142 minSeason 1 • Episode 12
Latest1978: Historian Professor Lew Vernor and writer Sidney Enderman arrive to do a article on Centennial. Paul Garrett, the current owner of the Venneford Ranch and a direct descendant of Pasquinel, tells them the history of the town. Morgan Wendell, son of Philip is running for the newly formed office of Commissioner of Resources and Priorities for the State of Colorado. When it is realized that Wendell is running only for the money and power, Garrett is persuaded to run against him.
The economic and cultural growth of town of Centennial, Colorado, through the intertwining lives of the brave men and women inhabiting it. Spanning two centuries from the settling of the area in the 1700s, to the late 1970s.
Production
Pre-CGI landscapes that make you miss practical location shooting.
Writing
James Michener's source novel adapted with surprising fidelity.
Acting
Richard Chamberlain aging decades before your eyes.
Robert Conrad
Pasquinel
Richard Chamberlain
Alexander McKeag
Raymond Burr
James Clark
Sally Kellerman
Lise Bockweiss
Barbara Carrera
Clay Basket
Richard Crenna
Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn
Donald Pleasence
Sam Purchas
Alex Karras
Hans Brumbaugh
Lynn Redgrave
Charlotte Buckland Seccombe
Chad Everett
Major Maxwell Mercy
Stephanie Zimbalist
Elly Zendt
Brian Keith
Sheriff Axel Dumire
Dennis Weaver
R.J. Poteet
Mark Harmon
Captain John McIntosh
Cliff DeYoung
John Skimmerhorn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
NBC spent $25 million—then the most expensive TV production ever—partly filmed in the actual town of Centennial, Colorado which didn't exist until Michener invented it.
The Sand Creek massacre episode was so controversial that Colorado schools still debate using it in classrooms; Native American consultants walked off set during production.
US
