The Loretta Young Show Season 3 Episode 24 Tightwad Millionaire

The Loretta Young Show season 3 episode 24, titled "Tightwad Millionaire," is a powerful and emotional drama about the pitfalls of greed and obsession. The episode centers around the characters of Walter and Mildred Drake, an affluent couple who've made their fortune through conservative investments and a savvy business sense. Despite their wealth, however, Walter's obsession with hoarding money and his overwhelming stinginess has caused a rift between him and his family - including his loving wife and devoted daughter, Susan.

The episode opens with Walter Drake (played by character actor Howard Wendell) sitting in his lavish office, counting his vast fortune and worrying over the slightest expense. Despite his comfortable lifestyle, Walter is obsessed with saving every penny possible, even at the cost of his own happiness and the well-being of those around him. His wife Mildred (played by veteran actress Loretta Young) tries to reason with him, urging him to enjoy their wealth and give generously to those in need. Walter, however, is resolute in his frugality, convinced that his money is better off in his own pocket than anywhere else.

As the episode progresses, we see the effects of Walter's stinginess on his family and those around him. His daughter Susan (played by up-and-coming actress Phyllis Avery) desperately wants to attend college and pursue her dreams, but Walter refuses to fund her education, insisting that she earn her own way. Mildred tries to intercede on Susan's behalf, but Walter remains unmoved, convinced that any expenditure is a waste of their hard-earned money.

Meanwhile, Walter's business partner Mr. Marsh (played by character actor Will Wright) warns him that his penny-pinching ways are causing dissatisfaction among their customers and employees. Walter is dismissive of Marsh's concerns, insisting that the bottom line is all that matters. When Marsh tries to convince him to invest in a new venture that could earn them even more money, Walter balks at the idea, convinced that it's too risky and would require him to part with too much cash.

Throughout the episode, we see Walter's miserliness causing rifts and tension in every aspect of his life. Mildred becomes increasingly frustrated with his refusal to enjoy their wealth, while Susan grows resentful of his refusal to support her dreams. Even their servants, who have been treated well and paid generously, begin to chafe under Walter's strict cost-cutting measures.

Despite the obvious harm his tightwad ways are causing, Walter remains entrenched in his beliefs, convinced that he knows best. It isn't until a chance encounter with a down-on-her-luck mother and son that Walter begins to see the error of his ways. When the mother reveals that she cannot afford to buy her sick son the medicine he needs to survive, Walter is moved to help, digging into his pocket and giving generously for the first time in years.

This act of kindness proves to Walter that his penny-pinching ways have been limiting his happiness and causing harm to those around him. He begins to loosen the purse strings, donating money to charity and even agreeing to pay for Susan's college education. Mildred is overjoyed to see her husband finally embracing their wealth and using it to do good in the world.

The episode ends on a heartwarming note, with Walter and his family reunited and happier than ever. Through his journey from miser to benefactor, we see the power of generosity and the importance of valuing the things that truly matter in life. "Tightwad Millionaire" is a touching and thought-provoking episode that will resonate with viewers of all ages.