The Partridge Family Visits Kings Island
David Cassidy
During Partridge Family Filming at Kings Island
Photo Credit: Sandra Hannig
Kings Island AND The Hit TV Show The Partridge Family BOTH Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary Together in Cincinnati
Kings Island Amusement Park opened on April 29, 1972. That inaugural summer, The Partridge Family filmed on location at Kings Island from August 7-11, 1972. The episode premiered in January 1973 and was titled “I Left My Heart in Cincinnati.” The following summer, The Brady Bunch filmed an episode at the park but didn’t use the park name. The Partridge Family did. The episode featured the family on rides still operating today. The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Johnny Bench guest-starred as a waiter in the episode.
The Hannig family shared their photos behind the scenes of the shoot.
Brian Forster and Danny Bonaduce poolside at Kings Island Inn
During Partridge Family Filming at Kings Island
Photo Credit: Sandra Hannig
Dorothy “Dot” Murphy worked for Taft Broadcasting Company (the park’s original owner). She gave her niece Sandra five passes for her family to be extras on the show. Sandra, her husband Hank Hannig, and their three children: Brent, Scott, and Jill, spent time poolside with the show’s stars, including teen heartthrob David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce, Susan Dey, Brian Forster (all pictured), Shirley Jones, Suzanne Crough, and the rest of the cast.
Susan Dey at Kings Island Inn
During Partridge Family Filming at Kings Island
Photo Credit: Sandra Hannig
The accompanying photos of the actors were taken by Sandra Hannig and shared by Kindra Hannig. The photos also share Sandra’s pass as an Extra.
A personal letter also shared in the photos is from Sandra’s aunt Dot explaining what to expect on-set. In it are words passed from aunt to niece, such as, “I don’t think they have planned too well for this thing…or maybe that is the way it is in the movie business.” And, “…they will be shooting some scenes around the swimming pool … so you better bring swimsuits.” … “Please tell Linda about the swimsuit.”
The Partridge Family was a television musical sitcom about a widow raising five children. They formed a band and produced a hit record, so they toured the country in a groovy school bus. When they weren’t on the road, they lived in the suburbs.
Brian Forster at Kings Island Inn
During Partridge Family Filming at Kings Island
Photo Credit: Sandra Hannig
Kings Island received widespread recognition for its appearances in the mega-popular family sitcoms of the 1970s. Over the years, it has produced record-breaking rollercoasters, rides, and events. Today, Kings Island is owned by Cedar Fair and is one of the top seasonal amusement parks in North America.
Sandra Hannig’s Handwritten Notes on the Backs of Her Photos
David Cassidy
During Partridge Family Filming at Kings Island
Photo Credit: Sandra Hannig
Photos are compliments of set extra Sandra Hannig and local Cincinnatian Kindra Hannig.
Story by Frank Rocco Satullo, The OhioTraveler, Your Tour Guide to Fun