Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted

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Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted
Jonathannobodyjobeth.jpg
Video cover
GenreBiography
Drama
Written byDoris Silverton
Peter Nelson
Steve Lawson
Dalene Young
Directed by George Kaczender
Starring JoBeth Williams
Chris Burke
Music by Misha Segal
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerMarcy Gross
ProducersDoris Silverton
Peter Nelson
CinematographyEric Van Haren Noman
EditorStephen Michael
Running time95 minutes
Production companies Gross-Weston Productions
Stephen J. Cannell Productions
Original release
Network NBC
ReleaseOctober 16, 1992 (1992-10-16)

Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted is a 1992 American made-for-television biographical drama film starring JoBeth Williams and Chris Burke. [1] The film is directed by George Kaczender and inspired by a true story concerning a landmark legal decision for rights of the disabled. [2]

Contents

Plot

Jonathan (Chris Burke), a youth with Down Syndrome, is institutionalized by his parents (Alley Mills and Tom Mason), who do not wish to be burdened with caring for him. Volunteer Ginny Moore (JoBeth Williams) spends time with Jonathan at the institution and eventually her own home, where he forges a bond with her and her family (Dana Barron, Chris Demetral, Jeffrey DeMunn). Jonathan's faculties improve with Ginny's care, but his heart problems become increasingly severe. His parents refuse to give consent for the medical procedure that would cure him, so Ginny sues to obtain guardianship of Jonathan so she can give permission for the treatment.

Cast

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References

  1. "Life Goes On star lands role in television movie". Rome News-Tribune. October 16, 1992.
  2. "JOBETH WILLIAMS STEPPING INTO HER LATEST CHILD-CENTERED ROLE". Washington Post. October 17, 1992.