The Lives of Benjamin Franklin (TV Mini-Series 1974)

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.