Capitanes y reyes

This TV miniseries was based on the Taylor Caldwell novel, which was clearly inspired by the Kennedy family, though it takes place in an earlier time; (Irish immigrants, the patriarch's first name was Joseph, he wants his son to be the first Irish Catholic President, need I say more?)

I read the novel and it was fascinating reading, but I liked the series better, as it made the characters more compassionate. This was especially true of Joseph Armagh, who in the book is colder and more autocratic, as well as unforgiving. In the series, he comes across as more human and with a heart.

Patty Duke was excellent as Joseph's wife, Bernadette, whom he married to fulfill a deathbed promise to her mother, Katherine, his first love. Ironically, he later falls in love with the woman who unwittingly helped bring about her death, by revealing the child she had with Katherine's husband. This will later have disastrous results for Joseph and Bernadette's daughter.

Their eldest child, Rory, represents all Joseph's hopes and ambitions, but his love for a Protestant heiress threatens to topple all Joseph's plans.

Yes, it's a bit of a soap opera, but there's also history, drama and plenty of entertainment, not to mention great acting. One of the best miniseries ever.

Richard Jordan heads a starry cast in "The Captains and the Kings."

After the miniseries format proved popular NBC started a series called "Best Sellers," where impressive casts (mostly TV stars, but this one dug out Henry Fonda) enacted recent popular novels.

Taylor Caldwell's best-selling family-saga novels appeared perfect for this format.

Other best sellers were not so carefully chosen, and the "Best Sellers" series faded away. Occasionally, especially on CBS, classics were adapted for TV. NBC eschewed that stuff and stuck to recent best sellers, but the writers weren't always able to work magic. And few things are more boring than a dull 1970s miniseries. "The Captains and the Kings" is at least capable of sustaining interest; if, in nothing else, the wonder of who would show up next in tiny parts. They were prodigal with talent then. Actors like John Carradine were wasted.

Anyone can look up the impressive (for the 1970s) cast. Of particular interest are rising-star actresses like Blair Brown and, particularly, Jane Seymour. But she doesn't show up until the tail end of the thing.

The story is schmaltzy but that's what made popular novels and miniseries TV back then. Richard Jordan may not be everyone's idea of a great star, but he's the glue holding this remarkable miniseries together.

Finally! Powerful and spectacular miniseries. Marvelous actors, led by the always brilliant Richard Jordan (may he rest in peace) who makes us adore Joseph Armagh before he takes him to a ruthless, power-hungry SOB we still somehow care about. Bit by bit he destroys his life while he thinks he's building it. Harvey Jason is terrific as the only friend who always believes in him. Other supporting actors are the likes of Henry Fonda (brief but absolutely mesmerizing), Vic Morrow, Ray Bolger, Patty Duke Astin, Jane Seymour and a score of others at the top of their craft. Our terrible loss is that so many of them are gone now, but boy, what they left behind. Having so many of them in one work is a genuine treat.

In 1976 I was given a copy of the book by Taylor Caldwell by a dear friend who suggested I read it. I was not too keen initially in reading it , but did find it quickly becoming a book that was difficult to put down. While I usually prefer to watch a movie than read a book, the book added more to the story than the movie. The only problem I have with the movie (my vote as the best mini series ever)is that a list of non-fiction books she listed at the back of the book she used to form her novel are regrettably missing at the end of the movie. Joseph Armagh's recognition of a powerful group of individuals determining national politics so intrigued me that I have spent the last thirty years investigating the concept, beginning with the books she recommends at the end of the book. My world view has been unalterably formed by this historical novel and the subsequent investigations over the ensuing years. While I highly recommend this movie, I would also recommend reading the book and beginning your own search for political insight.

Captains and the Kings is such a rich mini-series. From the first episode to the last you can't help being drawn to the characters. I just got the VHS set and I can tell you that the story holds up as well now as it did in 1976. If you get the chance to see Captains and the Kings, don't pass it up. I guarantee it: you'll be hooked!!