On Wings of Eagles (also known as Teheran) is a 1986 American television miniseries starring Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna, and directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. It was adapted from Ken Follett's 1983 book of the same name.
Synopsis The story is set during the Iranian Revolution (1978–1979). As Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi is overthrown by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in the takeover of Iran, two executives of Electronic Data Systems are arrested on false charges and then imprisoned. The head of the company, H. Ross Perot (Richard Crenna), travels to Tehran to negotiate for their release. Meanwhile, a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel, Arthur D. "Bull" Simons (Burt Lancaster), is hired by Perot to formulate a rescue plan at any cost.
Cast Actor RoleBurt Lancaster Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" SimonsRichard Crenna H. Ross PerotPaul Le Mat Jay CoburnLouis Giambalvo Paul ChiapparoneJim Metzler Bill GaylordLawrence Pressman Bill GaydenEsai Morales RashidMartin Doyle Jim SchwebachRobert Wightman Keane TaylorCyril O'Reilly Pat ScullyBob Delegall Ron DavisWilliam Bumiller Rich GallagherJames Sutorius Joe PocheRichard Anthony Crenna Ross Perot Jr.Constance Towers Margot PerotKaren Carlson Ruth ChiapparonePatrick Collins John HowellRoger Cudney General Jerome O'MalleyPatty McCormack Liz CoburnZevi Wolmark Ted MaxwellKabir BediMohammad Parviz SayyadHossein DadgarEllis Levinson Henry Kissinger (voice)
Production Edgar Scherick sold the mini series to NBC. He said the paid nearly $1 million for Burt Lancaster, recalling "Burt had just had a bipass operation. I had to pay a big premium for insurance for him. We finished the picture on a mountain near Mexico City and I was concerned about the thinness of the air. I brought an ambulance and doctor in on a 24-hour basis. And he was fine."
Awards
The miniseries was nominated for Outstanding Miniseries at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards. Notes
References Burt Lancaster: An American Life, by Kate Buford