The Farmer's Daughter: From 1947 Film to 1960s Television Series

On March 20, 1948, Loretta Young won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in the 1947 comedy The Farmer's Daughter. The announcement was a surprise as Loretta's close friend Rosalind Russell was favored to win the honor. It would be the only Academy Award Loretta would take home—though she was nominated once more for the 1949 film Come to the Stable. Loretta would state that The Farmer's Daughter was her favorite movie "because that won me an Academy Award and that makes it special in my career." After an impressive film career that began in childhood, Loretta (truly an unsung female trailblazer of early television) found new success on her weekly television anthology The Loretta Young Show. It's only fitting that The Farmer's Daughter story should also transition to a small screen situational comedy for new audiences to enjoy. 

The Farmer's Daughter television series was produced by Screen Gems for ABC and ran for three seasons from 1963 to 1966. The Swedish-American maid named Katie Holstrum that Loretta portrayed now became a Swedish-American governess as the alternately spelled Katy Holstrum. The new Katy was played by Inger Stevens, who Screen Gems banked on matching "Loretta's Oscar-winning performance with an Emmy win." Inger only received an Emmy nomination for The Farmer's Daughter, but she did win the Golden Globe for the series.

Inger wins the Golden Globe.

Inger's television series was actually not the first remake of the 1947 film. A year before the television show premiered, Lee Remick starred in a special tv movie of The Farmer's Daughter in 1962. The Theatre 62 production was shot in color and costarred Peter Lawford, Charles Bickford, and Cornelia Otis Skinner. Reviewer Ben Gross wrote, "Although I didn't believe a word of it, I must admit that this did provide enjoyable escapist entertainment for the viewers...And if you accept the fact that it's no more than a corny political fairy tale, you must say that the TV adaptation was an expert one. The starry cast gave the show all it had. Lee was captivating and touching as Katrina, the farm lass."

The Farmer's Daughter (1962)

Prior to starring in her own television show, Inger had been freelancing as a television actress since 1954 and starring in motion pictures between 1957 and 1959. It was Inger's freelance work on shows such as The Twilight Zone, Bonanza, and Dick Powell Theatre that brought her high praise from critics. When asked what made her commit to playing Katy on television, Inger said that the series was "the first one that seemed good enough to take" and that production chief Bill Dozier "fed my ego to the bursting point...How could I turn it down after that?" 

Loretta as Katie and Inger as Katy

Inger was quick to point out that the series and her role were strikingly different from the previous versions. Inger said, “I have deliberately avoided both the screen and one-shot presentations of The Farmer’s Daughter. Truly, I’m quite an admirer of the work of both Miss Young and Miss Remick but I didn’t want to be accused of imitating either one, consciously or unconsciously. Besides, the elements are different. The Katy Holstrum I play isn’t a maid or servant as much. She is a governess, who is steeped in American history because she is a naturalized citizen."

Like Loretta, Inger was a consummate professional known for her charm and beauty in Hollywood. Both women knew that there was more to life than Hollywood and gave back to children in need; Loretta served on the board of the Daughters of Charity and Inger served on the Advisory Board of the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, both aiding children with disabilities. Loretta and Inger also shared an intense desire to maintain their private lives and protect the family members they loved from the press. Loretta kept the parentage of her adopted daughter Judy a secret—Judy was not adopted at all, but rather the daughter of Loretta and Clark Gable, which the press always suspected. The press also suspected that Inger was married to African American Ike Jones, but Inger refused to divulge any information. The marriage was not commonly known until Ike came forward to claim her estate following Inger's death in 1970.

Inger had a great advantage over Loretta when it came to Katy Holstrum's Swedish accent. Inger was born in Sweden and moved to America when she was just shy of 10 years old. As an adolescent living in New York then Kansas, Inger rid herself of her native accent. She re-learned it for her role in The Farmer's Daughter, remarking, "I'm beginning to think in Swedish again." (From personal experience, Inger felt it important that Katy slowly lose her Swedish accent as the show went on.)

Inger shooting external scenes in D.C.

The Farmer's Daughter was a moderate success, often receiving positive notices from critics. However, the show was never able to match the ratings and popularity of shows like The Beverly Hillbillies, Bonanza, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bewitched. In fact, Inger was concerned that the show "wouldn't last beyond the first 13 weeks...I must admit I'm proud we did it."

The Morning Call stated that the success of The Farmer's Daughter "can be credited to the charm of Inger, her accent, and her good looks. She’s a Loretta Young type with humor who will wear well over the years. That is, if Inger is interested…Sweetness with occasional fire will prevail on the Washington show and little change is in the wind."

The Farmer's Daughter (1947)

The Farmer's Daughter (1963-1966)

In the 1947 film, Katie Holstrum leaves the family farm to attend nursing school in Washington, D.C. Needing money, Katie takes a job as a maid in the household of Congressman Morley (Joseph Cotten) his political broker mother Agatha (Ethel Barrymore), and butler Joseph Clancey (Charles Bickford). When an unprincipled politician is chosen for Congress, Katie publicly disapproves at a meeting and ends up being elected herself. Katie and Congressman Morley fall in love and he supports her political career.

Like Loretta's Katie, Inger's Katy is a thoughtful, intelligent woman who speaks up with a dissenting voice and clear wisdom in the series' episodes. In the television series, Katy arrives in Washington, D.C., because she wants to travel to Congo to aid underprivileged children and needs Congressman Morley to approve the application. While she awaits application approval, Katy sees a great need for guidance and companionship for Glen's sons and takes a job as their governess. Soon, Katy feels that she belongs in the Morley household and can create great change, in the family dynamics and in Washington politics, as a governess. 

In the show, Katy provides many lessons to politicians, but she only campaigns for herself twice. In the season 1 episode "Katy and the Imagemaker", Katy abandons a bid for the State Assembly because the political team aspires to change everything about her. In season 2's "Katy's Campaign", Katy wants to be president of the Washington's Women's Club. Politically, Katy serves mostly as an advisor for Congressman Morley, often pointing out his missteps and broadening his belief system. The series very quickly focused on the romance between Glen and Katy, and they would be married in what would become a highly publicized episode in the final season.

Inger Stevens as Katy Holstrum

Inger was the star of the show, but the entire cast and their chemistry as a family unit contributed to the success. As Congressman Glen Morley, William Windom instantly sparked with Inger in their scenes together and the two made their love story believable and downright sexy, despite limitations with the censors. (I would be remiss if I didn't include here a link to the William Windom Tribute Site.) Actress Cathleen Nesbitt as Glen's mother Agatha Morley is a wonderful observer, instinctively mending miscommunications between the two leads. Mickey Sholdar and Rory O'Brien (as Glen's sons Steve and Danny) are some of the most talented, pleasant child actors to grace the small screen. Their roles add to the drama and believability of the scenes where other less skilled child actors might distract from the story. The show featured many notable guest stars throughout its three-year run, including: Charles Nelson Reilly, John Astin, Paul Lynde, Maureen McCormick, and Davy Jones.

The cast and crew expressed concerns that marrying the two main characters could spell ruin for the show, but also knew that an unmarried woman would only be allowed to live in a man's house for so long before censors urged a wedding. In November 1965, Katy married Congressman Morley in a beautiful color episode called "To Have and To Hold." You can read about the making of that special episode here on my blog and also watch it for yourself on Youtube.

Inger hoped that the marriage would bring new opportunities for her character.  While filming the wedding scene, she told reporters, "I hope we will be able to show that a married couple can be sophisticated—yes, and even sexy. After all, he found her attractive and appealing enough to marry her. Why should we try to hide their love just because they're married?"

Inger also used the marital status as a chance to update Katy's look, saying, "Katy wears more sophisticated clothes now and her hair is shorter and more stylish. I think that's only natural. It shows that he has an effect on her." 

Inger with William Windom for TV Guide

Inger with Mickey Sholdar and Rory O'Brien

The Farmer's Daughter ended after its third season, but it was not a sad occasion for Inger. She was eager to return to movies and said, "I enjoyed working on the series, but it was quite exhausting. For five days a week I had to be up at 5 a.m. and never got home before 8 p.m. Weekends were often spent studying my lines. I like doing movies presently because the roles are dramatic ones. It is the type of material with which I was involved before taking on the comedy role of Katy on television. Only by varying your roles can you learn more about your craft and sharpen your talents."

Following the end of The Farmer's Daughter, Inger starred in four westerns, four dramas, and one comedy. She would also film two made-for-television movies and was slated as the lead in the ABC crime drama The Most Deadly Game in the last year of her life. Loretta would end her weekly reign on television in 1963 just before The Farmer's Daughter premiered; at 73, she would return to star in the 1986 television movie Christmas Eve and snag a Golden Globe for her performance.

The 1947 movie and the 1963-66 series stand alone as two individual takes on a shared theme. The sitcom was able to borrow the film's characters and their motivations in order to move the storyline in new, unexpected directions. Whether you prefer maid-to-politician or governess-to-wife, the big and small screen versions of the Katie/Katy character exhibit an independent and charming woman encouraging positive change in the political and social worlds around her.

This post is part of Hometowns to Hollywood's Take Two Blogathon which focuses on Hollywood re-makes. Please read additional entries here.

Sources:

 “A Quiet Session with Inger Stevens.” Evening Sun. January 31, 1964. 

“Inger Stevens: Accent on Acting.” Star Gazette. September 8, 1962. 

“In Sweden with Inger.” The Morning Call. September 2, 1964. 

"Loretta Young Works for Charity." Tampa Bay Times. September 8, 1991.

"No Wedding Yet for Inger Stevens. Daily Press. August 9, 1964.

"The Farmer's Daughter is Pretty Bright." Call-Leader. September 15, 1966.

The Farmer's Daughter in DC

Inger on location in D.C.
Source: TV Guide, December 1963

Though not published until December, the photos in TV Guide's "Talk About Backgrounds" pictorial were actually taken in late summer 1963 when the newly formed crew of The Farmer's Daughter filmed on location in Washington, D.C.. 

Inger may have expected the filming schedule to be routine work, but this particular trip to the nation's capitol would introduce her to the two politicians she would support in the 1968 presidential race. TFD director Don Taylor's dedication to the perfect shot would result in a fall at the Lincoln Memorial—his sprained ankle required crutches and a wheelchair (seen in front of Inger below). 

Following filming, William Windom and Inger were the guests of honor at a Screen Gems reception at the Statler Hilton Hotel. Senator Hubert Humphrey and Senator Thomas Kuchel served as honorary hosts. Margaret McManus, in her story on the party, wrote that the "hot summer's haze hung over Washington with the tenacity of a politician who refuses to concede the election...95 humid degrees...no evening for a party, but here there is always a party."

McManus noted that the three-room suite was crowded with people. Bill Windom stood in a corner talking while Inger "floated around the rooms in flowered chiffon, a study of graciousness. She put together a shade of Katy, a shade of the grande dame and a shade of the Hollywood actress and it all came out pretty good. She was equal to the time and place."

Inger chatted with Congresswoman Couya Knutson. Senator Humphrey arrived late but spent time talking and taking photographs with Inger and Bill.  Senator Thomas Kuchl was at the party, but reportedly difficult to find. Former ambassador and famous socialite Perle Mesta, a figure who would be integral to a party during the series' final season and will make another appearance on this blog this week, was also present.

Inger chats with Senator Hubert Humphrey
Source: News Tribune, 1963.

When asked what sealed her decision to play Katy on television, Inger said that the series was "the first one that seemed good enough to take" and that production chief Bill Dozier "fed my ego to the bursting point...How could I turn it down after that?"

Inger showed excitement to be honored at the party, but the greatest delight had occurred earlier that day when Inger and Bill met Robert Kennedy. Inger shared:

I don't know how it was arranged but we went up to his office, and it was so thrilling. Of course, I'd like to meet the President, too, but maybe the next time. Bobby Kennedy said he might come to the party, but I don't see him. He said he would watch the show.

Inger would prominently display a photo of that meeting in her home for the rest of her life. Later, Bobby Kennedy had a silver tray delivered to the set of the show as a thank you for the visit. 

Bill, Bobby, Inger.
Source: C. Wingate's scan from Windom's book.

Inger would keep this photo on display in her home.
Source: Scan from Patterson's book.

Inger would support Bobby's presidential bid and, although it is rarely reported, was present at Kennedy's address at the Ambassador Hotel when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968. After Kennedy's death, Inger would support Hubert Humphrey for presidency and campaign on his behalf in various cities across the United States. There is much to be said about the political campaigning and civic work that Inger completed in her lifetime. More on that in the future!

Sources: 

McManus, Margaret. "Inger Stevens Guest in Washington."  The News Tribune. July 28, 1963.

"Talk About Backgrounds: The Farmer's Daughter Uses a Most Impressive Set."  TV Guide. December 1963.

"Viewer Approval is Forecast for Inger Stevens TV Show." The Times Dispatch. September 18, 1963.

Windom, William. Journeyman Actor: A Memoir. iUniverse. 2009.Winter, Emery. Inger with a Flat Tire: A Peevish Vixen." The Charlotte News. October 26, 1963.

Inger's Publicity Tour to Fort Worth

Inger talks with Mrs. Flint Key at the Six Flags press luncheon.

With the premiere of The Farmer's Daughter looming in the fall of '63, Inger Stevens traveled to U.S. cities far and wide to drum up excitement for the show. On Saturday, September 7, 1963, Inger's stop was in Fort Worth, Texas. 

The Press Club of Fort Worth had moved to a new 21st floor penthouse at the Blackstone Hotel and citizens celebrated its opening with special events beginning on Thursday, September 5th and ending on Saturday, September 7th. Hundreds of people, including many local political and legal notables, attended a champagne opening on Thursday evening. Friday evening's celebration focused on music provided by the Freshman Adams Combo. 

Inger is interviewed by Bob Brock for the local CBS TV-Extra program.

Saturday was TV Night. With ABC-TV stars Gene Barry, Jason Evers and James Westerfield, Inger attended Saturday's Press Club events. Gene Barry's starring role in Burke's Law was set to premiere that fall of 1963 and the show would end in 1966, as The Farmer's Daughter would. James Westerfield's new series Hazel would also endure for three seasons and end in 1966. Jason Evers was in Fort Worth to promote his new series Channing, in which Evers would star as a college professor and war veteran. Channing would not survive its first season.

Gene Barry, star of Burke's Law, looks on as Inger signs the
guestbook at the Press Club.

Saturday, September 7th  was a long day of press and mingling for Inger. She was at Six Flags fulfilling press luncheon obligations and signing autographs for fans from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. That evening Inger attended the dinner party at the Press Club's new location in Blackstone Hotel. 

Inger at the Press Club event on Saturday evening.

The following Monday, columnist Elston Brooks wrote that when he introduced himself to Inger, he blurted, "Miss Stevens, it's only fair that I mention I've been in love with you ever since I saw you in Man on Fire."

Inger shook hands with Brooks then turned to his wife and said, "I'm so delighted to know you. I feel we should be introduced since your husband's love, though appreciated, is unrequited."

Following the long weekend's festivities and its stars' departures, Fort Worth citizens continued to celebrate what Mayor Bayard Friedman proclaimed Press Club of Fort Worth Fortnight through September 22nd.

On Friday, September 20, 1963, the first episode of The Farmer's Daughter premiered. And how did it fare? Writer Rick Du Brow wrote:

The premiere turned out a good deal better than I expected. It was very low-key...real family warmth and a bit of poignancy with the usual overbusy father and a son wanting to be closer to him. Miss Stevens radiated warmth, intelligence and loveliness as the idealistic governess who takes the congressman's son on a tour of historic Washington sites; and William Windom was excellent as the ambitious father, as was Mickey Sholdar as his boy who worships him. It is a situation show, so one shouldn't expect much—but situation shows have been much worse.

Sources:

"Big-Time Reached by Faith." Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 8, 1963.

Du Brow, Rick. "Du Brow on TV." El Paso Herald-Post. September 21, 1963.

"Elston Brooks: Hearty Handshake Payoff for Unrequited Lover." Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 9, 1963.

"Nite Notes." Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 6, 1963.

"Press Club to Hold Dallas Night Opening." Fort Worth Star-Telegram. September 6, 1963.

The Farmer's Daughter: I Am the Most Beautiful

Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 11: I Am the Most Beautiful
Originally aired December 4, 1963

The Morley family is gathered in front of the television set, eyes glued to the boxing match being broadcast—all except Katy, who is completely unimpressed with the sport. She watches as famous boxer Clancy (William Smith) addresses the camera and says, "Wise as Solomon. Brave as Saul. I am the most beautiful of them all!" Glen remarks, "What a character!" and Katy counters, "What a waste of time!" 

Suddenly, a familiar face appears on the screen and Katy's interest is piqued. Her old neighbor Max (Karl Swenson) is Clancy's trainer and Katy is eager to see him again, promising to gain the family access to Clancy during her meeting. When Katy visits with Max and Clancy, the boxer is instantly attracted to the "beautiful fox...the only fox I've ever seen almost as beautiful as me." 

The Morleys are thrilled to tour the gym where Clancy trains, but Katy is appalled by the brutality of the match they witness. Katy's sensitive ways and undeniable beauty draw Clancy closer to her. As Max warns him to focus on training and not a "foolish girl," Clancy answers "a foolish, beautiful girl." And when Max continues his warning, calling Katy a "snoopy girl" and a "bad luck omen," Clancy dreamily repeats, "snoopy, beautiful girl" and "beautiful, bad luck omen."

Clancy visits Katy at the Morley home, where she calls him a bully and advises him to flex his brain instead of his muscle. When he confides that he really does not enjoy boxing, Clancy becomes Katy's student in pacifism. In front of D.C. landmarks, Katy reads to Clancy the peaceful words of Gandhi. So taken with this new philosophy and the lovely Swedish lass, Clancy quits training and shows up at the big match prepared only with Gandhi's words, "I have implicit faith...that mankind can only be saved through non-violence." The celebrated fighter is knocked out on the first punch.

On returning from the ring, the injured boxer comically tells Katy where her training went wrong. "I am a pacifist. But he's a fighter. Both men must believe in peace or one will be killed!" Time passes and the episode ends with Katy and Glen watching television and catching Clancy in his new role as a theatrical wrestler known as the Super Swede.

Production Notes

Due to the gym and match scenes, a whopping sixteen cast members are listed in the Day Out of Days schedule for "I Am the Most Beautiful." Listed as Screen Gems production #3823, the episode's director is Inger's The World, The Flesh and the Devil costar (and Audrey Hepburn's husband) Mel Ferrer. As always, Peter Kortner and Herb Wallerstein serve as producer and assistant director, respectfully. Filming started on October 11, 1963, and finished on October 15, 1963. 

Main cast members Inger, William Windom, Cathleen Nesbitt, Mickey Sholdar, Rory O'Brien, and Philip Coolidge worked all days. William Smith as Clancy and Karl Swenson as Max also worked the full shooting schedule. All other cast (those serving as referees, announcers, fighters, and audience) only reported for one day of shooting. The notes indicate that boxer Clancy was originally going to be called Brutus.

For more summaries and information about The Farmer's Daughter, please click here.

The Farmer's Daughter: The Editorial Wheel

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 10: The Editorial Wheel
Originally aired November 29, 1963

When reporter Margaret Selden (Katharine Bard) appears at the Morley house, Glen, Katy, and Cooper hide out upstairs until they hatch a plan. Certain that Selden, a scathing critic of Morley's politics, is only there to gain "dirt" in order to bash Glen in the press, secretary Cooper agrees to distract her—by removing her fangs, he says—while Glen escapes out the door.

Cooper admonishes Selden for her "irresponsible reporting" at Morley's expense and explains that his employer is a fine man not worthy of her fabrications. Cooper grows embarrassed when Selden explains she's not there to expose Morley at all, but rather, to deliver a letter as a kindness to a friend. In speaking with Katy, Cooper wonders how a "good-looking woman could be so mixed up!" Katy pleads with Cooper to invite Selden to dinner so that he can convince her of Glen's upstanding policies.

Cooper brings Selden flowers, takes her to the Morley house for a Swedish meal prepared by Katy, and goes out dancing. He is so enamored by the reporter—and she with him—that he completely forgets Katy's mission for him to convert Selden into a Morley supporter. The couple dance the night away and the now youthful Cooper soon sports a toupee and reverts to his given name of Chester.

But Selden's secretary Arlene convinces her that Cooper must have an ulterior motive and Selden decides to publish an exposé on Cooper's wooing. Always resourceful, Katy seeks out Selden after viewing Cooper's devastation. Katy turns over Glen's notes so that Selden can read first-hand that his actions are upstanding. Sharing the intensity of Cooper's feelings, Katy advises Selden to apologize to him. 

The episode ends with Katy playing successful matchmaker once again and Cooper on his way for a dinner date with Selden. This is a rare episode in which Inger Steven is not the main performer and, as a departure, Philip Coolidge is given the chance to star. However, there are some lovely Katy Holstrum moments, like rapid-fire recitation on the staircase between a supportive Katy and lovestruck Cooper, Katy's comical reaction to Cooper's new look, and Katy's longing gaze for Glen when young Steve asks her if she's ever been in love.

Production Notes

In Eddie Foy III's Day Out of Days file on the episode, it is noted that "The Editorial Wheel" was production #3817 and required 3 shooting days plus 1 rehearsal day.  The notes list Peter Kortner as producer, Paul Nickell as director, and Herb Wallerstein as assistant director. The start date was August 19, 1963, and all rehearsals and shooting concluded on August 22, 1963.

Inger, William Windom, Philip Coolidge, Mickey Sholdar, and guest star Katharine Bard (as Margaret Selden) worked all four days. Guest star Anna Karen (as Margaret's meddling secretary Arlene) only reported for duty on August 20th. 

For more summaries and information on The Farmer's Daughter, please click here.

The Farmer's Daughter: Miss Cheese

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 9: Miss Cheese
Originally aired November 15, 1963

A young teenage girl named Penny wins a contest in Wisconsin and is named Miss Cheese. Her prize is a trip to Washington, D.C. and a chance to stay in the home of Congressman Morley.

Steven has a crush on Penny and chooses to break a date with his girlfriend and take Penny with him to a dance instead. Katy does not approve of Steve ditching his friend and tells him so. Katy talks to both Steven and Glen Morley about the rudeness of the act and how she feels Penny is manipulative, but neither Steven or his father listen.

Penny tells the family that she is delighted to be attending the dance if only she had a new dress and hairstyle, to which Katy sarcastically replies, "poor thing!" The rest of the family, however, are completely hoodwinked by the innocent looking ingenue and take her to town.

At the dress shop with Glen Morley, Penny chooses the most expensive dress. At the salon with Agatha Morley, Penny orders the works. Agatha says later:

I thought I was taking her. She took me and I mean took me! I'm afraid to look at the bill.

Even Secretary Cooper has been talked into purchasing a brand new evening bag for her. The family starts to realize that Katy may be right and Glen talks privately with his son, Steven. While Steven stares at a photograph of Miss Cheese, Glenn stumbles over his words as he tries to explain Penny's character:

Sometimes people appear to be something they're not...It's not so much what she's not as what she is.

As a last resort, Katy decides to have a girl-to-girl chat with Miss Cheese and uses flattery to get Penny to reveal her tricks to move up the ladder. Although young, Penny is essentially an experienced gold digger. Katy plants a seed that senators make much more money than congressmen and that the senator's son will be at the party that evening. 

Penny dances with the senator's son and completely ignores Steven at the party. Steven says that he has sure learned a lot about women and plans to apologize to his girlfriend. By the end of the episode, the calculating Penny has moved from the congressman's home to the senator's home and is now a personal guest at the White House!

Production Notes

In Eddie Foy, III's Day Out of Days Schedules, Miss Cheese is listed as Production # 3813 and the report was typed on July 26, 1963.

Schedule Days: 4
Producer: Peter Kortner
Director: William Russell
Associate Director: Herb Wallerstein

The cast rehearsed on July 29th and filmed July 30th through August 1st.

The character list for the shoot includes regulars Katy (Inger Stevens), Glen (William Windom), Cooper (Philip Coolidge), Steve (Mickey Sholdar), Danny (Rory O'Brien), and Agatha (Cathleen Nesbitt). All regulars reported for 1 day of rehearsal and 3 days of shooting.

Penny (Sherry Alberoni) was also present and working all 4 days. Guest stars Harry (Cliff Norton), Saleslady (Jean Engstrom), Charlie (Bob Cleaves in a role marked as silent) Boy (Tommy Leop), and Peter (Tim Mathison, also marked as a silent role) all worked just one day, with characters Harry and Charlie reporting on August 1st and the other guest stars reporting on July 30th.

My notes: The actors' names in this schedule are handwritten and my transcription of the names Tommy Leop and Tim Mathison may be mispelled as they are hard to read. Also, my summaries of episodes indeed skips to episode 9 this week, because I unfortunately do not own video copies of episodes 7 or 8 at this time.

The Farmer's Daughter: The Washington Spotlight

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 6: The Washington Spotlight
Originally aired October 25, 1963

Congressman Morley wants more national exposure and yearns for the visibility a spot on the television show Washington DC Spotlight could provide.

Morley says that host Mark Willard (Harry Townes) "baits his guests...puts them on the hook and makes them dangle...somebody will tell him off one of these days."

When she learns that Glenn might be courageous enough to go up against Mark Willard, Katy begins plotting. Mark Willard's show conveniently ends up with a cancelled slot and Willard, who has just received a persuasive letter from Katy about the congressman, immediately invites Morley to be his guest.

Over breakfast and newspaper reading, Katy, Agatha, and Cooper pressure Congressman Morley to aid a soldier who has gone AWOL to protect his soon-to-be-deported wife Tina. Before the show's taping, the AWOL soldier Private Clifford Morgan (Jan Stine) and his wife Tina (Tsuruko Kobayashi) appear at the Morley house asking for Glenn Morley's help. Katy is touched by their romance and promises to help them.

Katy seeks help for the couple but is turned down by the Department of Military Projects, Department of Civilian Projects and Department of Combined Projects. She ends up at the Department of Combined Appeals where we see the lovable, humming Mr. Collins (Bob Jellison) whom we saw in the second episode of the season. Katy asks for Mr. Collins' advice on the situation and Collins says that Congressman Morley is the only person who can help the couple.

Glen refuses to let son Steve appear on television because he's sporting a black eye and will be bad for Morley's image. Katy says she isn't interested in being on television if Steve is not allowed. As they are getting ready for the shoot, Mark Willard takes a break outside the home and finds Private Morgan and his wife. When they tell him Morley is going to help them, Willard realizes he has quite a hot story on his hands.

Glen handles questions well until Willard starts quizzes him on his "own private foreign aid" and reveals the couple on live television. Katy begins to explain the situation but becomes camera shy and switches to the Swedish language.

Glen becomes fed up with the spectacle and confronts the television host live on the program:

Mr. Willard, I accepted your invitation because it gave me an opportunity to discuss some political issues in which I strongly believe. Instead you have pried into personal matters and deeply embarrassed two young people. Young lovers, Mr. Willard, caught in a desperate situation needing help and understanding. But you have preferred to ignore the plight of these youngsters and concentrate on holding me up to ridicule merely because I hold public office. Well, I refuse to be baited any longer, Mr. Willard. I refuse to dangle from your hook and for my closing remark tonight may I say that I think you are a disgrace to your profession.

Katy looks on with more admiration than one can describe. After it is over, she says:

I have never seen you more beautiful, Mr. Morley.

The next morning Congressman Morley is praised by columnists for his willingness to speak his mind with dignity and the President is aiding Private Morgan and his wife.

Production Notes 

In Eddie Foy, III's Day Out of Days Schedules, The Washington Spotlight is listed as Production # 3803 and the report was typed on August 7, 1963.

Schedule Days: 4
Producer: Peter Kortner
Director: William Russell
Associate Director: Herb Wallerstein

The cast rehearsed on August 12th and filmed August 13th through August 15th. The character list for the shoot includes regulars Katy (Inger Stevens), Glen (William Windom), Cooper (Philip Coolidge), Steve (Mickey Sholdar), Danny (Rory O'Brien), and Agatha (with actress Cathleen Nesbitt back after not being in episodes 4 or 5). All regulars reported for 1 day of rehearsal and 3 days of shooting.

Guest stars Harry Townes (as Willard), Jan Stine (as the soldier), and Tsuruko Kobayashi (as Tina) all rehearsed 1 day and shot for 2 days. The characters of Senator (William Lally), Assistant (Dick Wilson), First Technician (John Christopher) and Second Technician (George Mather) are all listed as being on set for 1 day only. Oddly, actor Bob Jellison (who reprised his role as Mr. Collins from the second episode) is not listed on this schedule.

The Farmer's Daughter: An Affair of State

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 5: An Affair of State
Originally aired October 18, 1963

Katy catches the eye of an out-of-towner Ali (Nico Minardos) when she continuously interrupts a Lincoln Memorial tour to correct the guide (Charles Nelson Reilly) on his facts. Ali and Katy make a date for the evening, but their plans change when Congressman Morley needs to go out to a dinner to discuss oil lease negotiations with the Shah of Iraq. Morley needs Katy to stay at home with the boys so Katy, determined to keep her date, invites Ali over. She prepares a nice meal and while she's basting her roast, Ali sneaks and spikes her drink with an entire bottle of alcohol.

On his way to dinner, Glen Morley is reading a newspaper article about the Shah, who has 15 wives and has brought 3 of them to America and realizes that the man in the picture is the very same man alone in his house with Katy. Senator Ames (David Lewis) and Morley are upset that the Shah skipped out on the important dinner and insulted the president. They call Ambassador Bati (Leon Belasco) to get involved and all arrive at the Morley house to find Katy drunk and entertaining a marriage proposal from Ali, now knowing he is the Shah.

The next day, however, Katy is clearheaded and back to her usual assertive self. She refuses to go to the Shah's suite, so Ambassador Bati gets involved.

Ambassador Bati: You don't seem to understand. This is not an invitation. This is a command. In my country a woman has not the right to refuse his highness anything.

Katy: That may be so in Iraq, but in America a girl can say no.

In response to Katy's refusal to wed him, the Shah backs out of oil negotiations. When secretary Philip Coolidge lets her know that the loss of oil will be a defeat for Congressman Morley and that he will lose the esteem of his colleagues, Katy decides to go along with the Shah for Morley's sake. Katy goes to the Shah's suite and meets his three wives and is told that their duty as wives is to serve their master. Katy tells the wives that they shouldn't hide their beauty behind veils and that they shouldn't allow the Shah to take their children and have them be raised by others.

Then Katy puts on an exaggerated performance as an ecstatic future wife of the Shah. Knowing that Ali will not want anything to do with an assertive woman eager for change, Katy tells him that she can't wait to be his queen so she can donate his money to schools and homes for the poor, write a new constitution, have free elections, unions, institute divorce and establish equal rights for women.

Ali has Katy dragged out of his suite, agrees to the oil deal and returns to Iran as quickly as possible. With her clever performance, Katy scores another win for an unknowing Congressman Morley.

Inger with Nico Minardos. Scan from my collection.

Production Notes

In Eddie Foy, III's Day Out of Days Schedules, An Affair of State is listed as Production # 3807 and the report was typed on June 13, 1963.

Schedule Days: 5
Producer: Peter Kortner
Director: Don Taylor
Associate Director: Don Gold

An Affair of State required 2 days of rehearsal on June 17th through 18th and 3 days of shooting from June 19th through 21st.

Katy (Inger Stevens), Glen (William Windom) and Cooper (Philip Coolidge) reported all 5 days., Steve (Mickey Sholdar) and Senator Ames (David Lewis) worked 4 days. Ambassador (Leon Belasco) and Ali's three wives (including Margarita Cordova) were on set shooting just one day on June 21. The notes also mark Charles Nelson Reilly's one day shooting in Washington, D.C. Ali (Nico Minardos) is listed as on set 6 days. Minardos spent 1 day rehearsing, 4 days shooting, and one day idle.

The Farmer's Daughter: An Enterprising Young Man

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 4: An Enterprising Young Man
Originally aired October 11, 1963

General Todd (Walter Abel) and Lieutenant Tenner (Gilligan Island's Bob Denver) are staying at the Morley household to reminisce about the old days when Congressman Morley served as a Colonel. The general is in town to testify about secret military legal matters.

Steven has started the Future Pioneers of Outer Space Social Athletic Club with his friends at school and is working on the club's constitution. General Todd advises Steven in his creation of the constitution and invites Katy to be in on the conversation, but Katy quickly begins to argue with the General.

General: The leader is more important than document.

Katy: If there's a good document, people can throw out bad leadership.

General: If leadership can be thrown out, it is not leadership.

Katy: Wrong! Leaders must answer to people, not people to leaders.

The general grows angry after having his authority questioned in front of Steven and storms out of the room. Soon everyone notices that the general doesn't look well and he is diagnosed with Measles.

The Morley boys admire General Todd and go marching around the house stating that people should never question their leader. Katy confronts General Todd about teaching the boys how to be "tyrants" and when he tries to order her around, the always upfront Katy responds:

You do not order me!

Congressman Morley tells Katy that General Todd has changed since he once knew him and that he's disappointed in the general. Lieutenant Tenner informs them that General Todd is not in DC to testify in a case, but is actually there for disciplinary action. Tenner explains that all of General Todd's angry, autocratic behavior stems from a rift with his only son whom he loves very much.

As he's getting ready to take his oath as president of the Future Pioneers of Outer Space Social Athletic Club, Steven says that his friends will just have to accept his rule. This speech doesn't go over well with his buddies and Steven is impeached before his presidency truly begins. After realizing the error of his ways, General Todd tells Steven:

Keep growing the right way...go back to your club members and apologize...Say you're sorry. I'm sorry. Son, no man is an authority to himself. He has to answer to someone. Always.

Production Notes

In Eddie Foy, III's Day Out of Days Schedules, An Enterprising Young Man is listed as Production # 3809 and the report was typed on July 19, 1963.
Schedule Days: 4
Producer: Peter Kortner
Director: William Russell
Associate Director: Herb Wallerstein

The cast rehearsed on July 23rd and filmed July 24th through July 26th. The character list for the shoot includes Katy, Glen, Cooper, Steve, Danny, Todd, Tenner, and Major Stark (played by Gilbert Green, who was the only cast member needed for just one day's shoot .)

The Farmer's Daughter: Where's Katy?

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 3: Where's Katy?
Originally aired October 4, 1963

The episode begins with Senator Glen Morley searching all over for Katy, because he is angry that his juice has not been served. Katy has been busy helping the gardener, researching for a speech, helping the cook, running errands to the post office, repairing a busted baseball mitt and making some stilts for the boys. When Glen complains, Katy cleverly responds, "I will learn punctuality when I have the time."

When Agatha reminds her that she volunteered for all these duties, Katy explains that she didn't realize how much Glen would take it all for granted. When Katy says, "To him I am a machine," Agatha advises her to do something unexpected and remind Glen she's a woman.

At the same time, Glen realizes he's been too tough on Katy. When he meets a male masseuse from Sweden, Glen thinks Katy will enjoy the company of a fellow Swede and get relaxation from talking in her native language. Karle Ingstrom is young and handsome, but Katy is insulted that Glen set a date on her behalf without consulting her.

Katy enjoys spending time with Karle, but only as a friend. However, Agatha, knowing that it will make Glen jealous, advises Katy to continue going out on dates with Karle. When Katy waltzes into the dining room in a stunning dress, Glen is speechless. One of the young boys remarks that the soup is too hot to swallow and Agatha quips, "The soup isn't the only thing your dad is finding hard to swallow."

Glen is regretting his decision to set Katy up with Karle and is worried he will lose her. He receives a call from Karle. Karle tells him that he's proposed to Katy but Katy turned him down with the reason that she is in love with another man. Karle says it is clear that man is Glen Morley and he warns Glen that he will hurt Morley if anything ever happens to Katy.

Katy then arrives with juice and when Glen questions her about Karle, Katy is coy. She tells Glen only that she let Karle down gently and mentions nothing of being in love with another man.

The episode ends with Katy smiling to herself as she closes the door.

Production Notes

In Eddie Foy, III's Day Out of Days Schedules, Where's Katy? is listed as Production # 3802 and the report was typed on July 11, 1963.

Schedule Days: 3 

Producer: Peter Kortner 

Director: Don Taylor 

Associate Director: Herb Wallerstein 

Katy (Inger Stevens), Glen (William Windom), Agatha (Cathleen Nesbitt), Cooper (Philip Coolidge), Steve (Mickey Sholdar) and Danny (Rory O'Brien) all worked the scheduled days of July 12-July 16. Character Karle  (Jeremy Slate) worked 2 days and two characters simply named Boy (Paul Potash) and Girl (Gina Trikonis) worked 1 day each.

The Farmer's Daughter: The Speechmaker, Part 2

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 2: The Speechmaker, Part 2
Originally aired September 27, 1963

Episode 2 is a continuation of the first episode's events. Click here to read part 1.

We see Katy, sitting at a desk in her room at the YWCA, writing a letter to her mother swearing she will never work in Congressman Morley's home again. Katy (Inger Stevens) returns to the Morley home to collect her belongings and ends up getting in another heated argument with Congressman Morley (William Windom) as Grandmother Agatha (Cathleen Nesbitt) and Secretary Cooper (Philip Coolidge) are making bets as to whether Katy will return permanently.

Katy applies for travel to Congo to help children and has an interesting interview about it with an ever-humming, ever-twitchy, strange little Mr. Collins (Bob Jellison) representing the Oversea Corp. of Human Relations who tells her she must be recommended by Congressman Morley in order to be granted the position. Due to her latest fight with Mr. Morley, Katy assumes her chance for the Congo position is blown.

When Mr. Collins stops by the Morley house for a recommendation, the congressman forgets he is angry at Katy when asked to describe her. He runs on:

Katy is competent and she's beautiful and she's responsible and bright and she's beautiful. Well, she's fun and when things are low she's like a snowflake in the desert and she's beautiful.

The Farmer's Daughter writers certainly do not waste any time bringing the romantic feelings between Congressman Morley and Katy to the forefront of the series; a fact that spelled an earlier demise for the show than had they taken some time before showing us that attraction. That being said, the little smiles and sweet comments between the main characters are very exciting and pleasant to watch.

Again, Katy writes to her mother that she's very busy in Washington, D.C., and has a handsome man taking her to all the nightspots—but that is squashed by a fellow YWCA tenant who reveals that all that Katy is writing to her mother is a lie. Katy's been moping in her room since leaving the Morley residence. Just as Katy sets out on an actual date, the congressman visits her. He has completed her application for the Congo assignment but he also offers an alternate application, one to return as governess and take care of his family.

Katy chooses the latter and immediately saves the day when Congressman Caulfield arrives to reprimand Morley for the reclamation speech his son delivered in the first episode. Knowing the congressman's career is on the brink, Katy concocts a scheme and tells Caulfield that she completely agrees that the speech was inappropriate, but that it was all part of a bigger plan. Once Caulfield thinks Katy is in agreement with him, Katy shares that the congressman was clever enough to deliberately plant his stance on reclamation in his son's speech to test public reaction, and that he has been receiving tons of letters of support from people since then. Suddenly, Katy's meddling has turned what was viewed as political disaster into, as Caulfield puts it, the "neatest political maneuver."

Production Notes

I have a bound "Day out of Days" schedule for The Farmer's Daughter series that was owned by casting agent Eddie Foy, III. Mr. Foy bound the individual copies of these daily reports and the book includes all of seasons 1 and 2, and most of season 3. The report includes production number and title, producer, director, assistant director, schedule days, and date. The report also includes character, days of work, days idle, days total, start date and finish date. I will be including this information in all of my future episode summaries of The Farmer's Daughter.

Episodes 1 and 2 of the first season are combined in one report dated July 15, 1963.

Production # 3468 - The Speechmaker, I

Production # 3818 - The Speechmaker, II

Schedule Days: 2 (July 17-July 18, 1963)

Producer: Peter Kortner

Director: Don Taylor

Associate Director: Herb Wallerstein

Katy (Inger Stevens), Glen (William Windom), Agatha (Cathleen Nesbitt), Cooper (Philip Coolidge), and Collins (Bob Jellison) all worked both scheduled days of 7/17 and 7/18.

Steve (Mickey Sholdar-noted as a minor) and Danny (Rory O'Brien-also noted as a minor) both worked on the 17th only. Characters Sylvia, Tula, Sylvia, and Secretary are all noted just for one day of work. Although he played Congressman Caulfied in both episodes, Paul Hartman is not listed on the report.

I will be adding links to the episode summaries on my Farmer's Daughter page: click here!

The Farmer's Daughter: The Speechmaker

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 1: The Speechmaker, Part 1
Originally aired September 20, 1963

The episode starts with Katy Holstrum (Inger Stevens) riding on a bus and feeling overjoyed to see the Potomac River. Katy has traveled from her home to see Congressman Morley (William Windom) about approving her application to help underprivileged children in the Congo.

The wholesome Katy comes bearing a large, prize-winning squash as a gift and is disappointed that a congressman should keep a visitor waiting. Once the congressman finds time to read over Katy's application, his two boys come down the stairs and everyone notices immediately that Katy is very natural and effective in dealing with them. Ever since their mother died and their father became congressman, the Morley boys, Steve and Danny, have been lacking attention. While Katy waits for the application to be approved, Katy sees the sights in DC and the members of the Morley household (including Grandmother Agatha played by Cathleen Nesbitt) convince her to join them as a governess.

Congressman Morley is interested in the chairmanship of the Committee of Latin American Affairs and is considering how he will present his stance on reclamation to the public—a stance that could make or break his appointment to the chair. When he realizes his oldest son is failing political science, Morley realizes he should be more involved in his sons' lives and agrees to attend a parents' night at the school.

Steve has been enthralled by his father's private conversations on reclamation and, unbeknownst to his father but innocently encouraged by Katy, uses his fathers words in his speech. Although Morley is called away and unable to attend parents' night after all, the speech incites anger in the committee and results in Morley punishing his son. He also confronts Katy in this great exchange.

Congressman: And you, Where were you, his governess?

Katy: At the parents' meeting and where were you, his father?

Congressman: Governing.

Katy: Then we were both in the wrong place.

Katy is the voice of reason between father and son, informing Congressman Morley that he'll regret the way he treats his son and that he should reconsider his priorities. Congressman Morley is unkind to Katy and she leaves for the YWCA and resigns from her position.