EPISODE: It’s a Small World
Reviewed by Michael
Episode #347, Season 11, originally aired January 4, 1970
Guest Stars: Michael Dunn, Edward Binns, Bing Russell, Angela Clark
Written and Directed by Michael Landon
SUMMARY:
Enters a very pleasant man looking to settle down and find a job. Qualified as a bank teller, he applies for a job at the local bank. Caught up in society and impressed with his own position as bank president, he feels that even though qualified to do bank work, George Marshall's stature disqualifies him to actually the job in his bank. When all attempts to reason with Mr. Flint, George makes a futile attempt to rob the bank. Alas, George is no thief and his lack of skill to flee the scene, land him in jail.
Public sentiment is on George's side as most folks realize that the
shortsightedness of Mr. Flint is what provoked George Marshall into his
desperate act to support his family. As George sits in jail awaiting trial for
bank robbery, Ben tries to reason with Flint. George is no bank robber and that
he was only trying to support his family - that when Flint turns him down as a
bank employee because of his size, George was desperate. Flint is stubborn and
still plans to press charges against George, becoming more hateful each time the
subject is brought up.
While in town on business, the Cartwrights get caught up in a drama that would
forever change the life of the Flint family forever. While playing near the
opening of an old mine shaft, the Flint's little girl falls down into the
shaft. Little Joe tries to go down in to pull the little girl out. He is too
big, though. While water is filling up the little space the young girl is
trapped in, the Cartwrights are desperate. The only person who can possibly
save the little girl is George Marshall.
Agreeing to drop the charges Mr. Flint is desperate to save his little girl's
life. The little man wastes no time in going out and into the narrow shaft to
save the little girl - even at the risk of his own life. With Hoss and Little
Joe at the other end of the rope, they pull the little girl to safety, as well
as George, just as the water covers George.
Back at
the Ponderosa, George has packed his wagon and plans to move to the next town.
He has somewhat resigned to the possibility of going back to work in the
circus. He says that if he can't find work in the next town that he will go
back to the circus. Ben advises him not to sell his dreams short (no pun
intended). In the meantime, Mr. Flint comes to the Ponderosa to offer George a
job. George, bitterly, tells Flint that he doesn't owe him anything. While
outside and finishing loading, Ben encourages George to look past the incident
with Flint, that by his persevering through the prejudice and shortsighted
comments, George's actions will make the next little man or odd ball person's
way a little easier. "It'll be tough, George, and it will take guts. But you've
got what it takes if you can look past Flint."
REVIEWS:
“In another example of the brilliance of actor Michael Landon, he writes and directs this pungent 1860's version of prejudice….I really like the acting in this ep. Michael Dunn, a man with a 180 IQ, left a failing career to be an entertainer. He soon began getting good parts. He is probably best known for his recurring role on The Wild Wild West as the diabolical Dr. Lovelace. Michael Landon gave up his hero role because he knew the only way to save the girl's life was for George to go down into the shaft. Dan Blocker was his usual self as he used his great God-given strength to pull up or lower each potential life saver. Lorne Greene used his usual ability to reason when there was no reasoning available.” Michael
“Another show against foolish prejudices and how they are overcome, even if it was due to near tragic circumstances.” Miss Maggie
“There's a line from this episode that I think is powerful and it's one I always
remember. Ben and the banker are arguing about George, and the banker says
something about God wouldn't want a midget like George living with the rest of
them. Ben looks at the banker and says, "That may be, but you see, I don't know
how tall God is." I think that line has a lot of impact.” Susan Grote
“I think that ML did a magnificent job dealing with such a sensitive issue, maybe because he had suffered himself at the hands of bullies.” Lynne (Little Joe forever)
“This episode had quite a simple story and as a result got its message across very effectively. Michael Dunn's acting is absolutely terrific. His fear is palpable when he bursts in on Ben and Clem looking for the doctor, and in the following scene waiting outside the tent. And his angst when he is with Ben in that scene after his wife's death tears me apart.” Sue W.
“I like the part in the episode when George Marshall made it quite clear that he was going down the shaft for the little girl's sake. He didn't even know that the banker would drop the charges when he agreed to save her.” Phyl
“This was one of those episodes that Michael Landon later recycled in Little House on the Prairie. It also had a similar feel to the speech Hoss made in the end of "Hoss and the Leprechauns" I always wondered why he was so interested in midgets. Robin
“A well written ep, as only ML can do. This story was also used in 'Little House'. Very sad in places. But so true. Why cant people look past each others defects. The world would be a happier place.” Ann
“I couldn't agree more about ML's skills as a writer/director/producer - and actor/dreamboat too of course (sigh). He probably made a pretty good cup of tea as well - LOL!!” Susan Groves