Fletcher Allen Movies

Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy is a TV dramatization of the notorious Cold War incident of 1960. The story is told from the point of view of Powers (Lee Majors), an American pilot who was shot down over Russia while taking photographs on behalf of the CIA. The event occurs just before a crucial summit meeting between American President Dwight D. Eisenhower (James Flavin) and Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev (Thayer David). Eisenhower tries to cover up the incident, allowing Khrushchev to make propagandistic hay of the whole affair. Robert E. Thompson's teleplay tends to depict the Americans as jerks, and the Russians as essentially good guys; even Powers' Soviet interrogator, portrayed by Nehemiah Persoff, comes off comparatively sympathetic. Also in the cast are Noah Beery as Powers' father and Lew Ayres as Allen Dulles. Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy was originally telecast September 29, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Hoss Cartwright's testimony results in a prison term for the husband of alcoholic dance-hall girl Jill Conway (Susan Tyrell). Motivated by a combination of resentment and desperation, Jill leaves her son Petey (Johnny Lee) in Hoss' care. At first prepared to adopt the abandoned boy, Hoss opts instead to give the dissolute Mrs. Conway a second chance. Also appearing are Arthur O'Connell as Dr. Hubert and Ford Rainey as Judge Simms. Written by Ward Hawkins, "Fallen Woman" first aired September 26, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Assigned to write a book report on The Three Musketeers, Beaver (Jerry Mathers) characteristically puts off starting to read the book until the last minute. In desperation, Beaver tries to take a shortcut by watching a movie version of the classic book, which is conveniently running on TV the night before the report is due. Unfortunately, Beaver has chosen to view the 1939 musical comedy adaptation of The Three Musketeers -- considerably revamped as a vehicle for the zany Ritz Brothers! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi