Written by Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell
Produced by Larry Rosen
Directed by Richard Kinon
Original Air Date: October 6, 1972
Because he wants to take Gloria Hickey to a swimming party, Danny suddenly
becomes self-conscious about being overweight. At the end of the first week of
dieting, not only has he not lost any weight, he has gained four pounds -- he
could not resist the temptation of a few candy bars and tacos, just as
"energy food." Reuben tells Danny he is too young to have enough
will-power to diet in order to shame Danny into continuing his effort. But his
plan backfires as Danny challenges him to a contest which involves Reuben's
breaking the cigarette habit for as long as Danny diets.
While Reuben is feeling withdrawal symptoms, Danny is fantasizing about
chocolate cake. Shirley decides that both Danny and Reuben should turn to the
other members of the family at any time for added incentive if they feel
themselves giving in to temptation. This plan fails miserably because no one
is getting any sleep, and Shirley's new tactic is to present Danny with a bowl
of chocolates and Reuben with a pack of cigarettes. From now on they are on
their own.
A few weeks later, Reuben proudly announces that he didn't have one cigarette
at the party he has just returned from and Danny informs his family that he
has been awarded a trophy which reads: "Best Body ... Gloria Hickey's
First Annual Swimming Party Competition."
Song:
"It's All in Your Mind," music and lyrics by by Johnny Cymbal
and Peggy Clinger (on Shopping Bag)
Guest Cast:
None
Tube Trivia:
- This is one of the only episodes to not feature guest performers.
- Tiger Beat published the last issue of it's "Official Partridge Family
Magazine" in October, 1972 (Fall 1972 double issue).
- Danny Bonaduce sites this episode as a particularly painful one to film, as
he realized his own weight problem at the time. You can read more in our
interview with Danny in the People and Places section of the website.
