Thicker than Water
Thicker than Water is an American short-lived 1973 sitcom that aired on ABC from July 3, 1973 to August 8, 1973, based on the UK sitcom Nearest and Dearest. It starred Julie Harris and Richard Long, telling the story of a brother and sister who run "Paine's Pure Pickels", a pickle factory, in order to claim a 75,000-dollar inheritance from their father Jonas.
Insights
Plot Summary
A former Vietnam POW, now a successful attorney, struggles to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter after her mother dies. He finds her withdrawn and rebellious, and their attempts to bond are further complicated by the daughter's burgeoning relationship with an older man and the father's lingering trauma from his wartime experiences.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television drama received a mixed reception, with praise for its attempts to tackle complex family dynamics and the psychological impact of war, but some criticism for its pacing and predictable plot points. It is often remembered for its performances, particularly Robert Culp's portrayal of a haunted veteran.
What Reviewers Say
- The film effectively explores the emotional toll of war and its aftermath on family relationships.
- Robert Culp delivers a compelling performance as a troubled protagonist.
- While touching on important themes, the narrative occasionally suffers from melodrama and a lack of originality.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a successful anthology series for ABC, often featuring prominent actors and tackling socially relevant themes for the era.
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