The Seeing Eye

Originally Aired: December 2, 1936 In Cavalcade of America #59, "The Seeing Eye," college freshman Donald Dean awakens in a hospital after a serious automobile accident. When the doctor removes his bandages, Don discovers the devastating truth: the accident has left him permanently blind. The young man who once dreamed of doing big things and taking care of his mother now sits alone at home, listening to the relentless ticking of the grandfather clock while his mother works to support him. He becomes increasingly despondent, refusing help and losing all hope for his future. Months of despair follow until Don's mother arranges a visit from Morris Frank, a young man only slightly older than Don who works with the Seeing Eye school in Morristown, New Jersey. Morris arrives with his guide dog, Buddy, a remarkable German shepherd who navigated the city streets to bring him there. As Morris demonstrates Buddy's abilities and explains the independence these specially trained dogs provide to the blind, Don begins to glimpse a possibility he never imagined—a chance at freedom and a life beyond the ticking clock.