The Partridge Family (TV Series) Whatever Happened to Moby Dick? (1971) User Reviews

Shirley Jones sings "The Whale Song"

[kevinolzak · 6/10 · 4 March 2014]

"Whatever Happened to Moby Dick?" is an ecology friendly episode, notable chiefly for granting Shirley Jones her very first lead vocal, exquisitely rendered, although "The Whale Song," composed by Dan Peyton and Marty Kaniger, remains sadly unreleased to this day. Danny hits upon the idea of having a whale sing on the group's next charity single, if they can foil the greedy Flicker (Dub Taylor), who insists on half the profits for himself. The cast includes Bert Convy (back as a different character in "A Likely Candidate" and "The Eleven-Year Itch"), Howard Cosell (as himself), and George O'Hanlon, remembered as both Joe McDoakes and George Jetson on THE JETSONS, whose dancing bear isn't wearing his taps.

Moved Me To Tears

[kamille · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

I don't know how this episode can have such a blah rating. It was one of the best sitcom episodes of its time! The story was especially interesting, the location scenes were a lovely reprieve from the studio set, the whale footage was moving, and the song.. OMG, that song.. gave me chills and had me too choked up to eat the food that my tears were falling onto!

The Whale Song should have been released - I know it would have been at the top of the charts.. it's eerily BEAUTIFUL! This is one of those rare numbers with both a melody and lyrics that have the ability to stir even the prickliest of hearts.

"Whale song, I hear what you say This may be the last time you're passing this way..

"Song of the whale so sweet and so clear But no song at all to the ones who won't hear And if people don't listen, and if people don't know Might the song of the man be the next song to go.."