Written by Susan Silver
Produced by Larry Rosen
Directed by Lee Philips
Original Air Date: October 20, 1972
Shirley makes an appointment with Dr. Beecher, the school psychologist, who
informs her that Danny's behavior in class is quite disruptive. In order to
find out what is bothering him, Dr. Beecher suggests that Shirley be very
permissive with her son, and watch closely how he handles his freedom. At
home, Danny quickly takes advantage of Shirley's mysterious change of
attitude. He is permitted to stay up late to watch the talk shows on TV, stay
home from school, and forces Keith's and Laurie's friends to focus their
attention on him.
Shirley returns to Dr. Beecher in desperation, for the other kids feel very
hostile towards Danny. The doctor realizes that Danny badly wants to identify
with the "big kids" -- Laurie and Keith. To try to cure him of this
she suggests giving Danny all the responsibilities that go along with being an
adult. It takes going on a double date with Keith to erase all thoughts of
being grown-up from Danny's mind. While Keith and his date sit around talking
and making eyes at each other, what Danny and his girlfriend Gloria really
want to do is climb trees and run races. The two younger kids are finally so
bored that this is exactly what they do -- even though it isn't
"mature." At this point, Danny realizes that he wants to hang on to
his youth a little while longer.
Song:
"Am I Losing You," music and lyrics by Irwin Levine and L.
Russell Brown (on Shopping Bag)
Guest Cast:
Dr. Beecher -------------------------------------- Charlotte Rae
Richard ------------------------------------------- Bruce Kimmel
Molly ---------------------------------------------- Maggie Wellman
Gloria --------------------------------------------- Patti Cohoon
Tube Trivia:
- Charlotte Rae is best known for the role of Edna Garrett on "Diff'rent
Strokes" and "The Facts of Life."
- Bruce Kimmel also appeared in Episodes 32,
47, 74,
and 81.
He also wrote "The First Nudie Musical."
- Patti Cohoon also appeared as Gloria Hickey in Episode 46. She portrayed
Cathy Apple on "Apple's Way."
- "Am I Losing You" was the Partridge Family's sixth single!
Released in March, 1972, it peaked at a disappointing #59 on the Billboard
charts in April, 1972.
