The Loneliest Runner

The Loneliest Runner is an autobiographical madefortelevision film written, and directed by Bonanza star Michael Landon. It first aired on December 20, 1976 on NBC and starred Lance Kerwin, Brian Keith, DeAnn Mears, and Landons Little House on the Prairie daughter, Melissa Sue Anderson. The film was nominated for two Emmys.

Michael Landon was the reallife version of the loneliest runner. As a child, he wet his bed until he wasand his mother, Peggy ONeill, really did hang his sheets to dry outside of his bedroom window as punishment. The dysfunctional family life that Landon experienced during his early life were also similar to the ones in this autobiographical film.The character of John Curtis is modeled after Landon himself, as are his parents and other supporting characters. He reused actor Walker Edmiston of Bonanza to play Doctor Claymore who coincidentally later took two jobs on Little House guest starring as different Doctors in seasons five and nine, as well as an appearance in season three. Landon also asked his onscreen daughter, Melissa Sue Anderson to play Nancy Rizzi, saying the part was perfect for her. Melissa says she was both honoured and thrilled to have been included. ........

Source: Wikipedia