On Wings of Eagles
On Wings of Eagles is a NBC TV mini-series, starring Burt Lancaster - Richard Crenna and directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. The TV series was adapted from Ken Follet's novel of the same name. The plot is set during the Iranian revolution. During the takeover of Iran, the king is overthrown, and two executives of Electronic Data Systems are imprisoned on false charges. The head of the company, Mr. Perot, travels to Tehran to negotiate for their release. Meanwhile, a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel, Arthur Simons, is hired to develop a rescue plan at any cost.
Insights
Plot Summary
This epic miniseries chronicles the true story of Ross Perot's daring mission to rescue two of his employees held captive in Iran during the 1979 revolution. Facing immense political and military obstacles, Perot enlists a team of former Special Forces soldiers to infiltrate the country and extract the men.
Critical Reception
While not a mainstream critical darling, 'On Wings of Eagles' was generally well-received for its dramatic portrayal of a real-life rescue mission and its historical context. The performances, particularly Burt Lancaster's as Ross Perot, were often highlighted as strengths. It resonated with audiences interested in geopolitical thrillers and stories of courage against overwhelming odds.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful narrative and historical significance.
- Burt Lancaster's commanding performance was a standout element.
- Some found the pacing uneven for its extended runtime.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this older miniseries is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The miniseries was based on the book 'On Wings of Eagles' by Ken Follett, which itself was based on the true story of Ross Perot's mission.
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