Anatomy of a Tonsil
Keith, Laurie, Danny, and Reuben are playing croquet when Shirley brings them some lemonade. Danny takes a sip and makes a face...says he has a slight sore throat. Shirley looks at his throat and takes him right to the doctor, who tells Danny that he must have his tonsils removed. The doctor and Shirley assure Danny that the operation is very simple. At home, the family acts very nice to him and even lets him choose the dinner that night. Danny's friend, Punky Lazaar, comes over and tells Danny that he had his tonsils out and that it was the most harrowing experience of his life...and Danny believes him. Shirley tells Danny again that it is a simple operation and he has nothing to worry about. Danny starts to watch TV and on Marcus Welby, M.D., he hears the doctor talking to a woman on the phone. Dr. Welby asks her if she has told her son the truth...and she says she would feel better if her son thinks the operation is just a simple one. That does it for Danny! He relates the TV program to his life and is certain he will die from the operation. He runs an ad in the paper for a red-headed boy to take his place in the group, and when it is time to go to the hospital, he says goodbye to each member of his family and to each room of the house. He even wills them his few possessions. When Danny wakes up after the operation, he is amazed to find himself among the living. However, he tries to tape his singing voice two days after he comes home and is convinced he can no longer sing. The family has to trick him into rehearsal...they get Punky to wear a red wig and Danny's outfit and they tell Danny they have terrific replacement for him. Danny is too competitive to let that go by...he is his old self once again.