ABC's First Movie Of The Week Was An Adventure Story Starring Comedian Milton Berle

The first movie of the week on ABC was an adventure story starring comedian Milton Berle. Titled "Seven in Darkness," the film premiered on September 23, 1969. The plot centered around a group of blind individuals who are stranded in the wilderness after their plane crashes. These survivors, including a pregnant woman, a Vietnam veteran, and Berle's character Sam Fuller, must navigate their way to safety without the aid of sight.

The film's production cost was reported to be $16 million, but reviews were largely unfavorable, with many critics pointing out that it failed to deliver the excitement of a true cinematic experience. Despite this, ABC considered the movie a success as it provided a strong lead-in to the Emmy-winning series "Marcus Welby, M.D." which aired shortly after.

Milton Berle, known as "Mr. Television," was a beloved figure in American television during the late 40s and 50s. However, by the 60s, his popularity had begun to wane. "Seven in Darkness" offered him a chance to play a role outside of his typical comedic persona, and he seemed to enjoy the experience, as he remarked in interviews that it was one of the happiest shows he had ever made.

Berle continued to work in the industry throughout the 90s, even making a memorable appearance on the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live." His final acting role came in 2000 in the TV movie "Kenan & Kel." The success of "Seven in Darkness" was not unique to Berle; it was part of a broader trend of established actors seeking roles in TV films to capitalize on their fading on-screen appeal.

Many other veteran stars, including Myrna Loy, Ray Milland, Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis, and Olivia de Havilland, followed in Berle's footsteps, finding new life and success in these anthology television movies.