Partridge Family - The Complete First Season

If one show epitomizes many aspects of American life in the early '70s, it's THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. The show's portrayal of the excitement of a rock & roll lifestyle--however toned down--was quintessentially representative of its time. The family of six is headed by mom Shirley (Shirley Jones), a recently-widowed supermom who is short of financial resources. Jones's real-life stepson David Cassidy played teenaged stepson Keith, while the rest of the family was comprised of Laurie (Susan Dey), Danny (Danny Bonaduce), Chris (Jeremy Gelbwaks), and Tracy (Suzanne Crough). In the first episode, the family stumbles into making a hit song, gains a manager through Keith's diligence, and go on tour in an old painted schoolbus. Their first venue is in Las Vegas opening for Johnny Cash, and the family has to combat their stage fright. The season sees the family learning how to deal with their newfound fame, with Keith's heartthrob status getting the best of him and Danny considering a solo career. The group also plays at a feminist rally, has a nasty encounter with a family of skunks, and 10-year-old Danny gets drafted by accident. Other episodes include "This is My Song," "Mom Drops Out," "Soul Club," and "Not With My Sister, You Don't."