Review of Callie & Son (1981) by The Critic ( — 12 Aug 2012

A heavily melodramatic rags to riches made-for-television tale, set over a thirty-year period that has all the qualities of many a well-loved soap opera: teenage pregnancy, a reluctant adoption, fairy-tale weddings, adultery, blackmail, and even a sensational court trial! It all comes together and works surprisingly well under the direction of Waris Hussein, from a sudsy teleplay by Thomas Thompson, and solid performances from its principal players, most notable Lindsay Wagner and Jameson Parker as the title characters, with fine support from Dabney Coleman, Joy Garrett, and a pre-fame Michelle Pfeiffer.

'Callie & Son' is an epic family saga tat encompasses the trail to wealth, power and glory, as well as the price that comes attached to them.