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Home > The Donna Reed Show: The Complete First Season
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The Donna Reed Show: The Complete First Season
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By Show more by Virgil Films and Entertainment
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 (53 Reviews)
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Virgil Films and Entertainment
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December 31, 1969 |
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DVD
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All 37 episodes from the first season--including "Weekend Trip," "Change Partners and Dance," "A Very Merry Christmas" (guest starring Buster Keaton), "The Parting of the Ways," and "Operation Deadbeat"--are featured in a four-disc set. 16 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); featurettes; photo gallery; filmographies; TV spot; more. **37 episodes on 4 discs. 16 hrs.**
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Customer Reviews:
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 Time to Celebrate!!, July 16, 2008
By E. Hornaday (Lawrenceville, NJ United States)
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It's time to celebrate, the First Season of the ground-breaking and truly iconic classic The Donna Reed Show is coming to DVD after years of fan pleadings - along with a promise to release Season 2 next year!
Joe Amodei, President of Arts Alliance America and Mary Owen (the daughter of Donna Reed) made the happy announcement together. The release will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the show's debut episode. ABC first aired The Donna Reed Show on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1958 at 9:00 p.m.
The series took place in the fictional town of Hilldale. It centered around the dreams, ambitions, and frustrations of the Stone family: Alex, a pediatrician; his wife, Donna; and their children, Mary, Jeff, and Trisha (unofficially adopted in later episodes).
It was the beginning of a long relationship with America as viewers tuned in weekly to visit the Stone family for eight years, representing 274 episodes. The series' final episode aired March 19, 1966.
Ms. Reed was Emmy nominated four times for her role on the show, and in 1963 won a Golden Globe as Best Female TV Star. She also won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 1953 for her performance in "From Here To Eternity," but is probably best known for her role as Jimmy Stewart's wife, Mary Bailey, in the Christmas masterpiece, "It's a Wonderful Life."
The series was one of several family-based shows that literally helped shaped the landscape of reality in America - rather than the other way 'round. Other Classic iconic family shows of the era included Father Knows Best, Leave It to Beaver, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, The Patty Duke Show and My Three Sons.
The adventures of the Stone family were similar to what those other TV families had to contend with - measles, girlfriends and boyfriends, school problems, little white lies, and so on, compounded by the fact that Dr. Alex was always running off at odd hours to attend his patients. Like those other shows, it had a wholesome quality that endeared it to audiences.
But, the ground-breaking difference between this show and all of the others was its focus: In this series, it was the Mom who knew best. This was the first show of its kind where the Mom was the lead character. And what a Mom! In my opinion, Ms. Reed was - and remains - in a class by herself.
When this show originally aired, Ms. Reed became an influential role model to women - as mother, wife and professional.
Despite all of these shows utter lack of racial and religious diversity and conservative depiction of conformity at all costs, I still love them all. I'm a liberal feminist so it makes absolutely NO sense, but there it is. My favorite is Father Knows Best, but this show comes in a very close second because of its star.
Ms. Reed was effervescent without being mechanical. She was sweet, funny and forgiving - everything a child could ever want in a Mom. In addition, her relationship with her "husband," played by the brilliant Carl Betz, had just a hint of real sexuality that was blatantly missing in the other shows.
In addition to Mr. Betz (who later starred in the Classic TV courtroom drama Judd for the Defense,) the cast included Shelley Fabares and Paul Peterson, as the Stone's children, Mary and Jeff. The Donna Reed Show remained on the air so long that the original children grew up. Mary left for college in 1962 and Jeff did the same two seasons later. An 8-year-old orphan named Trisha was adopted by the Stones joined the cast in January of 1963 to maintain the "family" appeal of the series. Patty Peterson, who played, Trisha was Paul Peterson's (Jeff Stone) real-life sister.
Close friends of the Stones were Midge Kelsey, played by Ann McCrea, and her husband, Dr. David Kelsey, played by Bob Crane (long before the Classic TV comedy Hogan's Heroes.) Children pals were Smitty, played by Darryl Richard and Herbie Bailey, played by Tommy Ivo.
The Donna Reed Show had numerous special guests stars including Buster Keaton, who appeared twice on the program, Marlo Thomas, Esther Williams, and baseball greats Don Drysdale and Willie Mays who appeared on the show as themselves.
For 10 years syndicated re-runs of The Donna Reed Show entertained new generations of young people on Nick at Nite. In a growing resurgence of nostalgia and a salute to Mothe;'s Day, the cable television network, Nickelodeon, aired a week long "Seven Day Donna-Thon" of episodes in 1990.
Ms. Reed's daughter, Mary Owen, said, "My Mother always said that she and my Father (Tony Owen was the Producer and principal architect of The Donna Reed Show) had climbed a mountain together making this show. For a whole generation of Baby Boomers, the Stone's were their second family. Today, when Boomers are starting to retire, it's time again to sit and watch The Donna Reed Show, this time with their grand kids and let them be amazed at who established and sowed the seeds of the American family. In the 1960's, before we lived with computers and cable TV with over 200 channels of mostly junk, the Stone family showed what love, respect and support for one another looked like."
In the debut episode, "Weekend Trip," audiences were introduced to the Stone family and got a glimpse of their sometimes chaotic day-to-day life flavored by the loving influence of Donna Stone who dispenses advice, discipline, humor and wisdom to her family. When series begins, Donna and Alex Stone had been married for 15 years.
All of the First Season episodes are included in this boxed set and are: 1. Weekend Trip (9/24/1958); 2. Pardon My GLoves (10/1/1958); 3. The Hike (10/8/1958); 4. Male Ego (10/15/1958) 5. The Football Uniform (10/22/1958); 6. The Foundling (10/29/1958); 7. Three-Part Mother (11/5/1958); 8. Change Partners And Dance (11/12/1958); 9. Dough Re Mi (11/19/1958); 10. Guest In The House (11/26/1958); 11. The Baby Contest (12/3/1958); 12. The Beaded Bag (12/10/1958); 13. The Busy Body (12/17/1958); 14. A Very Merry Christmas (12/24/1958); 15. Mary's Double date (12/31/1958); 16. Jeff's Double life (1/7/1959); 17. Nothing But The Truth (1/14/1959); 18. It's the principle of the thing (1/21/1959); 19. Jeff vs. Mary (1/28/1959); 20. Have Fun (2/4/1959); 21. Donna Plays Cupid (2/11/1959); 22. Love Thy Neighbor (2/18/1959); 23. The Report Card (2/25/1959); 24. Boys Will Be Boys (3/4/1959); 25. The Ideal Wife (3/11/1959); 26. Mary's Campaign (3/18/1959); 27. The Flowered Print Dress (3/25/1959); 28. April Fool (4/1/1959); 29. The Parting Of The Ways (4/8/1959); 30. The Hero (4/15/1959); 31. Do You Trust Your Child? (4/22/1959); 32. Grateful Patient (4/29/1959); 33. The Testimonial (5/6/1959); 34. Miss Lovelace Comes To Tea (5/13/1959); 35. Tomorrow Comes Too Soon (5/20/1959); 36. Advice To Young Lovers (5/27/1959); and 37. Operation Deadbeat (6/3/1959).
The theme song for the series, "Happy Days," and was written by William Loose and John Seely.
Several family and medical groups honored the series with awards. In fact, the President of the American Medical Association made a brief appearance on one episode.
Arts Alliance America has promised to follow this release with The Donna Reed Show: Season 2 next year.
103 of 116 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show is finally on DVD!, July 26, 2008
By Maren (Ohio, United States)
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I have waited what seems like an eternity (Actually it's been 50 years since the show debuted) for The Donna Reed Show to finally be on dvd. I am just so happy to be able to view this fantastic show again whenever I want!
The Donna Reed Show debuted on ABC, on September 24,1958 and ran until 1966, for eight seasons. It's first sponsors were the Campbell Soup Co. and the Johnson and Johnson Company. It starred the Stone Family, Donna Stone (Donna Reed) the most wonderful mother you could ever want, Dr.Alex Stone (Carl Betz) her pediatrician doctor husband, Mary Stone (Shelley Fabares)(1958-1963) Donna's 14 year old daughter, Jeff Stone (Paul Petersen) Donna's 11 year old son, and a later on adopted 9 year old daughter Trisha Stone (Patty Petersen, Paul Petersen's real life sister)(1963-1966). Trisha came into the show after Mary (Fabares) went away to college, in reality, Fabares left the show to pursue her acting and singing career. The other regulars in the show were Donna's next door neighbor and best friend, Midge Kelsey (Ann McCrea)(1963-1966) and her husband Dr. Dave Kelsey (Bob Crane)(1963-1965, Bob left the show to star in Hogan's Heroes). Jimmy Hawkins played George Haskell in 1959, then became Scotty Simpson from 1960 to 1965. Scotty was Mary's boyfriend. Darryl Richard (Smitty 1962-1966) and Janet Landgard (Karen Holmby 1964-1965)were also regular friends on the show.
The Guest stars were numerous on the show as well, including some of the better known: Jamie Farr, Buster Keaton, Ted Knight, Jack Albertson, John Astin, Harvey Korman, Dabney Coleman, Kim Darby, James Darren, Don Drysdale, Kelly Drysdale, Ginger Drysdale, Gale Gordon, Swoosie Kurtz, Johnny Crawford (the Rifleman's son), Paul Winchell, George Sidney, Margaret Dumont, singer Tony Martin, Cloris Leachman, Willie Mays, Leo Durocher, Ellen Corby, Arte Johnson, Marlo Thomas, Jay North (Dennis the Menace), Marion Ross (Happy Days Mom), Mary Wickes, George Hamilton, DeForrest Kelly, Lassie, Esther Williams and on the last show in 1966, singer Lesley Gore.
This show always had such a real "loving home" and "loving mom" type atmosphere with the performance that Donna Reed gave every week. Playing Donna Stone, she was always there for her children, with love, advice and always caring about any needs they had at the moment. Donna's pediatrician husband Dr. Alex Stone also had his office in the front of their home, making it such a convenience for Donna to help out with his practice by working as his nurse when he needed her help. Many doctor's had their offices in their homes in the 1950's, it was very common. The doctors also made house calls, like Alex and spent many hours in the hospitals as well. This aspect of the show is great for anyone who remembers these times, and how differently we lived back then, compared to now.
Paul Petersen had already been a child star before his debut on the Donna Reed Show as Donna's son Jeff, as he was briefly, a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club Show. After two weeks as a Mouseketeer, Paul (real name William Paul Petersen) was fired for disorderly conduct. Paul said at the time he was 10 years old as a Mouseketeer, and that " I didn't know that a kid actor shouldn't act like a kid." On The Donna Reed Show in 1963, Paul sang a song called "My Dad", which went on to be a hit for Colpix Records.
Shelley Fabares (Mary Stone, Donna's daughter) went off to college on the show in 1962. During her college year on the show, she sang a song called "Johnny Angel". The song became an instant hit record, selling over a million copies and going Gold. Shelley recorded 5 albums after this hit from 1962 to 1964. Of course, Shelley (real name Michelle Marie Fabares, she is the niece of actress Nanette Fabray) left the show after having this gold record, and pursued her acting and singing career, which led to her sucessful movies and television shows for many decades. Following The Donna Reed Show, Shelley then became famous for co-starring in the Elvis Presley movies, "Spinout", "Girl Happy" and "Clambake". Besides her parts in many movies, Shelley also starred in numerous television shows, such as Mork and Mindy, Murder She Wrote, Love American Style, The Twilight Zone and many more. Shelley was last known for her television show "Coach". In October 2000, Shelley received a liver transplant due to an auto-immune disorder.
It will really be so wonderful to see all these truly heartwarming, great shows again. These shows really give you a great view of life in the late 50's and early 60's with one of America's Best T.V. Moms ever!
37 of 41 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show - An American Classic!, July 27, 2008
By Glenn M. Schoditsch (Richmond, Virginia USA)
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With the blessings of her children and production by Arts Alliance America, "The Donna Reed Show" has finally made its way to DVD!
As with Oscar winner Walter Brennen in 'The Real McCoys', Academy award winner Donna Reed moves to the the small screen as homemaker Donna Stone accompanied by Carl Betz (future Emmy winner) as her pediatrician husband, Dr. Alex Stone. With Shelley Fabares and Paul Peterson as their children Mary and Jeff (and soon to be teen idols), the 'The Donna Reed Show' depicts a late 1950's sitcom family resulting in mostly comedic outcomes while including many tender family moments representing poignant & groundbreaking social issues of the time.
Arts Alliance America brings us this delightful series with the complete Season One (no half season release here) with a whopping 37 episodes in pristine Black & White. Although 50 years since its debut, the 'The Donna Reed Show' will delight viewers old and new with it's contemporary family friendly moral themes.
Even after 50 years this is true quality family programming at its best!
UPDATE: 11.02.08
I just finished watching Disc #1; it just took me straight back to 1958 (yes I was a little guy back then but do remember the show in its first run). I can't think of a finer TV show for the whole family, maybe 'The Real McCoys', that truly puts forth family values.
And best of all The Donna Reed Show: The Complete Second Season and The Donna Reed Show: Season Three are out now. And rumor has it Season 4 due out by Mother's Day 2010! Very important that we support Virgil Films and Entertainment to let them know we want the whole series run. They are setting the bar high for CBS/Paramount and others.
33 of 35 people found the above review helpful.
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 Please, Donna fans don't hate me!, November 8, 2008
By pestcomics (Long Island, New York USA)
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I, like millions of others, remember seeing "The Donna Reed Show" on Nick-At-Nite in the late 80s through the early 90s. I had never seen the show before Nick aired it and I fell in love with it and the Stone family and have anxiously awaited a release of the series to DVD. I was thrilled to find out that we'd be getting a full season (37 episodes!) release this fall. After major disappointments this year with a lousy "My Three Sons" half-season set with altered music and a "Father Knows Best" release containing incomplete and inferior quality prints I didn't know what to expect of "The Donna Reed Show." So, does the DVD release live up to my hopes? I would have to say it falls a little short of my expectations. I'll break it down below.
THE QUALITY OF THE SHOWS:
I have to be honest here (and Donna fans don't get mad!) the episodes don't look as good on the DVDs as I remember them from Nick-At-Nite. I even got out a few VHS episodes I had taped off Nick to compare. I remember the shows on Nick as being cleaner and sharper. The prints on the DVDs seem a bit fuzzy to me.
I don't know the reason why these episodes aren't as crisp as Nick's except that this DVD release has nothing to do with Columbia/Sony (which was originally Screen Gems back in the day). Sony syndicated the show to Nick and, obviously, supplied the tapes they aired. This DVD has no mention of Sony/Columbia/Screen Gems, etc. so this leads me to believe they no longer have any hold on the series. I'd be curious to know who has the master negatives to these shows and if they may still reside in some Sony film vault.
This whole Screen Gems thing leads me to another complaint. I realize this next thing is very nit-picky but I miss the old Screen Gems ID at the very end of each episode. The shows on these DVDs end very abruptly after the Todon logo appears and the Screen Gems ID has been cut. Yes, I know this is minor but I still miss it.
THE PACKAGING:
This is another area of complaint for me. Okay, I know this is purely subjective but I found the graphic design on this set to be a little amateurish compared to many other classic TV series sets. Even Shout Factory's "Father Knows Best" release with it's crappy quality prints had slick, high quality, graphic design. I just wanted more for Donna Reed.
WRAP-UP:
Would I recommend this set for purchase? Even with all my complaints (some admittedly nit-picky) I would definitely suggest this DVD set of "The Donna Reed Show" complete first season. You get all 37 uncut episodes (at least I think as they all run about 25 mins) for a very affordable price. Since this series may never be released on DVD again I would highly recommend getting it while you can.
12 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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At long last, August 5, 2008
By Chloe (USA)
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I was an avid watcher back in the '80s when Nick at Nite ran this classic show. Nice & wholesome & with good values & something to enjoy over & over again over these discs. I have no doubt season one will do swell in marketing sales. Hopefully seaon 2 won't be far behind, & so on.
I bought several homemade episodes from a site online awhile back which were quite decent in quality, but it'll still be great to buy the crisp, official DVDs as well when they hit retail stores.
10 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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Donna Reed Rules!, November 23, 2008
By Classic TV Guy (New Jersey)
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I used to watch Donna Reed on Nick at Nite every single night before going to bed, and well it seems that I am doing that once again thanks to the DVDs. These are great shows even today, they just don't make shows like this anymore! I have to agree with some of the comments though, the Nick at Nite airings definitely had better quality prints than the DVD's. I find them to very dark at times, but definitely viewable - if you like the show you certainly won't be disappointed. Just being nit- picky for some reason the few Arts Alliance America DVDs that I own (Banacek being another one) use rather abrupt fade ins and outs that seem rather quick, not the way I prefer them - I like smooth transitions. But, like I said that is just a preference - in no way does it interfere with my enjoyment of the content of the show. At least Donna Reed did not get into the hands of the butchers and slaughterers over at Paramount/CBS DVD - (not that it would have - it was Screen Gems and would have been released by Sony) but I like to stick it to them any chance I can for DESTROYING the best classic TV shows... Anyway ...Looking forward to getting Season 2!
7 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Simply Fantastic!, October 28, 2008
By meredy.com
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This set was long overdue, and it's fabulous! My compliments to Arts Alliance America for a whole season release at a very reasonable price. While mostly a family sitcom, with Donna Reed having so much influence on the show, many subjects not dared touched by others were sensitively portrayed. She was an Academy award winner who did a wonderful cross over to television.
7 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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 Not like I remembered, October 9, 2009
By C. Hoernke (USA)
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I rented this on net flix to share with my daughter and to preview it before purchasing. I remember watching it as a child. Now, watching again from an adult perspective, I am shocked at how manipulative Donna is. In one episode on the first disc, She goes behind her husband's back, cons his friend into pleading guilty to an unjust traffic citation instead of fighting it, just so the family can go camping. In the end, she gets her way, and her husband thanks her for watching out for him and gives her a kiss. Excuse me?? My husband would be livid, and rightly so! She is always there, ready to conquer any situation and set everything to right, no matter the cost as she puts on a smile and ever so sweetly puts the man in his place. Not a role model I would want my daughter to follow.
6 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Arts Alliance America gets it right, October 31, 2008
By A. R. Brooks (California)
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I recently received the first season of The Donna Reed Show and am extremely pleased after watching about six episodes. These days, pre-ordering TV series on DVD can be quite an iffy proposition what with big corporations such as Paramount mutilating television shows such as The Fugitive and My Three Sons by re-scoring them and then milking their customers by charging full price for half seasons. No such problems as those with this first season set of Donna Reed because as far as I can tell, the music appears to be intact.
The picture quality is very very good despite some compression. There are some artifacts in the opening of the first episode and over the end credits that don't amount to anything much to worry about. The music appears to be entirely intact as well so that's a major plus. Plus part of the proceeds go to the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts so besides being able to enjoy a great classic series intact and at a more than reasonable price, you can feel good about having bought it as well.
Really, one has to wonder why some companies can manage to get it so right and the big companies like Paramount get it so wrong as they continually price gouge and take consumers for granted. I eagerly await the release of Season Two of The Donna Reed Show.
6 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Arts Alliance America gets it right, October 31, 2008
By Clyde's Stuff (California)
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I recently received the first season of The Donna Reed Show and am extremely pleased after watching about six episodes. These days, pre-ordering TV series on DVD can be quite an iffy proposition what with big corporations such as Paramount mutilating television shows such as The Fugitive and My Three Sons by re-scoring them and then milking their customers by charging full price for half seasons. No such problems as those with this first season set of Donna Reed because as far as I can tell, the music appears to be intact.
The picture quality is very very good despite some compression. There are some artifacts in the opening of the first episode and over the end credits that don't amount to anything much to worry about. The music appears to be entirely intact as well so that's a major plus. Plus part of the proceeds go to the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts so besides being able to enjoy a great classic series intact and at a more than reasonable price, you can feel good about having bought it as well.
Really, one has to wonder why some companies can manage to get it so right and the big companies like Paramount get it so wrong as they continually price gouge and take consumers for granted. I eagerly await the release of Season Two of The Donna Reed Show.
6 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show's 'First Season' is Simply Fantastic!!!!!, November 26, 2010
By Pet Lover (Antioch, CA USA)
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The Incredible First Season of "The Donna Reed Show" is HERE!!! So Call your Relatives and Call your Neighbors because this particular sitcom which is an 'Iconic Family Series' is without a doubt, a much "Treasured Gift" for all!
This truly masterful "Donna Reed Show" series is all about the trials and tribulations of The Stone Family. This family sitcom can appear at times like a continued documentary on a real life family. I say this, because the cast members seem to be so very comfortable with each other that they truly appear to be actually related to one another! This is what drew the audiences to this Classic TV Sitcom in the first place, when it had first aired in the late 1950's. And with it's greatly selected Cast, plus this show's Fantastic Story Lines in which Actor Donna Reed herself had much influence over, is indeed what actually propelled this series with its Loyal Audiences for Eight Wonderful Seasons, with a vast number of episodes, 275 to be exact!!!
"The Donna Reed Show" which had originally aired on The ABC Television Network, had it's first premiere episode airing on September 24, 1958 at 9 PM on a Wednesday Night. And after the completion of this Family Sitcom's First Season, this series did remain on the ABC Television Network for 'Seven' more Successful Seasons!!
The cast includes in the starring role, the forever gorgeous & charming Donna Reed! And of course, this Academy Award Winning Actor was a 'Big Plus' in attracting audiences to this show. As was her continuing ability to play in a very convincing manner, her role of the Donna Stone Character, who is a Very Capable, Successful Wife, and Mother of two. Seasoned Actor Donna Reed truly makes this Donna Stone Character her very own! And as a direct result of this, her 'Maternal Role' in this series shines very brightly indeed which had gained her many new ardent fans over the years of this show's run!
Carl Betz plays the character of Dr. Alex Stone, a very pleasant looking husband and 'Father Figure' who is also a charmer. And in this series, he has a most distinguished career as a highly dedicated doctor in the field of Pediatrics. This Dr. Stone Character is portrayed excellently & quite convincingly by the very Accomplished Actor Carl Betz! Also, I might add here as a side note, that when Actor Carl Betz's is performing with his Fellow Cast Members on "The Donna Reed Show," his precise timing and comical effectiveness, are always consistently Brilliant!!!! A trait of a truly Fine Actor!
Shelley Fabares plays the role of the Character Mary Stone, a very fresh faced, quite attractive, and truly likable Teenage Girl, who is coming of age into her young womanhood with wonderful results! The naturally Talented Actor Shelley Fabares is 'Great' in this role, and gives a highly admirable 'Charismatic Performance' in portraying her Mary Stone Character! I would also like to say that throughout this "Donna Reed Show" series, (and really heating up during the Fourth Season) Mary Stone's sarcastic remarks towards her brother Jeff, are truly hilarious because they seem so very real!!! Especially after Mary spews forth with her not so flattering remarks, and then these very disgusted and disdainful expressions take over her face, which are all aimed so mightily towards her brother Jeff!! It is Just Priceless!!! Actor Shelley Fabares has this Brother Sister Act down to a Complete Science!
Paul Petersen plays the role of the very Effervescent Mr. Personality Plus, and just Down Right FRESH Jeff Stone Character, and is also the youngest family member of the household. This cute Jeff Stone Character adds a lot of spice and life to this show! He is a very energetic & animated character that on occasion can appear somewhat bratty, but still lovable to the point of being very outrageous from time to time with his smart aleck remarks, that are actually Quite Funny!!! The very Talented Actor Paul Petersen gives the audience a first rate performance, and does an amazingly 'Superb Job' in his portrayal of the Jeff Stone Character!
Every episode of "The Donna Reed Show" is like watching a short Classic Movie since every episode is a Masterpiece in itself! So if you're expecting any comparisons of this show to match the Television Shows of Today, FORGET IT!!!!!!! "The Donna Reed Show" was done very professionally with a top grade quality that far outshines the poorly written, produced, and directed TV shows of this present day. Even the Camera Work is much more interesting to observe in this Very Classic Sitcom than it is on today's TV sitcoms. When watching any episode from this Fantastic Family Series, you will know from the very first scene that you're in good hands, which guarantees that the viewer will be taken on a mesmerized journey of pure joy and entertainment!!!
This Wonderful First Season of "The Donna Reed Show" remains incredibly strong even today, with its Great Cast, and Well Written Story Episodes! And it's very lovely and talented star "Donna Reed" with her unique screen presence, adds sheer magic to this extremely Well Crafted TV Series!
So don't you dare miss out on any of these episodes from this very Iconic TV Show's 'Fun Filled First Season' which is a masterful and cleverly put together TV Series that is truly a Classic Sitcom!
Note: There are a Whopping 37 Episodes from The Donna Reed Show's 'Number One Season.' All of the episodes are complete and uncut as they were originally broadcast during this 1958/1959 Season. It is such a 'Treat' to view these "Classic Episodes" from this bygone era of Great Television!!!! :)
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Classic TV, November 24, 2009
By C. Crowder (Madison NJ)
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Here then is the classic TV Show Donna Reed Season One finally on DVD for all to enjoy. This is really a great old TV show that represents what all families should aspire to be like as the good Doctor Stone , played wonderfully by the late Carl Betz, and his wife Donna Stone, set up a family practice in the mythical town of Hilldale. The kids, Jeff and Mary, are played by the talented Paul Petersen and the always cute Shelly Fabares.
The comedy here is somewhat mild but always entertaining as Donna in each show manages to dole out motherly advice to the children to keep them out of trouble, run the household expertly and be the perfect but strong wife for Alex.
They definitely don't make family shows like this anymore and its such a horrible shame as families today gathering together in front of the TV are bombarded with immorality and profanity. The world was a much better place when kids were watching good wholesome shows like Donna Reed.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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High Quality DVDs Of A Terrific Show, November 25, 2008
By Wimbledon Fan (Michigan)
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I bought The Donna Reed Show Season 1 for my sister's Birthday! She loves the DVDs!! The DVDs are packaged nicely -- 4 one sided DVDs with PLAY ALL or EPISODE SELECTION OPTION. The DVDs are complete and uncut and video/audio sound quality is wonderful!!! The show is very funny and wonderfully clean and innocent!! We want to see all of the episodes released on DVD!!!
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Donna Reed, 'One' of the Best, June 18, 2010
By Toni R. Tippin (Brookfield, IL USA)
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Who would have thought, one day, we'd be able to watch TV shows we grew up with? Anytime we felt like relaxing, sitting back, at our own leisure?
Donna Reed, Season 1, brought back many memories. I would have loved living in that era, especially if life was similar to the Stones. (Not getting stoned, like most of today's programs.) Nice but modest home, happy, intelligent children, food on the table, and a mother who'd listen and help resolve our problems.
For those who enjoy watching Good-Old TV shows, I recommend Donna Reed, Season 1.
I can't wait until the complete series is available.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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I grew up with this great show ..., November 28, 2009
By Edwin Ortiz (edgewater, nj USA)
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I grew up watching this show...and the show makes me remember when shows were wholesome and full of family values...Donna reed and the entire cast is perfect..and i watch the shows on a 42 inch plasma screen and it looks great ....Most shows leave me with a slight lump in my throat...thanks to Mrs reed's family they have managed to release these gems...dont hesitate to acquire them
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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I heart Donna Reed!, December 22, 2008
By Brandi Heiser
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I am so excited that I can't stop shaking!! Literally.
Growing up one of my most Favorite, Favorite, Favorite shows to watch was.....
The Donna Reed Show!
I just adore Donna Reed and so I was so very sad when they stopped playing the show! I was even one of those fans who petitioned on the Nick at Nite site to bring it back.
About an hour ago I decided to search Donna Reed on YouTube to see what I would find!
Well, to my surprise at the end of one of the clips was a screen that said: "The complete first season out on DVD October 28, 2008!"
WHAT!!!
So, I got my butt right over to Amazon and there it was, in stock and on sale waiting for me!!!
I ran downstairs (yelling in excitement as if I was a little kid on Christmas day) to go tell my husband what I just found (I told him a long time ago about how I was so sad that they didn't play her show anymore and he remembered when I started telling him about it all!) So, he just ordered it for me and got the 1 day shipping so I can have it as a my stocking gift!!!
The first season has 37 shows!!! I can not wait to have my Donna Reed marathon! I am still shaking in excitement!!!
This is the best Christmas present! Can't wait for season 2 now!!!
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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"Cleanliness is Next to Godliness", October 26, 2008
By Hill_side_dweller (in the crater Middlesboro, KY)
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"Jeff, Mary, clean your rooms!" How I miss Donna Reed's pearls and hi-heels while vacuuming her spotless house, dinner in the dining room promptly at 6:00 sharp (meat loaf, 2 veg, salad, and of course, MILK). Would that the most serious problems we have to face is Mary not having a date for the homecoming dance, or Jeff's acne outbreak on picture day. Dr. Stone, where are you now?
3 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Great family entertainment, October 13, 2010
By it's me again (Anywhere, United States)
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I'd forgotten what an entertaining program the Donna Reed show was. This first season's episodes were all very enjoyable. The acting is professional, the kids are funny and yet believable at the same time. I look forward to purchasing more seasons.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show: The Complete First Season, July 11, 2010
By DOROTHY CRUMPET
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(4) one-sided DVDs with 10 episodes on each
Has "play-all"
Fun to watch
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show: First Season, September 29, 2009
By Cindyshops (Concord, NC)
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I am so glad that old televisions shows are coming out again on DVD's. TV Land used to show old shows, but they are ruining their channel now with reality shows that no one really wants to watch. It's wonderful that Amazon has these old shows people crave to see again. It's so fun to have the DVD's finally.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent show -- give us more!!, March 2, 2009
By MusicFilm Fan (Wash., DC)
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Others have already described how entertaining The Donna Reed Show is and how enjoyable the four principal cast members are, and I couldn't agree more.
Here's hoping that they issue the remaining seasons in short order!!
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Good quality entertainment, December 30, 2008
By John W.
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Watching this show again is like visiting old friends. It is good to have the option of watching this on dvd as quality entertainment on tv has dwindled. 37 episodes with the original music. No rip offs on this one. Well worth the money. I am looking forward to the release of the following seasons.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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My Role Model, December 16, 2008
By Queen of the Homestead (The Beautiful Ozarks)
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I have been waiting for this series to come out forever! I video taped a lot of them years ago when they were on "Nick At Night", but to be able to have complete shows with no commercial interruption is great. Donna was my favorite of all my childhood role models...June Cleaver, Margaret Anderson & Harriet Nelson. At least from my memory, these shows seem to be complete & they do contain scenes that were cut from Nick At Night episodes. If you want a pleasurable escape for some winter evenings I recommend this set of Cd's & I look forward to the next season relelase!
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Good clean fun!, November 19, 2008
By BonBon57 (Warren, MI)
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I have always loved The Donna Reed Show and was thrilled when it finally came out on DVD. The show was so well made and the actors were great. Okay, some of the plotlines were a little dated or hokey, but Donna Reed is so likeable and charming that it doesn't really matter. It's a pure joy to watch and relive the era and the show. I hope they get the rest of the seasons out soon. With all the filth that is on TV these days, it's nice to just pop in "Donna Reed" and go back to a time when things were a whole lot kinder and gentler.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Man, 50 years, November 15, 2008
By Bruce V. Backlund (Sag Harbor, NY United States)
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It is hard to believe the shows on this DVD set are 50 years old. The quality, both audio and visual are excellent. The stories are excellent. It is great this fine show has been finally released. Hope for season 2 soon.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show, November 8, 2008
By mflane6 (Hockessin, DE United States)
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How wonderful is this show!! I never thought I would see the day that it would be released on dvd but here it is in pristine condition. Every episode is a joy to watch as well as being just plain fun. This is what TV was meant to be in my opinion. Just good clean family fun. And I hear they are going to release season 2 real soon. I can't wait to get my copy. I only hope they release the entire series. I highly recommend this set to anyone interested in classic TV.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Finally!, November 1, 2008
By thatgirl (South Carolina)
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This was one of my very favorite shows. I've been waiting for years to see it again. The DVDs are fabulous! I can't wait for Season Two.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great DVD!, December 12, 2008
By Paul J. Bruni (West Paterson ,NJ)
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Can't wait for future releases because this first Box set is absolutely the best by far! It takes us back to a simpler time, the way mothers would stay at home and care for their family. It will be interesting to see if they release the episode where Shelley Fabarares sings "Johnny Angel." Because of music right clearances, this episode never aired in syndication. Let's hope the company gets the right to this very 'special' episode!
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Good "old timey" entertainment, December 1, 2008
By M. Buchanan (PA, USA)
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I have been pleased with this product. Quality of conversion to dvd is good. Be aware that the story lines reflect the time period in which they are made. (Some of the shows have a very "50's" attitude toward women and their place in society.) Has sparked some very interesting conversation with my two modern teenage girls!
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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A TV Classic from the golden era!, November 3, 2008
By DJ Phil (Chicago IL)
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Great to see this show released. Always a favorite in our household when I was a youngster. My only criticism is, for the price there are virtually NO extras, aside for one network promo and some still photos.
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Classic Comedy, October 5, 2008
By Rondall Banks (Toccoa, Georgia)
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Here is another classic comedy that I always loved The Donna Reed Show well it is now out on dvd for the first time so go and grab your copy of the Donna Reed Show the complete First Season.
Rondall Banks
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show: The Complete First Season, August 7, 2009
By Debra Gill (Stowe, PA USA)
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Great, once again I love the innocence of shows like this. I strive to be a decent person, like the characters on these shows. They do teach us.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Gem of a Show, April 20, 2009
By Sunny Sewing Honeybee
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The Donna Reed show features pediatrician Alex, his wife Donna, and their two children, Mary and Jeff. It's humorous and lighthearted, with such episodes as one where Donna tries to "match" a couple of friends. Jeff, the son, is even told it's okay to get all Cs on his report card (although, of course, his mother would prefer he try for something higher).
While the show's plots may sound quaint, this is a wonderful respite from the jaded sitcoms available today. I'd never watched it until getting this DVD set, and now am hoping all the seasons will be released on DVD. It's a gem of a program for the entire family.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Wonderful Family Fare!!!!!, February 21, 2009
By Baboo (Leona Valley, Ca USA)
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Just when you thought you can't watch good television anymore out pops the wonderful tv "Donna Reed Show". My children and grandchildren (ages 2 thru 14) love this show. It's nice to see good traditional family values displayed in this show. We don't have to worry about bad and vulgar language and immodest situations. Just good fun and ideals to strive after. Please release all the rest of the seasons...
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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The Pleasure of the Stone Family!, January 24, 2009
By Movie Nut (New York USA)
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One of my fondest memories of childhood memories includes `The Donna Reed Show", sitting in my pajamas watching Donna, Alex, Mary & Jeff was the highlight of my week.
For most of us who grew up in the 50's-60's, we can recall life really being like the life of the Stone family. Our furniture, clothes, hairstyles, all of it was so familiar, that is why I think I loved `The Donna Reed Show'! Imagine my thrill, when I saw it coming out on DVD!!
This is one of the best purchases I have made in months- I have so enjoyed watching this wonderful show again. The episodes are funny and touching, but without being corny...okay... maybe kids today will think the show is a bit corny, but our generation certainly won't as that was our life!
The quality of the DVD's is perfect and at least we get the entire season in one set, not like other TV shows that are split up with "season one-volume 1"...nothing like that with Donna, you get all 37 episodes in the one set! It was great not to have to wait months for the second half to come out-
If you are a fan of classic TV, this set is a must...you won't be sorry!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Pleasant Memories, January 24, 2009
By Raymond Bauer
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We've enjoyed watching these dvd's over & over. They're so refreshing in a day in which everything else on tv is miserable.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Memories, January 17, 2009
By Doug (Renton< WA)
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Briungs back memories of when life was simplier. Funny, a great show and good quality
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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My Pearls Are Intact!, December 29, 2008
By Born too late! (Washington, DC)
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If you're into the perfect mid-century family sitcom, then this is for you! The writing for the Donna Reed Show is witty and urbane while still covering family issues that are relevant even today. OK - so who believes that ANY family issue can be resolved so quickly?!? But this was the way it was done then and still holds true in today's TV writing with the exception that THIS is Donna Reed - and for a closeted Donna Reed - I have found my bliss!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Finally! Can't wait for the rest of the seasons!, November 28, 2008
By John E. Williams
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What a treat for all of the Donna Reed Show fans! Finally someone released this wonderful show on DVD! Thanks Arts Alliance! Please, Please release the rest of the seasons! Thank you! I recommend this collection to ANYONE who likes a classy 60's show! Fun for the whole family!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show Complete First Season, November 2, 2008
By K. Smith
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I received my DVD this week and I watched the first of the set of 4 DVD's and the shows were just as I remember them. If you are a classic fan of TV this is a must for your DVD collection. I am looking foward to the rest of the series to be out on DVD.
KS
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show Complete First Season, November 2, 2008
By lockwood (lockwood)
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I received my DVD this week and I watched the first of the set of 4 DVD's and the shows were just as I remember them. If you are a classic fan of TV this is a must for your DVD collection. I am looking foward to the rest of the series to be out on DVD.
KS
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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donna reed show, June 22, 2011
By LOVERS
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donna reed show was watched by my whole family. it bought back memories of days gone by-besides the father was very sexual for that time- enjoy
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The Stone Family, May 12, 2009
By Linda Mott (Winfield Park)
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This dvd brings back memories of my childhood. I was surprised to see "Jeff Stone" on the news last week. He is now a child advocate and was trying to get a protective order for the eight babies born to Ms Sulaman. The programs are all great and even though it was 50 years ago, a lot of the problems are currant. Families are going to love this dvd.
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love the oldies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, February 25, 2009
By noflyrc (chesterfield va,)
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i am like the others this is a great clean show i have waited so long for this to come on dvd. please hurry with the other series thanks !!!!!!!!
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Donna Reed DVD 1, February 14, 2009
By Viera Varlet (Viera, Florida)
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This is a great gift for someone who recalls the old sitcoms. It was delivered as promised in new condition.
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A great show, January 26, 2009
By Lene B. Haney (Saint Augustine)
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This is a great, wholesome family show. I can't wait for season 2 to be released.
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Worth the Wait, December 3, 2008
By Kevin Rutherford
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It took a long time before they finally started to release the Donna Reed Show series, but it was well worth the wait! Includes all of the original music, and most episodes are crystal clear reproductions. The few that aren't are still very good considering the age of the series. If you enjoyed runs of the Donna Reed Show on Nickelodeon, you will love having them to watch whenever you like.
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 Warm and Fuzzy -- too Fuzzy, February 8, 2009
By D. Hall
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A great show but the picture quality of this DVD set is only mediocre -- compared to the crisp video of "Leave It to Beaver," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Perry Mason" on DVD, it looks like a blurry VHS tape. Disapppointing if you are planning to watch on your 50-inch plasma.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Very holsum family entertainment!, January 7, 2009
By C. J. Zakula (Lowell, In)
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I finally found this great series on DVD and could NOT pass it up! It was in a different and slower era when "families actually spent time together" and the kids cared for someone other than themselves. I really enjoy the holsum "family" setting almost non-existant in households of today. The Donna Reed Show and The Rifleman were my favorite shows growing up. They don't seem to have shows like that anymore; where they had integrity and a good moral to each episode!!
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The Donna Reed Show, April 15, 2011
By Paul D. Rittenberg (brooklyn, ny USA)
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The Donna Reed Show ran for eight seasons between the years 1958-1966. During that time, women were expected to be good little homemakers who were only supposed to find fulfillment in their household chores and the rearing of their children. In 2011, that notion is considered preposterous. While this show is charming and enduring in its depiction of a family in small town middle America, the way it depicts how women should give up EVERYTHING for their children and husband in order to have the perfect home is small-minded. The fact that there were many other shows like this projecting the idea that women should not have careers and instead only be content with their homes is frightening. Again, this show can be enjoyable, but it's important not to lose sight of the fact that how it's depicting Mrs. Stone is merely an idealized version of what men wanted all their wives to be like during this era and because of this, women internalized this desire of their husband's to be just like Donna in order to meet the expectations for what men considered to be the perfect wife, and attempted to do everything they could in order to live up to the standards of a television character. Thank goodness women have gone forwards in their thinking since the initial airing of the show in 1958. Television shows like The Donna Reed Show should be viewed with a cautionary tale that while a husband's manipulation of his wife was more acceptable during the 1950's, that doesn't mean that that should still be true in the present. If anything, it's quite the opposite.
0 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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One of the best, September 21, 2011
By Brenda
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The Donna Reed Show is a clean, family, and entertaining classic. A mixture of drama, comedy and romance it is a sitcom to be loved and enjoyed.
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Great Show, February 22, 2012
By Carol B. Johnson
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This was one of the best series...I bought Season 2 before I finished the first year.
This was just the nicest family. Jeff made the show...he was so darn adorable and I think when I watched it back when it was on in the 50's I didn't really know how funny it was till now. Jeff's part was perfect for him. I always loved him on the original "Mickey Mouse Club". If you have never seen "The Donna Reed Show" you are missing out. I would give this an A+ for sure.
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Bland, razor thin scripts, epitomizes the worst of fifties tv, April 16, 2012
By Jmark2001 (Florida)
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After enjoying the still fresh, witty, and tender-hearted Leave it to Beaver series on DVD, I was ready for another fifties family sit-com. I bought this show as it always got better ratings than LITB. What a disappointment! The scripts are razor thin, the humor is non-existent, the whole series reeks of the kind of blandness that fifties sit-coms are mocked for. Poorly written by hacks, this one is moldy and has aged very poorly. Carl Betz is handsome but wooden. Donna Reed is pretty but totally unconvincing. The kids are self-consciously annoying actors with Paul Petersen's character hinting at the aggravatingly precocious child actors to come later on in TV land. Skip this one.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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