Watch Run For Your Life
- 1969
- 2 Seasons
-
7.6 (441)
Run For Your Life is an intense drama series produced by MGM Television that premiered on September 13, 1965, and concluded on September 11, 1968, after three seasons and 85 episodes. The series centers around the character of Paul Bryan, played by acclaimed actor Ben Gazzara, a successful and wealthy lawyer who learns he has an incurable disease with only a few years to live. Bryan is a complex character, with a wealthy and successful background but also haunted by death and needing to find meaning in life before it's too late.
The series kicks off with Bryan's diagnosis and the realization of his limited lifespan, which drastically changes his perspective on life. With a newfound sense of urgency, he quits his job, liquidates his assets, and sets out on a mission to experience life to the fullest. He travels around the world, meeting new people, and immersing himself in new cultures.
The show's executive producer, Roy Huggins, who also created Maverick and The Fugitive, wanted a show that featured a more realistic and flawed character than other popular series of the time, such as James Bond. Bryan is a deeply flawed character, who makes mistakes and finds trouble constantly, but hopes to find redemption and meaning before his eventual death. The show was known for its edgy and often shocking content, which was rare for network television at the time, tackling topics such as politics, drug addiction, and the Cold War.
Throughout Bryan's journey, he meets a variety of interesting and complex characters, including a troubled actress played by Sherry Jackson, an embittered detective played by Nicholas Colasanto, and a lost love played by Linda Marsh. Despite his travels, Bryan is constantly being pursued by his past life, including his estranged wife Marie, played by Barbara Anderson, and a vengeful mobster named Joe Sample, played by Robert Duvall in a recurring role.
One of the most unique aspects of Run For Your Life was its use of location filming. The series featured extensive use of on-location filming, utilizing a variety of exotic and unique locations from around the world. From the Swiss Alps to the streets of Rome, the show gives viewers a sweeping look at some of the world's most beautiful locations, as well as its darker corners. The production's use of location filming set a new standard for television at the time, and many of the locations used in the series would go on to become iconic.
The show was also known for its dynamic and powerful musical score, composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith, who went on to score some of the most iconic films of the 20th century, including Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Alien. The musical score for Run For Your Life was an integral part of the show's atmosphere, helping to create a sense of urgency and drama that underscored Bryan's life on the run.
Run For Your Life is a thrilling and poignant series that helped to redefine television drama in the 1960s. With its use of edgy subject matter, location filming, and dynamic characters, the series remains a landmark in television history. Ben Gazzara's portrayal of Paul Bryan remains a standout, bringing a powerful and complex performance that captivated audiences for three seasons. The show has a timeless quality that continues to attract new viewers and inspires many of today's popular dramas.
Run For Your Life is a series that ran for 2 seasons (8 episodes) between and on Kinonation