Rich Man, Poor Man miniseries from 1976
Rich Man Poor Man is the televised interpretation of Irwin Shaw’s best-selling novel. The prime-time release of a soap-opera-like drama had audiences captivated by it’s attractive and relatable characters. The mini-series follows two brothers, Rudy and Tom Jordache, from their childhood to adulthood, as they navigate through their vastly different lives. Rudy is a criminal who must hustle for his meager living, while Tom, a war hero becomes a wealthy successful businessman. The series explores the themes of family and love as well as success and sacrifice.
Unlike today, back in the 70s, men were still predominantly the bread winners in most relationships, so the financial success of men affected the women in their lives more profoundly. Rich Man, Poor Man, as much as it reflected the lives of two men, was very much a story about how the choices made by those men were felt by the women who loved them. The relationships were complex, the characters well developed and multi-dimensional. The female characters were portrayed as strong and determined, but also vulnerable and emotional, eliciting a strong emotional response from the female viewers.
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The romantic relationships were not the only ones of interest. Rich Man Poor Man also explored the theme of motherhood. The Jordache family is portrayed as a close-knit and their mother plays a central role in their lives. The relationship between the mother and her sons was depicted as loving and nurturing, with the mother sacrificing everything for her children. Many female viewers identified with the mother’s love for her children and her unwavering devotion to their well-being.
Finally, despite the societal shift that has changed modern society since Rich Man, Poor Man was written it still holds significance today. The struggles in our interpersonal relationships remains, even if our relative expectations have changed. This series is a classic and still a good watch, if only to give a different perspective on how life’s struggles and our reactions to them affect those around us.
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