While there’s no question that the 1970s were responsible for many, many embarrassing things, one phenomenon for which the decade has no need to apologise is that of the made-for-television movie. In 1969, the ABC network premiered its Tuesday night Movie Of The Week; and so successful did it prove that not only did ABC expand the program to Tuesday and Saturday, but almost forced the other networks to compete by establishing their own MFTV units, as well as prompting an increase in that sort of production by the major motion picture studios.
However, these little films, known for their professionalism and casts of reliable familiar faces, were no mere filler: many of them could boast a remarkable writing pedigree; quite a number dealt seriously with controversial issues, including alcoholism, drug abuse and homosexuality; although at the same time, there is no doubt that fans of genre fare like horror, science fiction and disaster movies were particularly well served.
But then the 80s arrived, and made the 70s seem less embarrasing by comparison. The time of the MFTVM sputtered to a close. It was, indeed, the end of an era; an era that we at the B-Masters intend to spend a full month celebrating. Join us as we relive the memories…and the nightmares.
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#1 by Andy on August 2, 2010 - 2:17 pm
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As someone who has read often, but never commented… I beg, can someone cover the Van Patten (X2!)- Tilton-Helmond classic… “Something” of a Teenage Hitchhiker… Diary?… Warning? I don’t remember exactly, and now that I’m here, I’m not going to bounce to imdb for the exact title. Found it on local indy cable one morning. Nothing short of brilliance. I’d imagine someone could give it the treatment it deserves.
#2 by supersonic on August 4, 2010 - 8:09 pm
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There was a whole series of different “Diary Of A Teenage ” movies, I think on CBS.
#3 by supersonic on August 4, 2010 - 8:10 pm
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That’s supposed to say “Diary Of A Teenage [sexually titillating social role]”.
#4 by maggiesmith on December 4, 2022 - 10:17 am
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Probably Diary of a Teenaged Runaway Alcoholic Hooker.