The Partridge Family

When Shirley Partridge goes into her garage to find out what all the noise is about, she discovers her children: Keith, Danny, Chris, Tracy and Laurie warming up for a song which they have collectively written. In need of a soprano to round out the harmony, the young Partridges volunteer their mom, and to the whole family's surprise, the song sounds alright. As a matter of fact, it sounds terrific. On his own initiative, Danny Partridge tape records their terrific tune and seeks out a business manager's ear. After tailing big-time manager (Reuben Kinkaid) all day, he finally gets him to listen to the tape. Reuben is reluctant to promise too much, but he promises the Partridges he'll give their song a fair "hearing." Within weeks, the garage-inspired song becomes an instant hit, and overnight the Partridges are in demand throughout the country. Shirley Partridge is uncertain how to adjust to their sudden success. A recent widow, she could certainly use the money. She decides that she's going to take her family on the publicity tour. She repaints an old school bus (which she almost knows how to drive), and thus, the Partridge Family begins to ride the road to success. Their first stop, Caeser's Palace in Las Vegas. After an introduction by Johnny Cash, Shirley is somewhat shocked to find all five kids suffering from a bad case of stage fright. She coaxes her children out of their silent trance by having them pretend to be back home in the garage. They finally begin to play and eventually earn a standing ovation. They've come a long way from their garage.

When Shirley's father, who is in his late sixties, pulls up in a hot red sports car, 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 his shock of Grandma, he's 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 the family, Reuben sees a future in the family act for the elder member. He feels that the audience might like the "campy" crooner and might laugh at his novel act. Grandpa, whose voice is at best, 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 skydiving lessons, talking about running around with the 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 rock 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 song, 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.

The Partridge family is off to record their first album. Just as they are about to leave, Tracy runs up with a letter in her hand, a letter from the U.S Government. To the total surprise of everyone, ten-year-old Danny has been drafted! Rueben Kincaid says he will stay behind to clear up the matter and join the family soon. On the bus, the other kids tease Danny about going into the army, but he has taken it very seriously. He fantasizes himself in uniform performing heroic deeds. The Partridges are in the recording studio listening to the final tape playback of their album when Reuben enters with the bad news -- he was unable to get Danny off the hook. Furious, and armed just with Danny's birth certificate, Shirley makes the trip to the L.A Induction Center alone. Shirley is sent from one officer to another and no one will take the time to help her. Still fuming, she decides she will show them...she will bring Danny there and have him go through the induction. Danny says a tearful goodbye to his mother and enters the inducting office. He manages to get through the various stages of the physical without being detected, but just as he is about to be sworn in, the officers spot him. Terribly disappointed, Danny tells his mother that they wouldn't accept him because he is too short.