Alex (Carl Betz) welcomes a visit from old college football chum Ben Gage (as Biff Jameson), which excites Jeff (Paul Peterson), but not Mary (Shelley Fabares). After talking over old times with his friend, Alex tells Donna (Donna Reed) he senses something wrong in the former Rose Bowl star's life; indeed, Mr. Gage seems distant from both his wife and his job. While staying with the Stones, Gage invites wiry Gordon Gebert (as Stanley) to play football with Jeff's friends, against the younger lads' wishes.
Later, Jimmy Haskell (as George) joins the gang, and injures Gage. Donna, sporting a unique first TV series season hairstyle, manages to help the story play out. At the time, Gage (a former "big band" vocalist) was ending a major relationship with aquatic actress Esther Williams, and beginning a minor career as an actor. He is effective and likable; alas, the story is lacking. For example, in the kids' football game, we're expected to take Mr. Gebert for a "sissy".
**** The Hero (4/15/59) Oscar Rudolph ~ Ben Gage, Carl Betz, Gordon Gebert
Later, Jimmy Haskell (as George) joins the gang, and injures Gage. Donna, sporting a unique first TV series season hairstyle, manages to help the story play out. At the time, Gage (a former "big band" vocalist) was ending a major relationship with aquatic actress Esther Williams, and beginning a minor career as an actor. He is effective and likable; alas, the story is lacking. For example, in the kids' football game, we're expected to take Mr. Gebert for a "sissy".
**** The Hero (4/15/59) Oscar Rudolph ~ Ben Gage, Carl Betz, Gordon Gebert