Episode cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ron Silver | ... | Asa Kaufman | |
Hart Bochner | ... | Clifford Byrne | |
Imogen Stubbs | ... | Sarah Atchison | |
Daniel J. Travanti | ... | Jerry Leavy | |
Katherine Borowitz | ... | Joan Kaufman | |
Jonathan Hyde | ... | Sheriff of Nottingham (Robin Hood cast) | |
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Alexander Hanson | ... | Robin Hood (Robin Hood cast) |
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John Labanowski | ... | Little John (Robin Hood cast) |
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Peter Corey | ... | Friar Tuck (Robin Hood cast) |
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Briony McRoberts | ... | Maid Marian (Robin Hood cast) |
Julian Fellowes | ... | D'Arcy | |
Richard Wilson | ... | Sir Hugo Armstrong | |
Doreen Mantle | ... | Landlady | |
David O'Hara | ... | Ronnie Wilson | |
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Allan Mitchell | ... | Ted Sturton |
In Hollywood during the 1950's, screenwriter Asa Kaufman reflects on his Communist associations and knows that he will soon be forced to testify before committees investigating "Un-American" activities. He can no longer find employment in Hollywood anyway, so decides to flee to England and get work there writing children's TV. Soon after arriving, he hears that his best friend since childhood, actor Clifford Byrne, has committed suicide. Asa is sure that this is related to the witch-hunts, and has to find out exactly what the relation is. Written by Anonymous
Seeing adult reactions through the eyes of a child left many unexplained mysteries of the McCarthy era. Friends who grew up in the shadow of the Hollywood blacklist in Los Angeles say that in spite of its flaws, FELLOW TRAVELER provided a perspective they themselves couldn't see at that time.
The movie's only weaknesses were its awkward transitions between time periods and the uneven sound track (sometimes too loud, sometimes too soft) which distracted from the narrative flow. The story itself was told in an honest and well-balanced manner giving both the position of those passionate left-wing activists along with the approaches of the people whose direction they followed.
As a made-for TV movie, FELLOW TRAVELER was probably not widely viewed. I'd strongly recommend it be sought out as a video rental or in bargain bins for anyone seeking a good dramatic portrayal of that tragic but intense period.