Call to Glory
Call to Glory is an American drama series created by Ronald M. Cohen, and starring Craig T. Nelson as USAF Colonel Raynor Sarnac and his family as they navigated the political tensions and military duties of the early 1960s. Heavily promoted during ABC's broadcast of the 1984 Summer Olympics, the two-part pilot aired August 13, 1984. The first episode is related to the U-2 flights over Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. During production, the plot came to focus more on the loneliness experienced by wife Vanessa while stationed on base and what she and the family would do to spend time in productive pursuits while enduring the Antelope Valley's isolation from civilization. The series, set near Edwards Air Force Base, blended historical events with the challenges of military family life, featuring themes of duty, family relationships, and the looming Vietnam War.
Insights
Plot Summary
The story follows the interwoven lives of American and Vietnamese families during the tumultuous Vietnam War era. It explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the devastating personal costs of conflict as characters navigate divided loyalties and uncertain futures. The narrative focuses on the profound impact of the war on individuals and their relationships, both on and off the battlefield.
Critical Reception
Call to Glory received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics acknowledged the ambitious scope and the attempt to portray the human element of the Vietnam War, many found the miniseries to be melodramatic and lacking in depth. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with few viewers connecting with the characters or the narrative's portrayal of the conflict.
What Reviewers Say
- Criticized for its overwrought melodrama and uneven pacing.
- Seen as a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed depiction of the Vietnam War's impact on families.
- Lacked the nuance and critical insight needed to elevate it beyond typical war drama tropes.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Call to Glory' are scarce, but available comments suggest a generally unimpressed viewership who found the miniseries to be a predictable and uninspired war drama.
Fun Fact
Despite its large scope and cast, 'Call to Glory' did not receive any major award nominations or wins.
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