The Partridge Family - Season 2, Episode 4 (29)

Title: The Undergraduate

First aired: October 8, 1971

Synopsis:

Shirley enrolls in a psychology course at San Pueblo College. She uses Renfrew, her maiden name, so as not to draw attention to herself. While walking to her class on her first day on campus she meets Paul Brunner, a 19-year-old student, who is taking the same class.

While Shirley tells her children about her first day in college, Paul calls and asks Shirley if she would attend a lecture with him. Shirley agrees to drive to the lecture. Reuben kids her about “The Graduate.”

After a rehearsal of “Brown Eyes” in their garage, Keith tells Shirley she was late with the cues. Shirley admits that she is tired because she got in late the night before (2:06 am, according to Danny). Shirley confesses that on the way home from the lecture, she ran out of gas.

Shirley, Laurie and Tracey try on hot pants — Reuben’s idea for their onstage costumes — and Shirley doesn’t care for the new attire. The doorbell rings and Shirley, thinking it is Reuben, answers the door. Paul’s parents are at the door. They have seen “The Graduate” twice and wonder what Shirley’s intentions with their son are.

Realizing that Paul has mistaken their relationship for a relationship, Shirley invites him to dinner where he meets the whole family. Paul recognizes The Partridge Family, and Shirley is the mother of the group.

Paul meets Laurie and asks Shirley for permission to take her to a lecture. Returning home from a date with Paul, Laurie asks Shirley for an autographed photo of Shirley in hot pants. Shirley is surprised by this request. Laurie explains the photo is for Paul’s dad.
Synopsis written by Laurel Bruce

Song:
Brown Eyes

Cast:
Shirley Partridge - Shirley Jones
Keith Partridge - David Cassidy
Laurie Partridge - Susan Dey
Danny Partridge - Danny Bonaduce
Chris Partridge - Brian Forster
Tracy Partridge - Suzanne Crough
Reuben Kincaid - Dave Madden

Directed by: Ralph Senensky

Written by: Susan Silver

Guest Stars: Michael Burns as Paul Bruner, Norman Fell as Mr. Bruner, Ann Morgan Guilbert as Mrs. Bruner

Screen Shots: