Flashing back 50 years ago this very day, this very night, The Partridge Family aired their Christmas episode at 8:30PM. It became the favorite episode of nearly all cast members and thousands of fans, who still watch it religiously on DVD every Christmas season.
Shirley Jones lent a hand in securing Dean Jagger, who guest-starred as Charlie, a lonely man living alone with his memories in a forgotten, dusty old ghost town the world had long passed by.
Shirley and the PF producers ganged up on studio execs to get a little more money in the budget for this one. Dean Jagger cost a bit more than they were use to paying, but Shirley had worked with him previously in Elmer Gantry, the film that won her an Oscar, and that relationship helped close the deal.
Shot on the old Western lot at the Warner Ranch, much fun was had by all. Both Shirley and Susan Dey had friends that worked as extras on this episode. Danny remembers riding Trigger, one of the most famous horses in all of Hollywood, and Henry Diltz was on hand shooting endless photos of the episode.
This poignant story is one of the greatest TV Christmas episodes ever filmed. It ranges from smart comedy to heartfelt sentiment and ends with more intimate music from the family, who returns to the town at the end, bringing a Christmas of love and music to Charlie.
The story closes with the blended harmonies of the full family singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" aside their bus--and a fully decorated Christmas tree!
Shirley Jones and David Cassidy sing "Winter Wonderland" in the opening tag, marking the only duet they would ever sing together on the show. In the final tag, the family sings from home, directly to the camera and the viewing audience (with their real voices) marking another singularly unique moment for the series.