In this age of Lifetime Original movies, it may be hard to believe that there was once a time that made for TV movies was a new concept. In the early 1970's, ABC introduced their "Movie of the Week" concept. These movies were highly anticipated and often garnered huge ratings for the network. Here is a rundown of some of the best made for TV movies:

The Boy in The Plastic Bubble . This movie starred a young John Travolta as a teenager who, due to a compromised immune system, had to live in a germ free environment. 70's teen queen Glynnis O'Connor starred as the curious girl next door and the object of Travolta's affections. The Brady Bunch's Robert Reed played Travolta's father.

Bad Ronald. This movie scared me to death in the 70's! It was about a family who didn't realize that their new house had a secret room. Another thing they didn't know? Well, a crazed killer lived in the room! Scott Jacoby starred as the psychotic Ronald. Very creepy movie that I watched over and over again.

The Miracle Worker. Patty Duke and Little House on the Prairie's Melissa Gilbert starred in this story about Helen Keller and her teacher.

Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway. Eve Plumb (Jan from The Brady Bunch) starred as a teenaged prostitute. It sure was a far cry from her role as prissy Jan Brady!

The Gathering. Ed Asner starred in this Emmy award winning movie as a father trying to reunite his family before his death. Maureen Stapleton starred as his estranged wife.

James at 15. This movie was the pilot for the Lance Kerwin series of the same name, about the struggles of a teenaged boy.

Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. Cicely Tyson starred as Pittman in this highly acclaimed drama.

Young Love First Love. In the midst of her One Day at a Time fame, a teenaged Bertinelli (who later went on to be the queen of Lifetime movies), starred as a young girl in love.

The Legend of Lizzie Borden. Bewitched star Elizabeth Montgomery put away her broom to star as a woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother.

The Homecoming. This was the original Walton's and most of the cast from the television n series first appeared in this pilot movie. The most notable change? Patricia Neal starred as Mama Walton ion this made for TV movie that detailed a Christmas Eve story.

Sybil. Sally Field received rave reviews for her portrayal of a woman with multiple personalities in this Emmy winning movie.

Jesus of Nazareth. Controversial at the time and still popular today, this movie starred Robert Powell as Jesus.

Brian's Song. Who could forget this movie starring Billy Dee Williams? It was about pro football players Brian Piccolo and his battle with cancer. A major tearjerker, so have the tissues ready!

Kung Fu. Another made for TV movie that doubled as a series pilot, this one starred David Carradine

Helter Skelter. The scariest of all of the made for TV movies, this movie starred Steve Railsback as Charles Manson. Even today, it's too scary for me to watch!