Series
Rich Man, Poor Man
“The story of the Jordache brothers, whose lives follow very different paths.”
DramaSoap
Based on the best-selling 1969 novel by Irwin Shaw, the series follows the divergent career courses of the impoverished German American Jordache brothers.
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Seasons & episodes
1Chapters 11 Feb 1976 · 60mAs World War II ends, a 20 year odyssey begins for brothers Rudy and Tom Jordache. Two brothers couldn't be more opposite as they compete for the attention of their bitter, embattled immigrant parents. Rudy is hard at work at the family bakery trying to figure a way to pay for college, while Tom gets caught in pranks and fights. As Rudy prepares for graduation from high school, events begin to set each on a path of his own. It's the beginning of an unforgettable tale of two destinies that although quite different, can never be separated.
2Chapters 21 Feb 1976 · 60mRudy's dispute with his childhood sweetheart Julie leads her into the arms of the town playboy. On one of his escapades Tom discovers the affair, but his misguided efforts to alert Rudy result in disaster. This latest mishap is the last straw for Tom's iron-willed father as he orders Tom out of the house.
3Chapter 32 Feb 1976 · 60mTom's flight from home led him to California to live with his uncle. While living there, Tom discovers love with Clothilde the housekeeper. But happiness doesn't last long for Tom as he sets out on the road again. Back in Port Phillip, Rudy meets up with local playboy Teddy Boylan and Julie's name comes up in what seems to Rudy a mystifying conversation. Julie has followed her dream to New York where she finds her first break-and a new romance.
4Chapter 42 Feb 1976 · 60mTrouble continues to follow Tom as he gets involved with young Teresa who becomes pregnant and names him as the father. Because she is a minor, Tom is arrested for statutory rape. Tom's father Axel reluctantly pays off Teresa's father to drop the charges and Tom takes flight again. Axel had planned to finance Rudy's small ski shop, but spent his savings paying off Teresa's father.
5Chapter 59 Feb 1976 · 60mTom's new life with Theresa begins to bring the happiness that has eluded him. Theresa gives birth to their son, Wesley, and Tom achieves early success as a prizefighter. Upon graduation, Rudy begins his business career after a surprising meeting with Duncan Calderwood. Rudy has since met up with Julie again. After an awkward reacquaintance, Rudy learns of the difficult choices Julie must now make in her life.
6Chapter 616 Feb 1976 · 60mAfter an unsuccessful attempt at saving his marriage and keeping his family together, Tom returns to the boxing ring. But his affair with a new woman draws him deep into boxings dangerous underworld. Rudy's business career has taken off and he turns his attention to winning over Julie once more. But Julie is not fully recovered from her rocky marriage. She and Rudy must deal with problems from the past that come back to haunt her.
7Chapter 723 Feb 1976 · 60mRudy's ambitious business proposal to Calderwood takes some unexpected turns. Help comes from an unlikely source and Rudy must make a difficult decision. Tom continues to enjoy success in the boxing ring. Rudy's surprise appearance at one of Tom's bouts proves to be a difficult encounter as the brothers discover that their differences remain after many years. Rudy struggles in his renewed relationship with Julie, while Tom confronts his own family problems.
8Chapter 81 Mar 1976 · 60mWillie Abbott's (Julie's son) return threatens Rudy's relationship with Julie, forcing Rudy to take action. Ginny Calderwood's vow to get back at Rudy for spurning her affection results in a heated confrontaion between Rudy and Duncan Calderwood. Tom, still on the run from boxings underworld, steps up his search for his wife and son. His desperate efforts lead to dangerous close calls. As the underworld intestifies its mnhunt for Tom, he is forced to flee farther than ever before.
9Chapter 98 Mar 1976 · 60mAs Rudy breaks up his partnership with Duncan Calderwood, he considers a career in politics. But first he realizes his longtime dream of marrying Julie. Tom continues his life away at sea, constantly on the move. On his latest ship he confronts a vicious foe in Falconetti, while beginning a friendship with Roy Dwyer. As Rudy's campaign heats up, he and Julie are forced to confront the many demands and strains of a political career.
10Chapter 108 Mar 1976 · 60mTom's troubles with Falconetti continue, leading to a bloody confrontation and forcing Tom to flee. While hiding out in New York, Tom receives a surprise visit from Rudy and learns that their mother is dying. The brothers travel together to their mother's bedside and their is a brief reunion before she dies. After the funeral, an awkward encounter between the family and Teddy Boylan revives old memories.
11Chapter 1115 Mar 1976 · 60mAs Rudy's political career thrives, Julie continues her battle with drinking. A bad break for Tom turns into good luck when he meets Kay and they begin to fall in love. Rudy contacts Tom with good news: Tom's troubles with the underworld are over and Rudy has located Tom's son Wes. Tom rushes home where he and Wes have an awkward reunion. Julie's concerns about her own son Billy prove accurate as their visit ends poorly. Tom and Wes grow closer until a boating accident threatens to separate father and son once more.
12Chapter 1215 Mar 1976 · 60mThe dramatic conclusion of RICH MAN, POOR MAN BOOK 1.
Details
- Created by
- Irwin Shaw
- First aired
- 1 Feb 1976
- Last aired
- 15 Mar 1976
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- ABC
- Episodes
- 12
- Votes
- 32 on TMDB
Cast
Peter StraussRudy Jordache
Nick NolteTom Jordache
Susan BlakelyJulie Prescott
Ed AsnerAxel Jordache
Dorothy McGuireMary Jordache
Bill BixbyWillie Abbott
Ray MillandDuncan Calderwood
Robert ReedTeddy Boylan
Murray HamiltonSid Gossett
Dorothy MaloneIrene Goodwin
Gloria GrahameSue Prescott
Lynda Day GeorgeLinda Quayles
George MaharisJoey Quayles
Andrew DugganCol. Deiner
