Today in 1988, ABC kicked off the four-hour miniseries The Bourne Identity. Like the movie franchise starring Matt Damon, the telefilm was based on the Robert Ludlum novel of the same name - although the telemovie is considered by many to be more true to the novel than the big-budget theatrical version. Richard Chamberlin portrayed Jason Bourne; Jacklyn Smith co-stars. Interestingly, the teleplay was written by Carol Sobieski, who went on to write the celebrated Hallmark Hall of Fame film, Sarah, Plain and Tall. Sobieski was also nominated (posthumously) for an Oscar for her screenplay for the film Fried Green Tomatoes.