The Best of Families (1977– )

Drama set in late 19th-century America, following the lives of three families - one wealthy, one middle-class, and a family of poor Irish immigrants.

Writer:

Naomi Foner (creator)

Stars:

Guy Boyd, William Carden, Alice Drummond

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Credited cast:
Guy Boyd	...	Stephen Rafferty
William Carden	...	Peter Rafferty
Alice Drummond	...	Mabel Baldwin
George Ede	...	Frederick Baldwin
Jill Eikenberry	...	Sarah Lathrop
Peter Evans	...	Wilbur Evans
Clarence Felder	...	Dan Fitzpatrick
Robert P. Fields	...	Young Peter Rafferty
Pauline Flanagan	...	Aline Rafferty
Victor Garber	...	Teddy Wheeler
Sean P. Griffin	...	John Patrick Rafferty
George Hearn	...	Rev. Dupee
John Houseman	...	Host
William Hurt	...	James Lathrop
Suzanne Lederer	...	Maeve Rafferty

Storyline

Drama set in late 19th-century America, following the lives of three families - one wealthy, one middle-class, and a family of poor Irish immigrants.

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Plot Keywords:

immigrant | urban development | tv mini series | architect | new york city | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 October 1977 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Children's Television Workshop (CTW)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Victor Garber replaced Peter Burnell after the first episode.

User Reviews

The History of NYC in 1900

Even after all these years, I still remember how much I enjoyed this mini-series and how much I wish it had been recorded for purchase. The story of the turn of the century in NYC was so well done, with many excellent actors and actresses. Some, like William Hurt and Victor Garber, went on to do many good roles. But none like this series. Everyone in it brought history to life.........the poor class with the Irish family, the male members helping to build the Brooklyn Bridge....the middle class who were living much better and exploring the new world (including the use of the box camera by the wife to record history......and the wealthy class, which included the Roosevelts. Unless someone from the Children's Television Workshop which produced it takes the initiative to make it available, if you have not seen it, you never will. What a blessing to all of us who had the opportunity to see it. A piece of history no longer available.