Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Production & Casting
The 1968 TV movie was produced with a notable cast and score, sponsored by Timex. Jennifer Edwards was selected for the lead role alongside established actors.
Key Events
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Film Adaptation Origin — 1880 novel adaptation announced for TV Characters: Heidi
Location: NBC Studio
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Title Role Casting — Jennifer Edwards selected for lead Characters: Heidi
Location: Casting Office
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Supporting Cast Assembly — Schell, Simmons, Redgrave joined Characters: Heidi
Location: Casting Office
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Musical Score Composition — John Williams composed soundtrack Characters: Heidi
Location: Recording Studio
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Corporate Sponsorship Deal — Timex sponsored production Characters: Heidi
Location: Corporate Office
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Network Scheduling Decision — Film scheduled for 7 PM slot Characters: Heidi
Location: NBC Headquarters
Broadcast Conflict
NBC scheduled the film against an AFL game, eventually pulling away from the live sports coverage. This decision set the stage for a scheduling clash.
Key Events
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Network Scheduling Decision — Film scheduled for 7 PM slot Characters: Heidi
Location: NBC Headquarters
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Original Sports Broadcast Plan — AFL game planned for same slot Characters: Heidi
Location: Broadcast Center
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AFL Game Kickoff — Jets vs Raiders match begins Characters: Heidi
Location: Stadium
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Scheduled Film Premiere — Heidi broadcast begins as planned Characters: Heidi
Location: Living Rooms
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Network Pull-Away from Game — Broadcast switches to film Characters: Heidi
Location: NBC Control Room
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Oakland Raiders Late Drive — Raiders push for late score Characters: Heidi
Location: Stadium
The Comeback & Aftermath
The Raiders staged a late victory while viewers missed the action, sparking immediate complaints. The network faced intense public scrutiny for the switch.
Key Events
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Oakland Raiders Late Drive — Raiders push for late score Characters: Heidi
Location: Stadium
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Frantic Comeback Sequence — Raiders mount rapid scoring run Characters: Heidi
Location: Stadium
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Raiders Victory Secured — Raiders win game late Characters: Heidi
Location: Stadium
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Viewer Confusion & Complaints — Audience misses game ending Characters: Heidi
Location: Viewers Homes
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Controversy Erupts — Public outcry over scheduling Characters: Heidi
Location: Media Offices
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Cultural Lore Integration — Event enters sports history Characters: Heidi
Location: Pop Culture
Cultural Legacy
The scheduling controversy became a permanent fixture in sports broadcasting lore. The event was officially named the Heidi Game and influenced future policies.
Key Events
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Cultural Lore Integration — Event enters sports history Characters: Heidi
Location: Pop Culture
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Heidi Game Naming — Game officially dubbed Heidi Game Characters: Heidi
Location: Sports Media
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Broadcast History Impact — Scheduling policies questioned Characters: Heidi
Location: Network Archives
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Sports Broadcasting Policy Shift — Networks adjust live event rules Characters: Heidi
Location: League Offices
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Enduring Pop Culture Reference — Legacy of broadcast decision Characters: Heidi
Location: Cultural Memory
Heidi is an orphaned girl initially raised by her aunt Dete in Maienfeld, Switzerland. In order to get a job in Frankfurt, Dete brings 5-year-old Heidi to her grandfather, who has been at odds with the villagers for years and lives in seclusion on the alm. He at first resents Heidi's arrival, but the girl manages to penetrate his harsh exterior and subsequently has a delightful stay with him and her best friend, young Peter the goat-herd.
