This episode of The Beverly Hillbillies sees a widespread illness sweeping through the bank, prompting a scramble to find a replacement for Mr. Drysdale, who is also sick and needs help with his keynote speech at the bankers' convention.
A contagious illness hits the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills, leaving many employees out of commission. This creates a flurry of activity as Jethro and Granny try to find solutions. Mr. Drysdale, the bank president, needs a secretary, a speechwriter, and a doctor, all urgently.
A young Navy veteran, Buddy, eager to prove himself, steps up to help Mr. Drysdale. Observing the need, he takes the initiative to offer his services as a secretary and shows remarkable skills in shorthand.
Granny, ever resourceful, offers to mix medicine for the ailing Miss Jane, an important worker at the bank. Jethro, although initially struggling to remember and reproduce aspects of Lincoln's speech, ends up delivering a thoughtful and effective speech for Mr. Drydsdale.
A prominent poultry farmer, Mr. Wilson, approaches the bank for a loan. While initially hesitant, Mr. Drysdale, fueled by the episode's theme of compassion and the need for helping others, agrees to grant Wilson's request for $5,000. This highlights the crucial idea of supporting those in need within the context of banking.
Despite the comedic and farcical elements, the episode touches upon the importance of community and compassion in times of crisis, as well as the role of banks and financial institutions within a community. The episode also cleverly satirizes the often-rigid and impersonal nature of corporate culture.