'Life,' 'Liberty,' and 'The Pursuit of Happiness' -- TV titles inspired by the Declaration

BY ANDY EDELSTEIN - Newsday

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In honor of the Fourth of July, we offer five TV productions whose titles were inspired by the most memorable phrase of the Declaration of Independence:

"Life" (2007-09, NBC) -- Critically acclaimed, but little-watched drama about a former police officer (Damian Lewis) who returns to the force after having been wrongly imprisoned for years.

"I Love Liberty" (March 21, 1982, ABC) -- A Norman Lear-produced variety special saluting the 250th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Highlights included Robin Williams performing a monologue as the American flag and the Muppets playing members of the Continental Congress. Guests spanned the political spectrum from Jane Fonda to Barry Goldwater.

"Liberty" (June 23, 1986, NBC) -- Three-hour movie pegged to the centennial of the Statue of Liberty centered on the two men responsible for the landmark's concept and production: French sculptor Frederic Auguste Berthold (Frank Langella) and American coppersmith Jack Marchand (Chris Sarandon). Journalist Pete Hamill wrote the screenplay.

"The Pursuit of Happiness" (1995, NBC) -- Short-lived sitcom about a lawyer (Tom Amandes) whose idealism has been crushed. A pre-"Raymond" Brad Garrett had a role as a gay partner in the law firm.

"Pursuit of Happiness" (1987-88, ABC) -- Sitcom with Paul Provenza as a professor seeking advice from his heroes: Thomas Jefferson and Magic Johnson.

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