Then Came Bronson

• Director: William A. Graham
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Drama
• Main Cast: Bonnie Bedelia, Akim Tamiroff, Gary Merrill, Sheree North
• Release Year: 1968
• Country: US
• Run Time: 100 minutes

Plot

This pilot film for the 1969-1970 TV series Then Came Bronson stars Michael Parks in the title role. A young, ambitious journalist, Bronson realigns his priorities after his best friend (Martin Sheen) commits suicide. Borrowing a page from Kerouac, Bronson gives up the rat race for the road. He mounts his friend's motorcycle, speeding up and down the California coastline in search of life's meaning. Along the way, he meets a runaway bride (Bonnie Bedelia) who briefly joins him on his odyssey. The best sequence takes place in a nomad encampment, presided over by Zorba-like Akim Tamiroff. Everyone who grew up in the late-'60s seems to have fond memories of the series; why, then, was the show canceled after only one season? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

• Bonnie Bedelia - Temple Brooks
• Akim Tamiroff - Papa Bear
• Gary Merrill - Inspector Otis
• Sheree North - Gloria Oresko

Martin Sheen - Nick Oresko; Bert Freed - Editor Carson; Michael Patrick Bell - Petty; Peter Brocco - Stationmaster; Woodrow Chambliss - EAN; Gene Dynarski - Boots; Ted Gehring - Diner Owner; Bruce Mars - Troy; Art Metrano; Michael Parks - James Bronson; Stu Klitsher - Businessman; Stanley Schneider - Deputy

Credit

George W. Davis - Art Director, Gabriel Scognamillo - Art Director, Fred Gammon - First Assistant Director, William A. Graham - Director, Hugh S. Fowler - Editor, Albert P. Wilson - Editor, Ray Flin - Cinematographer, Robert H. Justman - Producer, Henry W. Grace - Set Designer, Hugh S. Fowler - Sound/Sound Designer, Albert P. Wilson - Sound/Sound Designer, Franklin E. Milton - Sound/Sound Designer, Denne Petticlerc - Teleplay By