The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
Overview
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1963, draws inspiration from Max Shulman's 1951 short story collection. This charming series follows the challenges faced by Dobie Gillis, a young man navigating adolescence with his quirky beatnik friend, Maynard G. Krebs. Together, they tackle the ups and downs of high school, military service, and parental expectations while Dobie dreams of wealth and romance. Produced by Martin Manulis Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, Shulman also co-wrote the catchy theme song with Lionel Newman.
Episodes
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2
The Best Dressed Man
Title: The Most Stylish Suit Plot: Dobie goes head-to-head with Milton Armitage in a fashion showdown, each determined to wow Thalia with their impec...
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3
Love is a Science
Title: Love is a Science Plot: Thalia encourages Dobie to pursue a career in medicine, but his perspective shifts when he encounters Zelda Gilroy. ...
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4
The Right Triangle
Dobie's older brother, Davey, persuades him to fabricate a romance with a married woman to gain the attention of a new girl at school.
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5
Maynard's Farewell to the Troops
Maynard gets drafted.
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6
The Sweet Singer of Central High
Following a throat surgery, Dobie finds that he can sing more beautifully than Milton, which captures Thalia's attention.
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7
Greater Love Hath No Man
Dobie is determined to raise $6 so he can take Thalia to the Junior Prom.
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8
The Old Goat
Leading up to the crucial football match, Dobie devises a plan to secure victory by swiping the rival team's mascot.
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9
Dobie Gillis: Boy Actor
Dobie finds himself in competition with Milton for the role of the leading man in the upcoming school play. As both boys vie for the spotlight, tensio...
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10
It Takes Two
Dobie develops a crush on Poppy Herming, but to win her heart, he must first gain the approval of her father.
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11
Dobie's Birthday Party
Dobie thinks everyone has forgotten his birthday.
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12
Deck the Halls
Mr. Gillis finds himself overwhelmed by the numerous Christian festivities, pushing him to the brink of frustration, and he nearly ends up behind bars...
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13
Couchville, USA
Title: Couchville, USA Plot: Herbert turns to a child psychologist for some complimentary guidance on parenting. He hopes to gain insights that wil...
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14
The Gaucho
Mr. and Mrs. Gillis welcome a charming and attractive boarder from South America into their home.
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15
The Smoke-Filled Room
Title: The Hazy Election Plot: Dobie competes with Milton for the position of junior class president, and Thalia takes on the role of Dobie's campaig...
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16
The Fist Fighter
Dobie earns the title of Top Fist after delivering a knockout punch to the formidable Moose. In a bid to win both the championship and Thaila's heart,...
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17
The Hunger Strike
Title: The Hunger Strike Plot: Dobie decides to protest by refusing to eat until Thalia promises to go out with him. As he endures the discomfort of ...
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18
The Flying Millicans
Dobie finds himself charmed by the captivating trapeze artist, Aphrodite Millican.
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19
Room at the Bottom
Title: The Lower Level Plot: Thalia convinces Dobie's parents to enroll him at Willoughby Prep, a prestigious school.
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20
The Power of Positive Thinking
To win Thalia's heart from Chatsworth, Dobie decides to delve into a book about mental strength, aiming to become the assertive man he believes Thalia...
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21
Dobie Spreads a Rumor
Dobie and Maynard find themselves baffled when a playful rumor they started about Zelda coming into a large inheritance unexpectedly turns out to be t...
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22
Love is a Fallacy
Thalia tries to educate Dobie in logical thinking.
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23
The Chicken from Outer Space
In a biology class experiment, Maynard administers an excessive amount of growth hormones to a chicken.
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24
Dobie's Navy Blues
Dobie and his girlfriend decide to take on a babysitting gig. Meanwhile, the Gillies become suspicious, thinking that Dobie might actually be a secret...
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25
Taken to the Cleaners
Dobie, Maynard, and Thalia manage to catch a shady dry-cleaner who nearly swindled them earlier.
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26
That's Show Biz
Dobie and many of his friends are hesitant but ultimately agree to take part in a talent show.
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27
The Prettiest Collateral in Town
Doblie's father is eager for him to pursue a relationship with the daughter of a banker, hoping it will help secure a loan for their family.
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28
Live Alone and I Like It
Dobie is determined to show that he's matured, so he decides to rent a tiny apartment alongside Maynard.
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29
The Big Sandwich
Thalia devises a plan for Dobie to set up a sandwich stand at the school picnic.
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30
Soup and Fish
Dobie, Maynard, and Chatsworth find themselves in a tricky situation when they realize they need to share a single tuxedo to gain entry to a fancy bla...
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31
Where There's a Will
Title: Legacy Concerns Plot: Herbert is increasingly anxious about the future of his shop once he is no longer around. As he contemplates his legacy,...
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32
Put Your Feet in Our Hands
Dobie and Chatsworth both vie for the favor of the daughter of a shoe store owner, hoping to land a job at the shop. Their rivalry intensifies as they...
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33
Competition is the Life of Trade
Title: Rivalry Brews in Business Plot: Dobie's latest romantic interest has a father who is launching a brand-new grocery store. Meanwhile, Mr. Gilli...
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34
The French, They Are a Funny Race
Title: The French, They Are a Funny Race Plot: Maynard develops a crush on a charming French girl, prompting him to make a surprising decision—he d...
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35
The Unregistered Nurse
Title: The Unlicensed Caregiver Plot: Dobie develops a crush on a seasoned nurse and pretends to be unwell in hopes of spending time with her. His ...
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36
The Long Arm of the Law
Dobie discovers that his latest date's father is a police officer with whom he previously clashed over the issue of picking flowers in the park. The u...
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37
Here Come the Groom
Feeling disheartened, Dobie resigns himself to the idea of marrying Zelda after losing hope in his quest for the perfect girl.
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38
A Taste of Lobster
Dobie meets a girl who seems indifferent to wealth, but everything changes when her younger sister begins dating a wealthier guy.
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39
Rock-a-Bye Dobie
Dobie fabricates a story about enlisting in the navy to win over the father of a girl he’s interested in, who has a strong affinity for all things m...
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1
Who Needs Elvis?
Dobie decides to join the school band in hopes of getting closer to Esme Lauterbach, the talented piccolo player. However, he soon discovers that Esme...
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2
You Ain't Nothin' But a Houn' Dog
Maynard decides to submit Dobie's old school essay, originally titled My Dog, to a Father's Day contest in the newspaper. However, he makes some adjus...
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3
Baby Talk
Maynard finds an abandoned baby in the park.
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4
Dobie Goes Beatnik
Title: Dobie Embraces Beatnik Culture Plot: When jazz legend Thelonius Monk arrives in town, he extends an invitation to Maynard to join him for an i...
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5
The Mystic Powers of Maynard G. Krebs
Maynard experiences a brief bout of extrasensory perception, granting him the ability to foresee the outcome of the Kennedy-Nixon presidential electio...
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6
The Face That Stopped the Clock
Maynard lands a position at an army surplus shop, where he sells unique clock-statues.
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7
Maynard G. Krebs: Boy Millionaire
Maynard finds a purse full of cash.
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8
Around My Room in 80 Days
Dobie and Maynard step in to support a fellow student who is considering leaving school. They work together to encourage him, helping him see the valu...
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9
Drag Strip Dobie
Zelda lends a hand to Dobie as he constructs a hot rod, all in hopes of impressing a girl by defeating Chatsworth in an upcoming car race.
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10
Jangle Bells
Dobie decides to attend a lavish Christmas party with Chatsworth instead of a more intimate gathering with Maynard. This choice leaves him feeling gui...
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11
Parlez-Vous English
Dobie encounters a charming yet gloomily philosophical French girl who delights in the darker aspects of life. She views Dobie as a simpleton, while h...
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12
The Day the Teachers Disappeared
When all the teachers catch the flu, the parents step in to fill their roles. As they take on the responsibility of teaching, chaos ensues in the clas...
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13
What's My Lion?
A lion breaks free from the confines of a zoo and forms a bond with Maynard.
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14
The Big Question
Title: The Great Dilemma Plot: To complete their graduation requirements, Dobie and Maynard face the challenge of crafting an essay centered on the t...
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15
Have You Stopped Beating Your Wife?
Title: Have You Stopped Beating Your Wife? Plot: Dobie makes an effort to encourage his father to engage more with Mrs. Gillis. He believes that fost...
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16
The Bitter Feud of Dobie and Maynard
Maynard believes he's holding Dobie back, so he makes an effort to provoke him into severing their friendship.
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17
Zelda, Get Off My Back
Frustrated with Dobie's constant rejections, Zelda shifts her focus to Chatsworth, eager to explore new possibilities.
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19
Will Success Spoil Dobie's Mother?
Winnie scores a date with the glamorous Hollywood actress Merilee Maribou but decides to hand the exciting opportunity over to Dobie instead.
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20
The Second Childhood of Herbert T. Gillis
Title: Herbert T. Gillis's Second Chance Plot: As Dobie prepares for his graduation, Herbert grapples with feelings of shame over his own lack of a d...
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21
Dobie Versus the Machine
After graduating from high school, Dobie and Maynard find themselves uncertain about their future and decide to seek guidance. Ultimately, they come t...
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22
Baby Shoes
As Dobie and Maynard get ready to enlist in the army, Herbert, Winifred, and Zelda reflect on old memories together.
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23
I Didn't Raise My Boy to be a Soldier, Sailor, or Marine
On his first day in the Army, Maynard manages to miss the bus, causing him to feel anxious about starting off on the wrong foot. Fortunately, Chatswor...
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24
The Chicken Corporal
When Dobie is assigned to oversee his squad's barracks, it quickly goes to his head, leading him to act arrogantly. This newfound authority creates a ...
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25
The Solid Gold Dog Tag
Chatsworth makes the choice to enlist in the Army alongside Dobie and Maynard, even though his mother strongly disapproves of his decision.
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26
The Battle of Maynard's Beard
The Army orders Maynard to shave off his beard.
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27
Spaceville
Maynard and a chimp get launched into space.
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28
Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Wow
Dobie's mother grows envious upon discovering that the charming widowed mother of his new girlfriend is an old love interest of Mr. Gillis.
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29
Dobie Plays Cupid
Dobie sets out to boost Maynard's self-esteem when it comes to dating.
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30
Like Father, Like Son, Like Trouble
Title: Trouble Runs in the Family Plot: Dobie lands a role in a military-themed play, and while dressed in his uniform, he accidentally convinces the...
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31
Be It Ever So Humble
Title: Home Sweet Home Plot: Dobie and Maynard receive weekend passes and are excited for their time off. However, complications arise when Zelda inf...
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32
Aah, Yer Fadder Wears Army Shoes
Dobie embellishes his father's military service to win the affection of a girl from a prestigious military lineage.
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33
Everything But the Truth
Zelda concocts a fictional engagement in an effort to win over a group of sorority girls and gain their admiration.
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34
Goodbye Mister Pomfritt, Hello Mr. Chips
Dobie and Maynard plan a heartfelt tribute for Mr. Pomfritt in an effort to persuade him to stay at Central High.
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35
Take Me to Your Leader
Dobie, Maynard, and Zelda are convinced that the stunning blonde woman who just walked into the store is actually an extraterrestrial.
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36
This Ain't The Way We Used to Do It
Displeased with what he perceives as a lack of discipline in the current military, former sergeant Herbert Gillis subjects his son's unit to intense t...
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1
Ruptured Duck
Dobie and Maynard receive their honorable discharges from the military and make the decision to enroll in college.
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2
Dobie, Dobie, Who's Got Dobie?
Zelda finds herself in a rivalry with a stunning college student as they both vie for Dobie's attention and affection.
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3
Move Over, Perry Mason
Maynard files a lawsuit after his hand becomes trapped in a gumball machine at the store.
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4
The Fast White Mouse
Dobie and Zelda start to feel anxious about their own genetic makeup, fearing they might be doomed to fail just like the unfortunate rat they observed...
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5
The Gigolo
Maynard finds himself in high demand as a date, as no girl’s boyfriend feels threatened by him.
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6
Dig, Dig, Dig
Dobie is eager to pursue Egyptology, but Mr. Gillis believes his interest is merely a crush on the professor.
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7
Eat, Drink and be Merry...For Tomorrow, Ker-Boom!
Maynard predicts the end of the world.
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8
The Richest Squirrel in Town
Title: The Wealthiest Squirrel in the Neighborhood Plot: When a crafty squirrel pilfers items from Mr. Pomfritt's desk, suspicion quickly falls on Ma...
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9
The Second Most Beautiful Girl in the World
Title: The Second Most Beautiful Girl in the World Plot: Dobie discovers that his charming new girlfriend, who has a kind spirit, is also being pursu...
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10
This Town Ain't Big Enough for Me and Robert Browning
Motivated by Robert Browning's idea that one should aspire for more than what they can achieve, Dobie pursues a girl who seems out of his league, jeop...
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11
Have Reindeer, Will Travel
Maynard decides to donate the class's Christmas funds to a struggling Mexican family in need.
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12
Crazylegs Gillis
Dobie and his girlfriend take on the task of babysitting the children of a college football player. However, things take an unexpected turn when Dobie...
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13
Blue Tail Fly
Dobie runs against Chatsworth for student council.
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14
I Do Not Choose to Run
Herbert is campaigning for the mayoral position while Dobie finds himself smitten with the daughter of his rival.
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15
Happiness Can't Buy Money
Chatsworth approaches Mr. Gillis, seeking his guidance on how to become more responsible.
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16
Magnificent Failure
Mr. Gillis decides to sell the store.
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17
For Whom the Wedding Bells Tolls
Title: For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll Plot: Dobie and Maynard sneak aboard a vessel bound for South America, seeking an escape from Dobie's tumult...
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18
Girls Will Be Boys
Maynard goes on a date with a girl who mirrors his personality. Dobie believes she should embrace a more feminine side. When she discovers the joy of ...
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19
Marriage Counselor
Title: Relationship Advisor Plot: After learning about the numerous advantages of marriage in his psychology course, Dobie feels inspired to propose ...
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20
The Big Blunder and Egg Man
In an effort to win over a girl, Dobie goes overboard with his investment for an economics class project. He decides to purchase shares in an egg comp...
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21
Birth of a Salesman
Title: The Initiation Game Plot: Dobie is eager to become a part of a prestigious fraternity, but when his attempts fail, Mr. Gillis steps in to help...
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22
Like, Oh Brother
Dobie and Maynard team up with Dr. Burkhart to create a center aimed at helping underprivileged children. Maynard manages to connect with the troubled...
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23
Wanted: Dead or Alive
Dobie attempts to persuade Maynard that he won't be swayed by any more gold-digging girls. However, things take a turn when a prosperous college dropo...
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24
Names My Mother Called Me
Title: Names My Mother Gave Me Plot: After his new girlfriend suggests he should reconsider his quirky name, Dobie discovers that he was named after ...
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25
Dobie Gillis: Wanted Dead or Alive
Dobie is determined to achieve the grades he needs to follow his crush to Harvard, but to do so, he feels he has no choice but to cheat on a crucial e...
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26
The Truth Session
Title: The Honesty Hour Plot: Maynard resolves to embrace complete honesty, which leads to unforeseen turmoil among his friends. His newfound commitm...
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27
I Remember Muu Muu
Maynard pens an article for the school newspaper covering a primitive dance showcase in his anthropology class. However, he draws inspiration from sen...
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28
Sweet Success of Smell
After their biology professor learns that Maynard has the unique ability to locate lost items through their scent, Maynard decides to take on the role...
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29
When Other Friendships Have Been Forgot
Maynard moves away and Dobie misses him greatly.
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30
I Was a Boy Soronity Girl
Dobie and Maynard land jobs as waiters at a sorority party, eager to earn some extra cash. As they navigate the lively atmosphere and serve drinks, th...
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31
It Takes A Heap o'Livin' to Make a Cave a Home
Maynard stumbles upon a caveman residing in a cave and makes the surprising choice to move in with him.
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32
Back-to-Nature Boy
Edwina, Chatsworth's cousin, has grown weary of her life in high society. Seeking a change, she asks Maynard to teach her how to embrace a more uncomp...
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33
How to Cheat an Honest Man
Dobie attempts to win over a girl who values absolute honesty, but things take a turn when he, along with his father and Maynard, ends up getting arre...
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34
Bachelor Father and Son
Winnie heads to Cleveland to spend some time with her sister, allowing Herbert and Dobie to indulge in a week of bachelor life together.
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35
Like Low Noon
Dobie's long-time rival, Butch Baumgartner, who now holds the title of heavyweight boxing champion in the army, is returning home, and rumors are swir...
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36
The Frat's in the Fire
Title: Trouble at the Lumber Yard Plot: Dobie lands a position at a lumber mill and finds himself romantically involved with the owner's daughter, de...
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1
A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to a Funny Thing
Title: A Hilarious Turn of Events on My Way to a Laugh Plot: Maynard intervenes just in time to rescue someone attempting to jump off a ledge. Howe...
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2
What's a Little Murder Between Friends
Dobie designates Thaila as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy, but soon spirals into paranoia, convinced that she and Maynard are plotting t...
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3
Northern Comfort
Mrs. Gillis's cousin Virgil comes to town and persuades the Gillis family to provide him with everything he requires for an upcoming singing performan...
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4
The Ugliest American
Title: The Most Unlikable American Plot: During a school excursion to an African rainforest, Dobie finds himself taken prisoner by a group of canniba...
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5
A Splinter Off the Old Block
Dobie's cousin Duncan, a teenager, comes to stay with the Gillises and informs Dobie's girlfriend that Dobie is struggling with a drinking issue and c...
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6
What Makes the Varsity Drag?
Dobie decides to join the football team in hopes of winning over a girl he likes, but instead, he ends up making her tough, muscular boyfriend envious...
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7
Like Hi, Exlosives
Duncan and Maynard are unaware that they've mistakenly packed a case of nitroglycerin onto the Gillis Grocery delivery truck.
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8
Where is Thy Sting
Dobie fakes a terminal illness to win over a girl’s sympathy. However, through a series of misunderstandings, he starts to think that he is actually...
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9
Flow Gently, Sweet Money
An older woman mentors Duncan on the art of being unscrupulous to help him succeed and support her younger sister. However, as Duncan learns these que...
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10
Strictly for the Birds
Dobie and Maynard decide to teach a mynah bird to assist them in studying for their history test.
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11
The Iceman Goeth
Maynard and Duncan mistakenly trap Mr. Gillis inside the meat freezer, leading them to believe they may have accidentally killed him.
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12
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Gillis
Desperate to pass an important test that could lead to his expulsion, Maynard decides to drink a potion meant to enhance his intelligence. However, in...
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13
Will the Real Santa Claus Please Come Down the Chimney
On Christmas Eve, Mr. Gillis decides to help Maynard shake off his naive belief in Santa Claus. However, while attempting to prove a point, he finds h...
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14
Who Did William Tell?
Duncan lands a part in a touring production of William Tell and finds himself smitten with a talented young opera singer. Little does he know, she has...
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15
Too Many Kooks Spoil the Broth
Title: A Recipe for Romance Plot: Dobie finds himself smitten with a wealthy kitchenware princess and aims to win her over by peddling one of his fat...
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16
Vocal Boy Makes Good
Title: A Star is Born Plot: When the Lettermen find themselves in a bind at Pryor College, they bring in Dobie as an unexpected substitute vocalist. ...
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17
All Right, Dobie, Drop the Gun
Title: Okay, Dobie, Put Down the Gun Plot: While the Gillises are shopping, a wanted criminal and his girlfriend take them hostage in the store. Ju...
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18
And Now a Word From Our Sponsor
Dobie takes on the role of the new DJ at the college radio station. However, he finds himself in a sticky situation when a mobster approaches him, off...
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19
Two for the Whipsaw
Chatsworth offers Dobie money to attend an upscale dinner in his stead, where he will encounter family friends. Dobie recalls their daughter, who he r...
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20
The Moon and No Pence
Dobie develops a crush on a brilliant Russian ballerina and seeks Zelda’s help to boost his grades. When his efforts don’t pay off, he resorts to ...
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21
The Beast with Twenty Fingers
As Mr. Gillis is preparing to head out for a grocery convention, Maynard and Herbert find themselves caught in one of those finger traps.
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22
Thanks for the Memory
Title: A Memory to Remember Plot: A foreign exchange student finds himself drawn to Dobie's uncomplicated nature, prompting Zelda to step in and enha...
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23
Three Million Coins in the Fountain
After Chatsworth's family faces financial ruin, he enlists Maynard and Duncan's help to gather funds by pretending it's for a struggling family in nee...
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24
Beethoven, Presley, and Me
Title: Beethoven, Presley, and Me Plot: Maynard receives the extraordinary ability to analyze music like a computer, while his cousin Virgil leverage...
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25
The Little Chimp That Couldn't
Maynard must prove that he possesses greater skills than anyone realizes, or the test chimpanzee will face a grim fate.
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26
There's Always Room for One Less
After being kicked out by his mother, Chatsworth takes refuge with the Gillis family for a spell.
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27
The General Cried at Dawn
While on vacation, Maynard takes on the role of a Latin American general.
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28
Now I Lay Me Down to Steal
While spending the night at the Osbourne mansion with Dobie and his girlfriend, Maynard becomes the prime suspect in a jewelry theft after he is disco...
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29
Lassie, Get Lost
When a famous teen's beloved dog goes missing, Dobie takes it upon himself to track down the furry companion. Determined to help, he embarks on a ques...
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30
The Rice and Old Shoes Caper
Zelda is fed up with Dobie's constant rejections, leaving her feeling frustrated and overlooked. Meanwhile, Maynard comes to a sobering realization th...
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31
Requiem for an Underweight Heavyweight
Maynard unexpectedly acquires superhuman strength, much to his surprise. Seizing the opportunity, Mr. Gillis steps in as his manager, eager to guide h...
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32
I Was a Spy for the F.O.B.
Title: I Was a Spy for the F.O.B. Plot: While visiting Washington DC with the Gillises, Maynard finds himself in an unexpected predicament when forei...
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33
There's a Broken Light for Every Broken Heart on Broadway
Title: A Shattered Spotlight for Every Heart on Broadway Plot: Maynard mentors a classmate, helping her rise to fame as a singing star. As her talent...
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34
Beauty Is Only Kin Deep
Dobie develops feelings for a girl at school, but a family custom stands in the way of their romance, as her older sister must first be matched with a...
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35
The Call of the, Like, Wild
A mysterious chemical formula leaves Maynard unable to resist the allure of women, making him an unexpected magnet for their attention.
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36
The Devil and Dobie Gillis
In a bid to fund his date, Dobie finds himself in a tough spot and reluctantly makes a deal with Chatsworth. He agrees to manipulate the results of a ...
