Father Knows Best, which began life as a radio series in 1949, evolved into a CBS television sitcom in 1954. An archetypal representation of 1950s ideals of family life, it came to be regarded as an important influence on American family values. Actor Robert Young (the only member of the original radio cast who continued his role on television) starred as Jim Anderson, an agent for the General Insurance Company, who lived with his wife, Margaret, and their three children at 607 South Maple Lane in Springfield, a wholesome Midwestern suburban community. Jane Wyatt co-starred as Margaret Anderson, and their offspring—17-year-old Betty (called "Princess" by her father), 14-year-old Jim Jr. (or Bud), and Kathy, the baby of the family at age nine and fondly known as "Kitten" to her dad, were played by Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray, and Lauren Chapin respectively. The stories revolved around the...