"Don't Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa" was the only Christmas episode during the show's four seasons, coinciding with the release of fourth LP Christmas CARD, issued Nov 1971, failing to chart; on Billboard's seasonal charts, it was #1, Shirley Jones contributing her only solo vocal on "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." We begin with a charming but all too brief rendition of the 1934 standard "Winter Wonderland," composed by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith, sung as a duet between Shirley Jones and David Cassidy (the only time they shared lead vocals). It all ends with Judy Garland's 1944 standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," composed by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, sung a cappella (both can be heard on the album). In between, we get Shirley and David's favorite episode, as the group find themselves stranded on Christmas Eve in a deserted ghost town whose sole resident is lonely old prospector Charlie (Dean Jagger), who entertains the children with the story of the town's silver bell, and how it helped to guide Santa Claus to their community every year, until 'Mean Sidney' (Reuben) wanted to stop Christmas by stealing it. Their only hope is reformed card sharp 'Little the Kid' (Danny), who knew Sid when he was "just nasty." His four aces best Sid's full house, but as the guitar strumming sheriff (Keith) notes, "nothing beats a loaded pistol!" With his hilarious asides and hidden 'lolly,' David Cassidy thoroughly enjoyed his scene stealing antics, while Shirley Jones expressed great delight at playing 'dress-up,' and working alongside longtime Hollywood veteran Dean Jagger (from the 1954 "White Christmas"), producing the perfect Yuletide combination of warmth and laughs. Anyone familiar with Davy Jones' appearance on THE BRADY BUNCH the very same month (one week earlier!) will recognize Britt Leach, who played Davy's manager.
