In Search of America

Overview

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.

Details

Cast

Carl Betz

Ben Olson

Vera Miles

Jenny Olson

Jeff Bridges

Mike Olson

Ruth McDevitt

Grandma Rose

Renne Jarrett

Kathy

Howard Duff

Ray Chandler

Kim Hunter

Cora Chandler

Sal Mineo

Nick

Michael Anderson Jr.

J.J.

Tyne Daly

Anne

Glynn Turman

Bodhi

Chris Gilmore

Girl

George D. Wallace

Clarence

Mary Gail Hobbs

Claire

Jeff Siggins

Announcer

Ken Sylk

Skipper

Tom Baker

Doctor

James Gavin

Helicopter Pilot

Paul Jabara

Soundman