This is the story of the happenings at a major bank. The first of which, is that bank President Ben Rosselli (Leonardo Cimino) announces that he is dying, and that with no heir to take his place, he informs the bank's officers that he is letting them choose a successor. The two Vice Presidents, who are the front runners for the job, are Alex Vandervoort (Kirk Douglas) and Roscoe Heyward (Christopher Plummer). Now Alex is not exactly running around looking for support, and Roscoe can only see the benefits the Presidency can give him. So he goes around looking for people who would like to do business with the bank. He goes to George Quartermain (Lorne Greene), who wants the bank to give him more than they are allowed. While most of the board are excited of the possibility of going into business with Quartermain, Alex is the only one who is weary of it, as it's a big risk. Alex is not popular also because, while his wife Celia (Marisa Pavan) is mentally ill and confined to an asylum, he ... Written by <rcs0411@yahoo.com>
I saw this made for TV movie in its entirety in 1976, it was 6 hours long! But when it was ready for syndication, it was pared down to 4 hours. Did they loose the flavor of the original 6 hours? Not a bit. A book about the banking industry (one in particular, FMA, First Mercantile American...a fictional bank from the book) was one of the most satisfying mini-series ever. The adaptation was virtually "page by page" from the Arthur Hailey best selling novel, which made the production an enjoyable one. The cast is all class all the way, you know who they are by looking at the cast line-up, so I won't repeat them here.
Aired in 1976 and produced by Paramount Television, it was beautifully directed and executed. My only wish is to have it air again...being my favorite mini-series of all time!