has indeed been five years since Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) came to New York to live with their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). In honor of this occasion, the kids have planned a surprise party for Bill--but alas, he's forgotten all about the anniversary, and has flown out of town on business. Saving the day for all concerned is the family's down-to-earth housekeeper Emily (Nancy Walker). This episode is highlighted by flashbacks culled from Family Affair's previous four seasons. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: It Can't Be Five Years
Contrary to the episode's title, it has indeed been five years since Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver) came to New York to live with their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). In honor of this occasion, the kids have planned a surprise party for Bill--but alas, he's forgotten all about the anniversary, and has flown out of town on business. Saving the day for all concerned is the family's down-to-earth housekeeper Emily (Nancy Walker). This episode is highlighted by flashbacks culled from Family Affair's previous four seasons. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Return of Maudie
In this sequel to the fourth-season episode "Maudie", Ida Lupino returns in the role of wealthy British widow Lady Marchwood. As established in the earlier episode, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) had been in love with her ladyship way back when her knew her as a humble London barmaid named Maudie. Having come to New York to enter a horse in the International Cup, Lady M. once more touches bases with Mr. French--and once more, the object is matrimony. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Return of Maudie
In this sequel to the fourth-season episode "Maudie", Ida Lupino returns in the role of wealthy British widow Lady Marchwood. As established in the earlier episode, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) had been in love with her ladyship way back when her knew her as a humble London barmaid named Maudie. Having come to New York to enter a horse in the International Cup, Lady M. once more touches bases with Mr. French--and once more, the object is matrimony. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Family in Paradise, Part 1
In the first episode of Family Affair's two-part Season Four finale, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot and the kids pay a visit to Bill (Brian Keith), who is on assignment in Tahiti. Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) bask in the carefree behavior of the local children (not to mention the idea of going to school outdoors), Cissy (Kathy Garver) falls in love with handsome tour guide Mike (Michael Blodgett), and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) despairs over the new casual approach to life taken by the family. Then Bill drops a real bombshell: He's planning to marry Tahitian beauty Janine (Danielle Aubrey), and to settle in the tropics permanently! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Wouldn't It Be Loverly
After meeting a spoiled youngster (Kerry MacLane) whose parents cater to his every whim, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) want to abandon all the house rules in the Davis apartment. Recalling a fable from his youth, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) advises Bill (Brian Keith) to let the kids do whatever they please, certain that they'll tire of such independence and demand that the rules be reinstated. Thus, Apartment 27A becomes "The Land of Do-As-You-Please"--and predictably, overindulgence proves to have its consequences! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Boys Against the Girls
The Tigers stickball team installs a new captain, the misogynistic Randy (Sean Kelly), who immediately imposes a "no girls allowed" policy. Not wishing to see Buffy (Anissa Jones) voted off the team, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) protests, but eventually buckles under to peer pressure--with the expected negative results. And in a related incident, Bill (Brian Keith) unwittingly demonstrates his own chauvinistic side while dating an actress named Sherry (played by 1960s TV favorite Francine York). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Old Cowhand
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is thrilled at the prospect of meeting his idol, 1930s cowboy star Chaps Callahan (played by genuine B-western icon Bob Steele). Worried that Jody's hero-worship is bordering on obsession, Bill sets up a situation whereby his nephew will be disillusioned over the fact that Callahan is now an old man, no longer able to live up to his legend. Though Bill's scheme backfires rather badly, the outcome of this story proves to be happy and beneficial for both Jody and Chaps. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Angel in the Family
Tired of being taken for granted by kids and adults alike, Mr. French leaps at the opportunity to assert his authority and influence when his old friend Cedric (Michael Allinson) asks French to talk Cedric's daughter Anne (Jill Townsend) out of her plans to become an actress. Alas, things don't quite work out for French when, at the urging of the kids, Bill arranges an important audition for Annie, wherupon she lands a good small role in a Broadway play. Now feeling more useless and powerless than ever, French is shakens out of his doldrums only by a surprise plot twist. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Language of Love
Buffy (Anissa Jones) befriends a deaf Puerto Rican girl named Juanita (Diana Holly), who is forbidden to attend school by her overprotective mother (Margarita Cordova). Hoping to help Juanita and put her mom on the right track, Bill (Brian Keith) seeks the advice of a children's doctor--who is also hearing-impaired. The role of Dr. Robinson is played by Audree Norton, in real life a member of the National Theater of the Deaf. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Inheritance
It's often been said that love flies out the door when money flies in the window. This proves to be painfully accurate when Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) receive an inheritance of 52 dollars. Dazzled by their "sudden wealth", the kids soon become uncharacteristically avaricious, as Jody demands more than Buffy's share in order to fulfill his dreams, and vice versa! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: There Goes New York
Buffy (Johnnie Whitaker) and Jody (Anissa Jones) are terrified when a Criswell-like TV psychic predicts that New York will be destroyed by a tidal wave. Though there are some otherwise responsible adults who swallow this story whole, Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is not one of them, and he must work overtime to convince the twins that their fears are groundless. But when Bill suddenly has to leave New York, the kids jump to the obvious conclusion and the situation gets far worse than imagined! Watch for Erin Moran, four years away from her role of Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Desert Isle-Manhattan Style
With both Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) out of town, Cissy (Kathy Garver) is placed in charge of the twins and the household. When her boyfriend Gregg (Gregg Fedderson) invites her to attend the Winter Carnival in Dartmouth, Cissy arranges for a baby sitter to look after Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). Only after Cissy is long gone does the sitter call to announce that she can't make it, leaving the terrified twins to baby-sit each other throughout the long, long night--which threatens to get even longer and more terrifying when a blizzard hits New York, preventing the rest of the family from returning home! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Desert Isle-Manhattan Style
With both Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) out of town, Cissy (Kathy Garver) is placed in charge of the twins and the household. When her boyfriend Gregg (Gregg Fedderson) invites her to attend the Winter Carnival in Dartmouth, Cissy arranges for a baby sitter to look after Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). Only after Cissy is long gone does the sitter call to announce that she can't make it, leaving the terrified twins to baby-sit each other throughout the long, long night--which threatens to get even longer and more terrifying when a blizzard hits New York, preventing the rest of the family from returning home! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Grandpa, Sir
Veteran character actor Paul Fix (remember "Sheriff Micah" on The Rifleman?) guest stars as Ted Patterson, the grandfather of Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver). Returning from a five-year sojourn in Alaska, Grandpa Ted assumes that the children will treat him with the respect and deference worthy of his years. Unfortunately, the kids can barely remember Grandpa and aren't very comfortable around him--and Grandpa is just as uncomfortable with the ever-widening "generation gap" of the early 1970s. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Marooned
Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) takes Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) to Vermont to visit Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). En route, the butler and the kids are trapped in a blinding blizzard, and for a while things look pretty grim. Eventually, the "castaways" find a deserted cabin and have a high old time playing Robinson Crusoe--while Bill in Vermont and Cissy (Kathy Garver) in New York all but chew their nails to the bone in anguish! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Mr. Osaki's Tree
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) receives a miniature bonsai tree as a gift from an elderly Japanese gentleman named Mr. Osaki (Teru Shimada). Hoping to impart a bit of oriental mythology to Jody, Osaki explains that the life of the tree has paralleled his own. Unfortunately, the information proves traumatic to Jody when the tree begins to die--just as Mr. Osaki, on the verge of returning to Japan, suddenly falls ill. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Stamp of Approval
The family's mercenary streak comes to surface when Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) feigns romantic interest in classmate Geraldine Haskins (Lisa Gerritsen) only because he wants one of Geraldine's valuable stamps for his own collection. At the same time, Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is wooing Claudia Wells (Lee Meriwether), the director of the research foundation with which he hopes to do business. Upon discovering what Jody is up to, Bill realizes that he is using the same technique for similar selfish reasons, leading to a great deal of soul-searching for both of the men in the Davis family! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Stamp of Approval
The family's mercenary streak comes to surface when Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) feigns romantic interest in classmate Geraldine Haskins (Lisa Gerritsen) only because he wants one of Geraldine's valuable stamps for his own collection. At the same time, Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is wooing Claudia Wells (Lee Meriwether), the director of the research foundation with which he hopes to do business. Upon discovering what Jody is up to, Bill realizes that he is using the same technique for similar selfish reasons, leading to a great deal of soul-searching for both of the men in the Davis family! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: And Baby Makes Eight
Cissy (Kathy Garver) returns from college in the company of her pregnant friend Kathy Prentiss (played by Linda Kaye Henning, former Petticoat Junction costar and the then daughter-in-law of Family Affair producer Don Fedderson). Inasmuch as Kathy's soldier husband (Jim Henaghan) is out of town, Cissy prevails upon Bill (Brian Keith) to let the expectant mother stay with the Davis family for a week or so. This situation proves most problematic when Kathy suddenly goes into labor! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: And Baby Makes Eight
Cissy (Kathy Garver) returns from college in the company of her pregnant friend Kathy Prentiss (played by Linda Kaye Henning, former Petticoat Junction costar and the then daughter-in-law of Family Affair producer Don Fedderson). Inasmuch as Kathy's soldier husband (Jim Henaghan) is out of town, Cissy prevails upon Bill (Brian Keith) to let the expectant mother stay with the Davis family for a week or so. This situation proves most problematic when Kathy suddenly goes into labor! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Good Neighbors
In the opening episode of Family Affair's fifth and final season, Bill (Brian Keith), his nieces Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Cissy (Kathy Garver), and his nephew Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) have been living together in New York for nearly five years. Now the time has come for Buffy and Jody to wax nostalgic over the friendliness of the neighbors in their home town of Terre Haute--especially when compared to the coldness and hostility of their current neighbors in the Big Apple. The kids try to hold a "togetherness" party for the residents of their apartment building, but the event proves to be a failure. It takes something as simple as stuck elevator for the kids' neighbors to suddenly discover that there is nothing wrong with being gracious and generous--at least temporarily. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Say Uncle
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) is harrassed by school bully Tom Richards (Clint Howard), who insists that his dad (John Lawrence) can beat up Jody's Uncle Bill (Brian Keith). When Jody arranges for Bill and Mr. Richards to meet in the park for a showdown, Bill refuses to get involved, laughing off the challenge as silly and childish. Unfortunately, Mr. Richards does appear at the appointed time, and declares that the absent Bill is a coward! How is THIS crisis going to work itself out? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Class Clown
Joyce Van Patten is cast as brassy comedienne Gail Spencer, who pays a visit to her friend Bill (Brian Keith) while stopping over in New York. Impressed that Gail is always "on", always ready with a joke for any occasion, Jody is inspired to become a comedian himself--but at all the wrong times, especially during school! For obscure reasons, the original TV Guide synopsis list Patience Cleveland as school principal Miss Harris, a role actually played by Sarah Selby. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Class Clown
Joyce Van Patten is cast as brassy comedienne Gail Spencer, who pays a visit to her friend Bill (Brian Keith) while stopping over in New York. Impressed that Gail is always "on", always ready with a joke for any occasion, Jody is inspired to become a comedian himself--but at all the wrong times, especially during school! For obscure reasons, the original TV Guide synopsis list Patience Cleveland as school principal Miss Harris, a role actually played by Sarah Selby. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Unsinkable Mr. French
Just like Jack Bauer on 24, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) suffers through one of those days where everything goes wrong. Disaster piles upon disaster: Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) gets paint all over his clothes, a vacuum-cleaner bag is spilled on the carpet, and poor French takes an embarrassing pratfall in a public park. Finally, when Bill (Brian Keith) announces that he's bringing a last-minute guest to a meticulously prepared dinner party, the normally unflappable French blows his top--and it isn't a pretty sight! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Unsinkable Mr. French
Just like Jack Bauer on 24, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) suffers through one of those days where everything goes wrong. Disaster piles upon disaster: Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) gets paint all over his clothes, a vacuum-cleaner bag is spilled on the carpet, and poor French takes an embarrassing pratfall in a public park. Finally, when Bill (Brian Keith) announces that he's bringing a last-minute guest to a meticulously prepared dinner party, the normally unflappable French blows his top--and it isn't a pretty sight! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Meet Emily
Nancy Walker makes her first series appearance as Emily Walker, who works as a cleaning lady in Bill's office. Aware that Emily is looking for a second job in order to finance her son's medical-school education, Bill invites her to work a housekeeper in his apartment. Inevitably, the brash, outspoken Emily clashes with the veddy proper and reserved Mr. French, leading to a tense showdown between New York's two biggest Immovable Objects! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Meet Emily
Nancy Walker makes her first series appearance as Emily Walker, who works as a cleaning lady in Bill's office. Aware that Emily is looking for a second job in order to finance her son's medical-school education, Bill invites her to work a housekeeper in his apartment. Inevitably, the brash, outspoken Emily clashes with the veddy proper and reserved Mr. French, leading to a tense showdown between New York's two biggest Immovable Objects! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Put Your Dreams Away
Cissy (Kathy Garver) is reunited with her former boyfriend Russ Brooks (David Ladd), now a member of the Peace Corps. This reunion sparks jealousy in the heart of Cissy's current beau Gregg (Gregg Fedderson)--especially when it appears as though Cissy plans to join the Corps as well, and accompany Russ to his new assignment in South America. Sidelines observer Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) hopes that Cissy will ultimate make the right choices in her life, but the evidence doesn't seem to point in that direction! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Joiners
Everybody in the Davis household is a member of an exclusive club--except for Buffy (Anissa Jones), who is denied admission in the "Mod Maidens" because she is too young. In a surprising lapse of judgement, Bill (Brian Keith) approaches "Mod Maidens" president Shirley (Pamelyn Ferdin) and bribes her to let Buffy join, on condition that Buffy never find out. This subterfuge works until Buffy runs against another member for club secretary, leading to an embarrassing situation which proves to have dire consequences for Buffy's brother Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) as well! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Littlest Exile
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) cannot understand why his new friend Johnnie (Radames Pera) is not allowed to play outside by the woman who identifies herself as Johnnie's mom Elena (Sarita Vara). Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is similarly confused by Elena's furtive, secretive nature, and by the fact that the ordinary-looking Johnnie behaves in a manner that suggests that he is a child of wealth and prestige. As it turns out, the Davis family has inadvertenly become embroiled in international intrigue: Elena is not Johnnie's mother, and "Johnnie" is actually Juan--the son of a Caribbean president whose government has just been toppled by a military coup! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Too Late, Too Soon
This episode focuses on the recurring character of housekeeper Emily Turner, played by the inimitable Nancy Walker). Even while trying to play matchmaker between butler Mr. French and nanny Miss Haversham (Heather Angel), Emily turns thumbs-down on a potential romance between her own Jim (Peter Duryea) and Cissy (Kathy Turner). The Davis family is angry about this, believing that Emily is putting herself down by thinking that Jim isn't good enough for Cissy...but strangely, the opposite turns out to be the case! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Put Your Dreams Away
Cissy (Kathy Garver) is reunited with her former boyfriend Russ Brooks (David Ladd), now a member of the Peace Corps. This reunion sparks jealousy in the heart of Cissy's current beau Gregg (Gregg Fedderson)--especially when it appears as though Cissy plans to join the Corps as well, and accompany Russ to his new assignment in South America. Sidelines observer Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) hopes that Cissy will ultimate make the right choices in her life, but the evidence doesn't seem to point in that direction! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: You Can Fight City Hall
In the final episode of Family Affair, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) try to help their less fortunate friend Ricky Alvarez (Tony Fraser), who has no time to play because he must care for his younger brother while their cab-driver dad (Carlos Romero) is working. The twins come across a vacant lot which they establish as a playground for poor kids, cleaning and decorating the place until it is well-nigh "ideal". But their efforts may be for naught: The city intends to use the lot to build a parking structure. Can Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) come to the rescue yet once more, or will the series conclude on a sour note? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: You Can Fight City Hall
In the final episode of Family Affair, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) try to help their less fortunate friend Ricky Alvarez (Tony Fraser), who has no time to play because he must care for his younger brother while their cab-driver dad (Carlos Romero) is working. The twins come across a vacant lot which they establish as a playground for poor kids, cleaning and decorating the place until it is well-nigh "ideal". But their efforts may be for naught: The city intends to use the lot to build a parking structure. Can Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) come to the rescue yet once more, or will the series conclude on a sour note? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Buffy's Fair Lady
Victoria Meyerink guest stars as Angela Clayton, a drab, chubby, standoffish girl who has developed a hopeless crush on Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). Taking pity on the girl, Buffy (Anissa Jones) decides to pull a "Henry Higgins", giving "Eliza Doolittle" Angela a fashion makeover, putting her on a diet, and arranging a party so she can meet some eligible boys. Unfortunately, Buffy is incapable of doing anything to change Angela's nasty, negative attitude. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Buffy's Fair Lady
Victoria Meyerink guest stars as Angela Clayton, a drab, chubby, standoffish girl who has developed a hopeless crush on Jody (Johnnie Whitaker). Taking pity on the girl, Buffy (Anissa Jones) decides to pull a "Henry Higgins", giving "Eliza Doolittle" Angela a fashion makeover, putting her on a diet, and arranging a party so she can meet some eligible boys. Unfortunately, Buffy is incapable of doing anything to change Angela's nasty, negative attitude. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley
Convinced that she is now too old for dolls, Buffy (Anissa Jones) consigns Mrs. Beasley to the closet--only to suffer profound separation pains. In the days that follow, Buffy incessantly talks about Mrs. Beasley as if she were a real person. Worried about his niece's mental wellbeing, Bill (Brian Keith) consults a child psychologist (Lori Nelson)--only to discover that Buffy is telling the truth, and there IS a genuine Mrs. Beasley! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Goodbye, Mrs. Beasley
Convinced that she is now too old for dolls, Buffy (Anissa Jones) consigns Mrs. Beasley to the closet--only to suffer profound separation pains. In the days that follow, Buffy incessantly talks about Mrs. Beasley as if she were a real person. Worried about his niece's mental wellbeing, Bill (Brian Keith) consults a child psychologist (Lori Nelson)--only to discover that Buffy is telling the truth, and there IS a genuine Mrs. Beasley! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Too Late, Too Soon
This episode focuses on the recurring character of housekeeper Emily Turner, played by the inimitable Nancy Walker). Even while trying to play matchmaker between butler Mr. French and nanny Miss Haversham (Heather Angel), Emily turns thumbs-down on a potential romance between her own Jim (Peter Duryea) and Cissy (Kathy Turner). The Davis family is angry about this, believing that Emily is putting herself down by thinking that Jim isn't good enough for Cissy...but strangely, the opposite turns out to be the case! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Nobody Here But Us Uncles
During an outing in the park, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) see a mother bird shooing her children out of the nest. Somehow this causes the twins to worry that their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) will be lonely and miserable when they, too, "leave the nest." Clearly, there is only one solution to this future dilemma: The kids must play matchmaker between Bill and their pretty teacher Ms. Berry (Joan Freeman). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Nobody Here But Us Uncles
During an outing in the park, Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) see a mother bird shooing her children out of the nest. Somehow this causes the twins to worry that their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) will be lonely and miserable when they, too, "leave the nest." Clearly, there is only one solution to this future dilemma: The kids must play matchmaker between Bill and their pretty teacher Ms. Berry (Joan Freeman). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Cinder-Emily
The Davises are surprised when housekeeper Emily (Nancy Walker) announces that she has other plans on the night of her son Jim's graduation ball. Eventually, it is revealed that Emily is staying away from the ceremony because she doesn't want to embarrass Jim (Peter Duryea): She has no date, she owns no formal clothes, and she can't dance. Assuming the role of "Fairy Godmother", Buffy (Anissa Jones) comes to the rescue of "Cinder-Emily" by pulling all sorts of strings, including maneuvering Mr French (Sebastian Cabot) into serving as Emily's escort--but there are surprises in store for one and all before the stroke of twelve! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: Cinder-Emily
The Davises are surprised when housekeeper Emily (Nancy Walker) announces that she has other plans on the night of her son Jim's graduation ball. Eventually, it is revealed that Emily is staying away from the ceremony because she doesn't want to embarrass Jim (Peter Duryea): She has no date, she owns no formal clothes, and she can't dance. Assuming the role of "Fairy Godmother", Buffy (Anissa Jones) comes to the rescue of "Cinder-Emily" by pulling all sorts of strings, including maneuvering Mr French (Sebastian Cabot) into serving as Emily's escort--but there are surprises in store for one and all before the stroke of twelve! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Joiners
Everybody in the Davis household is a member of an exclusive club--except for Buffy (Anissa Jones), who is denied admission in the "Mod Maidens" because she is too young. In a surprising lapse of judgement, Bill (Brian Keith) approaches "Mod Maidens" president Shirley (Pamelyn Ferdin) and bribes her to let Buffy join, on condition that Buffy never find out. This subterfuge works until Buffy runs against another member for club secretary, leading to an embarrassing situation which proves to have dire consequences for Buffy's brother Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) as well! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Family Affair: The Littlest Exile
Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) cannot understand why his new friend Johnnie (Radames Pera) is not allowed to play outside by the woman who identifies herself as Johnnie's mom Elena (Sarita Vara). Uncle Bill (Brian Keith) is similarly confused by Elena's furtive, secretive nature, and by the fact that the ordinary-looking Johnnie behaves in a manner that suggests that he is a child of wealth and prestige. As it turns out, the Davis family has inadvertenly become embroiled in international intrigue: Elena is not Johnnie's mother, and "Johnnie" is actually Juan--the son of a Caribbean president whose government has just been toppled by a military coup! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
