Norman Tokar did an excellent job of directing this "family" episode that goes haywire! Tokar later headed many film projects for Walt Disney, and with good reason.
This is truly one of the few episodes that has the Cleavers actually leave home! They should have done more episodes like this as it adds a new feel to the series, as opposed to the usual surroundings we were so accustomed to seeing.
It's kind of sentimental, and yet goofy as usual.
I am sure, show producers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher wrote this from personal experiences. Ward wants to take Wally and Beave away from their comic books and scary movies and get them out into the wide open spaces! It's actually twofold, because Ward wants to relive some cherished childhood memories, back in the day when he was a kid and spent time in a cabin. Oh, really?
Problems arise! Not everything goes according to plan at scenic Shadow Lake Lodge... and the guys want to get home ASAP because there's stuff to do!
Very relatable material, as we all think back to our days as kids, going on a mini vacation to some place that turns out NOT the way we had planned.
There's no question this classic episode inspired many other tv sitcom "vacation" stories yet to come.
Right off the bat, comes to mind an early camping episode on the BRADY BUNCH.
The story also gives you a little background on Ward's days as a child, presumably being raised on a farm somewhere in the mid west, and during the Great Depression when there were few amenities.
Credit some thoughtful writing here. In reality, Hugh Beaumont, who pitched story ideas to the producers, was born in a small town in Kansas. He made his film debut in 1941.
Looks to have been filmed at Big Bear Lake, California, quite a distance from Hollywood, if it really was filmed there. Whatever the case, it's a well done, polished episode, and a cut above all the others for the first two seasons.
10 STARS for a day without Los Angeles smog!
SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set.