The Lives of Benjamin Franklin

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.

I remember this, along with many other bi-centennial TV productions, with great fondness. They were made in a much less cynical era (even though Vietnam was a fresh memory in people's minds.) This one was striking in casting, script, acting, everything. I would love to have a copy or see it on a streaming service. In fact, I think that a streaming service could do well with gathering all of the TV specials of this era along with the Bi-centennial minutes, etc. Very well done with this one. Highly recommend.