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.