Rich Man, Poor Man

1976
Rich Man, Poor Man

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

EP1 Chapters 1 Feb 01, 1976

As World War II ends, a 20 year odyssey begins for brothers Rudy and Tom Jordache. Two brothers couldn't be more opposite as they compete for the attention of their bitter, embattled immigrant parents. Rudy is hard at work at the family bakery trying to figure a way to pay for college, while Tom gets caught in pranks and fights. As Rudy prepares for graduation from high school, events begin to set each on a path of his own. It's the beginning of an unforgettable tale of two destinies that although quite different, can never be separated.

EP2 Chapters 2 Feb 01, 1976

Rudy's dispute with his childhood sweetheart Julie leads her into the arms of the town playboy. On one of his escapades Tom discovers the affair, but his misguided efforts to alert Rudy result in disaster. This latest mishap is the last straw for Tom's iron-willed father as he orders Tom out of the house.

EP3 Chapter 3 Feb 02, 1976

Tom's flight from home led him to California to live with his uncle. While living there, Tom discovers love with Clothilde the housekeeper. But happiness doesn't last long for Tom as he sets out on the road again. Back in Port Phillip, Rudy meets up with local playboy Teddy Boylan and Julie's name comes up in what seems to Rudy a mystifying conversation. Julie has followed her dream to New York where she finds her first break-and a new romance.

EP4 Chapter 4 Feb 02, 1976

Trouble continues to follow Tom as he gets involved with young Teresa who becomes pregnant and names him as the father. Because she is a minor, Tom is arrested for statutory rape. Tom's father Axel reluctantly pays off Teresa's father to drop the charges and Tom takes flight again. Axel had planned to finance Rudy's small ski shop, but spent his savings paying off Teresa's father.

EP5 Chapter 5 Feb 09, 1976

Tom's new life with Theresa begins to bring the happiness that has eluded him. Theresa gives birth to their son, Wesley, and Tom achieves early success as a prizefighter. Upon graduation, Rudy begins his business career after a surprising meeting with Duncan Calderwood. Rudy has since met up with Julie again. After an awkward reacquaintance, Rudy learns of the difficult choices Julie must now make in her life.

EP6 Chapter 6 Feb 16, 1976

After an unsuccessful attempt at saving his marriage and keeping his family together, Tom returns to the boxing ring. But his affair with a new woman draws him deep into boxings dangerous underworld. Rudy's business career has taken off and he turns his attention to winning over Julie once more. But Julie is not fully recovered from her rocky marriage. She and Rudy must deal with problems from the past that come back to haunt her.

EP7 Chapter 7 Feb 23, 1976

Rudy's ambitious business proposal to Calderwood takes some unexpected turns. Help comes from an unlikely source and Rudy must make a difficult decision. Tom continues to enjoy success in the boxing ring. Rudy's surprise appearance at one of Tom's bouts proves to be a difficult encounter as the brothers discover that their differences remain after many years. Rudy struggles in his renewed relationship with Julie, while Tom confronts his own family problems.

EP8 Chapter 8 Mar 01, 1976

Willie Abbott's (Julie's son) return threatens Rudy's relationship with Julie, forcing Rudy to take action. Ginny Calderwood's vow to get back at Rudy for spurning her affection results in a heated confrontaion between Rudy and Duncan Calderwood. Tom, still on the run from boxings underworld, steps up his search for his wife and son. His desperate efforts lead to dangerous close calls. As the underworld intestifies its mnhunt for Tom, he is forced to flee farther than ever before.

EP9 Chapter 9 Mar 08, 1976

As Rudy breaks up his partnership with Duncan Calderwood, he considers a career in politics. But first he realizes his longtime dream of marrying Julie. Tom continues his life away at sea, constantly on the move. On his latest ship he confronts a vicious foe in Falconetti, while beginning a friendship with Roy Dwyer. As Rudy's campaign heats up, he and Julie are forced to confront the many demands and strains of a political career.

EP10 Chapter 10 Mar 08, 1976

Tom's troubles with Falconetti continue, leading to a bloody confrontation and forcing Tom to flee. While hiding out in New York, Tom receives a surprise visit from Rudy and learns that their mother is dying. The brothers travel together to their mother's bedside and their is a brief reunion before she dies. After the funeral, an awkward encounter between the family and Teddy Boylan revives old memories.

EP11 Chapter 11 Mar 15, 1976

As Rudy's political career thrives, Julie continues her battle with drinking. A bad break for Tom turns into good luck when he meets Kay and they begin to fall in love. Rudy contacts Tom with good news: Tom's troubles with the underworld are over and Rudy has located Tom's son Wes. Tom rushes home where he and Wes have an awkward reunion. Julie's concerns about her own son Billy prove accurate as their visit ends poorly. Tom and Wes grow closer until a boating accident threatens to separate father and son once more.

EP12 Chapter 12 Mar 15, 1976

The dramatic conclusion of RICH MAN, POOR MAN BOOK 1.
8.2| 0h30m| en| More Info
Released: 01 February 1976 Ended
Producted By: Universal Television
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

Based on the best-selling 1969 novel by Irwin Shaw, the series follows the divergent career courses of the impoverished German American Jordache brothers.

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Reviews

BaileySEA I never watched Rich Man, Poor Man until right now, never got a chance to see it back in 1976. But it was worth the wait. And I definitely see why it was so award laden at the time. Especially refreshing was Susan Blakely as Julie Prescott. One thing I can say is that the female characters seemed to be woven from the same neurotic cloth. And everyone seems to have a jaundiced view of life, even Rudy Jordache. As written in the teleplay, it is heavy handed and can seem overly depressing at times. Ed Asner has a repetitively boorish role but is convincing as hardened by life patriarch Axel Jordache. Everyone involved seems to be too old for their roles, but what the heck, it's Peter Strauss, a young neophyte Nick Nolte, Talia Shire, Ed Asner, Robert Reed, Ray Milland, Kim Darby, and the great Dorothy McGuire. And a smarmy Bill Bixby. All in all, not bad.
khamble A huge favorite with college students and adults. People quickly formed parties around the series. It was an amazing part of television history. People talked about the show all week long waiting for the next installment. The use of established stars and new faces created a great deal of believability in the story line. Shows like Dallas, Dynasty, and other miniseries like Roots owe their success to Rich Man, Poor Man. America was glued to the miniseries format. The use of real historic events created the feeling that the author was relating true events to you through the characters. Successful television shows and movies, such as Wonder Years and Forrest Gump, have applied this format.
tjshan1214 I think it is incredible that this milestone of television history still has not been released in the US on DVD. The 30th anniversary of the first broadcast of the mini-series has come and gone. It would have been a golden opportunity to release it. I would also hope that they would do it right, with background and "making of" segments. Interviews with the main actors would be a nice touch as well. All of the other highly rated mini-series from the '70s, '80s and '90s have been released on DVD; what is the holdup on this one? I am amazed at some of the lousy television shows which are released on DVD, yet no RMPM. I managed to tape the show when the old Family Channel showed it ten years ago (to commemorate the 20th anniversary!). When I watch it I am impressed with how it has held up over the years. The acting was good, the story was solid. They took a good book by Irwin Shaw, made some changes and improved it. This is a great mini-series and it should definitely be shared with a new generation.
eratony Does anyone remember the 1976 series Rich man,poor man?Irecently bought the VHS tapes and thoroughly enjoyed watching it again.However, I definitely remember little bits and pieces that were not in these tapes.I also remember Rudy avenging his brother's death (Tom) at the hands of Falconneti.Did I imagine this?To say the least,it was very disappointing to watch 12 hours of this and not see the ending which I do remember very well.Almost like reading a book all the way through and then finding out the last chapter is missing.If anybody else has noticed this.please mail me at [email protected] Also remember Rudy saying"give me a million dollars and I'll make another million",or something to that effect.