Beggarman, Thief (1979)

Intro
"Beggarman, Thief" is a compelling 1979 American television drama film that continues the legend of the Jordache household, stemming from the acclaimed 1976 NBC miniseries "Rich Man, Pauper". Directed by Lawrence Doheny, the film revisits the lives, obstacles, and goals of the Jordache family members, capturing the intricacies of individual aspiration, familial tasks, and the relentless quest for identity and satisfaction.

Plot Overview
Embed in the closing years of the 1970s, "Beggarman, Thief" gets the narrative thread after the events of "Rich Man, Poor Man" and its follow up "Rich Man, Poor Man Book II". The story centers around the only enduring member of the Jordache brother or sisters, Thomas "Tom" Jordache's kid, Wesley Jordache. As the natural beneficiary to his household's tradition, Wesley is thrust into a multifaceted world where the ghosts of his family's past stick around prominently.

The movie starts with Wesley, portrayed by Nick Mancuso, navigating through the turbulent waters of New York City. Depending on the mentorship of his late dad's pal, he embarks on a reflective journey, endeavoring to find his location in a society marred by moral ambiguity and individual vendettas. The plot thickens as Wesley discovers himself entangled in the lure of wealth, the sting of betrayal, and the consistent pursuit of truth and justice within his personal and professional sphere.

Thematic Elements
"Beggarman, Thief" explores different rich and complex themes, mostly concentrating on legacy, identity, and redemption. The movie explores Wesley's struggles with measuring up to his dad's expectations, exploring how the weight of familial history can shape-- or perhaps misguide-- an individual's future. The story positions substantial philosophical concerns about whether individuals can leave the burdens of their origins to create their own distinct paths.

Central to the movie is the style of strength and personal development. Wesley's character arc is a poignant portrayal of how misfortune can serve as a profound driver for advancement. This narrative element underscores the fundamental battle of stabilizing personal desires with responsibilities towards family and society, a recurrent concept throughout the household's saga.

Character Dynamics
The relationships within "Beggarman, Thief" include depth to the storyline, showcasing interactions that reveal vulnerabilities and goals. Key characters, including Gretchen Jordache Burke (Susan Blakely), aid paint a rich tapestry of intergenerational disputes and alliances. Gretchen, Thomas's sibling and Wesley's auntie, supplies psychological assistance that is both grounding and nurturing amidst the turmoil of their family dynamics.

In addition, the film introduces a variety of supporting characters who, through their interactions with Wesley, emphasize his internal and external difficulties. These interactions are important to Wesley's journey, as they reflect broader societal problems while highlighting private ethical problems and accomplishments.

Conclusion
"Beggarman, Thief" functions as a compelling conclusion to the Jordache household story, combining aspects of drama, thriller, and individual introspection to develop an expressive picture of development and redemption. The movie catches the withstanding battle in between acquired expectations and individual ambitions, offering viewers a captivating window into the relentless pursuit of identity in the middle of continuous modification. Through its detailed character advancement and thematic depth, "Beggarman, Thief" establishes itself as a poignant exploration of what it implies to live authentically in a complex world.

Top Cast

  • Jean Simmons (small)
    Jean Simmons
    Gretchen Jordache Burke
  • Glenn Ford (small)
    Glenn Ford
    David Donnelly
  • Lynn Redgrave (small)
    Lynn Redgrave
    Kate Jordache
  • Tovah Feldshuh (small)
    Tovah Feldshuh
    Monika Wolner
  • Andrew Stevens (small)
    Andrew Stevens
    Billy Abbott
  • Bo Hopkins (small)
    Bo Hopkins
    Bunny Dwyer
  • Tom Nolan (small)
    Tom Nolan
    Wesley Jordache
  • Jean-Pierre Aumont (small)
    Jean-Pierre Aumont
    Jean-Paul Delacroix
  • Joyce Brothers (small)
    Joyce Brothers
    Dr. Moira O'Dell (as Dr. Joyce Brothers)
  • Alex Cord (small)
    Alex Cord
    Evans Kinsella
  • Anne Francis (small)
    Anne Francis
    Teresa Kraler