Of Mice and Men

I saw this version when I was 13 years old and have never forgotten it. After it was over I had to shut myself in the bathroom because I didn't want anyone in my house seeing me cry so uncontrollably. It is the definitive film version of Steinbeck's book. How could something this good not be restored and re-released on dvd or available to stream? Powerful people in the film and tv industry need to unearth it somehow.

We were "assigned" by our English teacher to watch this production when I was in high school. It was my first introduction to Nicole Williamson, who was astonishing as Lenny. It wasn't until I saw him on a talk show about a year later that I realized he was English. Segal was also good as George, although he plays the role as more "frantic" than it is usually played. The entire cast was very good except for the unfortunate attempt by Joey Heatherton to act.

Don Gordon played Curly in this version--I have added this to the database.

The release date which is listed (1970) is wrong, by the way, since I graduated from high school in 1969.

As Clore_2 pointed out here several years ago, this production was done on video tape back in 1968, and it is possible that nothing much remains of it because images on tape degrade so easily. Nevetheless, I have fond memories of it though I saw it only once--it may have aired only once. I have seen two film versions as well, and can say that all three versions of this story are good. Thought Don Gordon was particularly memorable as Curley in this video version. Maybe better than the Curley in the 1939 version. Every version has a terrific cast and this one is no exception, especially with Nicole Williamson as Lennie.

This was the very first film version I saw of Steinbeck's great novel. Unfortunately it seems go have been totally forgotten. That is a shame as it is incredibly good! The performances are top notch, especially the one of Lenny. I wish this would come out on DVD. This version deserves that and to be known by others who have seen other versions but not this one. I was extremely moved by the ending. Not any film can make me cry like that. I saw this version twice and have been wanting to see it again for a long time. It is not fair that this excellent version if primarily "lost" for so long. Most younger people (and even those my age) are completely unaware of it. It deserves to be well known.

Check out at the bottom of this comment for update - Believe it or not, there is a high likelihood that out in my garage on a regular reel to reel audio tape is the sound track recording that I recorded that night in 1968 from the TV show. No video, but the audio was complete with no surrounding room sounds because I recorded it direct. Long ago my reel to reel recorder failed me and I never got a replacement since they seemed to fall out of favor. I'm computer savvy though and sometimes entertain thoughts of finding one to convert it to mp3 or something. If that ever happens I guess I could make it available if legal to do so. Great production.

I found the reel to reel recording but have not managed to digitize it yet - I got ahold of an Akai M7 recorder but am having trouble transferring the play/video/tv production to my laptop and from there to flash drive or DVD etc.

I have now digitized it in RAW form - gotta use some filters on it but it sounds pretty good. Thought of offering it to George Segal and Nicol Williamson's kids and any one else in the production or their kids (wouldn't be kids anymore though, would they?) Any one know how to contact them? WAV file is 1.25 GB so not big.

Just after I did the above, this version of "Of Mice and Men" became available from places like Amazon etc. On DVD!!!!! The full video including the 1968 commercials.