Written by Coslough Johnson
Produced by Paul Junger Witt
Directed by Peter Baldwin
Original Air Date: January 1, 1971
For years it has been rumored that Red Woodloe, one of the country's best
known folk composers, is dead. Shirley Partridge recognizes the famous
composer when passing by an obscure country church and gets Reuben to try and
get Red. The old musician, who has been passing the hat after fiddling on
street corners, at first seems overjoyed at the prospect of playing with one
of the hottest recording groups in the country. Woodloe has visions of
Woodstock as Reuben searches around for possible bookings. To the Partridge
family's dismay, no one wants to book Red because he's been away from things
too long. Determined that the famous folk composer be given a chance to be
heard, Shirley gets Reuben to book him into their act.
Just as he is about to be introduced, Red Woodloe sneaks out the back door and
runs out on an audience and a family, the Partridges, who had virtually made
him one of their clan. Returning to the old rustic church where she discovered
him, Shirley finds Red by himself strumming his guitar. With a pep talk from
her, and Tracy, the youngest Partridge, Red is given one last booking.
Overcoming his stage fright by using rustic humor to loosen up his audience,
Red jokes and sings his way into the hearts of the audience. When Reuben says
Red could make thousands of dollars by traveling with his act, Red declines.
No amount of money could buy the kind of fellowship and freedom he enjoys with
his simple way of life.
Songs:
"I Can Feel Your Heartbeat," music and lyrics by Wes Farrell,
Mike Appell and Jim Cretecos (on The Partridge
Family Album)
"Find Peace In Your Soul," music and lyrics by Bill Dorsey (Red
Woodloe and the Partridge Family) (Unreleased on commercial LP)
Guest Cast:
Red Woodloe ------------------------------------- William Schallert
Tube Trivia:
- Veteran actor William Schallert is best known for his roles on "The
Patty Duke Show," "The Nancy Drew Mysteries," and "The New
Gidget." He has done thousands of commercial voice-overs including
Milton the Toaster for Kellogg's Pop-Tarts.
- Wes Farrell briefly considered releasing "I Can Feel Your
Heartbeat" as the Partridge Family's second single but decided against
it, as he feared it would water down album sales.
