FORGOTTEN TELEVISION: THE LIVES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1974-1975)

THE LIVES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1974-1975) – This was a series of four 90-minute (with commercials) dramas depicting America’s magnificently unorthodox genius at various stages of his life. Eddie Albert and Melvyn Douglas (husband of Helen Gahagan Douglas) depicted Franklin in his 70s and 80s, with flashback storylines in each episode. The Lives of Benjamin Franklin won five Primetime Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series.

Glenn Jordan directed, while Edward Adler, Howard Fast and Loring Mandel wrote the episodes. 

ONE: THE AMBASSADOR (Nov 21st, 1974) – The title is a bit deceptive as this episode’s emphasis is on the way cosmopolitan experiences in his youth prepared Benjamin Franklin for his later career in diplomatic posts, including Ambassador. Believe it or not Willie Aames portrays Franklin at age twelve. 

Also starring in The Ambassador were Alexis Smith, Clive Revill, Gig Young, Rene Auberjonois, Frank Langella, Victor Buono and Edward Mulhare.

TWO: THE WHIRLWIND (Dec 17th, 1974) – From Printer’s Apprentice and onward to businessman and ultimately politician, Benjamin Franklin is a virtual dynamo. Willie Aames, Beau Bridges and Lloyd Bridges portray Franklin at various stages of his professional life.

Also starring in The Whirlwind were Sorrell Booke, Susan Sarandon, Bruce Davison, Perry King, Will Geer and Keene Curtis.

THREE: THE REBEL (Jan 9th, 1975) – The title says it all. Benjamin Franklin proves vital to many aspects of America’s Revolutionary War, from political gamesmanship to joining the Declaration of Independence Committee during the Continental Congress to schmoozing with potential European allies and more. Richard Widmark is Franklin the Rebel.

Also starring in this installment were Honor Blackman (as Independence Galore), Ian Holm, Georgia Brown, Anthony Quayle, John Neville and Vivian Pickles.

FOUR: THE STATESMAN (Jan 28th, 1975) – Melvyn Douglas shines as the literal Elder Statesman Benjamin Franklin in this final episode. The great man’s role in post-Revolutionary War America is depicted, with him appropriately living until 1790, the early stages of the U.S. at last settling in under the Constitutional Order that endures to this day.

Also starring were WILLIAM SHATNER, Michael Learned, David Wayne, Anthony Zerbe, George Gaines, Elizabeth Cheshire and Sheree North.   

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