Written by Bernard Slade
Produced by Paul Junger Witt
Directed by Jerry Bernstein
Original Air Date: October 9, 1970

When Shirley's father, who is in his late sixties, pulls up in a hot red sports car (in it's late sixties), the Partridge kids are elated with their jet-set granddaddy and even ask him to join their group. When he takes them seriously and has his mandolin electrified and learns all the Partridge songs, (much to the shock of Grandma), he ready to tour with his musical kin. In a last ditch effort to discourage the old man's new fling, they convince Reuben to give his unbiased assessment of Grandpa's act. To the shock of all the family, Reuben sees a future in a family act for the elder member. He feels that audiences might like the "campy" crooner and might laugh at his novelty act. Grandpa, whose voice, at best is average, expected the audience to take him seriously and to "dig" him for what he is.

Meanwhile, Grandma is vexed over Grandpa's new image. She tells Shirley how he's wearing sideburns, taking sky diving lessons, talking about running around with chorus girls and -- because he wanted her to "catch up," he bought a mini skirt -- for Grandma! Determined to have his debut, Granddaddy gets Reuben to book him on the same bill with his grandchildren. Just as he is about to sing his opening number, Grandma stands up in the audience and -- with all eyes on her -- requests that Grandpa play the song they courted to, "Bye Bye Blackbird." At first embarrassed, Grandpa is later inspired by the audience who appreciate Grandpa for the sincerity of the old songs, instead of the hilarity of him singing rock and roll. He promises Grandma a trip around the world if she promises to keep up with him.

Songs:
"Baby I Love, Love, I Love You," music and lyrics by Derek Lawrence, Tony Wilson and Errol Brown (Unreleased on commercial LP)
"Together," music and lyrics by Shorty Rogers and Kelly Gordon (Unreleased on commercial LP)
"On The Road," music and lyrics by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (on The Partridge Family Album)
"Bye Bye Blackbird," music and lyrics by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon (Ray Bolger with the Partridge Family) (Unreleased on commercial LP)

Guest Cast:
Grandpa Fred Renfrew ----------------------------- Ray Bolger
Grandma Amanda Renfrew ------------------------- Rosemary DeCamp

Tube Trivia:
- Ray Bolger starred on the vaudeville stage, appeared in dozens of feature films and television series, but is probably best remembered as the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz." He also appeared as Grandpa Fred Renfrew in episodes 35 and 56.
- Rosemary DeCamp starred in "The Life of Riley," "The Bob Cummings Show," and as the mother of Marlo Thomas in "That Girl." She also appeared as Grandma Amanda Renfrew in Episodes 35, 56, and 86.
- "I Think I Love You" hit the Billboard charts this week.
- To read our exclusive interview with series creator Bernard Slade, visit the People and Places section of the website!