In Search of America

The story

Michael (Jeff Bridges) drops out of college with the intention of finding himself. When his parents (Carl Betz and Vera Miles) balk, he talks them into joining him in traveling the country and educating themselves about the state of things. They, along with Grandma (Ruth McDevitt) trick out an old Greyhound bus and hit the road. The picaresque plotline brings the family into contact with a variety of colorful characters. The producers of In Search of America never declared outright that the made-for-TV film was intended as a series pilot, but it ends on an ambiguous note with plenty of loose plot ends. In Search of America was first telecast March 23, 1971.

Cast & crew

Carl BetzBen Olson

Vera MilesJenny Olson

Jeff BridgesMike Olson

Ruth McDevittGrandma Rose

Renne JarrettKathy

Howard DuffRay Chandler

Kim HunterCora Chandler

Sal MineoNick

Michael Anderson Jr.J.J.

Tyne DalyAnne

Glynn TurmanBodhi

Chris Gilmore

Chris GilmoreGirl