Danny Bonaduce shared in a recent interview that his top pick from “The Partridge Family” was the special Christmas episode that aired back in 1971. The now 66-year-old actor, who portrayed middle son Danny Partridge on the iconic sitcom, reminisced about the festive episode during a chat on the “That’s Classic” podcast.
In the episode titled “Don’t Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa,” originally aired on ABC on December 17, 1971, the Partridge Family finds themselves stranded in a ghost town after their bus breaks down following a show in Las Vegas. The family encounters a gruff prospector who regales them with a Christmas story featuring a quirky Old West setting. One memorable moment from the episode includes David Cassidy in the role of a lollipop-licking, singing sheriff.
Danny Bonaduce reflected on the episode in an interview with Seattle Refined, mentioning the vibrant pastel colors and the unexpected turn of events that led them to the Old West. Another highlight for Bonaduce was getting to ride a horse, which he described as very exciting.
The Christmas-themed episode also featured two holiday performances by the Partridge Family, with “Winter Wonderland” at the beginning and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” at the end. The songs were later included in a holiday album released in November of the same year. Titled “A Partridge Family Christmas Card,” the album topped the Billboard Christmas charts, surpassing albums by the Jackson 5 and Elvis Presley.
Despite the passage of time, the Christmas episode remains a beloved memory for fans of the show. David Cassidy, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 67, once expressed his desire to record another Christmas album. In 2001, Cassidy mentioned his successful Christmas album from 1971 and how it continued to resonate with fans even three decades later. In 2016, he released a digital EP of Christmas songs, keeping the festive spirit alive through his music.
Overall, the Christmas episode of “The Partridge Family” continues to evoke nostalgia and warmth for viewers, showcasing the timeless charm of the classic sitcom.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.