The Star Wagon on Video – 1967

This 1967 program, which preceded The Graduate, clearly demonstrates the early genius of Dustin Hoffman. The past and present co-exist in Maxwell Anderson's 1930's play when a disappointed invnetor unleashes his latest gadget - a "star wagon" - that will return its driver to any desired point in time. The time machine gives him a chance to revamp his life. In an especially vivid characterization, a very young Dustin Hoffman portrays the inventor's muttering stooge. Also stars actor, comedian, and game show regular Orson Bean (Being John Malkovich), Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin, The Last Picture Show), and Richard Castellano (The Godfather's Clemenza).