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The Lives of Benjamin Franklin

  • TV Mini Series
  • 1974–19751974–1975
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
34
YOUR RATING
Episode guide
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • IMDbPro
The Lives of Benjamin Franklin (1974)
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • History
A mini-series made up of four plays, each showing Benjamin Franklin at a different stage in his life. In each episode, Franklin is played by a different actor.A mini-series made up of four plays, each showing Benjamin Franklin at a different stage in his life. In each episode, Franklin is played by a different actor.A mini-series made up of four plays, each showing Benjamin Franklin at a different stage in his life. In each episode, Franklin is played by a different actor.
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
34
YOUR RATING
  • Stars
    • Melvyn Douglas
    • John Bird
    • Honor Blackman
Top credits
  • Stars
    • Melvyn Douglas
    • John Bird
    • Honor Blackman
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 2User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 5 Primetime Emmys
      • 6 wins & 3 nominations total

    Episodes4

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    1 Season

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    Melvyn Douglas
    Melvyn Douglas
    • Benjamin Franklinas Benjamin Franklin
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    John Bird
    John Bird
    • William Whateleyas William Whateley
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Honor Blackman
    Honor Blackman
    • Margaret Stevensonas Margaret Stevenson
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Georgia Brown
    Georgia Brown
    • Mrs Peachumas Mrs Peachum…
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Hurd Hatfield
    Hurd Hatfield
    • John Churchas John Church
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Nigel Havers
    Nigel Havers
    • Benjamin Franklin Bacheas Benjamin Franklin Bache
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Ian Holm
    Ian Holm
    • Wedderburnas Wedderburn
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    David Knight
    David Knight
    • William Franklinas William Franklin
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Roger Livesey
    Roger Livesey
    • Dunningas Dunning
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    David Markham
    David Markham
    • Bishop Shipleyas Bishop Shipley
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    John Neville
    John Neville
    • Hillsboroughas Hillsborough
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Vivian Pickles
    Vivian Pickles
    • Mrs Shipleyas Mrs Shipley…
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Anthony Quayle
    Anthony Quayle
    • Dartmouthas Dartmouth
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Richard Widmark
    Richard Widmark
    • Benjamin Franklinas Benjamin Franklin
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974–1975
    Willie Aames
    Willie Aames
    • Benjamin Franklin at 12as Benjamin Franklin at 12
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974
    Brian Avery
    Brian Avery2 episodes2 eps • 1974
    Edward Bell2 episodes2 eps • 1974
    Sorrell Booke
    Sorrell Booke
    • Cochinas Cochin
    2 episodes2 eps • 1974
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    A mini-series made up of four plays, each showing Benjamin Franklin at a different stage in his life. In each episode, Franklin is played by a different actor.
    • tv mini series
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Genres
      • Biography
      • Drama
      • History
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Connections
      Edited into The Lives of Benjamin Franklin: The Ambassador (1974)

    User reviews2

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - Mini-Series
    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.
    helpful•20
    0
    • Xlegion
    • Sep 19, 2006

    Details

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    • Release date
      • November 21, 1974 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Benjamin Franklin
    • Filming locations
      • CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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