Rich Man, Poor Man

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Rich Man, Poor Man is a 1969 novel written by Irwin Shaw. In 1976 it was adapted into a highly rated television miniseries.

Originally published as a short story in Playboy Magazine, it became an international bestseller when published as a novel. The central theme of the novel is the relationship between two brothers, Tom and Rudy Jordache. Tom Jordache is constantly in trouble, quitting high school, getting into fights, being in trouble with the law, and leading a very blue collar life. In contrast, Rudy Jordache is the perfect son, the perfect student, and the perfect businessman. He reaches the pinnacle of success in everything he does. The plot spans twenty years from the end of World War II through the 1960s.

Central theme is about two children's lives and the different paths they take in life. Rudy was the perfect son but at what cost to his true self. Tom was a so-called misfit but why? Tom develops true understanding of life through a tough road. Each child represents the differences each person can interpret with the same up bringing. Both parents are to blame for their immediate branding of each child and the outcome of their lives.

The miniseries was aired in 1976 on ABC and consisted of 12 one-hour parts. Peter Strauss starred as Rudy Jordache, and Nick Nolte portrayed Tom Jordache. This series is generally considered the start of network television's great miniseries period. The series finished second in network ratings for the season and garnered 20 Emmy nominations, winning four. The miniseries spawned a sequel, Rich Man, Poor Man Book II, which however is not based on Irwin Shaw’s sequel novel Beggarman, Thief.