Dobie tries out for the starring role in the school play, hoping to get a smooch from the leading lady. When Milton Armitage gets the role instead, and Dobie is picked as his understudy, Dobie and Maynard will stop at nothing to get Milton off stage.

Feeling depressed after his parents seem to have forgotten his birthday, Dobie stays out of the house. Maynard, who knows Dobie's parents are throwing a surprise party for him, tries to get him to go home, but Dobie refuses. Will Dobie miss his own party? Guest starring a very young "Ronny" Howard.