The Partridge Family - Season 4, Episode 19 (93)

Title: Keith And Lauriebelle

First aired: March 2, 1974

Synopsis:
Laurie’s problem: she wants to go on a ski trip on the same weekend she has promised to babysit the Wilson kids. Laurie tries to unload the babysitting job on Danny. He is wise to her and refuses the job—even for one dollar per hour (or 20 cents a monster, according to Danny).

Keith’s problem: he is in love with Karen Bailey, a transfer student from Ohio. When Keith invites her to a party he is hosting on Friday night, he learns she is bringing a date. Unable to find a date for his own party, Keith convinces Laurie to be his date and he will babysit the Wilson kids.

During a trip to the record store with Danny, Keith runs into Karen. Danny makes it clear that Keith has a date, a lovely southern girl named Lauriebelle whose father owns half of Alabama.

During the party, Laurie lays on the southern charm. According to Reuben, “compared to Laurie, Scarlett O’Hara sounded like a Yankee.” Karen overhears Laurie say “Thanks Mom” when Shirley offers her potato chips. Keith covers Laurie’s slip up by introducing Karen to Mother Culpepper.

The party is a success. Keith is invited to a get together at Karen’s house. Karen invites Lauriebelle and Mother Culpepper too. Karen confesses that she had her boyfriend, George, so jealous by dancing with Keith that George proposed. They will be announcing their engagement.

Shirley makes it clear that her Mother Culpepper days are over. But Laurie is stuck with her southern accent because Ralph, who was at Keith’s party, is also going on the ski trip.

The Partridges sing “How Long is Too Long” at an unnamed venue in this episode.
Synopsis written by Laurel Bruce

Song:
How Long Is Too Long

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: Roger Duchowny

Written by: Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant

Guest Stars: Sherry Miles as Karen Bailey, Jack Stauffer as George Parkington, Colby Haines as Claire, Lindsay V. Jones as Betty

Screen Shots: