Character Relationship Map: Generation

Characters

• Jim Bolton (played by David Janssen) — protagonist

  Doris's father and an advertising executive. Initially alarmed by her choice to refuse medical care, he secretly arranges for Dr. Stan to intervene at the delivery, ultimately reconciling with Walter.

• Doris Bolton Owen (played by Kim Darby) — protagonist

  A pregnant woman who marries Walter and defies convention by demanding a natural, drug-free home birth. Her decisions drive the central conflict regarding medical intervention versus personal freedom.

• Stan Herman (played by Carl Reiner) — supporting

  An obstetrician and close friend of Jim. He is discreetly called in to assist with the delivery against the father's initial wishes, successfully ensuring the safety of the mother and child.

• Walter Owen (played by Pete Duel) — supporting

  A photographer and Doris's husband who rejects societal conformity and the medical establishment. He opposes professional intervention for the birth but eventually reaches a mutual accord with Jim.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Stan Herman → Doris Bolton Owen (Professional Obstetrician) — Stan provides professional childbirth assistance.

  Stan is identified as an obstetrician and assists with Doris's delivery.

• Doris Bolton Owen → Walter Owen (Romantic Wife) — Doris becomes Walter's wife before the birth.

  The plot states that Doris finally marries Walter while nine months pregnant.

• Jim Bolton → Doris Bolton Owen (Family Father) — Jim is Doris's concerned father.

  The plot identifies Jim Bolton as Doris's father and states that he flies to New York to be by her side.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Jim Bolton → Walter Owen (Conflict Ideological Opponent) — Jim and Walter clash over medical authority.

  Jim secretly asks Stan to intervene against Walter's wishes because Walter rejects professional intervention.

• Jim Bolton → Stan Herman (Social Close Friend) — Jim relies on a longstanding friendship with Stan.

  Stan is described as Jim's obstetrician friend.

Story Analysis

A family conflict over natural childbirth and medical intervention ultimately gives way to safety, understanding, and reconciliation.

Plot Progression

1. A Marriage Before Birth — Doris, nine months pregnant, marries Walter. Together they choose a natural, drug-free birth at home, rejecting conventional medical care.
2. A Father's Fear — Jim travels to New York to support Doris but believes her birth plan places her and the baby at risk. His concern turns the family gathering into a conflict over convention and freedom.
3. The Secret Medical Plan — Jim seeks help from his obstetrician friend Stan. Without Walter's approval, he arranges for Stan to assist with the delivery.
4. Birth Under Pressure — As the delivery becomes immediate, Stan participates despite Walter's opposition. The central conflict between natural birth and medical intervention reaches its most dangerous point.
5. An Accord After Success — The procedure succeeds and Stan helps ensure the safety of Doris and the child. The outcome allows Jim and Walter to move from confrontation toward an accord.