The Bourne Identity is a television movie adaptation of Robert Ludlum's novel of the same title.It stars Richard Chamberlain as Jason Bourne together with Jaclyn Smith,Anthony Quayle,Donald Moffat and Denholm Elliott. The TV movie was written by Carol Sobieski and directed by Roger Young.The film follows the story of Jason Bourne, who washes up on the beach and is cared for by a doctor. He has no memories, but is intrigued enough to investigate why he has the number of a Swiss bank account on his thigh. As he travels to various European cities following clues about his past, he begins to discover that his actions match those of the feared international terrorist Carlos. The Bourne Identity is a good TV movie adaptation of Ludlum's classic novel.Brilliant performances were turned by Chamberlain and Smith. Also,it was engaging and absorbing from beginning to end as Bourne's story and his search for his identity becomes a great mystery and story to tell.

Chamberlain was probably happy to shoot this film in Europe, but I'm sure he like the pay as well. At this time he was probably the highest paid actor doing films specifically made for TV broadcast.I got the DVD of it yesterday, and the main reason I got it was because I just watched the Matt Damon series, and was curious to see how this was adapted for the "small screen" (not so small anymore). It's very different but held up well on its own, as I see it. It has things that the Damon films miss, such as in-depth character development, mostly due to being twice as long too, and a much more realistic lead character. It also has other things that make it a lesser film, like some unrealistic plot contrivances and occasionally overplayed emotional conflicts, similar to what you'd see on popular TV shows of the time like Dallas and Dynasty.One thing I like much better in the older version was the wider shots of most action scenes. This version translates well to a large screen, whereas the new version uses too many super-tight close-up action shots. These are typically used when the wider action shots don't really work well, and the closer shots give the viewer less detailed info about the action, but more movement across the screen, so as to make viewers think they saw lots of intense action.

I'm from India and as such had never heard of Richard Chamberlain before. But Yesterday I watched the film and was completely hooked by it. It is ten times better that the sham that has Matt Damon in it. Robert Ludlum's Bourne Identity is one of my favourite novels. After seeing Richard Chamberlain movie I think that he's a perfect cast as he follows Ludlums description of the character to the hilt.A very Fine actor paired with an actress of calibre of Jaclyn Smith, have done good justice to Jason Bourne. Also being made in the 80's it faithfully captures the time when the book was written. No comps, no cellphones just gritty streets of Paris. this film should be rated among the most faithful adaptations to the original novel.

I have no intention of spoiling this film for anyone. Sorry, you will have to view it for yourself.The film is outstanding for 1988 and even more so for a "made for TV" film. My favourite thing is the fact that it is a better adaptation than the 2002 remake starring Matt Damon.While the newer version has all the cinematographic advantages, this film is just more faithful to Robert Ludlum's book and I am excited every time I watch.Treat yourself to a great movie night. Get a bucket of Popcorn, chips, Pizza and Soda. Keep the remote handy for those intermissions you require (the pause button) and just get ready to enjoy.10 stars **********