When the show debuted in 1965, it centered around the Horton family. Dr Tom Horton and his wife Alice had five children: Tom Jr., who had been presumed dead in the Korean war; Addie, who was Tom Jr.'s Twin; Lawyer Mickey; Bill, a doctor, and the youngest daughter Marie. Addie married Ben Olson and had two teenage children: Julie and Steve. Because Addie married into wealth and status, Addie tended to look down upon her siblings, particularly Marie. Meanwhile, Marie was engaged to Tony Merrit. Problems soon beset the Horton Family. Tony learned he had a terminal illness and cancelled his engagement to Marie; Marie then attempted suicide. Tom was forced to save his daughter's life, but unfortunately another patient of his died while waiting for his care. A malpractice suit followed and Marie eventually confessed that her father chose to save her life while the other patient was in need of more urgent care. Tom was cleared.