Father Knows Best Shoot for the Moon (1954–1960) Online

FATHER KNOWS BEST could be remarkably philosophical at times, and this is a prime example. Margaret has hired a man to chop wood for the Andersons' fireplace. His name is Sageman. He looks like a cross between Paul Bunyan and an Old Testament prophet and speaks in lyrical, poetic paragraphs, expounding an elemental philosophy of life. He is indifferent to material possessions and wants to be paid only in meals: "An honest meal for an honest day's work." He also shows an interest in helping the Andersons with their problems. Kathy is afflicted with warts on her hand, for which Sageman prescribes an elaborate, backwoods remedy involving beans and a bonfire. Jim has a business opportunity with a high-level client which he feels reluctant to pursue, while Bud has an unfinished speech for a contest which no amount of cajoling can induce him to complete.

Sageman makes the Andersons a deal: he will abstain from all his meals until that night, when he will stage a bonfire ritual in which the Andersons' problems will be solved. Although she considers it so much superstition, Margaret reluctantly allows the "bonfire" to take place at the family fireplace. This leads to a magical and miraculous scene. Without spoiling anything, I will only say that the Andersons' problems are solved, but not quite in the way they expected.

This parable about belief is chock full of biblical symbolism for those who look for it. The name "Sageman" speaks for itself. He is whimsically described as being "about 190 years old." He explains to Jim that some people are more receptive to his teachings than others, like an acorn falling on good soil. When Margaret offers Sageman his well-earned meal it turns out to be...lamb.

Sageman is played by character actor Royal Dano, only in his 30s at the time but outfitted with a flowing white beard and speaking in stentorian tones. The effect is of a man who appears young and old at the same time.

This unusual episode epitomizes the thought-provoking entertainment enjoyed by 1950s audiences.