Season 1 • Episode 3
LatestBased on the novel by Belva Plain, covering a time span from 1909 to 1959. The story begins in New York's Lower East Side with the arrival of Polish-Jewish immigrant Anna (Lesley Ann Warren). At first employed as a humble seamstress, Anna is whisked into a whole new world when she becomes the wife of the enterprising Joseph Friedman (Armand Assante), who eventually becomes a wealthy Westchester contractor. Even so, Anna's heart belongs to Paul Lerner (Ian Shane), the son of the prosperous Fifth Avenue family which employs her relatives. In 1918, Anna gives birth to Paul's daughter, allowing Joseph to believe that he is the father. The secret surrounding Anna's child will lead to a daunting and frequently heartbreaking chain of events, culminating decades later in the newly formed state of Israel, where Anna's grandson Eric hopes to "find himself" -- and ends up finding more than he bargained for.
Acting
Lesley Ann Warren ages from ingenue to matriarch magnificently.
Costume
Five decades of fashion evolution, Lower East Side to Fifth Avenue.
Production
Epic scope on 1985 TV budget—Israel location shooting included.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Belva Plain's novel spent 55 weeks on the bestseller list; this miniseries was NBC's answer to ABC's 'The Thorn Birds'.
The 1985 broadcast coincided with renewed American Jewish interest in Israel, making Eric's storyline unexpectedly topical.
US
