Hollywood: Part 3 was the third episode of the fifth season of Happy Days, also the 91st overall episode in the series. Written by Fred Fox, Jr., the episode, which was the conclusion of a three-part episode story, directed by Jerry Paris, premiered on ABC-TV on September 20, 1977.
Synopsis[]
"The California Kid" challenges Fonzie to jump over a tiger shark on water skis, convinced that he will be too scared and back out. Fonzie is too proud to back down and accepts the challenge. Meanwhile; Richie, after impressing a talent scout at Fonzie's audition, mulls over a decision about the film contract he has been offered.
Full storyline[]
Arnold telephones Chachi and tells him that he has received a postcard from the gang in Hollywood. A brief recap of the previous two episodes is given. Richie and Nancy talk on the beach. Nancy tells Richie that her oceanography class is going on a cruise for practical experience to Pago Pago the next day. Potsie and Ralph tell Richie that Fonzie is going to jump over the shark.
Fonzie says he has to meet the Kid's bluff, he doesn't want to return to Milwaukee a double failure- after failing to get a contract from his screen test. Fonzie challenges the Kid to jump over the shark first. Howard and Marion return from buying souvenirs to the pier where Joanie gives them the news about Fonzie. "The California Kid" bails out before he jumps the shark. Fonzie says he won't quit, and Richie drives for him. Fonzie gets set for the jump and gives Richie the thumbs up sign.
He successfully makes the jump! He is congratulated by everyone on the beach. Richie ponders signing the movie contract which pays $200 a week. The contract is for 5 years with no guarantees. Richie has already registered for college, as Howard and Richie talk it out. Richie later tosses the contract into the ocean, as he really wants to be a journalist. Richie and Fonzie talk, and Fonzie says he should do something he really likes to do.
Al puts some money in a can back at Arnold's as everybody returns. Chachi gets a blue Hollywood sweatshirt that he says he will cut the sleeves off. Howard gives Al a Hollywood shell, as Potsie and Ralph bring the mouse ears that he wanted them to get. Fonzie takes the Fonz poster off the wall at Arnold's and shuts off the lights before leaving.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham
- Henry Winkler as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli
- Tom Bosley as Howard Cunningham
- Marion Ross as Marion Cunningham
- Erin Moran as Joanie Cunningham
- Anson Williams as Potsie Weber
- Don Most as Ralph Malph (credited as Donny Most)
- Scott Baio as Chachi Arcola
Guest stars[]
- Talia Balsam as Nancy
- James Daughton as The California Kid
- Laurette Spang as Wendy
- Jimmy Van Patten as Sandy
- David Agress as Georgie
Trivia[]
- Fonzie's shark jump scene in this episode inspired the term "jumping the shark," the point at which a television series begins to decline in quality or loses its earlier appeal.