"The Old Man who Cried Wolf" was a TV movie made in 1970. Starring Edward G. Robinson and Martin Balsam, as father and son, it's a story of fear, sorrow and courage.
Edward G. had proved himself as an actor long before this was made. He played mobsters, editors, doctors, cops, G-men, farmers, ranchers, Nazi-hunters and a Monk. Looking at his film resume I think he was a very busy actor. Having seen most of his movies I think he was a very talented actor.
Martin Balsam has been a stand-up character actor for many years. "12 Angry Men" (1957) was a favorite of mine. "Raid on Entebbe" (1977) was also good.
In this movie, Emile Pulska (Edward G.) was an elderly gentleman who went to visit his old friend, Abe Stillman (Sam Jaffe). During their visit the men are attacked by a "thug" and Emile is knocked out. When Emile awakens, in the hospital, he learns that his friend is dead. He tells his story to Stanley, his son, and the police. He was concerned about the beating, and Abe's death, but he wasn't believed. Abe died of "natural causes". Just ask the only surviving witness.
Once it was learned by the "thug" that Emile survived the attack the old gentleman's life was not worth a "plug nickel". Since he was not believed, by his family or the authorities, Emile had no choice but to help himself. He wasn't safe because he was being stalked. By whom? The creep? Someone who might want to protect the creep? Hummm, good question don't you think?
A very worthwhile "ABC Movie of the Week".
Edward G. had proved himself as an actor long before this was made. He played mobsters, editors, doctors, cops, G-men, farmers, ranchers, Nazi-hunters and a Monk. Looking at his film resume I think he was a very busy actor. Having seen most of his movies I think he was a very talented actor.
Martin Balsam has been a stand-up character actor for many years. "12 Angry Men" (1957) was a favorite of mine. "Raid on Entebbe" (1977) was also good.
In this movie, Emile Pulska (Edward G.) was an elderly gentleman who went to visit his old friend, Abe Stillman (Sam Jaffe). During their visit the men are attacked by a "thug" and Emile is knocked out. When Emile awakens, in the hospital, he learns that his friend is dead. He tells his story to Stanley, his son, and the police. He was concerned about the beating, and Abe's death, but he wasn't believed. Abe died of "natural causes". Just ask the only surviving witness.
Once it was learned by the "thug" that Emile survived the attack the old gentleman's life was not worth a "plug nickel". Since he was not believed, by his family or the authorities, Emile had no choice but to help himself. He wasn't safe because he was being stalked. By whom? The creep? Someone who might want to protect the creep? Hummm, good question don't you think?
A very worthwhile "ABC Movie of the Week".