"Benjamin Franklin" (1974) TV mini-series

Writer:

Loring Mandel (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

21 November 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | History

Plot:

A mini-series made up of four plays each showing Benjamin Franklin at a different stage in his life. In each episode, Franklin is played by a different actor.

Plot Keywords:

TV Mini-Series

Awards:

Won 5 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 3 of 8)

Eddie Albert	...	Benjamin Franklin (1 episode, 1974)
Victor Buono		(1 episode, 1974)
Edward Mulhare		(1 episode, 1974)

Also Known As:

Lives of Ben Franklin (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

USA:90 min (4 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Movie Connections:

Edited into "Benjamin Franklin: The Ambassador (#1.1)" (1974)

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - Mini-Series

What a shame that this terrific little mini-series has never been offered even on video tape let alone DVD. This came out just prior to the American Bi-Centennial and is a hidden gem. The director tried something quite novel and new, in that he composed four different films on Benjamin Franklin highlighting various aspects of Franklin's remarkable achievements.

Beau Bridges plays a "young Franklin" still trying to figure out his way in the world. Eddie Albert plays Franklin "the Diplomat" in a great story about Franklins dealings in Paris trying to get the French to acknowledge American independence after Burgoyne's surrender.

Richard Widmark plays Franklin "The Rebel" getting caught up in the early days of the revolution.

Melvin Douglas plays Franklin as an old man, past his prime but still active.

All we can do is hope that this great series will be released someday for a new generation.