In Search of America
Seen it?1971 | 73 min | Drama, TV Movie
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes a story with emotional weight. One to watch when you can give it your full attention.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 13 min. An easy one to fit in on a school night.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.
Michael (Jeff Bridges) drops out of college with the intention of finding himself. When his parents (Carl Betz and Vera Miles) balk, he talks them into joining him in traveling the country and educating themselves about the state of things. They, along with Grandma (Ruth McDevitt) trick out an old Greyhound bus and hit the road. The picaresque plotline brings the family into contact with a variety of colorful characters. The producers of In Search of America never declared outright that the made-for-TV film was intended as a series pilot, but it ends on an ambiguous note with plenty of loose plot ends. In Search of America was first telecast March 23, 1971.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 1K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Bogart
- Carl BetzBen Olson
- Vera MilesJenny Olson
- Jeff BridgesMike Olson
- Ruth McDevittGrandma Rose
- Renne JarrettKathy
- Howard DuffRay Chandler
- Kim HunterCora Chandler
- Sal MineoNick
- Michael Anderson Jr.J.J.
- Tyne DalyAnne