The Partridge Family - Season 3, Episode 7 (56)

Title: The Mod Father

First aired: October 27, 1972

Synopsis:

Shirley, the kids and their manager, Reuben Kincaid, are packing their bus for a day at the seaside when the telephone rings. Shirley’s parents, Walter and Amanda Renfrew, will be there in 20 minutes and they have something important to share with the family. Everyone is so disappointed; the kids were hoping for a lot of fun and not to be listening to their grandparents’ quarrels

When Shirley’s parents arrive, they look very happy and satisfied. They have just spent a week with an encounter group, and they are full of new ideas. Total honesty is the key to a happy relationship. They encourage Shirley and the kids to be totally honest with themselves and to stop hiding their true feelings. The grandparents stay with the family, but soon the atmosphere becomes unbearable, because Walter and Amanda try to find a hidden meaning behind every, even casual sentence. Very quickly the kids start seeing faults with each other. Shirley tells her parents that the family has its own rules, and the grandparents should respect it and not interfere. Walter and Amanda are not offended, they were to leave anyway.

A short time later Grandma Amanda arrives. She has a suitcase with her and announces that she is fed up with the honesty and that she’s left her husband. After a few hours their Granddad arrives too. In the morning they quarrel very loudly in the garage and finally find a solution. Initially they talk about the divorce, but as Keith says the divorce is just a formality. They decide on a modern kind of an open marriage, and to date other people.

They have their separate dates at a club where The Partridge Family will play a concert. Fred has a double date with Reuben and 2 young girls, and Amanda with a businessman. Fred tries to entertain both young ladies but feels very old compared with them. Amanda’s date is very boring and doesn’t allow her to have a word at all. Both grandparents are very moved by the love song performed by The Partridge Family.

After the concert they all gather at the dressing room to talk. Shirley feels that her parent’s marriage needs a fresh start. A full wedding ceremony with a minister, flower girls and marriage wows is arranged at the Partridges’ house. After the ceremony, a very happy couple go on their second honeymoon.
Synopsis written by Weronika Cyrynger

Song:
Something New Got Old

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: E. W. Swackhamer

Written by: Susan Harris

Guest Stars: Ray Bolger and Rosemary De Camp as Grandpa and Grandma, Bill Zuckert as Dwight, Gordon Jump as Minister, Toni Berrell as Candy, Ondine Vaughn as Daisy.

NOTE: Grandpa Renfrew's first name has been changed from Fred in an earlier episode to Walter in this episode.

Screen Shots: