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The Goldbergs

Obituary
TV-G
TV Episode | 26 min | Comedy
Uncle David, in his role as president, is very excited to attend his Bronx annual society gathering with its total of eighteen remaining living members. That is until the morning mail arrives. Addressed to Molly is a condolence letter ...See moreUncle David, in his role as president, is very excited to attend his Bronx annual society gathering with its total of eighteen remaining living members. That is until the morning mail arrives. Addressed to Molly is a condolence letter regarding the death of her Uncle David, who is her father's brother. The letter states that the reading of Uncle David's obituary is the reason for the letter. Uncle David is terribly distraught thinking that his club members think he is dead, so he has Molly call Louie P. Sampson, the society's recording secretary, from the Bronx to tell them he is alive and well. He doesn't want to walk into the meeting himself, fearing it might give some of the members heart attacks upon seeing him. Molly calls the exchange University 5-7654 (UN5-7654/865-7654) long distance person to person party to party, and she finds out Louie is not at home. Molly ends up talking to Louie's sister, who informs Molly that all the members have scheduled a memorial service at three o'clock that afternoon in Haverville for Uncle David. Molly decides not to tell her the truth. Molly has prepared chickens for at least eighteen mourners at the house. She even has arranged for a cake with an engraving of "Welcome back David." Molly plans on telling each member the good news herself. (What is not made clear is how Molly knows they are coming to her house, unless she has been told during the phone call with Louie P. Sampson's sister.) Molly goes next door to Mrs. Daisy Carey to borrow more silverware. While she is out, Louie P. Sampson and Albert Green knock at the door causing Uncle David to call out "Come in" before running upstairs to hide. Louie and Albert think they have heard Uncle David's voice from the great beyond. When Molly appears, the two men are somewhat shocked that Molly is wearing a print dress instead of a respectful black dress of mourning. They become even more disturbed when they find out that with Uncle David being dead only a week Molly has planned a celebration when she should be in mourning. Molly brings up Mark Twain's similar situation when he was reported deceased before his time, but both men still don't get the idea of what she is trying to say. Finally, she announces the truth and calls out to Uncle David to come downstairs. Uncle David is disappointed to learn that only two of his society members have made the trek from the Bronx for his memorial service. Uncle David is so upset that he resigns as president. The phone rings, and it is from Philip Raven, the vice president, and four other members who have driven to Haverville. The phone rings again, and this time it is Philip Altman with three other members who are at the cemetery. The sound of a car driving up to the house brings six more members to 1021 Central Avenue. Uncle David is thrilled to discover that all the members have shown up for his service. He is so touched to learn how much he is valued by his friends that he plans on planting flowers on the late David Romaine's grave as a thank you. Written by Robert Gold See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Marc Daniels
Writers
Gertrude Berg (teleplay) | Michael Morris (teleplay)
Producer
William Berke
See all filmmakers & crew (5)
Status
Edit Released
Updated Dec 31, 1956
Release date
1956 (United States)
Awards
Series awards
Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy Award.

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Cast

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3 cast members
Name Known for
Gertrude Berg's primary photo
Gertrude Berg
Molly Goldberg Molly Goldberg   See fewer
The Goldbergs (1949)
Joe E. Marks's primary photo
Joe E. Marks
Albert Green Albert Green   See fewer
Cinderella (I) (1965)
Edgar Stehli's primary photo
Edgar Stehli
Louis Sampson Louis Sampson   See fewer
Executive Suite (1954)
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