Hilarious, and one of the most outrageous later episodes due to the fact that Jerry Mathers had to do this with a straight face! The cast and crew must have had a lot of fun putting this together, campy material that inspired other sitcoms, such as the BRADY BUNCH.
Another gem written by Dick Conway, a specialist when it comes to Murphys Law. Here, poor Beave has to play a bunny in a school play, replete with a way goofy costume. But worst of it all is getting to school. Ward is late and can't take him. Wally hails Lumpy to drive Beave, who conveniently gets a flat tire --- so Beave has to WALK to school in the costume. Talk about a frightmare on steroids.
And so true. Had he not had to dress up as a bunny, Beav would have had every car and truck available in the neighborhood to take him anywhere!
Well directed by Anton Leader, who did two series episodes, best known for THE VIRGINIAN. Popular character actress Alice Backes is a hoot as Beave's teacher, Miss Lawrence. Backes appeared in 140 films in her long career and in all types of roles, from waitresses to nurses to librarians and more. She guested many times on BEWITCHED and HAZEL.
This episode also marked the last appearance of Penny, played by Karen Sue Trent. She was missed and the perfect foil for Beave. Karen soon after retired from acting. She passed in 2022.
If you are a tv buff, you may recall a similar type story a few years later on MY THREE SONS. Steve (Fred MacMurray) dressed up as a "tin man" for one of Ernie's school plays ---but could not get into his car! Like Beave, he also has to walk all the way to the school. Something only a good dad would do.
Watch this for the memories and all the embarrassing plays we had to do when we were kids. SEASON 5 EPISODE 16.