Written by Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell
Produced by Larry Rosen
Directed by Herb Wallerstein
Original Air Date: February 9, 1973
Reuben arranges for the Partridge Family to make a TV commercial for Erwin
Tully, owner of a large take-out chicken outfit. Up until now, "Uncle
Erwin" has been making all his own commercials, very corny ones complete
with chicken costumes. His sales have dropped and he feels he needs a new
image.
The family films the commercial -- the setting is a picnic; all the kids are
playing and enjoying Uncle Erwin's chicken. Everyone is very pleased with the
ad, everyone by Erwin! He feels something is missing -- chicken suits! The
Partridges are 100% against it but are forced by a contract to make another
commercial. They try to make it as bad as possible, hoping Erwin won't like it
and use the first one. Unfortunately, he loves it!
Erwin is going to preview his new commercial at a convention for all this
franchise owners. Shirley realizes everyone there will hate the ad. So, when
the conventioneers assume the commercial is a joke and ask for the "real
one," Shirley saves the day by having the first ad ready to be shown.
Song:
"Friend And A Lover," music and lyrics by Wes Farrell, Bobby
Hart and Danny Janssen (on Notebook)
Guest Cast:
Erwin -------------------------------------------- William Windom
Director ----------------------------------------- Danny Goldman
Bonnie Kleinschmitt ------------------------------ Elaine Giftos
Conventioneer ----------------------------------- John Lawrence
Gwen -------------------------------------------- Odine Vaughn
Tube Trivia:
- William Windom appeared on "Farmer's Daughter," "My World
and Welcome To It," and as Dr. Seth Hazlitt on "Murder, She
Wrote."
- This is Elaine Giftos' second appearance as Bonnie Kleinschmitt.
- This episode has the distinction of being each cast members' least favorite.
