The Man and the City
The Man and the City is a dramatic television series which was aired on the ABC television network as part of its Fall 1971 lineup from September 15, 1971 to January 5, 1972. The Man and the City stars the well-known Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn as Thomas Jefferson Alcala, the long-term Hispanic mayor of a major but unidentified city in the Southwestern United States. Quinn's WASP deputy, Andy Hays, was portrayed by Mike Farrell. Hays' main role was to make sure that the well-meaning Mayor Alcala did not become so engrossed in aiding individual constituents with their problems that he failed to address the issues facing the city as a whole. Despite the vast talents of Quinn and the earnest Farrell, The Man and the City was a Nielsen ratings failure, finishing third in its Wednesday night time slot against the hit private eye show Mannix and the Rod Serling anthology series Night Gallery, and was cancelled at midseason.
Insights
Plot Summary
Thomas 'Tom' Braden is a crusading journalist working for a major metropolitan newspaper in Los Angeles. He is dedicated to exposing corruption and injustice within the city. Each episode typically sees him investigating a different story, often involving organized crime, political corruption, or social issues, bringing these hidden truths to light through his reporting.
Critical Reception
The Man and the City was a critically acclaimed drama series that tackled mature themes and presented realistic portrayals of urban life and crime. While it ran for only one season, it was praised for its writing, performances, and its willingness to delve into complex social issues, earning a respectable following during its broadcast.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty realism and mature storytelling.
- Anthony Franciosa's performance as the determined journalist was a standout.
- Addressed relevant social and criminal issues of the time effectively.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the show's intelligent writing and compelling narratives that felt ahead of their time. Many appreciated the serious tone and the focus on investigative journalism as a central theme.
Fun Fact
The series was originally developed as a potential vehicle for actor Tony Curtis before Anthony Franciosa was cast in the lead role.
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