Free Country

After All In the Family, but before Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner did this five-episode gem. It's an interesting look at early 20th century America from the perspective of Lithuanian immigrants. It fascinated me! I had never been anyplace the size of NYC. I was oblivious to the existence of a place called Lithuania. Seeing Reiner open each episode as an old man pondering his early days made me want to go pick my grandparents' brains for stories of their childhoods.

Sadly, this brilliant series was short-lived. The early 20th century is not exactly the most popular time period in Hollywood, which makes this show stand out even more. No shoot 'em ups, car chases, scantily-clad bimbos, or many of the things that pass for TV entertainment these days. But it was well-written and engaging. I wish I could see it again.

A post 'Meathead' Rob Reiner stars in this comedy about Ellis Isle era immigrants.

This was funnier than you think.

Despite the obvious sit-com trappings, it really attempted to show how it was for these people.

The supporting cast was top-notch and the setting, although a tad dark, was as good as it could have been for a half hour show.

Reiner owned this one. His comic timing and sometimes OTT manic intensity kept me laughing.

I had seen this during a vacation to Florida back in the summer of '78.

What does it tell you that I never forgot it.

Like our first reviewer here,I saw "Free Country" in 1978 as well. The difference was,I was a ten year old between grades in San Diego, California.

I certainly,though,knew who Rob Reiner was. I had been watching "All In The Family" since about 1974 (although a lot of it was too mature too grasp at the time)and I loved how Reiner played Michael Stivic. Here although not top billed in cast,his directing/producing is.

It was actually my first look at how it may have been for my ancestors coming to America (although many years before 1909). My great grand parents had my Grandmother that year. So,this show gave me a bit of an early eye-opener to that era in American history.

The cast was very funny and the style of comedy is not the in your face at 100 miles an hour style of today. It's well acted,well paced and although short-lived,certainly deserving to be remembered.

I mean,if they can put a lame 4 episode duck like "Pink Lady & Jeff" on DVD,this certainly deserves it more! (END)