Of Mice and Men (TV 1981)

A TV adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel. George and Lenny travel through the Depression-era west working at odd jobs, hoping to make enough money to buy their own farm. George must always... See full summary »

Director:

Reza Badiyi

Writers:

John Steinbeck (novel), Eugene Solow,

Stars:

Robert Blake, Randy Quaid, Lew Ayres

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Robert Blake	...	George Milton
Randy Quaid	...	Lenny Small
Lew Ayres	...	Candy
Mitch Ryan	...	Slim
Ted Neeley	...	Curley
Cassie Yates	...	Curley's Wife
Pat Hingle	...	Jackson
Whitman Mayo	...	Crooks
Dennis Fimple	...	Whit
Pat Corley	...	Carlson
Sondra Blake	...	Girl

Storyline

A TV adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel. George and Lenny travel through the Depression-era west working at odd jobs, hoping to make enough money to buy their own farm. George must always watch over his mentally retarded friend, and keep him out of danger, both to himself and to others. After they take a new job at a ranch, Lenny gets into far more trouble than George can talk his way out of, leaving George to decide whether to help him, or leave him to his fate.

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Plot Keywords:

migrant worker | accidental killing | man child | great depression | title based on poem | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 November 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hiiriä ja ihmisiä

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metromedia Productions, Of Mice and Men Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lou Ferrigno was originally supposed to play Lenny Small, but was forced to back out of the project because he had to return to work on The Incredible Hulk earlier than expected.

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Goofs

In Crook's place, after Curly's wife leaves, a boom mic is visible at the top of the screen.

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Connections

Version of Möss och människor (1977)

User Reviews

Excellent adaptation

I haven't seen this in a long time, but I recall that Blake was outstanding. His "George" became a reference point for all other versions. I should point out that I became a fan of Steinbeck's books after seeing this. I felt that Blake did great justice to the character. Blake is completely convincing as a guy who's been through a lot and carries the world on his shoulders, yet remains warm-hearted (probably because that's very much like the man himself). His ability to portray this type of character also probably accounts for his great success with his Baretta character, which I enjoyed when it first ran back in the 70s.