They are joined by the creepy Sam Purchas (Donald Pleasence, in a typically scene-stealing mood). The third episode introduces shunned Mennonite Levi Zendt (Gregory Harrison) who joins a charming Englishman (James Bond to-be Timothy Dalton, on fine form) as they make the long journey across land to Colorado. The two carry the action, establishing contact with Native American tribes, and marrying into them. It also establishes roles for Richard Chamberlain (‘Shogun’/’The Towering Inferno’) and character actor Robert Conrad, who last a little further into the narrative. Raymond Burr (‘Perry Mason’/’Rear Window’) plays the respectable silversmith Bockweiss in the opening episode. For example, we see different interactions between white immigrants and Native Americans, and a later episode includes the American Civil War as its period backdrop. Suffice it to say, the major themes of the history of modern America are included. The plot is impossible to summarise in only a few words, because there are interlinking storylines and threads between characters from different generations. Seemingly everyone who was anyone was clamouring for a part in it. Thus, ‘Centennial’ has a huge cast of ever-changing characters and runs to over twenty-hours of viewing time.Īudacious, ambitious, cinematic in scope and all pulled off with the confidence afforded by an amazing cast and a multi-million dollar budget, there has been little like ‘Centennial’ on television before or since. As the centuries come and go, so too do the characters. Its epic scope attempted to tell the history of modern America as seen through the eyes of one fictional town in Colorado – Centennial.
#Tv series centennial serial#
If you like American history or just shows about the West, I think you will enjoy it.Adapted from James A Michener’s novel of the same name, ‘Centennial’ is a celebrated television serial from 1978 that assembled a cast of established and rapidly rising stars. Two of my best friends, who live in separate cities turned out to be fans also. Over the years, I have used many of the character's names when making a reservation or ordering pizza. I think the actors do a great job with Michener's characters. I have it on VHS and have watched it many times. It is a great story that starts with the Indians, mountain men, fur traders, cowboys, etc. It had a budget of US$25 million, employed four directors and five cinematographers, and featured over 100 speaking parts." It was one of the longest and most ambitious television projects ever attempted at the time (c. It was based on the 1974 novel of the same name by James A. The miniseries follows the history of Centennial, Colorado, from 1795 to the 1970s.
"Centennial is a 12-episode American television miniseries that aired on NBC from October 1978 to February 1979. I spent many hours in a bedside chair with the book. My daughter had just been born and was in Children's hospital in Chicago undergoing surgeries right after her birth. I read the book right before the series started. I am a historian and this is a great series.