Classic TV Theme: Call to Glory

This 1984 series got off to a strong start, thanks to heavy promotion during ABC’s Olympic coverage. Set in the 1960s it focuses on a USAF pilot and his family. Star Craig Nelson had a close call when, during one of the flights designed to familiarize him with flying, the plane’s electrical system failed. (A bail-out was avoided when his pilot landed the aircraft.) The cast included Keenan Wynn, along with one of my favorite actresses on the cusp of stardom. The premiere aired as an ABC Sunday Night movie and was well-received (particularly by military and vets), but as the show proceeded more time was spent on personal dramas and viewership declined. There was no second season. The inspiring theme music is by Charles Gross.