The Best of Times (1981)

The Best of Times Poster

This ABC pilot starred 7 teenagers in a 80's style Laugh-In. It told the light and dark side of teenage thoughts with dancing and singing added in for color.

Introduction
The 1981 film "The very best of Times" is an American made-for-television film from Warner Bros., directed by Don Mischer and written by Michael Norell. It's a distinct combination of funny, drama, and musical that takes us on a classic journey through the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

Story
The film is about the life and times of 2 pals, defining their lives through the years of their high school days in the 1940s to the adult years in the 50s and 60s. Nicholas Matuschka (William Devane) and Charles Devlin (Richard Thomas) star as the two best friends, who, regardless of their distinctions, share a deep bond that endures different life-changing occasions.

1940s - Beginning of an Adventure
In the first act, Nicholas "Pic" Matuschka and Charles "Charley" Devlin are high school students in the 1940s era. They share great deals of unforgettable adventures together while dealing with problems of their age, such as dating and school. A specific event involves them stealing a teacher's vehicle for a joyride, which results in a significant repercussion.

1950s-- Growing Pains
Moving on into the 1950s, Pic and Charley navigate through the ups and downs of young the adult years. The world has changed with new music, mindsets, and social norms. The buddies face their individual struggles. Photo gets wed to his sweetie Sharon, while Charley, a medical trainee, struggles with the obligation weighing on his shoulders. With Charley sensation increasingly isolated, the friendship in between the set strains.

1960s-- Rediscovering Friendship
The film's last third takes us into the 1960s. Much has actually changed in twenty years. Picture, now a father, battles with the characteristics of fathership and married life. On the other hand, Charley, who is now a successful medical professional, realizes product success is not providing him the happiness he seeks. It is at this phase that the fallout between the 2 buddies gets dealt with. The duo reconciles and finds their bond in spite of the modifications and obstacles every one has actually dealt with.

Unforgettable Musical Score
"The Best of Times" includes an unforgettable score by famous music composer Marvin Hamlisch, which sets the tone of each decade completely. From the dance-centric 40s, the soothing 50s, and the rebellious 60s - each era comes alive with Hamlisch's music.

Conclusion
The story of "The Best of Times" is a lovely and sentimental representation of the American way of life in the mid-20th century. The film portrays three distinct durations in America's history, showing the modifications and constants in friends' lives throughout the years. Its comedic, remarkable, and musical components blend together wonderfully to develop a heart-warming, feel-good film that delivers on many levels. Despite their differences and the time's turbulence, the enduring friendship in between Pic and Charley provides the film its psychological core.

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