DIFF'RENT STROKES {DIFFERENT STROKES}: THE MUSIC MAN (TV)
Summary
One in this series of comedies about the family life of wealthy white industrialist Philip Drummond and his adopted African-American sons, Arnold and Willis. In this episode, Willis arrives home and happily announces that he has been chosen to join a band at school, The Afro-disiacs . He adds that he hopes Charlene can join as well, as she has an exceptionally nice singing voice, and he encourages her to demonstrate for the family. She does so, singing "The Magic is Working," and everyone applauds, though Adelaide reminisces about "the sentimental oldies but goodies." Willis then says that the band has nowhere to rehearse and talks Mr. Drummond into allowing them to use the penthouse, also suggesting that he might invest in them financially. When Arnold asks to be included, Willis appoints him the band's gofer, to which he grudgingly agrees. The following day, Mr. Drummond and the rest of the family come to hear The Afro-disiacs play, and after Arnold's enthusiastic introduction, they play a song and prove that they are rather good. Mr. Drummond agrees to back them, and when Willis steps outside, Kimberly takes the mic and sings along with them, proving her talent as well. One of the band members, H.B., suggests that Kimberly should join the band instead of Charlene, as they are sure to attract a crowd with the "gimmick" of an interracial brother-sister team. The others like the idea, but Willis is upset at the thought of rejecting Charlene, and the siblings argue.
When they return home, still squabbling, they tell Mr. Drummond about the situation, and he attempts to mediate. Kimberly begs Willis not to quit the band and to give her a chance, and he finally gives in, wondering how he will tell Charlene. Charlene soon arrives and Willis attempts to subtly talk her out of wanting to sing with them, but Kimberly inadvertently spills the beans and Charlene is hurt at Willis' betrayal. Finally, Mr. Drummond intervenes and orders them to stop arguing or he will rescind his financial support, and they decide to compromise. At the next rehearsal, Willis, Charlene and Kimberly all sing together, performing "Ebony and Ivory," and Mr. Drummond assures them that they will "hit it big." Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: May 6, 1982 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:22:09
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:56552
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Families'; African-American Collection - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1978-1985; ABC - 1985-1986
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Howard Leeds … Executive Producer
- Ben Starr … Producer
- Martin Cohan … Producer
- John Maxwell Anderson … Associate Producer
- Garren Keith … Director
- Bernie Kukoff … Created by
- Jeff Harris … Created by
- Larry Rhine … Writer
- Gloria Loring … Theme Music by
- Alan Thicke … Theme Music by
- Al Burton … Theme Music by
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Philip Drummond
- Gary Coleman … Cast, Arnold Jackson
- Todd Bridges … Cast, Willis Jackson
- Dana Plato … Cast, Kimberly Drummond
- Nedra Volz … Cast, Adelaide
- Janet Jackson … Cast, Charlene
- H.B. Barnum III … Cast, H.B.
- Darren Sullivan … Cast, Darren
- Kerry Ashby … Cast, Kerry
- Art Wilson … Cast, Art