Once again, I’ve been remiss in my duties of touching base with y’all. It’s been three weeks since my last visit and my Wifey Lynndee has threatened to fire me if I don’t get busy and remain on schedule, meaning writing one post a week, every Wednesday. And she’s the boss around here, so here goes! 🙂
I’ll admit, there are many times that I try to wiggle out of doing my writing duties, the reason being that I feel that I may be boring y’all with my constant references to old television, movies, books and music. I’ll have to admit that I’ve been more drawn to visiting my old days after I had my experience of visiting the other side of life when I had my heart attack. That’s the thing about nostalgia, it’s almost like time travel for it takes you back to memorable times.
Lonesome Dove
And just recently, while watching TV, I was given a chance to do some time travel. Scrolling through upcoming programs, I ran across a listing for the 1985 CBS miniseries Lonesome Dove. I so remember that event; my Mama and I faithfully watched and loved it.
The series was based upon the novel by Larry McMurtry, which went on to win the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Other works by McMurtry turned into movies include Hud, The Last Picture Show and Terms of Endearment. Needless to say, I’ve read all those books as well as having seen the movies.
But Lonesome Dove was extra special. The two main character were portrayed by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. And to me, Duvall gave one of his best performances ever, matched by Tommy Lee’s acting. Of course, after watching the miniseries again I dug out my old paperback copy of the novel and reread it with great pleasure.
Once an Eagle
While digging through my old books, I also found a copy of Once an Eagle, by Anton Myrer, which was also turned into a 1976 NBC television miniseries. The main character in it was portrayed by Sam Elliot, the first time I’d ever seen him. And of course, I just recently finished rereading this one. And then I went online to search for the miniseries and I was fortunate to find it at Amazon. So you know that I have been revisiting my past by watching this 9-hour miniseries.
Ironically, 1976 was a big year for miniseries based on books. NBC began it with what was called the NBC Best Seller Series, which included Once an Eagle as well as Captains and the Kings, based on a 1972 historical novel by Taylor Caldwell. This series featured Richard Jordan and Patty Duke in an all-star cast covering a story that was compared to the history of the Kennedy family.
And ABC jumped on the bandwagon by producing the Irwin Shaw novel Rich Man, Poor Man, starring Peter Strauss and Nick Nolte, in his film debut, the first time I’d seem both these actors.
Of course, I’ve read these books, as well, though I no longer have copies of them. I may, however, try to get hold of ’em again, as well as seeing if copies of the miniseries are available. Needless to say, I was in my own personal heaven when these novels were turned into visuals on the screen, the last time that the television networks truly tried to entertain with truly dramatic and interesting fare.
And, that’s all, folks! If I’m a good boy, maybe I’ll see y’all again this time next week…(“,)
I admit, I didn’t watch these. I have heard of Lonesome Dove though.
Lonesome Dove was a favorite of mine, along with The Man from Snowy River. I may have to revisit those soon. I’ll also check out Once an Eagle– it looks really good!
I never saw Lonesome Dove but will try and see it when I have a break now that Orange is over. It is good to get all those older miniseries which were so great when they were first run.
It’s been a while since I’ve watched Lonesome Dove but I remember really enjoying the series. The novel might be a good summer read for me.
I always enjoy seeing the movie version of a book I’ve read. I am sometimes disappointed but not always.
My dad was a huge Lonesome Dove fan. I never really got into it, but when I am missing my dad, I play it in the background.
What great reads! They’ll activate a wonderful warm feeling of nostalgia.
This sounds like such an awesome series. My husband is a big fan of television shows of yesteryear and he would really enjoy Lonesome Dove!
Wow, these are all pretty nostalgic. It will take you back to the good old days indeed. I love them all.
I remember Lonesome Dove it was a great miniseries. I watched the Sam Elliot movie with my father years ago.
Sounds good to read this book. I am definitely giving it a try, thanks for sharing!
My husband told me about the Lonesome Dove, it starred two of his favorite actors. I wish I could see the movie.
I saw the movie Lonesome Dove when I was younger. I want to read the book.
I recognize the title, but have not watched it before. Looks like a good read and thing to watch.
My whole family loves watching tv series as well. I recognize Lonesome Dove even though I haven’t seen the movie or read the book.
I love going down memory lane and thinking about all the great memories from my childhood. I have never seen Lonesome Dove or read the book, but I have heard about it. I love to check it out.
I don’t know anything about this movie! I am sure that my husband watched it. I’ll ask him!
I am not familiar with any of these, although Lonesome Dove does sound vaguely familiar. It is fun to look back and reminisce!